In this GeoExpro article, published in September 2024, TGS explores the role of advanced seismic technologies in the Gulf of Mexico. The US GOM remains a critical hub for oil and gas exploration, and technologies like long-offset OBN and Elastic FWI are at the forefront of this effort.
Abstract
In the dynamic landscape of the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), advanced seismic technologies are revolutionizing oil and gas exploration. Since its introduction to the multiclient market in 2019, long-offset Ocean Bottom Node (OBN) technology has significantly enhanced imaging accuracy, transforming subsurface exploration. The Amendment 2 survey in the Mississippi Canyon protraction area, co-produced by TGS and SLB, exemplifies this impact, enabling more accurate identification of new prospects and reducing drilling risks. As exploration shifts to the geologically complex Western GOM, innovations like low-frequency source technology and Elastic Full Waveform Inversion (Elastic FWI) are poised to further enhance the subsurface images. These advancements promise not only to unlock new resources but also to ensure the GOM's continued contribution to America's energy security and economic prosperity.
