ABSTRACT: Exploiting Tectonic Heredity through Correlating Remotely Sensed Imagery Data with Multiple Geoscience Datasets

PENNER, L. A., and J. D. MOLLARD, J. D. Mollard and Associates Limited, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

The integration of remotely sensed lineament data with multiple geoscience datasets has proven useful for investigating tectonically inherited subsurface structures at several locations in the Western Canada sedimentary basin. Suggested mechanisms for structural inheritance include reactivated fault movements, fracture controlled salt dissolution and related subsidence, differential crustal rebound following deglaciation, differential erosion along fracture zones, and the effects of paleotopography on lateral changes in differential compaction and lithology. Examples from several case histories illustrate the types of data correlated, the techniques used, and study results. They include oil-bearing areas around Lloydminster, Estevan, Shaunavon, and Minton in Saskatchewan, and several ocations in northwest Alberta. Studies have also been completed for potash mining companies operating in central and eastern Saskatchewan.

In many areas, remotely sensed images show lineament patterns and diagnostic geomorphic features at regional and local scales. The lineaments are often clustered along two or more preferred azimuthal trends, forming distinctive pattern features. Surface trends and patterns related to subsurface structural elements have been observed over a number of oil and gas fields and potash mines.

Where available, basement gravity and magnetic data are correlated with remotely sensed lineament data in search of structures at intervening levels in the sedimentary rock column. Near-surface soil gas geochemical survey, geomorphic, hydrogeologic, microseismic, geobotanical, geothermal, and conventional geologic information have also been correlated with remotely sensed imagery data.

Information from the integration of data and technologies is used to focus exploration targets and strategies. Applications include petroleum exploration, optimizing production from horizontal and vertical wells in reservoir development, interpreting soil gas data and fracture trace data for environmental assessment, and planning underground mine exploration and development programs.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91012©1992 AAPG Annual Meeting, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, June 22-25, 1992 (2009)