Passive Margin Play and Prospect Evaluation Using Regional Depth Seismic and Inversion of Seismic Processing Velocities

In contrast to time seismic, reliable depth seismic is a good screening tool for petroleum systems analysis. With a constant temperature gradient across the area, the oil and gas windows are parallel to the water depth in a depth seismic section. Inversion of seismic processing velocities can be used to predict lithologies, porosity, pore pressure and uplift / erosion. Our presentation will show how we are using a consistent set of regional depth seismic sections together with Velocity Inversion as tools from the early play screening phase to the beginning of prospect evaluation. This method is especially well adapted to passive margins with deep water and little well control. We will show examples from passive margins in Australia and Norway.