Overpressure conditions and reservoir compartmentalization on the Scotian Margin

Overpressure has been identified as a serious risk element in several offshore basins around the world including the Scotian margin; it has been mapped on the Scotian margin at a low resolution but the causes for overpressure have not been resolved. Previous work (Yassir and Bell, 1994; Wade, MacLean and Williams 1995; Wielens 2003; Play Fairway Analysis 2012) indicated overpressure on the Scotian margin was variable and not readily predictable. Negative aspects and unknowns of overpressure are it can occur with similar magnitude at varying depth in wells in the same field, and may not be related to specific formations or burial depths, formation temperature and hydrocarbon maturity. High pressures exceeding the expected hydrostatic pressures are present in some wells but not in others; the regional pressure gradient and distribution outside the wells is unknown. A positive aspect of overpressures is they are recognized as a potential indicator element for active hydrocarbon systems.