Publication Name: The Sedimentary Basins of WA
Authors: N.T. Jones & A.D. Hall
Publication Volume: 3
Date Published: December 2002
Number of Pages: 26
Reference Type: Book Section
Abstract:
The intersection of a 36 m gross oil column in Cliff Head 1 in the offshore North Perth Basin has proven that an established onshore play-type is valid offshore and has confirmed the hydrocarbon potential of the Beagle Ridge.The play concept, Permo-Triassic sandstones and minor limestones sealed beneath regional marine Triassic shales, has been successfully exploited onshore for gas.
The discovery was the result of a recent revival of interest in the offshore extension of the Beagle Ridge. Previously, exploration in this area has been hampered by jurisdictional issues, problematic access for seismic vessels and, perhaps most significantly, a perception that the region was gas prone. High quality seismic data acquired in 1999 improved the seismic coverage sufficiently to enable previously identified leads to be matured into drillable prospects.
Cliff Head 1 was spudded on December 25th 2001, and within 5 days had penetrated a 5 m gross oil column (1253-1258 mSS) in Early Permian sandstones. The Cliff Head 2 sidetrack intersected a gross 36 m oil column
approximately 1.1 km NNE of the discovery well and confirmed a common oil-water contact. Based upon current mapping, the Cliff Head structure is estimated to contain an in-place resource of approximately 80-100 mmbls of oil.