Lessons Learned from the Golden Zone Concept for Understanding Overpressure Development, and Drilling Safety in Energy Exploration

At the invitation of Prof. Robert Bea, of the Deepwater Horizon Study Group (DHSG), the following technical summary of the "Golden Zone" concept (Buller et al, 2005; Nadeau, 2011), its applications in the US Gulf of Mexico basin, implications for drilling safety, and lessons learned particularly over the last 6 months, has been prepared. It is hoped that this Working Paper with further advance the "Golden Zone" concept within the petroleum industry, as well as regulatory agencies, with respect to sub-surface energy exploration risk assessment and management.