The objective of this project is to increase heavy oil reserves in a portion of the Wilmington oil Field, near Long Beach, California, by implementing advanced reservoir characterization and thermal production technologies. Based on the knowledge and experience gained with this project, these technologies are intended to be extended to other sections of the Wilmington Oil Field, and, through technology transfer, will be available to increase heavy oil reserves in other slope and basin clastic (SBC) reservoirs. The project involves implementing thermal recovery in the southern half of the Fault Block II-A Tar zone. The existing steamflood in Fault Block II-A has been relatively inefficient due to several producibility problems which are common in SBC reservoirs. inadequate characterization of the heterogeneous turbidite sands, high permeability thief zones, low gravity oil, and nonuniform distribution of remaining oil have all contributed to poor sweep efficiency, high steam-oil ratios, and early steam breakthrough. Operational problems related to steam breakthrough, high reservoir pressure, and unconsolidated formation sands have caused premature well and downhole equipment failures. In aggregate, these reservoir and operational constraints have resulted in increased operating costs and decreased recoverable reserves. A suite of advanced reservoir characterization and thermal production technologies are being applied during the project to improve oil recovery efficiency and reduce operating costs, including: 1. Developing three-dimensional (3-D) deterministic and stochastic geologic and reservoir simulation models. 2. Developing computerized 3-D visualizations of the geologic and reservoir simulation models to aid in analysis. 3. Performing detailed studies of the geochemical interactions between the injected steam and the formation rock and fluids. 4. Performing pilot tests of steam injection and production via new horizontal wells. 5. Performing pilot tests of hot water alternating steam (WAS) drive in the existing steam drive area to improve thermal efficiency. 6. Installing a 2100-ft insulated, subsurface harbor channel crossing to supply steam to an island location. 7. Testing a novel alkaline steam completion technique to control well sanding problems and fluid entry profiles. 8. Applying advanced reservoir management through computer-aided access to production and geologic data to integrate reservoir characterization, engineering, monitoring and evaluation.