Abstract

We present a workflow for improved volumetric calculation with 3D CSEM data. Volume estimation is critical to the evaluation of exploration ventures, but also one of the primary sources of uncertainty and failure in the exploration business. This is true in particular when significant minimum economic field sizes are required to make the venture economically successful. We explain how marine 3D CSEM can be used to update an existing volume distribution and reduce the volume uncertainty. The application of the workflow is demonstrated on a prospect in Norway, showing that our pre-drilling volume prediction is in very good agreement with the post-drilling evaluation by the operator. Although we focus on prospect evaluation in this abstract, the presented workflow can be applied equally to the appraisal of discoveries.