Changes

==Procedure==

==Procedure==

Based on the regional basin analysis as previously discussed, an exploration strategy for the East Breaks area and GOM basin deepwater areas can be defined. The table below lists possible steps to take to implement the strategy.

Based on the regional basin analysis as previously discussed, an exploration strategy for the East Breaks area and GOM basin deepwater areas can be defined. Here are possible steps to take to implement the strategy:

# Delineate prospective areas by looking for lowstand sand-prone areas. Use trends of [[isochron]] thicks basinward of each depositional cycle's shelf edge as a guide.

# Map seismic facies and structures of sand-prone intervals to locate prospects.

# Map amplitude patterns within prospects to optimize prediction of sandstone and hydrocarbon occurrence. Calibrate rock/physics models with local well data.

# Map deep penetrating fault and salt patterns as possible [[migration]] avenues for charging reservoirs of potential traps. Take particular note of the timing of active fault movement vs. the modeled timing of hydrocarbon expulsion from active source-rock volumes in communication with the fault.

| 1 || Delineate prospective areas by looking for lowstand sand-prone areas. Use trends of [[isochron]] thicks basinward of each depositional cycle's shelf edge as a guide.

# Calculate the risk of trap existence vs. [[Petroleum generation|generation]]-[[migration]] timing using [[Burial history chart|burial history]] and migration avenue models.

# Locate exploration wells using detailed fault pattern maps overlain by seismic facies maps of sand-prone facies and structural maps showing closure at the top of the sand-prone seismic facies.

| 2 || Map seismic facies and structures of sand-prone intervals to locate prospects.

# Use seismic facies maps to identify downflank or off-structure potential where faulting may not impose development problems.

# As wells are drilled, place each sandstone unit encountered into its regional depositional context as a means of understanding potential reservoir continuity.

| 3 || Map amplitude patterns within prospects to optimize prediction of sandstone and hydrocarbon occurrence. Calibrate rock/physics models with local well data.

# Use computer simulations based on empirical data to predict the geology—especially [[petroleum system]] elements—beyond control points.

| 4 || Map deep penetrating fault and salt patterns as possible [[migration]] avenues for charging reservoirs of potential traps. Take particular note of the timing of active fault movement vs. the modeled timing of hydrocarbon expulsion from active source-rock volumes in communication with the fault.

| 5 || Calculate the risk of trap existence vs. [[Petroleum generation|generation]]-[[migration]] timing using [[Burial history chart|burial history]] and migration avenue models.

| 6 || Locate exploration wells using detailed fault pattern maps overlain by seismic facies maps of sand-prone facies and structural maps showing closure at the top of the sand-prone seismic facies.

| 7 || Use seismic facies maps to identify downflank or off-structure potential where faulting may not impose development problems.

| 8 || As wells are drilled, place each sandstone unit encountered into its regional depositional context as a means of understanding potential reservoir continuity.

| 9 || Use computer simulations based on empirical data to predict the geology—especially [[petroleum system]] elements—beyond control points.

==Locating sand-prone areas==

==Locating sand-prone areas==