Numerical modeling of the seismic reflection response from gas hydrate reservoirs at Walker Ridge 313, Terrebonne Basin, Gulf of Mexico
Abstract
Gas hydrate-bearing sands were inferred from borehole data to exist at Walker Ridge 313 (WR313) in the Terrebonne Basin in the northern Gulf of Mexico. These sand units are of interest as examples of high-quality gas hydrate reservoirs, and they are the target of planned scientific drilling and pressure core acquisition. Using high-resolution 2D seismic data acquired by the USGS in 2013, borehole data, and older industry 3D seismic, we are working to understand the lateral variation of reservoir characteristics and gas hydrate saturation in the "Orange" sand at WR313, mainly in the area around and updip of the WR313-H borehole, drilled in 2009. By constructing physical property numerical models of gas hydrate reservoirs, parameterized in terms of lithology and gas hydrate saturation, we simulate the seismic response from possible reservoir sequences. These models are constrained by comparing modeled data against the real 2D and 3D seismic data, and we link these reservoir models to subsurface properties indicated by the borehole data. A "colored" seismic inversion approach provides estimations of relative acoustic impedance corresponding with the 2D seismic data, and helps to further our understanding of lateral variation of reservoir units. Our modeling suggests that the characteristics of the Orange sand reservoir vary considerably within approximately 500 meters of the WR313-H well, with thickening sand horizons and additional sand intervals.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2018
- Bibcode:
- 2018AGUFMOS51F1321F
- Keywords:
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- 1051 Sedimentary geochemistry;
- GEOCHEMISTRYDE: 3004 Gas and hydrate systems;
- MARINE GEOLOGY AND GEOPHYSICSDE: 3022 Marine sediments: processes and transport;
- MARINE GEOLOGY AND GEOPHYSICSDE: 3036 Ocean drilling;
- MARINE GEOLOGY AND GEOPHYSICS