TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company (TGS) has completed several new multi-client higher order depth imaging projects that will be used to evaluate hydrocarbon potential in areas of the Central Gulf of Mexico prior to the Lease Sale in March 2009.

TGS has created the industry's first multi-client Reverse Time Migration (RTM) product on the Stanley 3D survey. This migration covers an 8,900 square kilometer area (~385 OCS blocks) in the Green Canyon and Walker Ridge area of the deep water Gulf of Mexico that includes OCS blocks that received some of the highest bonus bids in recent years. The RTM algorithm shows improved imaging in the subsalt areas of this very structurally complex area. Final results of the project have been delivered to the early participating customers.

In addition, TGS has completed an anisotropic Kirchhoff depth migration on its Eastern Mississippi Canyon, Deep Resolve and Sophie's Link 3D surveys. Anisotropic migration uses well data to calibrate the seismic to the true earth which provides better positioning and more accurate imaging of the subsurface. These new imaging products tie to the existing anisotropic migration that was previously completed in the Mississippi Canyon area. Upon completion of these migrations, TGS now offers 32,000 sq kilometers (~1476 OCS blocks) of contiguous and seamless anisotropic depth migration in the Central Gulf of Mexico. Said projects incorporated over 800 well logs in building the anisotropic model.

"The industry has embraced the proprietary imaging technology that TGS has developed", said Robert Hobbs, COO of TGS.

Tags: TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company