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Initial exploration and prospect delineation
A brief overview of the first two phases of petroleum exploration.
Identify a region with the potential to host a petroleum accumulation.
Analyse existing data or obtain further information to define any prospective targets.
Initial exploration
Preliminary analysis
The initial phase of petroleum exploration activities involves identifying a prospective region where the creation and trapping of a petroleum resource can reasonably be expected to exist.
In the first instance this process involves analysing what is easily accessible, such as:
- onshore surface geologic features. Even when exploring offshore, data from onshore can be helpful in analysing what exists in the offshore environment.
- historic records of earlier exploration activity in the region, if indeed such activities occurred.
This work allows the preliminary analysis of a region to occur. It often includes geologic mapping and/or computer based geologic modelling of the region.
Reprocessing and acquisition
If after these studies the area shows promise, the next step is to further increase the 'knowledge base' of a particular area. This often involves reprocessing of existing geophysical data, and/or the collection of new subsurface geophysical data.
The industry standard, at a minimum, is to obtain a high resolution image of the area by acquiring 2D seismic reflection data ('seismic'). The term ‘seismic’ is not associated with the seismic activity linked to earthquakes.
Seismic acquisition is strictly a subsurface information gathering tool, and can occur either in the onshore or offshore environment.
The technique utilizes the basic physics of wave theory passing through different subsurface strata (rock) and the reflective characteristics of varying density strata boundaries to create a 'picture' of the subsurface geologic architecture. This is very similar to the technology used when doctors scan during pregnancy.
More about the activities undertaken during exploration e.g. seismic surveying.
Prospect delineation phase
Following the initial exploration phase, the operators focus will change to a more detailed defined target(s) focus.
This focus will include an extensive set of studies to address any areas of interest. This stage will more often than not also include further 2D seismic reflection data and/or higher resolution 3D seismic reflection data acquisition.
3D seismic data has significantly enhanced accuracy and resolution. With such data, the explorer has the ability to rigorously evaluate and confirm or discount a target's prospectivity.
Through these studies, each aspect of the target’s geology is assigned a percentage of possible success. When all of this information is combined, the operator can decide whether or not they want to invest in a drilling operation.
