Exploration concepts in the new {open_quotes}Sub-Salt{close_quotes} play, off- and onshore Gulf Coast region

Journal Article · Fri Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1995 · AAPG Bulletin

OSTI ID:159941

Pratsch, C J

The new on-and offshore {open_quotes}Sub-Salt{close_quotes} Play in the Gulf Coast Region is for Tertiary and Mesozoic sandstones (? and carbonates) in structural and stratigraphic traps lying beneath secondary salt layers or beneath regional detachment zones. Interpretation problems caused by irregular-shaped bodies of high-velocity salt are now overcome by sophisticated data acquisition and processing processes. Pre-drilling sand prediction is a next interpretation target. Remaining is the problem of regional hydrocarbon distribution - not all traps with reservoirs rocks contain oil or gas. The answer is sought in complete coverage of the prospective area by high-detail seismic 3-D surveys. An additional or even alternate solution lies in pre-drilling hydrocarbon migration analysis. Here, regional structure at levels near potential migration pathways is required; subsequently, detailed per-drilling seismic evaluation of the most prospective area follows. Comparative petroleum-geology in other producing areas world-wide indicates that such deep regional structure maps indeed give reliable and highly practical answers. The data needed in the Gulf Coast region (deep seismic, gravity and magnetic) are now available.

• OSTI ID: 159941
• Report Number(s): CONF-951094--
• Journal Information: AAPG Bulletin, Journal Name: AAPG Bulletin Journal Issue: 9 Vol. 79; ISSN 0149-1423; ISSN AABUD2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
GEOLOGIC TRAPS
GEOMETRY
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
SALT DEPOSITS
SEISMIC SURVEYS
US GULF COAST