3D seismic data can play a vital role in hydrocarbon exploration and development, especially with regard to mitigating risk associated with presence of reservoir, source, and seal facies. Such data can afford direct imaging of depositional elements, which can then be analyzed by applying seismic stratigraphic and seismic geomorphologic principles to yield predictions of lithologic distribution, insights to compartmentalization, and identification of stratigraphic trapping possibilities. Benefits can be direct, whereby depositional elements at exploration depths can be identified and interpreted, or they can be indirect, whereby shallow-buried depositional systems can be clearly imaged and provide analogs to deeper exploration or development targets.

Examples of imaged depositional elements from both shallow- and deeply-buried sections are presented. Deep-water deposits, in particular, have benefited greatly from analyses of 3D seismic data. The understanding of the stratigraphic and geomorphological evolution of these deposits has increased significantly since the advent of 3D seismic-based analyses. In high-cost deep-water exploration settings, insights derived from such analyses are critical to reduce risk with regard to reservoir presence and reservoir compartmentalization to ensure economic success. Depositional elements in settings such as shoreface, shelf, estuarine, and fluvial, as well as in carbonate environments, also benefit greatly from 3D seismic analyses. Numerous examples will be shown.

Deep-water Pleistocene turbidite channel in the Gulf of Mexico. A perspective and cross section view are shown. The positive relief that characterizes the channel suggests that the channel is sand-filled. Note the presence of levees at the outer bends of the channel. This channel is approximately 150m wide.

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