Three-dimensional seismic survey applied to field development in Williston basin

Journal Article · Tue Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1983 · Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6144769

Robinson, G C; Baixas, F; Hooyman, P J

The Medicine Lake field of Sheridan County, Montana, was discovered in March 1979. In October 1981, a mini-3-D seismic survey covering 2.5 mi/sup 2/ (6.2 km/sup 2/) was acquired over this field in order to facilitate development drilling by delineating the field's reservoirs and obtaining a more accurate image of the subsurface structure. A multiline system, consisting of 240 geophone groups distributed on 8 lines, was used. The energy source was shothole dynamite using 5 lbs (2.3 kg) charges at 250 ft (46 m). The shotpoints were arranged in a cross pattern with extra shotpoints included to provide necessary control on the weathered zone. The average subsurface coverage was 600%, with CDP bins 165 ft (50 m) square. Prior to the actual shooting, a computer simulation of the resulting fold was performed to verify the field geometry. The entire survey was recorded in one day with no movement of the geophones, thus minimizing costs. The objective of the stratigraphic interpretation was to outline zones of possible porosity, particularly in the Madison and Red River intervals. The horizontal and vertical inverted sections were particularly useful for ascertaining the location and lateral extent of those anomalous zones. The results correlate well with known production, and should aid in the location of future development wells.

• Research Organization: CGG, Denver, CO
• OSTI ID: 6144769
• Journal Information: Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States) Vol. 67:3; ISSN AAPGB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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CORRELATIONS
DRILLING
ENGINEERING
FEDERAL REGION VIII
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
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MONTANA
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RESERVOIR ENGINEERING
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SEISMIC SURVEYS
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THREE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
USA
WELL DRILLING