The effect of the succes of 3D seismic data on the exploration and appraisal of Zechstein targets in NW germany

Large parts of NW Germany are underlain by a broad anhydrite and carbonate platform developed during late Permian (Zechstein) times (Fig. 1 and Betz et al. 1986; Ziegier 1982; Sannemann et al. 1978). Exploration for sour gas from the calcitic/dolomitic Stassfurt-carbonate cycle (Hauptdolomit, Ca2) has been undertaken for approximately 30 years. Nearly 1000 wells penetrating the Zechstein have been drilled since 1960 in an area of about 40000 km2 which is covered by a total of 50000 km of 2D seismic lines.