Print this pageMississippi's Field Trials for Surface Exploration Techniques
MOODY, JACK S.
The Mississippi Office of Geology began its field trials in 1993 and continues to the present. The initial objectives were to determine if subsurface oil and gas fields have a detectable surface signature, and if that signature has a predictable relationship to the reservoir's location. Initial work involved radiometric, microbial, and free soil gas techniques to examine reservoirs at depths from 3,000 feet to 18,000 feet. A mixture of both oil and gas fields was tested, as were both structural and stratigraphic traps. To maintain objectivity, participating vendors were either sent samples collected by Office of Geology staff, or were accompanied in the field by staff. In the initial tests, all fields were detected except one depleted field. Additional trials continued using iodine and magnetometer techniques.
Using four different techniques, a follow-up study of a dry hole which had indicated hydrocarbons from radiometrics suggest one test may not have condemned the entire structure.
NASA has joined in the field trials to evaluate the application of hyperspectral imagery for the detection of hydrocarbon microseepage. The initial results of that effort encouraged a second phase of investigation.
The evidence thus far in these Mississippi trials indicates that many of Mississippi's oil and gas fields do have an associated surface expression. It therefore appears that, properly used, these kinds of techniques have their place in an aggressive, cost-effective exploration program.