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Topics > Earth Modelling > Gravity and magnetic methods for oil exploration

EARTH MODELLING

Gravity and magnetic methods for oil exploration

Discovering and assessing oil or gas deposits requires integration of information culled

from geology, geochemistry, drilling, GIS, seismology, EM, potential fields, and other

disciplines.

While seismic exploration remains the primary method of exploring for petroleum, use of

gravity and magnetic methods has continued to expand, based on their contribution to

reliable evaluations (and recent discoveries) in deeper, more challenging environments

such as sub-salt structures and deep sea.

By gathering geophysical data to narrow the search area within large fields, exploration crews can refine

their targets and apply seismic techniques more efficiently. Combining seismic and gravity methods

enables oil explorers to better define and focus projects early on, and minimise the risk of conducting

expensive investigation before potential is determined.

Advances in processing and interpreting

gravity and magnetics

There was a time when gravity and magnetic surveys were

considered the rough first cut to zero in on locations to set up

their seismic gear. Thats all changing. As the quality of gravity

and magnetic data improves, grav/mag methods are being used

to complement and constrain traditional seismic data or even

used as the only tool.

Narrowing the Field

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freedom to explore

Applying gravity and magnetics in

deepwater exploration

With its roots in exploration 55 years ago, Petrobras has

matured into a world renowned integrated oil company without

losing its explorer focus, leading the world in deepwater

expertise. Integration of gravity and magnetics as part of their

exploratory tools, enabled them to see beneath the ocean's

post salt layer, contributing to their Santos Basin discoveries.

Petrobras Deepwater Discovery Success

Effective use of gravity and magnetic data

for oil exploration

In an interview with Dr. Michal Ellen Ruder, Wintermoon

Geotechnologies Inc, she reviewed the basics of using gravity

and magnetic methods for Oil and Gas exploration. Dr. Ruder

explains how and when to use your magnetic and gravity data

to further leverage your seismic data, improve depth modelsand define or constrain geometry in challenging areas.

When Seismic Isn't Enough

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