The Use of Sequence Stratigraphy in Evaluating the Prospectivity of Neogene Turbidite Systems, Northern Green Canyon and Ewing Bank, Northern Gulf of Mexico

Paul Weimer, Peter Varnai, Jennifer Crews, Fadjar Budhijanto, Zurilma Acosta, Rafael Martinez, Alonso Navarro, Mark Rowan, Andrew Pulham, Tomas Villamil, and Claudia Arango

The Neogene turbidite systems of northern Green Canyon and Ewing Bank lease areas in the northern Gulf of Mexico are a major exploration play. The regional sequence stratigraphic framework for this area has been interpreted to help define potential areas for future exploration. The study area includes 17 fields/discoveries primarily in turbidite-related reservoirs. Once the sequence stratigraphic framework was established, the existing fields and potential prospects can be quickly evaluated in terms of sequence stratigraphy. Good potential for future exploration exists both in sub-salt prospects and in the deeper water portions of the area. For example, two discoveries (GC 200/244, 506) have been made during the past year.

Two main potential reservoir intervals have been identified, which reflect different kinds of turbidite systems based upon lithologies and seismic facies. Lower Pliocene sediments (5.5 to 3.0 Ma) consist of sand-rich turbidite systems (up to 50% sand in some sequences). Sand bodies are interpreted to be areally widespread sheet and amalgamated sheet sands. The lower Pleistocene interval (1.9 to 0.7 Ma) is predominantly shale-rich with localized thick sands developing in channel-levee systems and unchannelized sands (basin-floor fans). Most of the reservoirs in the area occur within this interval.

AAPG Search and Discover Article #91019©1996 AAPG Convention and Exhibition 19-22 May 1996, San Diego, California