--> Abstract: Remote Sensing Application in Structural Mapping for Alberta Basin, Canada: A Synergic Approach, by Shilong Mei; #90039 (2005)
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Remote Sensing Application in Structural Mapping for Alberta Basin, Canada: A Synergic Approach

Shilong Mei
Alberta Energy and Utilities Board, Edmonton, AB

Alberta Basin is characterized by Paleozoic continental marine shelf deposits and Mesozoic foreland basin clastics, which are almost entirely covered by glacial drift and boreal forest in the north, except limited outcrops in the foothills and a few highland areas. As a result, the bedrock geology for Alberta Basin is mainly based on drill cores and Previous HitwellNext Hit Previous HitlogNext Hit data.

Oil and gas reservoirs in Alberta Basin are generally restricted to structural, stratigraphic, and erosional edge traps that occur where rocks are involved in fault-bounded structures. Conventional Previous HitwellNext Hit Previous HitlogNext Hit and Previous HitseismicNext Hit interpretation techniques have achieved varying success in detecting regional structure and major faults. The Alberta Basin is characterized by a regional trend dipping towards southwest, which is Previous HitwellNext Hit reflected in both Previous HitwellNext Hit Previous HitlogNext Hit and Previous HitseismicNext Hit data. This trend can mask local structure and faults. As a result, it is difficult to interpret local structure and faults using conventional approaches.

Alberta Geological Survey has acquired satellite images for surficial geological mapping and obtained refined picks for geological formations through its various programs. A new approach for structural mapping has been developed by Previous HitcombiningNext Hit the use of satellite images, refined Previous HitwellNext Hit Previous HitlogNext Hit data and spatial Previous HitanalysisNext Hit. This approach consists of 1) surficial lineaments mapping using satellite images; 2) subsurface structure modeling by applying trend surface Previous HitanalysisNext Hit to the Previous HitwellNext Hit Previous HitlogNext Hit data; 3) comparison of the surficial lineaments with the subsurface structure model. The trend surface Previous HitanalysisTop removes the regional trend, and highlights the local structural variations. The comparison of surficial lineaments with the subsurface structure helps to confirm and recognize rejuvenated faults. Several case studies demonstrating this approach are presented.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90039©2005 AAPG Calgary, Alberta, June 16-19, 2005