Discussed here are the results of a 1D and 3D forward with 1D and 2D inverse Controlled Source Electromagnetics (CSEM) modeling exercise over a know target offshore West Africa with the intent of demonstrating the technology, develop methodology for analysis and better understanding its limitations. The 3D dataset presented here is considered rich consisting of 11 transmitter (Tx) tow lines and 43 electric and magnetic seafloor receivers (Rx) arranged in a 3D grid pattern (see Figure 1) and acquired with a time-shared dual base frequency square waveform of 0.25 and 0.0625 Hz. Aspects of detectability, comparison to modeled results (1D, 2D and 3D), and resolution of known structure both horizontal and vertical, comparison with logged resistivities in a constrained and unconstrained sense are analyzed. For example-detection of the target structure seems apparent in the unconstrained 2D inversions of the CSEM data. However, this inversion has reduced ability to image separate, vertically stacked pay and laterally non-extensive bodies in the unconstrained inversions and forward modeled data. Contrast will also be made between the 1D and 2D inversions to assess the limits in imaging the hydrocarbon filled structures, along with 3D forward calculated responses to be compared with the acquired data. Combined and joint inversion of the CSEM and Marine MagnetoTelluric (MMT) information will also be considered in order to better constrain the deeper resistivity section not sampled by well logs and to improve imaging of the 3D complexity of our known target.
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