Hydrocarbon Exploration in Sub-Basalt Basins around Peninsular India

Misra, Kiran S.¹; Misra, Anshuman²
¹Petroleum Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, India.
²Geology, Kumaon Univresity, Nainital, India.

In several geological settings, the Phanerozoic sedimentary sequences are interlayered with volcanic flows. To obtain stratigraphic and structural information below these volcanics, as well as their thickness has always been a challenge. This study enumerates an approach, where seismic profiles, gravity, magnetic, remote sensing and drill hole data sets are integrated. Seismic profiles generated by Pre-Staking and Depth Migration(PSDM) processing techniques, high resolution satellite gravity data in oceanic regions, vertical gradient component of aeromagnetic data in land and offshore areas, interpretation of lineaments from satellite imagery and litho-logs have been found to have great potential. Cretaceous volcanics sandwitched between uninterrupted Tertiary and older Mesozoic sequences are invariably present in all hydrocarbon producing, as well as potential basins in and around peninsular India. PSDM profiles have provided the thickness patterns, major faults disturbing the sequences and growth of associated coral reefs complexes. Gravity data has facilitated in identifying lateral extensions of submerged oceanic ridges. Magnetic data has been exceptionally useful in mapping major basement faults, which separated different sub-volcanic basins. The existence of these faults, as well as their nature has been established by satellite imagery, where corresponding lineament zones are identified. The litho-logs from drill holes have provided point information which not only confirmed the interpretation but also helped to extend in adjoining areas.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90155©2012 AAPG International Conference & Exhibition, Singapore, 16-19 September 2012