Prospect Definition Using Seismically Derived Rock Properties: An Example from the Wilcox of South Texas

David Reinkemeyer¹ and Kenneth R. Helm^2
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