Geosciences
Dev George Houston A slice of the generated model of a non-manifold geometry filled with tetrahedra. A curvilinear stratigraphic grid constrained by channel and simulated using a non-conditional sequential Gaussian Simul-ation. [Illustrations Courtesy Gocad] A display of wavefronts emerging from a subsurface source. A new computer-aided approach to modeling both geometry and properties or geological subjects has been developed by The Gocad Research Program at France's Nancy School of
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SUBSALT EXPLORATION US Gulf subsalt evolves into successful play
Dwight "Clint" Moore Anadarko Petroleum Corporation Robert O. Brooks (retired) TGS/Calibre Geophysical Company Significant discoveries in Gulf of Mexico subsalt exploration trend. The Mahogany platform being set. Offshore explorers will continue to pursue the US Gulf of Mexico subsalt exploration play because of the enormous profit potential, given the size of discovered and potential oil and gas reserves, the presence of existing infrastructure, advancing geoscientific technology, and
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Geosciences
Dev George Houston Dynamic Graphics' EarthVision links to Landmark Graphics OpenWorks eases importing interpreted seismic and petrophysical data to EarthVision for enhanced reservoir characterization and 3D well planning activities. The Western Monarch, one of Western Geophysical's seismic vessels being equipped with Concept Systems' integrated navigation software.
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SATELLITE GRAVITY MAPPING Petroscan mapping, interpreting India's offshore geology
On Petroscan's Bouguer Gravity map of Canada's Eastern Continental Margin, areas of mass deficit representing basement depressions where sedimentary deposition may have taken place are shown in blue. This corresponds closely to the central part of the Jeanne d'Arc Basin, in which discoveries have been made. The merits of satellite gravity mapping have been recognized by India's Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), which has contracted Petroscan to map all its offshore
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The next step in subsalt exploration: countering subsalt quality problems
3D Horizon amplitude display below the salt of the Mahogany prospect, US Gulf of Mexico. [Courtesy Western Geophysical]
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From 3D data to drill site: two views of lithology prediction
Velocity field interleaved with 3D depth migrated data. [Courtesy Landmark Graphics] Faults radiating from a salt dome are much more apparent in a continuity time slice than in the original data.(Courtesy Landmark Graphics)
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3D OBC survey reveals Ship Shoal bright spots for Norcen
Dry holes (squares) and successful wells (circles) after survey. Norcen's Gulf of Mexico Ship Shoal Block 190. Testing of Norcen's SS190#3. The Falcon 20 drilling Norcen's SS190#3.
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Under-used exploration tool
It is the shape, size, and character of the hydrocarbon trap that occupies the minds of geoscientists, reservoir engineers, and economists alike when evaluating the worth of an undrilled prospect. It is the one technical pursuit that we all have in common.
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GEOPHYSICS Longer cable multi-streamer acquisitions key to greater accuracy in 3D seismic data
Dev George Managing Editor Average 3D cable length has grown from the North Sea 4 km to 6-8 km in the Gulf of Mexico. [Courtesy Western Geophysical] Depth imaging below high-velocity salt mass using long cable multi-streamers from two vessels in tandem.
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GEOPHYSICS Coherence Cube reveals stratigraphic features more readily than traditional 3D time slice plots
Dev George Managing Editor Cut-away of seismic cube of Pinnacle Reef. A new development from the geophysical labs at Amoco takes 3D seismic data and, in a non-traditional procedure, processes it not for imaging reflections, but for imaging discontinuities. As a consequence, when visualized in a 3D volume or cube, coherence coefficients are revealed as numerically separated surfaces, stratigraphic features and faults that are often not visible in traditionally processed data.
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SEISMIC ACQUISITION From targeting submarines to acquiring accurate 3D seismic
In the rapidly occurring geophysical revolution that's transforming the petroleum exploration industry these days, numerous new techniques are being introduced that purport to lower the cost of acquisition, make it easier, faster, more accurate, or a combination of all of these. One such innovation that actually appears to achieve all these goals is the new vertical cable seismic acquisition technology developed by Paul Krail and Dwight Sukup, geophysicists at Texaco's exploration and
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SUBSALT EXPLORATION Inching closer to predicting subsalt oil and gas prospectivity
Leonard Le Blanc Editor Gulf of Mexico subsalt exploration trend. Subsalt wells cost $8-20 million each, excluding pre-drilling geoscience expenses, and are time-consuming to drill and analyze. Producers funding the US Gulf of Mexico subsalt play want to see results - like where to lease and which salt structure to look under.
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Deepwater E&P Auger's geology guidepoint to deepwater US Gulf potential
D. S. Pfeiffer D. T. McGee J. G. Crump Shell Offshore The Auger TLP is currently constraining production from the reservoir, and Shell is in the process of debottlenecking the facility. Production will be raised to 65,000-70,000 b/d of oil. Table: Average Reservoir properties from rock data The well paths from the Auger TLP, shown as square in Block 426. Geological profile of Auger's five sands is shown in this composite type log of the various discovery and development wells.
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EXPLORATION 3D seismic boosting wildcat success, reducing well count
Marc A. Lawrence Hugh T. Logue Fairfield Industries Don A. Grimm Zilkha Energy The cyclical effect of advances in seismic technology on exploration drilling success rates over decades is reflected in the number of discoveries. Offshore Texas and Louisiana field wells success rates remained high in the late 1980s even though the number of wells plunged. Were drillers drilling their best prospects or did the information available improve, or both? (Source - Offshore Oil Scouts Association) The US
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SEISMIC EXPLORATION Seismic surveyors tackle tough transition zones, congestion
Dev George Managing Editor International 3D Seamless Cover The rapid development of new seismic acquisition technology is not limited to the glamorous environs of deepwater prospects and trendy subsalt plays. Rather, there are equally exciting innovations occurring nearshore in shallow water and transition zones. Innovations such as ocean bottom cable, digital bay cable, digital telemetry, dual-sensor acquisition and processing, and in-field quality control.
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