Subsurface Insights: Wildcat Wells and Seismic Imaging in Upstream Oil & Gas Reservoirs


Authors : Manish Mohapatra

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 5 - May


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/yd6m2mxy

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25may999

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : This research paper explores the critical role of seismic imaging and wildcat wells in upstream oil and gas exploration. It investigates how geological attributes such as porosity, permeability, and grain cohesion, combined with advanced imaging techniques, influence the success of initial exploratory drilling. The analysis emphasizes the limitations in hydrocarbon recovery—often only a fraction of the oil in place is extractable—and how this tie into the physical structure and seismic response of reservoirs. This study aims to enhance understanding of exploration uncertainty and reservoir behaviour in both onshore and offshore contexts.

References :

  1. Avseth, P., Mukerji, T., & Mavko, G. (2005). Quantitative Seismic Interpretation. Cambridge University Press.
  2. Dake, L. P. (2001). Fundamentals of Reservoir Engineering. Elsevier.
  3. Sheriff, R. E., & Geldart, L. P. (1995). Exploration Seismology. Cambridge University Press.
  4. Schlumberger Oilfield Glossary. (2024). glossary.oilfield.slb.com
  5. AAPG Bulletin (2022–2024 editions). Peer-reviewed case studies.
  6. Tarek Ahmed. (2018). Reservoir Engineering Handbook. Gulf Professional Publishing.
  7. Yilmaz, Öz (2001). Seismic Data Analysis. Society of Exploration Geophysicists.
  8. U.S. Energy Information Administration (2023). Cost Estimates of Oil and Gas Exploration.
  9. King, G. E. (2012). Hydraulic Fracturing 101: What Every Representative, Environmentalist, Regulator, Reporter, Investor, University Researcher, Neighbor and Engineer Should Know About Estimating Frac Risk and Improving Frac Performance in Unconventional Gas and Oil Wells.

This research paper explores the critical role of seismic imaging and wildcat wells in upstream oil and gas exploration. It investigates how geological attributes such as porosity, permeability, and grain cohesion, combined with advanced imaging techniques, influence the success of initial exploratory drilling. The analysis emphasizes the limitations in hydrocarbon recovery—often only a fraction of the oil in place is extractable—and how this tie into the physical structure and seismic response of reservoirs. This study aims to enhance understanding of exploration uncertainty and reservoir behaviour in both onshore and offshore contexts.

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