Abstract: Applications of Remote Sensing Methods for Oil Exploration and Environmental Assessment

Alfredo E. Prelat, John N. Diggens, Tom L. Burnett

Remote Sensing has become an essential tool in the exploration for natural resources for environmental assessments. In the first phase of an integrated exploration program, remote sensing can assist the geologist in the selection of exploration regions by prioritizing exploration trends and prospects. The information produced by remote sensing techniques in the pre-drilling phase include: area of the basins, types of lithology, surface structure, hydrocarbon seeps, reconstruction of the geological history, and comparison with known or adjoining petroleum provinces. In this first phase, remote sensing also provides an assessment of the environmental conditions of the ecosystem in the region. A baseline of the physical and biological conditions is documented as a benchmark for future exploration and production activities. A more detailed analysis of the drainage patterns, textural topography, existing infrastructure and potential geological hazards (e.g., landslides, neotectonic features) may also be included here. In the second phase of the appraisal, the remote sensing information is merged with other available data such as geochemical, aeromagnetic, gravity, and seismic surveys. The result of this phase is to create a more accurate assessment of the oil prospects. The final analysis is the integration of the geological work with the established environmental framework for site and operations planning.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90951©1996 AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, Caracas, Venezuela