Vertical KPSDM seismic section highlighting the different salt and tectonic domains: (1) presalt plateau, (2) exterior rift zone low and (3) outer basement step. Click to enlarge and use the zoom buttons on the bottom right.
During the Late Cretaceous and Tertiary thermal subsidence of the basin and oceanward tilting caused gravity gliding of the post-salt carapace resulting in the development of salt rollers, Albian fold belt, and mini basins (see image below). The Campos deepwater dataset resolves imaging challenges typically incurred by such salt geometries.
Top of salt map illustrating the major salt tectonic domains (outlined by white dashed lines) and their displacement along a regional sinistral strike-slip fault (black dashed line). Cold colors represent deep, partially welded mini basins.
Exploration Shift Towards Outboard: Assessing an Emerging Play
The recent presalt discoveries present a new challenge: to determine how far outboard hydrocarbon prospectivity extends. Several models of the structural framework of the distal portion of the basin have been established, and its implications for the petroleum system remain unsettled. For example, the transition from continental to oceanic crust, the presence of hyper-extended continental crust, wedging of the syn-rift sequence, or even exhumed mantle has generated many interpretations.
Revealing Prospectivity with PGS Data
Overall, the Campos Basin holds significant potential for exploration and production, and continued investment will likely unveil new discoveries in the years to come. The exploration success within the Campos deepwater region provides confidence in the group of undrilled prospects mapped on the seismic. These carbonate build-ups and microbial platforms display strong AVO responses, and are used to plot and nominate license blocks through the ANP for future Permanent Offer Rounds.
Contact a PGS expert
Please contact a member of our Brazil team for more information.