Spectrum imaging reveals subbasalt prospectivity offshore Iceland

Offshore staff

WOKING, UK -- Spectrum's seismic data processing division has reported a dramatic improvement in the sub-basalt imaging of its offshore Iceland multi-client survey.

By using Pre-Stack Time Migration (PSTM) and Surface Related Multiple
Elimination (SRME) with Radon applied combined with Spectrum's bespoke
TLC techniques, the geoscientists achieved better multiple attenuation and improved the imaging of sub-basalt reflectors. The offshore Iceland survey's Mesozoic geology is now much more clearly defined, the company says.

The data, comprising 5,237 km (3,254 mi) of 2D seismic shot in Icelandic and
Norwegian waters, includes the Jan Mayen ridge.

Although little prospect information is known about the area, a well-documented correlation of source and reservoir rocks in adjacent Norwegian and Greenland margins give promising indications of hydrocarbons, according to Spectrum. Similar geological development could be reasonably assumed for the Icelandic prospects.

The Jan Mayen Ridge is a micro-continent with geological similarities to East Greenland and Mid-Norway. It is a sliver of continental crust with sedimentary rocks of sufficient thickness and age to contain significant hydrocarbons with many formations similar to source rocks found in East Greenland. Submarine fans in the area indicate potential reservoirs and the classic trap characteristics of rotated fault blocks constitute attractive exploration targets.

01/26/2009