Survey evaluation and design (SED): A case study in Garden Banks, Gulf of Mexico

Abstract

Hydrocarbon exploration in the Gulf of Mexico has reached its mature stages. Exploration objectives such as deep stratigraphic and pre-salt traps are becoming more dominant. As the exploration targets change, earlier 3D seismic surveys, designed for different objectives, become less able to meet the demands of the present day explorationist. Some areas of the Gulf of Mexico will require reacquisition of new 3D seismic data, redesigned to meet new objectives. Garden Banks is one such area. A major advantage of performing a survey evaluation and &sign (SED) in a mature area is the amount and diversity of available data. Geological profiles, reservoir characterizations, borehole wireline and surface seismic data, all serve to aid in the survey design. Given the exploration history and geological objectives, the geophysical analyses of resolution, signal loss, noise, fold, acquisition geometry, migration aperture, velocity anisotropy and others, may now be carried out in a much more specific manner. A thorough SED ensures that overall survey objectives will be met and reduces the possibility of over design on critical parameters. This generates the highest quality seismic survey for the most reasonable cost.