Triangle Ranch Headquarters field, Cottle and Foard Counties, Texas: Integration of geology and modern technology
- Gunn Oil Co., Wichita Falls, TX (USA)
The Triangle Ranch Headquarters Canyon Reef field is long and narrow and exists in an area where near-surface evaporites and associated collapse features harm seismic data quality and interpretational reliability. The structure of the rocks found below this disturbed section represent an approximate image of the deeper Canyon Reef structure. The shallow structure exhibits very gentle relief, and can be mapped by data gathered by drilling shallow holes on a broad grid. The shallow structural interpretation provides a valuable reference datum for mapping, as well as providing a basis in planning the seismic program. The Canyon Reef structure is mapped by computing a seismically derived isopach between the variable seismic datum and the Canyon Reef, and subtracting the isopach map from the datum map, which is extrapolated from the shallow core holes. The near-surface complexities produce seismic noise and severe static variations. The crux of the exploration problem is to balance the seismic signal-to-noise ratio and geologic resolution. Adequate geologic resolution is impossible without understanding the exploration target. The seismic acquisition parameters must be modified as the target becomes better understood. Studying examples of data with high signal-to-noise ratio and poor resolution, and examples of better defined structure on apparently noisier data, led us to design acquisition for resolution and to reduce noise with arithmetical processes that do not reduce structural resolution. Combining acquisition and processing parameters for optimum structural resolution with the isopach mapping method has improved wildcat success from about 1 in 20 to better than 1 in 2. This method has also enabled an 80% development drilling success ratio as opposed to slightly over 50% in all previous drilling.
- OSTI ID:
- 6891784
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9003145--
- Journal Information:
- AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (USA), Journal Name: AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (USA) Vol. 74:2; ISSN AABUD; ISSN 0149-1423
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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020200* -- Petroleum-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
DEPOSITION
DRILLING
EVAPORITES
EXPLORATION
FEDERAL REGION VI
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC TRAPS
GEOLOGY
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
MAPPING
MINERAL RESOURCES
NORTH AMERICA
OIL FIELDS
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
RESOLUTION
RESOURCES
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SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
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TEXAS
USA
WELL DRILLING