May 28, 2015 — Airbus Defence and Space and seismic multi-client acquisition and imaging specialist Spectrum Geo have launched a 2D seismic and seep study programme for the Porcupine Basin, just ahead of the Irish Licensing Round.
This joint analysis correlates natural oil seeps identified from radar satellites with 2D seismic data to assist hydrocarbon exploration in this region and is set to provide additional insight into the prospectivity of Irish waters. The analysis draws on the expertise of the individual partners, combining Spectrum Geo’s sub-surface seismic information with Airbus Defence and Space’s surface seeps data.
Spectrum has reprocessed 14,000km of regional 2D seismic data, complementing preceding surveys and integrating gravity, magnetics and well data. An updated extract from the Airbus Defence and Space Global Seeps Database provides sea surface slick locations together with confidence levels based on the analysis of multi-temporal satellite radar data. Results are encouraging with a strong correlation between higher confidence slicks and seismic features.
These results will offer a new perspective on the hydrocarbon potential in the region, supporting both the ongoing licensing round and future exploration.
