Exploration Insights February 2020 | Page 28

Exploration Handbook | 29
Global Framework
© 2020 Halliburton
L48 Continent
Gulf of Mexico Basin
© 2020 Halliburton
Figure 5> An example of subsurface structure contours maps from basin-, through regional-, up to global-scale from the Neftex®
Depth Analysis offering, built in DecisionSpace ® Geosciences software.
Figure 3> Examples of the data captured to generate a contour map through subsurface modeling. SUBSURFACE MAP SCALABILITY
Map Generation Subsurface consulting and mapping are commonly carried out at
basin to prospect scales. However, technological advances now make
it possible to generate subsurface maps at much greater scales.
Over recent years, susbsurface contour maps for key geological
events have been generated as part of the Neftex Advanced Insights
portfolio, at a continent or regional scale, as well as more recently
at a global scale (Figure 5). These large-scale subsurface contour
maps provide essential geological context, and enable geoscientists
to high-grade areas with exploration potential rapidly, over large
geographical areas, through screening.
Once a robust subsurface framework model has been constructed, contour maps are often
automatically generated (Figure 4). These maps may be rebuilt as and when new data become
available. However, a few software modeling applications are dynamic and, therefore, with the
addition of new data, the resulting contour maps are immediately updated to provide the most
current, informed geological insights.
Details of the Neftex ® subsurface modeling and mapping process are discussed in the September
2017 edition of the Exploration Insights magazine, in Mega-regional Depth Grids – A Powerful Tool for
Basin Screening in Regions of Minimal Data (Wright, 2017).
It is these technological advances, coupled with the availability of
subsurface data globally and an ability to organize, store, and manage
these data, that now enable geoscientists to visualize, interact
with, and utilize subsurface maps within a single environment.
Explorationists can, therefore, perform subsurface assessments from
planet to pore, without compromising on scale or resolution.
A
REFERENCES
Tearpock, D.J. and R.E. Bischke 2002. Applied Subsurface Geological Mapping
with Structural Methods. Prentice Hall, Inc (Pearson Education, Inc), 1-384 p.
(XURBB_599276).
© 2020 Halliburton
B
C
Wright, G. 2017. Mega-regional Depth Grids — A Powerful Tool for Basin Screening in
Regions of Minimal Data. Neftex Exploration Insights Magazine. Exploration Insights
Magazine no. September, p. 20-24. (XURBB_634819).
AUTHOR
Georgina Wright, Product Owner — Depth Analysis, Halliburton Landmark
© 2020 Halliburton
© 2020 Halliburton
Figure 4> A subsurface model of the U.S.A, viewed in DecisionSpace ® Geosciences software, and built from published and publicly
available depth and time data. a) A subsurface framework model in 3D, b) a depth contour map, and c) an isochore map depicting
sediment thickness.
Georgina is responsible for the Neftex® Depth Analysis offering, which
comprises a suite of subsurface geological models and maps. She has
over 6 years of industry experience, during which she has worked in a
number of roles, including content management, technical geoscience
marketing, well data interpretation, and, more recently, as a product owner and team
manager. She graduated from the University of Birmingham with a master’s degree in
Geology.
DISCLAIMER
This article is a synthesis based upon published data and information, and derived knowledge created within
Halliburton. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, no proprietary client data has been used in its preparation.
If client data has been used, permission will have been obtained and is acknowledged. Reproduction of any
copyrighted image is with the permission of the copyright holder and is acknowledged. The opinions found
in the articles may not necessarily reflect the views and/or opinions of Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. and
its affiliates including but not limited to Landmark Graphics Corporation.
“Subsurface consulting and
mapping are commonly
carried out at basin to
prospect scales. However,
technological advances now
make it possible to generate
subsurface maps at much
greater scales.”
28 | Halliburton Landmark