--> ABSTRACT: Petroleum Systems Analysis in Frontier Basins: Application of New Technology, by Mark Lisk, J. Ostby, D. Hall, G. W. O'Brien, T. E. Ruble, M. B. Brincat, and N. J. Russell; #90906(2001)

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Mark Lisk1, J. Ostby2, D. Hall3, G.W. O'Brien4, T.E. Ruble5, M.B. Brincat5, N.J. Russell5

(1) CSIRO Division of Petroleum Resources, Bentley, W.A, Australia
(2) Seismic Australia, West Perth, Australia
(3) Fluid Inclusion Technologies, Inc, Broken Arrow, OK
(4) Australian Geological Survey Organization, Canberra, ACT, Australia
(5) CSIRO Division of Petroleum Resource, N. Ryde, NSW, Australia

ABSTRACT: Petroleum Systems Analysis in Frontier Basins: Application of New Technology

The evaluation of petroleum systems in frontier basins is severely hampered by a lack of quality input data. Whilst seismic data is increasingly being used to remotely assess trap style, reservoir distribution and seal development critical information regarding source and reservoir quality, fluid type, migration pathways and thermal history cannot be reliably assessed with these methods. Instead models of hydrocarbon generation, based on inputs for source rocks that are poorly constrained and rarely from optimal locations, are used to postulate on the presence of generative source kitchens and predict probable fluid compositions. Assessment of reservoir quality from water-wet wells is also equivocal with porosity and permeability trends that record the entire diagenetic history being predictive only where hydrocarbon charge is a recent event. In this paper a series of innovative formation evaluation techniques that principally address the hydrocarbon migration risk are used in combination with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) oil seep data and conventional regional petroleum geology and geophysics to better understand the hydrocarbon migration risk in frontier basins. Significantly these methodologies also address the timing of migration events allowing models to be developed that more effectively address basins conditions at the critical moment. Examples are presented from three remote basins along the Australian Continental margin that highlight how reliable evaluation of the migration risk can significantly enhance prospectivity evaluation and provide opportunities previously unrecognised. These areas rely on petroleum systems that have not previously yielded production and hence require new play types to be developed if future exploration is to deliver success.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90906©2001 AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado