Applications of the EM Method in Complex Thrust Belts and Foreland Basins

Abstract

Foreland fold-thrust belt is a hydrocarbon-rich area, but seismic data can't produce the desired images because of complex surface condition and subsurface geological structures. It is difficult to determine deep structure in fold-thrust belt only using seismic data. The EM method can reflect structural style and detect deep targets below complex surface structures, but due to the volume effect, we can’t interpret traps in more details along the vertical direction. This can only be done with EM data. So, it is necessary to integrate geophysical methods for the exploration in complex thrust belt and foreland basin. The EM method can play two roles in complex thrust belt and foreland basin: (1) EM play the pioneering role, it can be used to determine the complex structural style and new favorable petroleum region. The strata distribution can be identified in geologically complex areas. (2) Joint EM-seismic can be used for lithology analysis and velocity modeling. The velocity model obtained is used in the pre-stacking depth migration, greatly improving the resolution of traps prediction.

AAPG Datapages/Search and Discovery Article #90326 © 2018 AAPG Latin America & Caribbean Region, Optimizing Exploration and Development in Thrust Belts and Foreland Basins. Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, June 6-8, 2018