Subsalt 3D VSP imaging at Deimos Field in the deep water Gulf of Mexico

Abstract

In a development well in the Deimos Field, deep water Gulf of Mexico, a large 3D VSP survey was acquired for the purpose of imaging sedimentary structure near a complex salt body where the surface seismic was poorly illuminated. The illumination gaps in the surface seismic image are caused by complex salt geometries which distort the seismic wavefronts. Feasibility modeling was conducted in advance to determine the proper 3D VSP survey parameters. The 3D VSP successfully imaged sedimentary structure near the complex salt body. A subsequent development well target was confirmed with the 3D VSP. This target is within an area that is imaged by surface seismic and established a tie with the 3D VSP. These positive results from the 3D VSP can be used to target future development wells.