Spectral decomposition of 3D megasurvey for definition of hydrocarbon remigration systems and prediction of traps integrity

Abstract

To advance our understanding of fluid remigration and assess fault seal potential, an investigation of the near seabed energy content (from 3D seismic data) has been carried out on the Australian NW Shelf. The ability to determine fluid remigration pathways and to predict trap integrity are amongst the most critical components of hydrocarbon exploration. Faults are widely cited as conduits for fluid flow and seal breach by fault reactivation represents a well known critical exploration risk in many petroleum provinces including the Gulf of Mexico, the North Sea and the Australian NW Shelf. The occurrence of fault-hosted mineralisation, fault-related migration of fluids and direct measurements of fluid flow and deformation all attest to the role of active or critically-stressed faults in promoting fluid flow by enhancement of structural permeability.