Identifier

etd-01232013-141158

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Geology and Geophysics

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

The Bay Marchand field is located about 60 miles south of New Orleans, Louisiana on the continental shelf. The structurally complex field has produced over 960 MMBOE as of 2012 (http://www.eplweb.com), with many of these hydrocarbons being trapped against the massive salt dome and associated faulting present in the area. A study by Bruno and Hanor (2003) documented the presence of a high salinity plume off the southeast flank of the dome that had less saline and less dense pore water below it. The purpose of this study was to investigate the spatial variations in pore water salinity and temperature on the shallow flanks and crest of the dome that was proposed to be the potential source of the plume mapped in the adjacent Bruno and Hanor (2003) study area. SP and resistivity logs, as well as log header data for 19 boreholes drilled in Bay Marchand were used to calculate salinities, temperatures, and pressures across the area. Results indicate that salt dissolution has led to the presence of four high salinity plumes migrating down-dip away from the dome. Temperature and pressure data suggest the downward migration of seawater as the most likely source of the water supplying the plumes. The plumes appear to be bracketed by major faults in the area. Incorporation of 3D seismic data and fault mapping may be of interest in the future.

Date

2013

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Nunn, Jeffrey

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.236

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