Multiphysics characterization of reservoir prospects in the Hoop area of the Barents Sea

Abstract

The inherent nonuniqueness of geophysical analysis can mean that interpretations based only on a single geophysical measurement can be ambiguous or uncertain. We have developed a case study from the Hoop area of the Barents Sea, in which prestack seismic, well-log, and controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) data were integrated within a rock-physics framework to provide a more robust assessment of the prospectivity of the area than could be obtained by seismic analysis alone. In this example, although quantitative seismic interpretation identified potentially hydrocarbon-bearing sands, the saturation was uncertain. In this area and at shallow depths, the main focus is on (very) high oil saturations. Adding the CSEM data in this setting allows us to distinguish between high saturations ([Formula: see text]) and low and medium saturations ([Formula: see text]): It is clear that saturations similar to those observed at the nearby Wisting well ([Formula: see text]) are not present in this area. However, because of limitations on the sensitivity of the CSEM data in this high-resistivity environment, it is not possible to distinguish between low and medium saturations. This remains an uncertainty in the analysis. Based on the resulting downgrade of the main prospect Maya and the limited additional high-risk prospectivity at other stratigraphic levels, the partnership agreed to surrender the license.