Multiattribute analysis of channel architectural elements within the deepwater Taranaki Basin, 3D Romney data

Abstract

The Taranaki Basin is located offshore west of North Island, New Zealand. Within the study area, deepwater channel systems are present as a result of plate boundary movement and clastic deposition during the Plio-Pleistocene. Multiattribute analysis revealed a few interesting features that we identified and interpreted. After refining the horizon of focus, we have concluded some interpretations as noise, whereas others were confirmed as geologic deposits. In one funny-looking thing (FLT 1), we interpreted high energy and high sweetness response along the northwestern portion of the main channel body as a sand-rich levee deposit and, in a second funny-looking thing (FLT 2), scalloping and elongate “finger-like” geometries as noise. The visualization and interpretation of these features through seismic attributes allow for optimized exploration, and therefore an opportunity for hydrocarbon extraction, within the Taranaki Basin. Geologic feature: Deep marine channel system: sandy channel fill to the northwest (FLT 1); interesting features in the center of the time slice (FLT 2) Seismic appearance: Chaotic, discontinuous reflectors with a high-energy response (FLT 1); chaotic high-variance features (FLT 2) Alternative interpretations: Overlapping sand-dominated channel (FLT 1); crevasse splays, fan lobes, distributary channels, ravines, and incisions (FLT 2) Age: Plio-Pleistocene Location: Taranaki Basin, western offshore North Island, New Zealand Seismic data: Provided by Anadarko Taranaki Company Analysis tool: A 3D reflection seismic, geometric, and physical seismic attributes