Stratigraphic Analysis Garden Banks Block 235, Gulf of Mexico

Edwin I. Linares¹ and Abu K. M. Sarwar^2
1Seismic Micro-Technology, Inc., Houston, Texas
²University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana

This paper presents a stratigraphic analysis of three-dimensional seismic data of Garden Banks Block 235 located in the Gulf of Mexico. Three exploratory wells were drilled in Block 235, but no discovery was made in previous exploration efforts in this block. Our examination found a new potential prospect in Block 235.

Detailed geometric and instantaneous attribute analysis by Hilbert transformation revealed the presence of direct hydrocarbon indicators, such as bright spots and flat spots. Further studies were conducted to test these direct hydrocarbon indicators, confirming the presence of complex stratigraphic changes within a prospective reservoir.

The hydrocarbon pool is in a sand-filled channel, whose origin is related to salt tectonics and deltaic sand deposited during a relatively low standing of the sea level. The salt diapirs created high and lows on the slope, trapping sands that were transported down slope from the north. Dip-oriented salt ridges funneled sand rich turbidite sediments to this specific channel within the Garden Banks area.

The tectonic and stratigraphic framework was interpreted based on an integrated study of well log data, seismic facies, and seismic attributes. The reservoir was delineated and the reserve potential was evaluated, and the oil reserves were estimated.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90080©2005 GCAGS 55th Annual Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana