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Prospecting for Previous HitGasNext Hit Hydrate Accumulations Using 2-D and 3-D Seismic Data, Milne Point, North Slope Alaska

Tanya Inks1, Timothy Collett2, David Taylor3, Warren Agena2, Myung Lee2, and Robert Hunter4
1 IS Interpretation Services, Inc, Denver, CO
2 U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, CO
3 U.S. Geological Survey, Lakewood, CO
4 SRC Energy Services, Inc, Anchorage, AK

The Milne Point Previous HitgasNext Hit hydrate prospect delineation study was part of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Alaska Previous HitgasNext Hit hydrate resource characterization project in association with BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc. and U.S. Department of Energy research that has helped answer questions about Previous HitgasNext Hit hydrate distribution and reservoir properties. The interval below the base of ice-bearing permafrost (IBPF) to just below the base of the Previous HitgasNext Hit hydrate stability zone (GHSZ) was analyzed. Theoretical seismic modeling of stratigraphic and fluid boundaries, including Previous HitshaleNext Hit to Previous HitgasNext Hit hydrate reservoirs and Previous HitshaleNext Hit to free Previous HitgasNext Hit reservoirs as well as transitional Previous HitgasNext Hit hydrate to free Previous HitgasNext Hit reservoirs have been used to understand the acoustic properties of these complex systems. Petrophysical analysis of known Previous HitgasNext Hit hydrates show saturations of 60-90% and porosities of 30-40%. Reservoir thickness and saturation were the primary variables used in modeling acoustic attributes and calculating potential resource volumes.

Prospective “intra”-Previous HitgasNext Hit hydrate-bearing reservoirs below the IBPF and within the GHSZ and free Previous HitgasNext Hit-bearing reservoirs trapped below Previous HitgasNext Hit the GHSZ were delineated by seismic attributes. Fault-bounded intra-Previous HitgasNext Hit hydrate prospects were identified in areas that are structurally high, and that have acoustic properties corresponding to high concentrations of Previous HitgasNext Hit hydrate.

The historical log analysis work conducted by the USGS in this area combined with knowledge gained from 3-D seismic attribute analysis has helped us to understand the geologic setting for these unconventional reservoirs. The Milne Point area study has successfully delineated both intra-Previous HitgasNext Hit hydrate and sub-Previous HitgasNext Hit hydrate free-Previous HitgasTop prospects that are appropriate for potential production testing operations.