Print this pageSE Gulf of Mexico Deep Offshore -- Basin Evaluation by 3D Probabilistic Scenarios Modeling
By
L. Vassalli1, A. Corradi1, C. Daturi1
(1) ENI SpA - Agip Division, S. Donato Milanese, Italy
The SE Gulf of Mexico is a truly unexplored area; the geology of this deep part of the Gulf of Mexico can be interpreted only by means of geophysical data since few direct geological data are available.
Due to the great uncertainty, 3D Basin Modelling packages, based on Monte
Carlo simulations, can be utilized to evaluate the Petroleum System, by defining
a range of possible hydrocarbon generation scenarios and by 
determining
a set of
geologically plausible hydrocarbon charge scenarios depending on other
(carrier/seal permeability, the pressure regime, etc).
The combination of the regional background with the geological model, the
Late Triassic-Middle Jurassic syn-rift lacustrine shales and the Lower
Cretaceous dark laminated limestones can be postulated as the main source rock
intervals. Assumed geochemical parameters
have been derived partly from DSDP and
onshore data, partly from typical lacustrine and shallow water source rocks
geochemical database. Potential reservoirs can be identified through seismic
interpretation in the Middle Jurassic nonmarine sediments and in the Lower
Cretaceous shallow marine carbonates. The Upper Jurassic deep marine deposits
and the Lower Cretaceous marly limestones can be assumed as the main seals.
The definition of the present basin thermal setting and its evolution through time has been carried out utilizing a Thermo-Tectonic modelling approach.
The assessment of the source rock potential in terms of hydrocarbon production has been pointed out simulating a 2D generation-expulsion modelling on different dip seismic lines to structural trends.