Contribution of Satellite Imagery Analysis to Hydrocarbon Exploration in West Germany

D. K. L. Betz, Z. Berger

An integrated analysis of remote-sensing data, conducted jointly by BEB and Exxon Production Research Company, led to the recognition of several new structural elements in practically all the west and south German basins, as well as in Switzerland. Most of the structures observed in this study are related to regional-scale, basement-involved, fault systems that were reactivated several times during the tectonic evolution of the region. Many of these fault systems are difficult to recognize with conventional seismic data alone, because they exhibit different fault profiles along strike and because their seismic expressions are hidden by the more dominant structural elements of the region.

We examined the surface and subsurface expressions of several fault systems in the region, interpreted their timing of reactivation and associated deformational style, and discussed their potential influence on hydrocarbon plays in the Molasse basin, the Gifhorn trough, and the southern part of the Lower Saxony basin. Most of the major fault systems identified in this study appear to be related to reactivation of Variscan structures that were formed by a complex wrench-fault system during the Late Carboniferous-Early Permian. Major episodes of reactivation resulting in the development of hydrocarbons along these faults are primarily caused by Triassic rifting events and Late Cretaceous alpine compression.

The results of the integrated remote sensing, geology, and geophysical study have been used for delineating BEB's exploration targets in several areas.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91030©1988 AAPG Annual Convention, Houston, Texas, 20-23 March 1988.