Enhanced Interpretation Of Salt-Related Structures In Abu Dhabi Using Improved Seismic Data Processing And Interpretation Techniques

Abstract

In recent years, advanced and integrated seismic processing and interpretation workflows have been adopted in ADNOC. The application of new processing routines to legacy seismic data has shown to be valuable in improving the quality of the seismic data. This improvement has had a positive impact on our understanding of complex geological settings, in particular in areas where salt movement has had an influence on the structural framework of the field. In this paper, case studies are presented for salt-related structures in Abu Dhabi. Salt structures have been classified into three classes according to their complexity and each of these classes asks for a different type of seismic data volume and a different interpretation workflow. With the help of better reprocessed seismic data and seismic attribute analysis, complex structural uncertainties are better appraised, allowing less operational problems in wells due to drilling through faults and more optimal field development plans.

Basement structure of the United Arab Emirates derived from an analysis of regional gravity and aeromagnetic database

“…Salt basins and diapirs: Using the new gravity coverage we have expanded the study of Obaid et al (2014), that was restricted to the offshore area covered by the Sander Geophysics gravity survey, and delineated additional salt basins (light blue dashed lines on Figure 6b) and salt diapirs (dark blue solid and dotted line closures). These are Miocene salt domes, which are sourced from a well-known and widespread evaporite sequence of Cambrian age, known as the Hormuz salt (Alsharhan and Salah, 1997).…”