4D time strain and the seismic signature of geomechanical compaction at Genesis

Abstract

Genesis Field, which lies in the Green Canyon area of the Gulf of Mexico at a water depth of 790 m, consists of a series of unconsolidated Pleistocene/Pliocene-aged turbidite sands, dipping up against a salt-cored ridge. Since first oil in 1999, the field has been under primary production, and, although there is a moderate natural water drive in parts of the field, much of it has undergone significant compaction resulting from pressure depletion. The compaction has had severe economic ramifications, as recently several wells have been lost due to compaction-related shear failure.