Impact of 3-D Seismic Surveys on Development of the Minagish Oolite Reservoirs, Minagish and Umm Gudair Fields, Kuwait

The Kuwait Oil Company acquired 2-D and 3-D seismic data from 1996 to 1998 in a program that is believed to be one of the largest undertaken in the region. The 2-D surveys were used to define possible prospective areas, whereas the 3-D surveys have helped to increase the productivity of the existing oil fields. The 3-D surveys acquired over the Minagish and Umm Gudair fields in onshore West Kuwait were two of the first to be completed. The data is of excellent quality with high signal-to-noise ratios and stable phase and amplitude characteristics. The rapid 3-D interpretation was made possible by using state-of-the-art interpretation and visualization software, and has already had a considerable impact on the perception of the subsurface geology of the mainly Cretaceous reservoirs. In both fields, fault patterns were reliably defined for the first time and accurate depth maps resulted from careful attention to the near-surface static corrections, depth conversions and interpretations made from the superior 3-D imaging. These factors have enabled the accurate placement of wells. Acoustic impedance data is being used to define reservoir and aquifer porosity distribution. The impact of the 3-D surveys has enabled optimum development decisions to be made, thus helping to maximize Kuwait’s valuable oil resources.