--> Abstract: ISBA3D: Innovative Solutions for 3-D Exploration in Complex Areas, by Muriel Thibaut and Anne Jardin; #90077 (2008)

Datapages, Inc.Print this page

ISBA3D: Innovative Solutions for 3-D Exploration in Complex Areas

Muriel Thibaut* and Anne Jardin**
IFP, France
*[email protected]
**[email protected]

In the current context of continuous supply of energy, the discovery and development of new fields will rely on the ability to detect reservoirs in deeper and structurally more complex targets with greater technical and financial risks. These play areas stretch the capabilities of currently available 3-D exploration software, which can not provide a realistic geometrical description of geological structures during their tectonic evolution. Proper handling of the kinematics of structural deformation and the evaluation of the pressure regime and temperature history, at exploration scale, will remain a challenge for years to come. We are currently working on new technological solutions in structurally complex environment to minimize exploration risk. This research provides significant challenges to geoscientists. These results are integrated in the new generation of 3-D exploration software. The feasibility is conducted on real case studies in different environments (compressional, extensional and salt tectonics). The methodology will be shown for a compressive regime in the Gaspe Peninsula, in the Quebec Province of the northern Appalachian Mountains of northern America. The present geometry of this belt is complicated because the rocks were deposited on, and deformed over, a previously structured foothills-type basement. Its present geometry is constituted by two imbricate fold and thrust belts, which were recently imaged by 2-D seismic profiles. Although the geological setting appeared to be non-prospective, recent gas reservoirs have been discovered indicating the presence of an active petroleum system.

 

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90077©2008 GEO 2008 Middle East Conference and Exhibition, Manama, Bahrain