The effectiveness of offshore three‐dimensional seismic surveys—Case histories

Abstract

Gulf began investigating three‐dimensional seismic surveys in the mid‐1960s through Gulf Research and Development Company. During the late 1960s, models were constructed to simulate acquisition and processing. Three‐dimensional (3-D) migration was achieved in the early 1970s, and Gulf began field testing 3-D seismic data acquisition in 1974. By 1978, 3-D seismic surveys were available as a commercial service through contractors. Some advantages that 3-D seismic surveys have over 2-D seismic surveys are: they can help refine both structure and stratigraphic interpretations; they assist in defining the paleogeology and reveal details otherwise not apparent; they help determine the reservoir limits through improved interpretation of the structure and hydrocarbon indicators; they enable the acquisition of subsurface control under surface obstructions, such as platforms, rigs, etc.; they provide the opportunity to construct profiles in any direction desired; and they lend themselves to interactive interpretation. When using 3-D seismic surveys, improved seismic resolution is expected. This in turn improves drilling success and finding new reserves, makes the development drilling program more efficient, and provides the best possible location for a wildcat survey. The results achieved in 16 3-D seismic surveys that cover 26 blocks in the offshore Gulf of Mexico reveal that offshore 3-D seismic surveys can be a cost‐effective way of finding and developing hydrocarbons.