Subsalt play could rekindle outlook for Gulf of Mexico
Gulf of Mexico operators are drilling two subsalt wildcats with big implications for the region's petroleum prospectivity. If successful, the Mahogany prospect on Ship Shoal Block 349 and the Mattaponi prospect on South Marsh Island Block 169 by year end could spawn a major subsalt exploration play in the gulf. Mahogany and Mattaponi could affirm the accuracy of 3D seismic technology for imaging structures at depth beneath the salt sheets. Some operators believe the gulf's subsalt potential is so great that positive results of those and other subsalt tests could give a big boost to US oil and gas reserves. Moreover, better understanding of when and how the allochthonous salt bodies migrated to their present positions could prompt earth scientists to rethink theories about the gulf's tectonic evolution. The paper discusses the timing of the migration, current subsalt drilling activities, possible subsalt tests, 3-D data processing, economic challenges, and the possible addition to reserves.
- OSTI ID:
- 5395525
- Journal Information:
- Oil and Gas Journal; (United States), Journal Name: Oil and Gas Journal; (United States) Vol. 91:30; ISSN OIGJAV; ISSN 0030-1388
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Mahogany: Seismic technology leading to the first economic subsalt field
Mahogany: Seismic technology leading to the first economic subsalt field
Related Subjects
020200* -- Petroleum-- Reserves
Geology
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03 NATURAL GAS
030200 -- Natural Gas-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
ATLANTIC OCEAN
CARIBBEAN SEA
DRILLING
EXPLORATORY WELLS
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GULF OF MEXICO
MINERAL RESOURCES
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
RESOURCE ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES
SALT DEPOSITS
SEAS
SURFACE WATERS
WELL DRILLING
WELLS