New Technique for Structural Analysis of Low-Relief Basins

Zeev Berger

A new technique for structural analysis of low-relief basins integrates Landsat data with other geologic data sets such as gravity, magnetic, subsurface, and production data. Five analytical steps are recommended, and examples are supported by surface and subsurface controls. These steps are: (1) analyzing exposed structures that form the basin margin; (2) recognizing structural trends within the basin; (3) recognizing buried and obscured structures within the basin; (4) constructing an exploration model; and (5) generating new leads for the entire region. Examples cited are from various low-relief basins such as the Powder River, and the Central Basin platform of west Texas. Surface expressions of buried and obscured structures are attributed to differential compaction, oading, structural reactivation, and other processes related to abnormal flows of ground and surface waters near the structures. These well-recognized processes occur under various climatic and surface conditions. Landsat data can be used in low-relief frontier areas as a reconnaissance tool to identify regional trends, structural types, and potentially prospective structures. These data can also be used in low-relief mature areas to locate subtle structures not identified by other exploration techniques.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91043©1986 AAPG Annual Convention, Atlanta, Georgia, June 15-18, 1986.