Abstract: A Comparison of Prolific Coalbed Methane Production Trends to Remote Sensing Imagery Linear-Feature Analysis in the Northern San Juan Basin: One Component of a Fracture Detection Program

Alan L. Klawitter

The ability to economically locate permeable coal reservoirs is critical to the success of any coal exploration program. Linear-feature analysis of remote sensing imagery provides a consistent method of identifying regional features that may be associated with fracture enhanced reservoirs. Linear-feature imagery analysis is a statistical approach designed to significantly reduce the subjectivity of image interpretation. The imagery data set that encompasses the northern San Juan basin was comprised of digitally enhanced Landsat Multispectral Scanner and Thematic Mapper data. Airborne radar was also acquired for analysis and comparison to known subsurface features.

Landsat Multispectral Scanner imagery provided the synoptic view necessary to define regional features best expressed in rocks outcropping at the perimeter of the basin. Since Landsat Thematic Mapper and radar imagery provide better spatial resolutions, they were used to interpret small-scale linear features within the basin. Lineaments derived from linear feature analysis of the imagery directly corresponded to and extended previously interpreted imagery lineaments. They also directly corresponded to: mapped regional basement structures; isopach trends; potential field anomaly trends; enhanced coalbed methane production trends; and domain boundaries defined by coal cleat orientations.

Imagery interpretation for fracture detection is enhanced through integration with a multiple source data set. The level of confidence in the imagery interpretation can be raised through overlapping interpretations of data derived from independent sources. Because linear feature imagery analysis can economically define areas for further geological investigations, it should be one of the initial components of any complete fracture-detection program.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90986©1994 AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado, June 12-15, 1994