But the ultra-deepwaters of the world, extending from 4000 feet to water depths of 10,000 feet and greater, remain largely a geological and economic mystery. This terrain is similar to a lunar surface, and geophysical imaging beneath it will be a supreme challenge. View of the bathymetry of the Ultra-deepwater Gulf of Mexico, looking from Brownsville, Texas toward New Orleans.
Sunken depressions are minibasins of sediment that have formed in holes in the canopy.
If the subsalt region between the Perdido and Mississippi Fan Foldbelts contains such anticlinal structures, which have yielded many billions of barrels of hydrocarbons in other parts of the world, this would represent a tremendous untested exploration opportunity. However, before exploration for ultra-deepwater reserves in the GOM, or elsewhere, can move forward, many technical hurdles must be overcome. Of key importance are assessments of reservoir producibility, hydrocarbon mix and quality and the ultimate recoverable reserves volumes. The deepest water production currently obtained from GOM waters is from the Auger field located in Garden Banks Block 426, approximately 214 miles southwest of New Orleans, Louisiana. The Auger field went on production in April of 1994 and is located in 2,860 feet of water.