Study of selective seismic and geologic data in a portion of the offshore Gulf of Mexico indicates that with proper application of new geoseismic techniques, the hydrocarbon (gas) potential of an area may be assessed and a specific reservoir quantified. Various techniques, such as wavelet processing of seismic data, petrophysical analysis of well log data, and calibration methodology are essential to establishing the technical framework for further analysis of a stratigraphic trap. Enhancement and special treatment of these data by various new proprietary techniques, used with sound geologic concepts, permit a more reliable qualitative as well as quantitative interpretation of a potential reservoir.

The geologic meaning of seismic amplitudes and their measurements are important not only to explorationists, but to exploitation geologists and reservoir engineers as well. Experience gained in areas (fields) of known production can lead to expansion of confidence limits into wildcat areas where there is little or no control.

Although the example demonstrated is in the Tertiary clastic section of the Gulf of Mexico, concepts and techniques employed are applicable in any geologic environment, so long as physical principals permit.

End_of_Article - Last_Page 487------------