The Value of High-resolution 3D Seismic Data In the Lankahuasa Field, Offshore Mexico Available to Purchase

The need for high-resolution seismic data was identified as a priority in the Lankahuasa area, offshore Mexico, after an appraisal well failed to confirm the promise of the initial discovery. A proof-of-concept study was designed that utilized a fully integrated approach combining Q seismic survey evaluation and design (Q-SED), high-quality seismic data acquisition with significantly enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and greater bandwidth and advanced data processing to maximize data usefulness. This paper describes this along with the results of an integrated reservoir characterization workflow that provided a combination of quantitative property prediction from prestack full-waveform inversion with qualitative attribute analysis. Numerous attributes and several inversion volumes were generated. This analysis yielded a key breakthrough by providing an understanding of the structural and stratigraphic relationships between two wells that had not been possible using conventionally acquired and processed seismic data. The ability to map sand bodies to a thickness resolution of 12 to 15 m, compared to over 30 m previously available, enabled an accurate prediction of reservoir properties. Evidence of heavily fractured and faulted zones around the two wells provided important input in terms of well planning and drilling hazards. This study resulted in the successful relocation of a planned sidetrack from the discovery well avoiding structural features not previously interpreted. In addition the clear benefits of this seismic study led to the acquisition of a much larger survey specifically designed to accelerate further exploration and development of the Lankahuasa field.