Integrated Use of 3D seismic in field development, engineering and drilling: examples from the shallow section

Abstract

Abstract Examples from exploration acreage and field developments across the glaciated Northwest European Continental Shelf and Slope demonstrate the usefulness of conventional three-dimensional (3D) seismic data to spatially image geological features. Compared to previous grid-based two-dimensional (2D) seismic this allows fundamentally more confident identification, mapping and prediction of geotechnical conditions which is important to ensure safe, efficient engineering and drilling operations. Whilst of immense benefit, the paper argues that the 3D seismic data often do not meet the full expectations, particularly in terms of critical vertical resolution and accurate depth prediction requirements. To illustrate the limitations, direct comparison is made between conventionally acquired 3D and HiRes 2D seismic data. Whilst industry funding to support innovative HiRes 3D seismic acquisition remains sparse, much can be achieved by the careful integration and interpretative calibration of the 3D and HiRes 2D seismic datasets. Three field development case studies illustrate this. Short offset trace correction and reprocessing of the 3D seismic data followed by limited, target specific HiRes 2D seismic, calibrated where possible with drilling or other geological data, is an optimal cost-effective approach.