Energy technologies

Exploration technology

High-resolution seismic data combined with advanced computational analysis enable ExxonMobil to make the most informed exploration, development and production decisions.

Sophisticated modeling capabilities

The search for hydrocarbons

Sound has been an integral part of oil and gas exploration for the last five decades. In the process of seismic mapping, sound wave reflections are used to form three dimensional images of geologic formations. The energy industry uses these 3-D images to help determine where to drill, reducing the number of wells needed to produce oil and gas resources.

For years, only a fraction of sound waves were considered usable as computer processing techniques could not yet handle the complexity. Today, our proprietary and patented algorithms, coupled with investments in supercomputers, accomplish the massive computational task of analyzing all seismic data to create a picture of the subsurface in richer detail.

Photo — With full wavefield inversion technology it is possible to see and dissect the very subtle physical properties of rocks and more accurately locate oil and gas reservoirs.
ExxonMobil's Role

Pioneering new technologies

The strength of our global organization allows us to explore across all geological and geographical environments — leveraging industry-leading technology and unprecedented advantages in resource analysis.

Discovering hidden hydrocarbons: using seismic-imaging technology to map formations far below the earth's surface

Exploration Article • Sept. 13, 2018

ExxonMobil sets record in high-performance oil and gas reservoir computing

Exploration Article • Sept. 13, 2018

Sound and the preservation of marine life

ExxonMobil takes numerous precautionary measures in all its seismic operations to minimize impacts on marine life.
Learn more

All articles about exploration technology

ExxonMobil, partners make new discovery on Angola Block 15 LUANDA, Angola – The National Agency for Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG), ExxonMobil Angola and the Angola Block 15 partners today announced a new discovery at the Bavuca South-1 exploration well.

News News releases • Nov. 7, 2022

ExxonMobil announces two new Guyana discoveries IRVING, Texas – ExxonMobil today announced two discoveries at the Sailfin-1 and Yarrow-1 wells in the Stabroek block offshore Guyana, adding to its extensive portfolio of development opportunities. ExxonMobil has made more than 30 discoveries on the block since 2015, and it has ramped up offshore development and production at a pace that far exceeds the industry average.

News News releases • Oct. 26, 2022

ExxonMobil makes two more discoveries offshore Guyana IRVING, Texas – ExxonMobil has made two new discoveries offshore Guyana to the southeast of the Liza and Payara developments in the Stabroek block. The discoveries at Seabob and Kiru-Kiru are the sixth and seventh in Guyana this year, with the total number of discoveries in Guyana at more than 25.

News News releases • July 26, 2022

ExxonMobil makes three new discoveries offshore Guyana, increases Stabroek resource estimate to nearly 11 billion barrels IRVING, Texas – ExxonMobil has made three new discoveries offshore Guyana and increased its estimate of the recoverable resource for the Stabroek Block to nearly 11 billion oil-equivalent barrels. 

News News releases • April 26, 2022

ExxonMobil starts production at Guyana's second offshore development IRVING, Texas – ExxonMobil today said it started production at Guyana’s second offshore oil development on the Stabroek Block, Liza Phase 2, bringing total production capacity to more than 340,000 barrels per day in only seven years since the country’s first discovery. 

News News releases • Feb. 11, 2022