Integration of MCG MC2D seismic and EMGS CSEM data - Technical Paper
05 February 2013There is new and growing enthusiasm for hydrocarbon exploration in the Barents Sea after three recent discoveries: Skrugard, Havis, and Norvarg. We demonstrate how using wide-azimuth 3D controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) and 2D seismic data together can improve the identification of prospective areas in the region. An interpretation workflow is presented to show how the challenging resistivity background in the Barents Sea is handled. To do this, we introduce a new inversion attribute called the anomalous vertical resistivity. The inversion attribute is co-visualized with 2D seismic data and used to estimate recoverable reserves. The workflow is illustrated on both synthetic and real data for the Skrugard and Havis discoveries. Both discoveries are identified on CSEM maps and by integrating CSEM data with seismic data. In addition, a new lead is identified. We show that CSEM data carries structural information and that the horizontal resistivity trends can be used with 2D seismic data and well logs to interpret the distribution of good-quality sands. Hydrocarbon reserve calculations based on the 3D CSEM data for the Skrugard and Havis discoveries have P50 values consistent with the publicly available reserve estimates. The reserve estimate for the new lead also shows significant potential.