3-D Seismic Mapping and Amplitude Analysis: A Gulf of Mexico Case History

Utilization of 3-D seismic data and Direct Hydrocarbon Indicators led to the successful drilling of appraisal and development wells in the Gulf of Mexico block South Timbalier 198 (ST 198). These seismic technologies, which are routinely used by Oryx Energy Company, significantly reduced the time and cost to appraise the ST 198 discovery. Based on 2-D seismic mapping, a Pliocene Lower Buliminella (L BUL) prospect was drilled in ST 198. Although the expected reservoir was not found, an Upper Buliminella (U BUL) gas sandstone was encountered. An appraisal well of the U BUL interval confirmed this discovery. Following the drilling of these two wells, it became apparent that the structural complexities and the seismic amplitude anomalies of the area could not be adequately resolved using the 2-D seismic grid. A 3-D seismic survey was shot to delineate the discovery and evaluate the remaining potential of the South Timbalier Block 198 (ST 198).

Direct Hydrocarbon Indicators (DHIs), which are seismic anomalies resulting from the hydrocarbon effect on rock properties, are generally expected from these age sands. While the 3-D survey shows a seismic amplitude anomaly associated with the U BUL reservoir, the areal extent of the seismic anomaly did not match the findings of the two wells. A DHI study was performed to determine if this inconsistency could be explained and if the amplitude anomaly could be used in the well planning. The two key steps which confirmed that this amplitude anomaly is a DHI were properly calibrating the seismic data to the well control and determining the theoretical seismic response of the gas sandstones. The DHI study along with the 3-D mapping led to the successful development of the ST 198 U BUL reservoir and to setting up a successful adjacent fault block play. Finally, 3-D mapping also identified a L BUL trap updip from the original L BUL prospect which resulted in a successful drilling effort.