Interpretation and practical applications of 4C–3D seismic data, East Cameron gas fields, Gulf of Mexico

Rapid advancements in multicomponent acquisition methods and processing techniques have led to numerous applications for converted wave (C-wave) data that are increasingly used for exploration and exploitation of oil and gas. However, the increased prevalence of multicomponent seismic applications means that interpreters must face many difficult challenges: how to register P-wave time to C-wave time, determine the best methodology for interpreting C-wave data, and/or how to apply the C-wave interpretation in assessing the risks of exploration and exploitation prospects. This paper addresses these issues and attempts to guide the interpreter through the multicomponent data interpretive process with numerous examples from two East Cameron gas fields in the Gulf of Mexico.