Evaluation of the Structure, Stratigraphy and Hydrocarbon Play Types of Offshore Florida Using Seismic Reflection Data 

Offshore western Florida is one of the last frontier exploration areas in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.  This presentation analyzes 11,000 km of recent 2-D seismic data to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential of the area.

 The presentation examines future areas of exploration by 1.) identification of plays located on trend with existing play types, and 2.) proposal of conceptual plays for future exploration. 

 Exploration play types can be further subdivided into; 1.) shallow water, shelf opportunities, 2.) moderate water depth, escarpment plays, and 3.) deepwater play types.

 Play types on the platform include: James Lime, Norphlet sandstone, and Cretaceous reefs and shelf edge fans.  Deep water traps would include Oligocene and Miocene clastic plays and Jurassic/Cretaceous plays associated with salt tectonics.

The extensive seismic data set analyzed provides valuable information that can be used to assess the number and size of undiscovered accumulations in this frontier petroleum province.