Arcis Seismic Solutions begins 3D multi-client surveys onshore Canada

Arcis Seismic Solutions, a wholly-owned subsidiary of TGS has begun two 3D multi-client surveys onshore Canada.

The surveys totaling 308km² in size will be done to image multiple prospective zones focusing on illumination of the Bakken and Birdbear light oil plays.

The survey work is a representation of Arcis’ continuing investment to multi-client data in the country’s western region.

The company has previously undertaken surveys in the Williston Basin in the prolific Lower Mississippian – Upper Devonian oil fairway.

Arcis’ current Neptune South 3D project is an southern extension of its previous project, which was acquired with primary prospectivity in the northern most extent of the Bakken / Sanish / Three Forks formations.

Ordovician (Red River oil) and Silurian aged rocks show the secondary potential within the survey area.

Arcis stated that the Unity North 3D project will focus on emerging Devonian Birdbear (Nisku equivalent) play in Western Saskatchewan, with secondary potential in the Cretaceous Mannville.

TGS Senior VP western hemisphere Rod Starr said the company through Arcis Seismic Solutions will undertake onshore seismic data in Canada.

"The entry into the Canadian market and announcement of these two surveys is a key step in TGS’ strategic growth plan," said Starr.

Arcis will process the data and the intermediate results will be available Q4 2012 with final data available in Q1 2013.

The company said the multi-client surveys are supported by industry pre-funding.