New technology developed through a cost-shared project managed by the Office of Fossil Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory is improving the industry's ability to identify commercially viable deep oil and gas targets prior to drilling, the Department of Energy reports.

Deep wells are considered those drilled to 15,000 feet or more. The improved seismic technology is hoped to help producers find more bright spots and drill more of these wells.

"Applications of this ground-breaking technology will help to accelerate future development of deep oil and gas resources in the U.S.," the DOE adds. "As the oil and gas industry turns its attention toward deeper targets, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico, the tremendous costs involved require advanced technologies for pre-drill evaluation of a deep prospect's location, size and hydrocarbon charge."

Houston-based Rock Solid Images provided patented pre-drill seismic-imaging technology that improves pre-drill oil and gas detection in the reservoir and reduces the risks associated with drilling deep wells, the DOE reports.