3-D geopressure analysis in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico

Abstract

This paper describes 3-D geopressure analysis that we apply in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. Deepwater wells are expensive. Unexpected high fluid pressures can cause drilling problems and add large costs. Deepwater cost control and drilling safety depend critically on predrill prediction of pore pressure and effective stress, both at the target and in the section to be penetrated. In the deepwater Gulf of Mexico, seismic geopressure prediction is necessary.