Kinematic linkage between minibasin welds and extreme overpressure in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico

Abstract

A geopressure interpretation technique known as the seismic velocity method is a common workflow in which shale compaction functions are characterized at offset control wells, matched to interval seismic velocities, and then used to predictively calculate geopressure away from well control. The seismic velocity method is used to interpret the expected geopressure profile at the Deep Blue subsalt exploration well in Green Canyon 723 in the deep water Gulf of Mexico. The Deep Blue prospect is distinct from other prospects in the play fairway in that the prospective section is overlain by a salt withdrawal minibasin, whereas the offsetting fields are positioned either along the flanks of minibasins or under a thick allochthonous salt canopy. Predrill geopressure interpretations using numerous tomographic imaging velocity data sets shows a large degree of consistency with the magnitude of geopressure encountered in offsetting supra salt and subsalt fields. Results from the Deep Blue 1 exploration well indicate the predrill geopressure interpretation from interval seismic velocities failed to anticipate the extreme degree overpressure encountered in the subsalt section of the well due to poor deep velocity resolution and an “unloaded” compaction signature. The magnitude of overpressure in the primary section is attributed to the emplacement of an unconformable halokinetic sequence over the primary subsalt basin. An interpretive paradigm is described in which the Deep Blue pressure cell is created through two halokinetic episodes: (1) rapid progradation of a salt canopy followed by (2) subsequent salt withdrawal and emplacement of an overlying minibasin. The linkage between halokinetic sequences, burial history, and the development of overpressure can be used to predictively characterize subsalt geopressure environments.

Geomechanical analysis of a welding salt layer and its effects on adjacent sediments

“…Further studies are needed to fully understand impacts of welding on salt systems under different conditions. For example, future models could take into account overpressure generation in sediments (Shumaker et al, 2014). Alternatively, the model could be extended to include pre-salt sediments and investigate not only subweld stress changes but also the effect of a nonrigid subweld section on welding.…”