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Extracting Seismic Attributes for Rock Physics Reservoir Characterization in Subsalt Environments, Keathley Canyon, Walker Ridge and Green Canyon Areas, Gulf of Mexico

Abstract

Abstract

There are three prime requisites in the attempt to extract seismic attributes for rock physics reservoir characterization in subsalt environments: high resolution seismic data with long offsets, a relatively accurate 3D interval velocity model of the subsurface, and the choice of an optimal depth migration method. This project uses high resolution 2D seismic data with 15 km offsets, having 22 seconds of record (40 km or 130,000 ft depth), wireline curves from 300 well logs and a geological 3D interval velocity model based on considerable well control and seismic velocities. Variations of one-way wave equation depth migration will be used for reprocessing the seismic data with the primary focus on preserving true amplitudes. The selected research area in Keathley Canyon, Walker Ridge and the southeastern corner of Green Canyon has been the region of industry interest since 2007 when oil discoveries in the Wilcox Formation began accumulating. Currently, a lot of these discoveries are being transformed into producing fields with the prerequisite drilling of development wells to better define the reservoir boundaries and production potential, at a cost of approximately $200 million dollars for each well. If it were feasible to use seismic attributes as part of the evaluation process in defining these reservoirs, then the number of development and/or producing wells required could possibly be reduced, at great cost savings to operators, along with significant reduction of project risks.