A Multi-Channel Seismic Interpretation of the Canterbury Basin Offshore New Zealand and Potential Hydrocarbon Sources
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Date
2018-12
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Publisher
The Ohio State University
Abstract
The Canterbury Basin off the coast of the South Island of New Zealand is a strong potential
source for hydrocarbon exploration. Reflection seismic data from cruise EW0001, collected by
the Institute for Geophysics, University of Texas at Austin, have been compiled into seismic
images of the basin and interpreted to show potential of hydrocarbons due to rock formations and
sequences. Data were collected using Generator Injector air guns shooting sound waves into the
ocean and using sources to receive the reflections of the sound waves. Geologic maps of the New
Zealand Coast and Canterbury Basin indicate predominantly alternating sandstone and mudstone
basin fill sequences. These sequences can be seen in the seismic images due to the change in
amplitude of the reflections. A bottom simulator reflector appears in the seismic image
suggesting the formation of gas hydrates. The Canterbury Basin remains a strong target for
hydrocarbon exploration as it exhibits many signs of what makes a successful reservoir to trap
hydrocarbons.
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Keywords
Geophysics, Seismic imaging, Canterbury basin, hydrocarbons, New Zealand