Nalcor Energy Oil and Gas in partnership with Ikon Science, initiated a regional rock physics study in 2014 to better understand lithologic properties and corresponding seismic amplitude (AVO) anomalies within the Orphan Basin, Flemish Pass and along the Labrador Margin.
The Newfoundland and Labrador regional rock physics study provides an analysis centred on creating predictive rock-physics models. Prospecting geoscientists can understand the possible subsurface lithofacies and fluids from measured pre stack seismic responses, seismic stratigraphy and predicted geopressure data.
The study establishes regional rock physics relationships and depth trends for use in pre-stack data analysis and provides the tools required to do meaningful AVO screening and analysis of leads and prospects in an area of limited well control. It also details the data, conditioning and process used for the regional study, moves through derivations of models and trends, and subsequently applies the trends to three leads within the study area.
The lead analysis section uses the established trends to quantify expected reservoir conditions and end member cases. It is important to note that this report provides the tools required to delve into more detailed analysis of prospects by investigating alternative scenarios. When making use of the report, consideration must be given to local deviations from the established regional trends to ensure that the models capture local geological complexities that honor the data.
Canada East Coast investment
Since 2009, the Provincial Government has invested $17.3 million in offshore, through the Offshore Geoscience Data Program. In the 2014 budget, the Provincial Government invested a further $1 million in offshore and onshore geoscience programs to facilitate more exploration in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The report is publicly available in full online and can be downloaded on the Nalcor Studies page at – click here
