Exploration-Geophysics

Definition:•In hydrologic terms, the study of the physical characteristics and properties of the earth; including geodesy, seismology, meteorology, oceanography, atmospheric electricity, terrestrial magnetism, and tidal phenomena•We will only be briefly covering some surveying techniques

Knowing about the geology and the most likely traps that include hydrocarbons is important! Actually finding those traps is another thing altogether.
•Many methods have tried and failed to locate these reservoirs. The most important today are:
–Geological Exploration
–Ariel surveying
–Physical (Seismic) exploration
–Exploratory drilling

Geological Exploration•Actual surface observations by trained geologist can help to identify possible targets for exploration–Rock out crops–Canyon walls, road cuts, modern day structures•Geological maps can be made from these observations leading to the next phase of exploration

Aerial and satellite survey•High altitude surveys give a good picture of large anticlines or faulted regions that may be of interest•These surveys (either from aircraft or satellite) will help close in on further areas of interest.

Seismic Exploration
•The is the most common geophysical exploration method
•Shockwaves are aimed downwards into the rock strata and reflect back to sensitive surface equipment
•Different densities and hardness of the rocks reflect the waves at different rates of speed, seismologists interpret the variance in reflections and can model the strata below with the aid of complex computer programs

Seismic Exploration•New techniques such 3D seismic increase the success rates of finding reservoirs•Other geophysical exploration techniques include variations of gravity and magnetic properties to help detect subsurface formations.