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Understanding Play Risk and Play Potential in the Middle East: An Ongoing Journey
- Publisher: European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers
- Source: Conference Proceedings, 81st EAGE Conference and Exhibition 2019, Jun 2019, Volume 2019, p.1 - 5
Abstract
The Middle East hosts the vast majority of the globe's hydrocarbons and this is primarily due to the fortuitous juxta-positioning of multiple world-class petroleum system elements. Most discoveries have been made within simple structural trap mechanisms and exploration has commonly focused on extending these plays. However, in recent years, discovery success rates have significantly declined, and renewed efforts are required to further understand play risks and develop new play concepts. A particular focus area should be on underexplored stratigraphic traps and resource plays.
To address this challenge, a full understanding of geological risk is required, and this in turn compels a sound understanding of stratigraphy and petroleum systems. Therefore, there is a need to unlock the full value and insight that is contained within the current datasets. The key ingredient to do this is the consistent stratigraphic attribution of the data. The power of data science techniques can then be utilized coupled with new Earth systems science approaches to aid prediction and modelling.
Demonstration will be provided of how these techniques help to identify subcrop traps within known reservoir intervals, such as the Triassic Jilh/Gulailah Formation, predict siliciclastic lowstand deltas and turbidite systems, and high-grade and assess resource play volumes.