Marine CSEM Technology Performance–Limitations or Opportunities

Proper use of CSEM technology requires detailed modeling studies prior to acquisition to ensure that the outcome from subsequent analyses of real data will actually enable the oil companies to change their decisions. Detailed modeling studies from West Africa shows that the reservoir burial depth is the most important systematic factor that affects feasibility. Water depth, transverse resistivity and resistivity contrast of reservoir to the background are also important, but do not exhibit a direct, systematic control on the feasibility and therefore should not be considered as apriory limiting factors to the applicability of the CSEM surveys. Instead, case specific modeling is required to determine the feasibility of the CSEM technology for the particular prospects.