Exploration of Sedimentary Basins using Exploration of Sedimentary Basins using Altimeter DataAltimeter Data

By

Khalid A. Soofi

Exploration Strategy

• Good Old Times– Look for seeps & drill

– Look for bumps & drill

• Minimum Requirements– Find unexplored basin

– Is sedimentary basin thick enough?

– Does it have a source?

– Generation & Migration possible?

– Is there a Trap?

– Is there a seal?

– Economics?

Some specific examples of using Altimeter DataSome specific examples of using Altimeter Data

• Quick ScreeningQuick Screening• Salt, Mini-BasinsSalt, Mini-Basins• Submarine CanyonsSubmarine Canyons• Fracture ZonesFracture Zones• Forward ModelingForward Modeling• Wish List for Future MissionsWish List for Future Missions

Black Sea – Quick Screening

Offshore – free air gravityOnshore - topography

Malay Basin

Tonle Sap - Cambodia

Salt FeaturesSalt FeaturesMini BasinsMini Basins

Salt Features, Mini Basins

Salt Features, Mini Basins

Gulf of Mexico

Seep Association type

SAR – Slick Detection Mechanism

Hydrocarbon Slicks from Space

Gulf of Mexico - Seeps

Satellite Gravity Finds Sediment Fairways

Comparison between satellite gravity, marine, and land gravity

Barbados – Altimeter data

Barbados offshore Multi-beam Image

Multi-beam data with acoustic backscatter

Fracture ZonesFracture Zones

Fracture Zones

Fracture Zones

Fracture Zones

Off shore Niger Delta: Structural Province Map

Stable shelf

Counter-regional growth faults

Regional growth faults

Translational basin

Mobile-shale cored anticlines and diapirs

Shale-cored detachment fold

Basin-verging outer toe thrusts

Hinterland-verging outer toe thrusts

Buried Cretaceous seamounts

LEGEND

Oceanic fracture zone

Outer thrust front

Inner thrust front

Abyssal Plain of Gulf of Guinea

Limit of extension

Counter regional growth faults Fig 4

Submarine CanyonsSubmarine Canyons

Submarine Canyons – West Africa

Submarine Canyons – Indus River

Submarine Canyon – Ganges River

Submarine Canyons – offshore Nigeria

Submarine Canyons – offshore Nigeria

Submarine Canyons

Regional Seismic merged with Altimeter Data

Submarine channels offshore Nigeria

Forward ModelingForward Modeling

Caspian Sea (Model Locations)

Free Air Gravity Modeling(Strike Slip Model)

Free Air Gravity Modeling(Over-thrust Model)

Other Applications…

• Pipeline Routing conceptual design

• Seismic survey design

• Potential Hazard Areas

Ship TracksShip Tracks

Wish List...

• Resolve 10 km features near-shore (less then 1000 meters water depth) both on Free Air Gravity ( & Bathymetry, if possible).

• Get rid of near-shore noise by collecting more reliable altimeter data and merging with available ship data

• Get rid of ship track noise...

LimitationsLimitations(for HC Exploration)(for HC Exploration)

Ship TracksShip Tracks