Spectrum’s seismic data processing division has reported a dramatic improvement in the sub-basalt imaging of its Offshore Iceland multi-client survey as a result of seismic data reprocessing.

By using Pre-Stack Time Migration (PSTM) and Surface Related Multiple Elimination (SRME) with Radon applied combined with Spectrum’s bespoke TLC techniques, the geoscientists achieved better multiple attenuation and improved the imaging of sub-basalt reflectors. The offshore Iceland survey’s Mesozoic geology is now much more clearly defined.

The data, comprising 5237km of 2D seismic shot in Icelandic and Norwegian waters, includes the Jan Mayen ridge. The first licensing round in the Norway-Iceland Jan Mayen Agreement Area opened on Thursday 22nd January, it includes bid rounds in the Northern Dreki area of Iceland.

Although little prospect information is known about the area, a well-documented correlation of source and reservoir rocks in adjacent Norwegian and Greenland margins give promising indications of hydrocarbons. Similar geological development could be reasonably assumed for the Icelandic prospects.

The Jan Mayen Ridge is a micro-continent with geological similarities to East Greenland and Mid Norway. It is a sliver of continental crust with sedimentary rocks of sufficient thickness and age to contain significant hydrocarbons with many formations similar to source rocks found in East Greenland. Submarine fans in the area indicate potential reservoirs and the classic trap characteristics of rotated fault blocks constitute attractive exploration targets.

Tags: Spectrum ASA