Spectrum and ASB reprocess Australian seismic survey
Spectrum and Australian Seismic Brokers (ASB) are currently reprocessing 15,800 km of 2D data from the North West Shelf of Australia (NWSR-09 project). The survey extends from the Exmouth Plateau to the Northern Browse Basin and incorporates scores of key well ties.
Specialist reprocessing conducted jointly by Spectrum and ASB will provide a modern and cost effective dataset to assist oil and gas
exploration companies in determining the region's structural framework. Preliminary results show significant improvements on the original data that could help petroleum geologists to better understand the effects of deep structures and basin architecture on the development of petroleum accumulations of the North West Shelf.
The current data processing sequence is focused on accurate and detailed velocity analysis and preserving amplitudes for subsequent Amplitude Variation with Offset (AVO) information, as well as providing improved structural and stratigraphic imaging.
The survey was originally recorded in the 1980's and 1990's by the Australian Geological Survey Organisation (AGSO) as a regional crustal study. Because deep imaging was required, the seismic data was recorded to 16 seconds using a 5000m streamer.
Martin Bawden, Spectrum's Head of Multi-Client in the Asia Pacific region, commented, "This reprocessed dataset offers an affordable tool for understanding the complex regional geology and basin evolution. The NWSR-09 project will provide a regional framework for exploration in not only individual license blocks but also in the under-explored areas to identify the highest potential prospectivity."
The new dataset will be completed by September and will comprise Pre-Stack Time Migration (PSTM) stacks, gathers, angle stacks, velocities and navigation data. The first reprocessed lines available will be those related to the upcoming acreage release by the Australian Government in the Exmouth and Southern Browse areas, to be announced at Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA) Conference & Exhibition.
