A novel 3D transition zone seismic survey, Shoal Point, Port au Port Peninsula, Newfoundland : seismic data processing and interpretation

• Main Author: Rowe, Craig A.
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland 2003
• Subjects: Shoal Point; Newfoundland
• Online Access: https://research.library.mun.ca/6652/; https://research.library.mun.ca/6652/1/CraigARowe.pdf; https://research.library.mun.ca/6652/3/CraigARowe.pdf

The west coast of Newfoundland is a region of considerable interest for petroleum exploration. Interest is focused in several specific areas, but especially in the vicinity of the Hunt et al. discovery at Port-au-Port. The primary target is the carbonate bank sequence deposited on the margin of the ancient North American continent (Laurentia) in Cambro-Ordovician time. The geological setting of this area is extremely complicated and dominated by extensive thrusting dictating that only a 3D technique could yield acceptable results. The integration of 2D land acquisition combined with a novel style of "3D" wide-angle transition zone seismic surveying allows for a different and efficient technique of seismic acquisition in shallow water. The survey was conducted in the vicinity of the PanCanadian et al. Shoal Point K-39 well. The processing challenges associated with this style of seismic acquisition fall predominantly in the realm of extremely long offset data combined with low fold coverage. The testing and application of less conventional processing techniques was essential for optimal results, and a better understanding of the geology of the area. -- The primary goal was to develop a better understanding of the complex geology of the area. The objective is to create a 3D surficial map of the Ordovician carbonate platform using the 3D seismic data. Detailed processing followed by careful consideration of surrounding pre-existing seismic surveys aided in the final interpretation of the stacked 3D dataset and creation of 3D surface maps. -- Overall the final sections and 3D surfaces compare favorably with the drilling results and surrounding seismic therefore meeting the project objectives and desired goals.