This map shows the Shelf offshore Texas. It overlaps with the Louisiana Shelf map on the previous page. A couple of observations may be obvious: development is less dense (there is much more space between platforms); there are a lot more open leases; and many of the platforms are aligned parallel to the coastline. Why the difference?
Ans: Geology. Gulf producing sands were once continental sediment, and sands are more plentiful nearer the Mississippi River. There are more reservoir-quality sandstones, more organic-rich sediments, and more favorable geology for hydrocarbon traps off Louisiana than off Texas.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
“The Shelf” 2
Offshore GOM 101
