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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database
Houston Geological Society Bulletin
Abstract
Abstract: Northern Gulf of Mexico: An Integrated Approach to
Source, Maturation, and
Migration![Next Hit](/data/images/arrow_right.gif)
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By
1Exxon Production Research Company, Houston, TX
2Exxon Exploration Company, Houston, TX
3Pennzoil Exploration and Production Company, Houston, TX
Exxon has conducted an integrated,
multi-disciplinary study of
sources, maturation, and migration
pathways in the offshore Gulf of
Mexico (GOM). We developed a geological
framework from 2-D and
3-D
seismic, identified and mapped potential
source intervals, and delineated
migration
pathways to reservoirs and
amplitude anomalies. Hydrocarbon
compositions from over 2000 oils, 500
gases, and 1000 hydrocarbon-bearing
sea bottom drop cores constrain source
rock characteristics, such as organic
matter type, depositional facies, and, to
some extent, age. East of the Mississippi
River Delta the complete stratigraphic
section is seismically visible
and wells have penetrated deep source
intervals. To the west, correlative organic-rich rocks have been sampled
onshore and from sheaths overlying
salt diapirs offshore. Integration of
these data with the regional geological
framework provides a strong basis for
hydrocarbon system interpretations.
Widespread oil and gas seepage in
the GOM has allowed extension of hydrocarbon
systems and maturity maps
far beyond well control. Abundant
seepage documents that the GOM
slope is an actively migrating hydrocarbon
system and provides a means
of identifying major migration
pathways.
Improved understanding of regional
hydrocarbon systems has provided
new exploration methodologies
and play concepts.
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