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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

GCAGS Transactions

Abstract


Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions
Vol. 50 (2000), Pages 585-590

The Subsalt Play Moves Onshore

Raymond N. Blackhall, Jim Bob Jackson

Abstract

Significant major reserve potential exists beneath tabular layers of salt. Recent discoveries by Phillips, Anadarko, and other companies in the Gulf of Mexico have proven this statement and have demonstrated tremendous reserve potential.

Delineation of this play was made possible due to the nearly incredible advances in seismic technology and the renewed confidence in its detailed interpretation. High costs and extreme risks discouraged exploration before the industry acquired the ability to correctly image beneath salt or below the salt-sediment interface. The widespread use of 3-D seismic offshore, due to its ever-increasing reliability and the lower cost and relative ease of acquiring this data has made the exploitation of this new reserve possible. Total exploration and development expenditures in the offshore subsalt trends are very high.

New evidence suggests that the subsalt play extends to and exists in the Gulf Coast onshore and perhaps in numerous other salt basins. Tabular salt deposits, residual features, inverted tear drop shaped domes, and any intruded lateral salt bodies have hydrocarbon potential beneath the salt. The occurrence of hydrocarbons beneath this type of deposit will depend on numerous other factors, but the Law of Uniformitarianism suggests that, if major reserves can be discovered offshore, this type of play has potential onshore.

Thanks to the cooperation of Veritas Geophysical Services, we are fortunate enough to be able to present what we think are several examples of these features in the onshore. Lower drilling costs and faster gas hookups onshore make this an economical alternative to expensive offshore subsalt exploration. Increasing reliability of onshore 3-D seismic and greater resolution at ever increasing depths move this play into reality.


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