(OTC 24037) Analysis of seep architecture: a qualitative evaluation of seep near-surface geomorphology utilizing AUV3Dm high-resolution geophysical data in theMississippi Canyon Area, Gulf of Mexico.

摘要

A recent AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) 3-D micro seismic survey (AUV3Dm) in the Mississippi Canyon protraction area of the Gulf of Mexico has brought about a rare opportunity to study a known naturally occurring hydrocarbon seep in approximately 3,000 ft of water. Offshore hydrocarbon seeps have recently become the focus of several frontier basin exploration programs. These programs utilize remote sensing multibeam surveys to identify potential seep targets on the seabed. The remote sensed targets are subsequently cored, sampled, and geochemically tested for hydrocarbon signature. The results are used in a high-graded approach to exploration that seeks to prove the existence of a hydrocarbon system before the costly acquisition of seismic data.