Case History: Big Bend Gulf of Mexico Exploration Success Through Integrated G&G Technology

Abstract

The Big Bend discovery is the result of integrated studies which include the use of improved proprietarily processed wide azimuth seismic data (WAz), pore pressure prediction and chimney cube technology. These techniques helped decrease the uncertainty on the risk components which ultimately led to the decision of drilling the prospect. The proprietarily processed WAz data set provided meaningful uplift to the imaging adjacent and under salt, the DHI interpretation as well as the migration velocity. This uplift increased the confidence in reservoir presence and quality. In addition, the improved velocity volume was used in the pore pressure analysis to assess the column height and top seal potential, which helped mitigate the containment risk. The chimney cube technology results confirmed migration pathway and thermogenic charge assumptions, as well as the leaky trap prediction from pore pressure analysis. Additional exploration discoveries in this mature basin are possible when an integrated, experienced, multidisciplinary team is working with the recent advances in technology including 3-D WAZ seismic data acquisition and proprietary processing.

AAPG Datapages/Search and Discovery Article #90216 ©2015 AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition, Denver, CO., May 31 - June 3, 2015