PRELAT, ALFREDO, Texaco Exploration and Production Technology, Houston, TX

ABSTRACT: Integration of Remote Sensing, Geological, and Geophysical Data for Hydrocarbon Exploration and Environmental Baseline Applications

The integration of remote sensing data with geological and geophysical information is essential to improve the success of hydrocarbon exploration. In the first phase of an integrated exploration system, remote sensing can assist geologists in the selection of exploration regions by defining the existence of sedimentary basins. Remote sensing methods can generate a wealth of information useful in determining the value of exploratory prospecting. The types of information that are produced by remote sensing techniques in the pre-drilling phase include: area of the basins, sediment types, reconstruction of the geologic history, comparison with known or adjoining petroleum provinces, and detection of oil and gas seeps. In this first phase, remote sensing can also provide an assessment of t e environmental conditions of the ecosystem in the region. The information can be used to establish an accurate environmental baseline for future exploration and production in the basins. In the second phase of appraisal, remote sensing data are merged with other available information such as aeromagnetic, gravity, geochemical, and seismic data. The result of this phase is a more accurate assessment of the oil prospects. The final analysis of the integrated exploration system involves further geological and geophysical work using the environmental baseline for drilling wildcat wells. This integrated exploration system approach will be illustrated using case history examples from different parts of the world.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90987©1993 AAPG Annual Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana, April 25-28, 1993.