ABSTRACT: Integrated Interpretation in the Deep Water Gulf of Mexico

ANDERSON, BRIAN, PHILLIP PAPPANO, DAVID HALL and ROBERT BROOKS

Along with the explosion in seismic activity in deep water areas of the Gulf of Mexico, the application of high resolution gravity and magnetic data has also increased dramatically. The proper application of these data can result in enhanced seismic velocities, truly integrated geologic models, and decreased exploration risk.

Using new interpretation case studies from the TGS Deep Water Reconnaissance Program, the power of incorporated gravity constraints on deep water interpretations can be clearly demonstrated. Since the Phase 45 program is comprised of long regional lines, a clearer view of the deep regional structure may also be interpreted from the data.

The acquisition of high resolution gravity and magnetic data, in conjunction with both 2D and 3D seismic surveys has now become a normal procedure in the Gulf of Mexico. Several hundred OCS blocks of recently acquired high resolution gravity and large areas of high resolution aeromagnetic data now exist in the Gulf of Mexico and more acquisition is in progress. The use of high resolution gravity in seismic velocity analysis, and the use of velocity grids for localized, focused density input to gravity models are now commonly used. A brief review of instrumentation, costs, and integrated workstation software applications is provided to set the framework for the interpretation case studies.

Workstation applications now in use facilitate the direct transfer of data and models between seismic and gravity/magnetic modeling software systems. A demonstration of these tools is included in the presentation.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90941©1997 GCAGS 47th Annual Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana