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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
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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