Prospect Definition Using Seismically Derived Rock Properties: An
Example
from the Wilcox of South Texas
David Reinkemeyer1 and Kenneth R. Helm2
1 eSeis, Inc, Houston, Texas
2 Hurd Enterprises, Ltd., San Antonio, Texas
In terms of available resources, explorationists are faced with the
good, the bad, and the ugly. It is good to utilize seismically derived
attribute data
. It is bad to have poor understanding of the various
attributes. It is ugly when chosen poorly.
For exploration and development purposes, seismic data
may be
converted into derived rock properties describing lithologies, porosity
and fluid distribution. This conversion permits seamless integration of
the various disciplines of geology, geophysics, petrophysics, and
engineering processes. Subsequently, the various attributes can be
evaluated with respect to individual leads, or prospects, and bring
order out of apparent chaos.
This study presents three methods of exploration for a Wilcox
project in South Texas. The first and conventional method makes use of
well control, migrated stack seismic data
to generate and define
prospects. The second method adds to the conventional method by using
an evaluation of seismically derived rock properties of lithology,
porosity, fluids, and pore pressure. Finally, using seismically derived
rock properties can be employed at the onset of initial exploration in
order to develop an early reservoir characterization of the exploration
objective. This allows the geology to delineate the prospect. The pros
and cons of each method are discussed and compared to the actual
development history of the
field
.
AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90032©2004 GCAGS 54th Annual Convention, San Antonio, Texas, October 10-12, 2004