VERSECKES, MICHAEL S., and G. K. RICE, Halliburton Geophysical Services, Inc., Dallas, TX

ABSTRACT: Case Histories Test Integrated Geochemical and Seismic Exploration

Petroleum exploration has changed dramatically in recent years. Especially in the continental U.S., tighter budgets and more difficult targets dictate changes in exploration strategies. A promising approach is employing multiple exploration methods to discover and develop reservoirs.

One such combination is the integration of seismic data with near-surface geochemical information. The structural information of the seismic data can be refined and interpreted using the petroleum indicating information of geochemical data. This combination can help select the most promising targets resulting in increased drilling success and lower exploration and development costs.

The value of integrating near-surface geochemical with seismic information has been tested by combined surveys across producing fields and across wildcat areas that were later drilled using the seismic-geochemical data. Surveys across the established West Seminole field in Gaines County, Texas, the wildcat Christopher field discovery in King County, Texas, and other, case histories demonstrate the pitfalls and successes of integrating seismic data with near-surface geochemical information.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90987©1993 AAPG Annual Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana, April 25-28, 1993.