1. n. [Geology]
Exploration activity located in offshore areas where water depths exceed approximately 600 feet [200 m], the approximate water depth at the edge of the continental shelf. While deep-water reservoir targets are geologically similar to reservoirs drilled both in shallower present-day water depths as well as onshore, the logistics of producing hydrocarbons from reservoirs located below such water depths presents a considerable technical challenge.
See: continental shelf, exploration, hydrocarbon, play, shelf