BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO THE EASTERN DAMPIER SUB-BASIN: AN INTEGRATED REVIEW BASED ON GEOPHYSICAL, STRATIGRAPHIC AND BASIN MODELLING EVALUATION

2004 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 123 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.P. Thomas ◽  
M.R. Lennane ◽  
F. Glass ◽  
T. Walker ◽  
M. Partington ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Data ◽  
Joint Venture ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
Upper Jurassic ◽  
Source Rocks ◽  
Third Order ◽  
Geochemical Fingerprinting ◽  
Stratigraphic Framework ◽  
Seismic Image ◽  
Hydrocarbon Charge

The eastern Dampier Sub-basin on Australia’s northwestern margin has been subject to intensive exploration activity since the early 1960s. The commercial success rate for exploration drilling, however, has been a disappointing 8%, despite numerous indications of at least one active petroleum system. During 2002–2003, Woodside and its joint venture partners undertook an integrated review of the area, aimed at unlocking its remaining potential. Stratigraphy, hydrocarbon charge and 3D seismic data quality were addressed in parallel.The eastern Dampier Sub-basin stratigraphy was upgraded from the existing, conventional, second-order tectono-stratigraphic framework to a third-order, exploration-scale, genetic stratigraphic framework. The new framework has regional predictive capability in terms of reservoir (and seal) presence and facies, and has led to recognition of new plays and an enhanced understanding of known plays. One new play involves shoreface sands within the Calypso Formation. New light has been shed on the known Lower Cretaceous M.australis sands play (K30), by the creation of gross depositional environment maps at third-order sequence scale. The Upper Jurassic deepwater clastics play of the Lewis Trough has also been developed, by recognition of four prospective, sand-rich gravity-flow intervals in the early Oxfordian (J42 play).A 3D charge modelling study, underpinned by new geochemical analysis, has allowed delineation of areas of higher and lower risk in terms of hydrocarbon charge and phase (oil versus gas). Key source rocks for oil are identified in the early Oxfordian W.spectabilis biozone, although they are also a likely source for gas in the southwest of the area. The Bathonian-Callovian Upper Legendre Formation is a major source for gas, but could also have contributed minor oil in the northeast of the area. By a combination of geochemical fingerprinting and 3D forward modelling, most hydrocarbon occurrences in the area have been tied to these source intervals, complete with a consistent view of maturities and migration pathways.Some 1,500 km2 of the Panaeus multi-client 3D survey were reprocessed, with close attention to multiple removal, velocities and imaging. A step-change improvement in seismic quality was obtained, together with improved velocities for depth conversion.The prospect portfolio has been polarised and much enhanced through these studies, and the results of several existing wells have become better understood. Some new prospects were identified by apparent direct fluid indications, detected in one case by 3D volume AVO screening. Other new prospects are the result of a clearer seismic image, or of the revised velocity model for depth conversion. New plays are still being followed up, while the fresh light cast on existing plays (e.g. K30 and J42), in combination with improved seismic data, has led to development of several interesting opportunities.

Full Wavefield Redatuming: Accurate Velocity Modelling for Imaging Beneath Complex Overburden

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farah Syazana Dzulkefli ◽  
Kefeng Xin ◽  
Ahmad Riza Ghazali ◽  
Guo Qiang ◽  
Tariq Alkhalifah
Keyword(s):  
Wave Propagation ◽  
Seismic Data ◽  
Model Building ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
Surrounding Rock ◽  
Target Area ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Velocity Model Building ◽  
Seismic Image ◽  
Seismic Wavefield

Abstract Salt is known for having a generally low density and higher velocity compared with the surrounding rock layers which causes the energy to scatter once the seismic wavefield hits the salt body and relatively less energy is transmitted through the salt to the deeper subsurface. As a result, most of imaging approaches are unable to image the base of the salt and the reservoir below the salt. Even the velocity model building such as FWI often fails to illuminate the deeper parts of salt area. In this paper, we show that Full Wavefield Redatuming (FWR) is used to retrieved and enhance the seismic data below the salt area, leading to a better seismic image quality and allowing us to focus on updating the velocity in target area below the salt. However, this redatuming approach requires a good overburden velocity model to retrieved good redatumed data. Thus, by using synthetic SEAM model, our objective is to study on the accuracy of the overburden velocity model required for imaging beneath complex overburden. The results show that the kinematic components of wave propagation are preserved through redatuming even with heavily smoothed overburden velocity model.

New play type, southern Bonaparte Basin-Petrel Sub-basin—WA-442-P and NT/P81 exploration permits

2012 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 525
Author(s):  
Margaret Hildick-Pytte
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Data ◽  
Early Carboniferous ◽  
Oil Fields ◽  
Source Rocks ◽  
Lower Carboniferous ◽  
Petroleum Systems ◽  
Seismic Data Acquisition ◽  
Early Palaeozoic ◽  
Hydrocarbon Charge ◽  
3D Seismic Data

Recent investigation, including mapping re-processed seismic data, suggests there is deeper hydrocarbon potential in the WA-442-P and NT/P81 exploration permits beneath the Early Carboniferous Tanmurra Formation horizon. Earlier interpretation of the area showed tilted fault blocks commonly thought of as economic basement in the vicinity of the Turtle and Barnett oil fields and extending to the northwest to connect with the Berkley Platform. The deep-gas play type is structural and is believed to be two nested three-way dip anticlines developed against a large bounding fault to the northeast, with axial trends northwest to southeast, and axial plane curving towards the northeast for the deeper structure. This play type is believed to be associated with structural compression and movement along the master fault with incremental re-activation most recently during the Cainozoic as recorded in overlying sediments. The Nova Structure and the deeper Super Nova structure have closures of about 450 and 550 km2, respectively. The sediments beneath the Nova horizon are believed to be of Devonian Frasnian-Famennian age but have not been drilled offshore in the Southern Bonaparte Basin (Petrel Sub-basin). Earlier work suggests that there are two petroleum systems present in the southern Bonaparte Basin, a Larapintine source from Early Palaeozoic Devonian to Lower Carboniferous source rocks, and a transitional Larapintine/Gondwana system sourced from Lower Carboniferous to Permian source rocks. Hydrocarbon charge for the structures is most likely from the Larapintine source rock intervals or yet to be identified older intervals associated with the salt deposition during the Ordovician and Silurian. Independent estimates place close to 7 TCF (trillion cubic feet) of gas in the Nova Structure. New 3D seismic data acquisition is planned over the structures to better define the geology and ultimately delineate well locations.

3D PRE-STACK DEPTH MIGRATION: A TOOL FOR REDUCING EXPLORATION RISK IN THE SWAN GRABEN, TIMOR SEA

2005 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 421
Author(s):  
P. Bocca ◽  
L. Fava ◽  
E. Stolf
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Data ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
Fault Reactivation ◽  
Depth Image ◽  
Substantial Contribution ◽  
Surface Geometry ◽  
Depth Migration ◽  
Imaging Tool ◽  
Seismic Image

3D pre-stack depth migration (PSDM) reprocessing was conducted in 2003 on a portion of the Onnia 3D seismic cube, located in exploration permit AC/P-21, Timor Sea.The main objective of the reprocessing was to obtain the best seismic depth image and the most realistic structural reconstruction of the sub-surface to mitigate the risk factors associated with trap definition (trap retention and trap efficiency). This represents one of the main challenges for oil exploration in the area.The 3D PSDM methodology was chosen as the most appropriate imaging tool to define the correct sub-surface geometry and fault imaging through the use of an appropriate velocity field. An integrated approach to building the final velocity model was adopted, with a substantial contribution from the regional geological model.Several examples are given to demonstrate that the 3D PSDM reprocessing significantly improved the seismic image and thus the confidence in the interpretation, contributing strongly to the definition of the exploration targets.The interpretation of the new seismic data has resulted in a new structural picture in which higher confidence in seismic imaging has improved fault correlation. This has enabled better structural definition at the Middle Jurassic Plover Formation level that has reduced the complexity of the large Vesta Prospect, in the centre of the Swan Graben to the northwest of East Swan–1. Improved understanding of the fault reactivation mechanism and the structural elements of the trap (trap integrity) were eventually incorporated in the prospect risking.In the Swan Graben 3D PSDM has proved to be a very powerful instrument capable of producing significant impact on the exploration even in an area with a complex geological setting and a fairly poor seismic data quality.

A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO DEFINITION AND CHARACTERISATION OF CARBONATE SHOALS, SHALLOW GAS ACCUMULATIONS AND RELATED COMPLEX NEAR-SURFACE SEDIMENTARY STRUCTURES IN THE TIMOR SEA

1998 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 93 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.J. Bishop ◽  
G.W. O'Brien
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Joint Venture ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
Source Rocks ◽  
Shallow Gas ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Sea Floor ◽  
3D Velocity Model ◽  
Basin Scale ◽  
Timor Sea

A major exploration program is being undertaken by the AC/P16 Joint Venture in the central Timor Sea, northwestern Australia. Its safe and successful execution is critically dependant on the early definition and characterisation of both the numerous carbonate shoals in the area and the complex bathymetry. This was accomplished via the acquisition of environmental, high-resolution bathymetric, 2D and 3D seismic and airborne laser fluorosensor (ALF) data. Multi-disciplinary integration and analysis of these data have enabled mapping and 3D visualisation of the shoals, and the creation of a 3D velocity model for depth conversion. Seismic amplitude anomalies and chaotic seismic reflectors, which increase in areal extent toward the sea floor, have been interpreted as being due to shallow gas. These gas accumulations are also associated with soft-sediment gravity slides in the shallow sub-surface which exhibit thrust imbrication in the contractional toes and are linked to listric extensional faults. The high resolution bathymetric data have provided images of a disturbed sea floor in several of the areas which are affected by shallow gas: craters, troughs, ridges and mounds can be explained by the localised venting of gas at the sea floor. These gas accumulations are located above basin-scale faults, which are inferred to provide migration paths from more deeply buried source rocks. ALF anomalies mapped at the sea surface, and sea floor grab samples containing petrogenic hydrocarbons, also provide evidence that hydrocarbons are presently leaking from the sea floor.

Geologic modeling study of foothill area of the Junggar Basin rim

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. SM19-SM26
Author(s):  
Guanlong Zhang ◽  
Peng Xiang ◽  
Jinduo Wang ◽  
Tieliang Lyu ◽  
Yulei Qiao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Data ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Junggar Basin ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
Western China ◽  
Mountain Area ◽  
Tectonic Model ◽  
Thrust Belts ◽  
Seismic Image ◽  
Comprehensive Modeling

The varied terrain and complex subsurface structure in the foothill segment of fold and thrust belts results in low-quality seismic data. Therefore, a structural model built only on the basis of seismic will have low reliability and be nonunique. To solve these problems, we have developed a comprehensive modeling method for foothill zones that combines gravity, magnetic (MT), electric, and seismic data. Information from gravity, MT, electric, and seismic data is fully used in each step of modeling. This reduces the nonuniqueness and guarantees the rationality and reliability of the tectonic model. The core of this procedure is simultaneous joint inversing gravity, MT, electric, and seismic multiparameters, which improves the accuracy of velocity model and results in a higher quality of seismic image. The Hala’alate Mountain area in the Junggar Basin, western China, is chosen as the application place, and the process of modeling is evaluated in detail; the structural model is proven to be correct by drilling data. Our method is more accurate and reliable than methods only using seismic data to build a geologic model in foothill zones.

scholarly journals Azimuthally Anisotropic 3D Velocity Continuation

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Burnett ◽  
Sergey Fomel
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Data ◽  
Reservoir Characterization ◽  
Azimuthal Velocity ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
Seismic Image ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Diffraction Imaging ◽  
Principal Directions ◽  
Zero Offset ◽  
Anisotropic Case

We extend time-domain velocity continuation to the zero-offset 3D azimuthally anisotropic case. Velocity continuation describes how a seismic image changes given a change in migration velocity. This description turns out to be of a wave propagation process, in which images change along a velocity axis. In the anisotropic case, the velocity model is multiparameter. Therefore, anisotropic image propagation is multidimensional. We use a three-parameter slowness model, which is related to azimuthal variations in velocity, as well as their principal directions. This information is useful for fracture and reservoir characterization from seismic data. We provide synthetic diffraction imaging examples to illustrate the concept and potential applications of azimuthal velocity continuation and to analyze the impulse response of the 3D velocity continuation operator.

Assessing source rock distribution in Heather and Draupne Formations of the Norwegian North Sea: A workflow using organic geochemical, petrophysical, and seismic character

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. SV45-SV68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Balazs Badics ◽  
Anthony Avu ◽  
Sean Mackie
Keyword(s):  
Source Rock ◽  
North Sea ◽  
Seismic Data ◽  
Upper Jurassic ◽  
Source Rocks ◽  
Geochemical Data ◽  
Seismic Attribute ◽  
Attribute Analysis ◽  
Seismic Characterization ◽  
Petrophysical Logs

The organic-rich upper Jurassic Draupne and Heather Formations are the main proven source rocks of the Norwegian North Sea. We have developed a workflow for the organic geochemical, petrophysical, and seismic characterization of the Draupne and Heather Formation source rocks in a [Formula: see text] study area in quadrant 25 in the Viking Graben in the Norwegian North Sea. We characterized the vertical and lateral organic richness variations using biostratigraphy, organic geochemical data, and petrophysical logs. The Draupne Formation is a rich (6.5 wt.% total organic carbon [TOC], 360 HI), oil-prone, immature to early oil mature source rock, representing a 25-m-thick condensed section, partly eroded over the Utsira high and thickening to 150–300 m toward the deep grabens. The underlying Heather Formation is also an oil-prone (4.4 wt.% TOC, 270 HI), 30- to 400-m-thick, more mature source rock. To map the TOC distribution using seismic, we performed detailed seismic interpretation and seismic attribute analysis following the petrophysical calibration of TOC with the [Formula: see text] ratio and P impedance on well data. Similar patterns of low-impedance high-TOC areas highlighted and mapped from the petrophysical studies at the Heather level were also observed on seismic relative acoustic impedance and amplitude maps over the study area. The poststack seismic data conditioning (structurally orientated noise reduction) improved the quality of the input megamerge seismic data and allowed the application of colored inversion, structural and fault imaging, as well as multiattribute combination and visualization techniques, which have been efficient in highlighting the distribution of high-TOC areas, structure and fault zones within the study area.

Accurate imaging of surface seismic data without a velocity model

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sverre Brandsberg-Dahl ◽  
Brian E. Hornby ◽  
Xiang Xiao
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Data ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
Accurate Imaging

Petroleum Systems Analysis of The Tungkal PSC Area, South Sumatra – A Means of Adding New Life to A Mature Area

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Livsey
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Data ◽  
Systems Analysis ◽  
Generation Model ◽  
Hydrocarbon Accumulation ◽  
Petroleum Systems ◽  
Oil Generation ◽  
Exploration Risk ◽  
Exploration Area ◽  
Hydrocarbon Charge ◽  
Surface Geology

South Sumatra is considered a mature exploration area, with over 2500MMbbls of oil and 9.5TCF of gas produced. However a recent large gas discovery in the Kali Berau Dalam-2 well in this basin, highlights that significant new reserve additions can still be made in these areas by the re-evaluation of the regional petroleum systems, both by identification of new plays or extension of plays to unexplored areas. In many mature areas the exploration and concession award history often results in successively more focused exploration programmes in smaller areas. This can lead to an increased emphasis on reservoir and trap delineation without further evaluation of the regional petroleum systems and, in particular, the hydrocarbon charge component. The Tungkal PSC area is a good example of an area that has undergone a long exploration history involving numerous operators with successive focus on block scale petroleum geology at the expense of the more regional controls on hydrocarbon prospectivity. An improved understanding of hydrocarbon accumulation in the Tungkal PSC required both using regional petroleum systems analysis and hydrocarbon charge modelling. While the Tungkal PSC operators had acquired high quality seismic data and drilled a number of wells, these were mainly focused on improving production from the existing field (Mengoepeh). More recent exploration-driven work highlighted the need for a new look at the hydrocarbon charge history but it was clear that little work had been done in the past few year to better understand exploration risk. This paper summarises the methodology employed and the results obtained, from a study, carried out in 2014-15, to better understand hydrocarbon accumulation within the current Tungkal PSC area. It has involved integration of available well and seismic data from the current and historical PSC area with published regional paleogeographic models, regional surface geology and structure maps, together with a regional oil generation model. This approach has allowed a better understanding of the genesis of the discovered hydrocarbons and identification of areas for future exploration interest.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document