Serguei Goussev - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Serguei Goussev

Research paper thumbnail of Magnetic Basement: Gravity-Guided Magnetic Source Depth Analysis and Interpretation

We present a new integrated approach to the interpretation of magnetic basement that is based on ... more We present a new integrated approach to the interpretation of magnetic basement that is based on recognition of characteristic patterns in distributions and alignments of magnetic source depth solutions above and below the surface of magnetic basement. This approach integrates a quantitative analysis of depth solutions, obtained by 2D Werner deconvolution of the magnetic data, with a qualitative evaluation of the Bouguer gravity anomalies. The crystalline/metamorphic basement and sedimentary cover have different origins, tectonic histories, lithologies and magnetic properties. These differences result in different geometries of magnetic sources associated with faults, fracture zones, igneous intrusions, erosional truncations, subcrop edges and other structural discontinuities. Properly tuned, 2D Werner deconvolution is able to resolve the intra-sedimentary and intra-basement magnetic source geometries into distinctly different distributions and alignments of calculated depth solutions. An empirical set of criteria, basement indicators, was developed for identification and correlation of the basement surface. The ambiguity of basement correlation with limited or non-existent well control, which is common for onshore frontier and offshore explorations, can be reduced by incorporating the Bouguer gravity data into the process of correlation.

Research paper thumbnail of Episode 173: Why you need the Gravity '&' Magnetic Encyclopedic Dictionary

Seismic Soundoff Podcasts, Jan 5, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Gravity and Magnetic Encyclopedic Dictionary

Society of Exploration Geophysicists eBooks, Nov 3, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Texture Analysis of High Resolution Aeromagnetic Data to Delineate Geological Features in the Horn River Basin, NE British Columbia

... The main formations of interest for shale gas exploration in the Horn River Basin include the... more ... The main formations of interest for shale gas exploration in the Horn River Basin include the Devonian Muskwa shale and Evie shale (Levson et ... Levson, VL, Walsh, W., Adam, C., Ferri, F., and Hayes, M., 2009, An overview of shale gas potential in Northeastern British Columbia ...

Research paper thumbnail of Detecting Shallow Geological Features in High Resolution Aeromagnetic Data of the Horn River Basin Using Second Derivative in the Gradient Direction (SDGD) and PLUS Filters

In this poster we introduce a group of filters to process HRAM data. These filters aim at enhanci... more In this poster we introduce a group of filters to process HRAM data. These filters aim at enhancing the high frequency contents of HRAM data and reducing the level of noise and thus revealing shallow geological features related to faults, fractures and buried channels more clearly. These filters are known as the second derivative in the gradient direction (SDGD) and the PLUS. These filters were applied on HRAM data covering the Horn River Basin in Northeast British Columbia. Prior to applying the SDGD and the PLUS filters, the HRAM image was convolved with a Gaussian filter in order to reduce noise in the data. The aim of this study is therefore to detect shallow geological features using SDGD and PLUS filters. The preliminary results of this study are very encouraging. We were able to detect features that are believed to be related to faults, fractures and buried channels that we were not able to detect on images produced by using traditional filters.

Research paper thumbnail of Automatic identification of basement geomorphic features in the Peace River Arch using curvature attributes of magnetic data

The boundary between crystalline basement rocks and overlying sedimentary rocks in a sedimentary ... more The boundary between crystalline basement rocks and overlying sedimentary rocks in a sedimentary basin represents one of the best targets for magnetic surveys because of its high magnetic susceptibility contrast. The high magnetic susceptibility contrast at the basement/sedimentary boundary is often produced as a result of high concentration of magnetic minerals in the basement rocks relative to the overlying sedimentary rocks. For that reason, most of the magnetic signals observed on magnetic images are most likely related to basement geomorphic features such as ridges (horsts) and valleys (grabens). Mapping shapes and orientations of basement geomorphic features using magnetic data is vital for oil and gas exploration because the basement is often control the overlying sedimentary rocks and their related geological structures, including the formation of their oil and gas plays. Thus, this abstract describes a new approach to automatically identify shapes of basement geomorphic fea...

Research paper thumbnail of Delineation of curvilinear structures on magnetic images using eigenvalues of Hessian based vesselness filter

One of the main objectives of using magnetic data in geological interpretation is to delineate co... more One of the main objectives of using magnetic data in geological interpretation is to delineate concealed geological structures that are often displayed as linear or curvilinear anomalies on magnetic images. These curvilinear anomalies are attributable to faults and fractures that are most often formed as a result of juxtaposition of rocks with contrasting magnetic susceptibility values. Therefore, accurate delineation of curvilinear geological structures is vital for oil and gas exploration as well as for obtaining a reliable interpretation of magnetic data. In this study a new 2D/3D Hessian based filtering technique called ‘vesselness’ is used to delineate curvilinear geological structures on magnetic images. This relatively new filtering technique was developed in 1998 by Frangi to delineate tube-shaped blood vessels on medical images and since then it has been used extensively in several disciplines. Even though blood vessels and geological structures are different in principle t...

Research paper thumbnail of Magnetization of the Hines Creek Fault - an Aeromagnetic Case History

Research paper thumbnail of A new approach to visualize and interpret eigenvalues of Airborne Gravity Gradiometry (AGG) tensor data

With recent advances in the airborne gravity gradiometry (AGG) acquisition and processing, and th... more With recent advances in the airborne gravity gradiometry (AGG) acquisition and processing, and the growing interest in their utilization in exploration for natural resources, it is becoming essential to develop new approaches for interpreting the AGG data. Gravity surveys, in general, measure variations in the Earth's gravity field, which is a function of the mass or density of subsurface rocks. Unlike the conventional airborne gravity data, interpretation of the AGG tensor data is more challenging because of its multicomponent nature. In the conventional airborne gravity surveys, a single component of the gravity field is measured: vertical component gz. In contrast, AGG surveys measure nine components of the gravity gradient field along three mutually orthogonal x, y, and z directions. Together, the nine gravity gradients (Txx, Tyy, Tzz, Txy, Tyx, Txz, Tzx, Tyz, and, Tzy) form 3x3 symmetric second-rank traceless tensor. In the traceless tensor, sum of the diagonal elements is equal to zero (i.e., Txx + Tyy + Tzz = 0). Among nine full tensor components, five are independent: Txx, Tyy, Txy, Txz, and Tyz. The Tzz component is computed from Txx and Tyy via the Laplace's equation. Since AGG measurements are made in a source-free space and in accordance with the Laplace's equation, Tzz =-(Txx + Tyy). AGG surveys measure multiple components of the gravity field, and they provide a higher spatial resolution data than the conventional airborne gravity surveys. Moreover, AGG surveys measure the horizontal and the vertical gradients of the gravity field and, therefore, they are able to capture the high-frequency signals associated with shallow or near-surface geological targets. This is considered as one of the advantages of the AGG surveys over the conventional airborne surveys, because it provides an opportunity to map the ground water aquifers, near-surface mineral deposits, and shallow hydrocarbon accumulations. For the deep geological targets, perhaps, conventional airborne gravity surveys are more suitable, because the AGG signal loses its strength faster than a conventional gravity signal with the increasing depth: AGG signal strength diminishes by power of three, whereas the conventional gravity signal strength diminishes by power of two from the point sources. Tensor components of the AGG data (Txx, Tyy, Tzz, Txy, Txz, and Tyz) provide useful information about geology of the area: gradient anomalies of the horizontal components (Txx, Tyy, and Txy) are related to the structural discontinuities such as faults, fractures, and lithological contacts. Vertical components of the AGG data (Tzz, Txz, and Tyz) are related to the depth and density variations of the geological target. Generally, each of these six components is interpreted either separately or they are combined into a single image and interpreted as a single attribute. The latter approach is more appropriate in some cases, like interpreting the shape or curvature attributes of the geological target. In this study, we are introducing a new approach to interpret and visualize the AGG data based on combining the six tensor components (Txx, Tyy, Tzz, Txy, Txz, and Tyz) into the single images describing shape and anisotropy attributes of the data. Using the six components of the AGG data, we computed three eigenvalues (λ1, λ2, and λ3) from 3x3 Hessian matrix. The Hessian matrix is composed of the nine second-order derivatives of the gravity potential. Based on the three extracted eigenvalues, four shape and anisotropy attribute indices were computed using the eigenvalue magnitudes. These attribute indices are linear anisotropic (CL), planar anisotropic (CP), spherical anisotropic (CS), and fractional anisotropic (FA). These attribute indices appear to be closely related to the rock density variations and structural geology of the area. We applied these attribute indices to the publicly available Falcon ® GeoConvention 2020 2 AGG data from the survey over the McFaulds Lake area in Ontario, Canada, to test their effectiveness in interpreting the AGG tensor data. The obtained results are, in general, intriguing and they show a good agreement between the degree of the tensor anisotropy, expressed by four anisotropic attribute indices, and the geological structure of the study area. It appears that the anisotropy is more intensive toward the western part of the study area, where most of the Precambrian rocks are located and subjected to the multiple phases of deformation, volcanism and mineralization.

Research paper thumbnail of Contribution of Integrated Interpretation in Subsurface Structure: Example from Esh El Mellaha area, Gulf of Suez, Egypt

Summary Significant improvements in the magnetic survey, design, processing and most important, r... more Summary Significant improvements in the magnetic survey, design, processing and most important, resolution of aeromagnetic data could provide detailed information on the spatial distribution, geometry, and structural style of faults and fracture systems. The magnetic data can easily integrate/merge and correlated with other available data (e.g. gravity, geology, seismic, topography). The integration of these data provides an excellent approach for structural system and evaluation of hydrocarbon plays in Esh El Mellaha area, Gulf of Suez. In this paper, enhancements and filtering of aeromagnetic data were implemented using band-pass filter and horizontal gradient technique. The results are compared with the available information; such as geologic map, drill-hole data, topographic data, and 2D seismic data in the northern part of the area. In general, the area is dissected by a system of faults most of them trending in the NW-SE (Red Sea trend) and NEE-SWW (Tethyan trend). Introduction:

Research paper thumbnail of Horizontal gradient and band-pass filter of aeromagnetic data image the subsurface structure; Example from Esh El Mellaha Area, Gulf of Suez, Egypt

Summary The Esh El Mellaha area is located on the western coast of the Gulf of Suez that is consi... more Summary The Esh El Mellaha area is located on the western coast of the Gulf of Suez that is considered the main hydrocarbon resource in Egypt. The main exploration problems in and around the Gulf of Suez are the complexity of the basement structure and the Pre-Miocene salt formation that masks the seismic energy. Herein, we attempt to image the

Research paper thumbnail of Using Enhanced HRAM Anomalies to Correlate Faults between 2-D Seismic Lines

Summary Correlation of faults between 2-D seismic lines using enhanced magnetic anomalies is illu... more Summary Correlation of faults between 2-D seismic lines using enhanced magnetic anomalies is illustrated by this example from a High-Resolution AeroMagnetic (HRAM) survey near the Weyburn oil field in south-eastern Saskatchewan as part of the IAE Weyburn CO2 Storage and Monitoring Project. Seismic fault picks, interpreted on 2-D seismic sections, closely correlate with linear magnetic anomalies on the filtered HRAM map. These fault-associated magnetic anomalies can be correlated within the 2-D seismic coverage area and beyond its limits.

Research paper thumbnail of Hram Fault Interpretation Using Magprobe Depth Estimates and Non- Traditional Filtering

We discuss in this paper a technique for interpreting high resolution aeromagnetic (HRAM) data to... more We discuss in this paper a technique for interpreting high resolution aeromagnetic (HRAM) data to identify and correlate intra-sedimentary and upper basement vertical and near vertical magnetized faults. In this technique we integrate the results of two independent approaches: 1) interpretation of Magprobe automatic depth estimations; and 2) interpretation of filtered magnetic maps. Cascaded Goussev filtering, a new and successful technique, is discussed. This two-pronged interpretation technique generally assumes that magnetized faults can be approximated by thin dike causative bodies. In practice, magnetized faults appear to be a narrow vertical distribution of heterogeneous sources. An example from the Simonette region of Alberta, Canada, shows that the sealing fault separating two hydrocarbon pools defined by 3D seismic data can be reliably identified and correlated beyond the limits of the seismic survey area using our integrated processing and interpretation technique. The res...

Research paper thumbnail of Enhanced HRAM Anomalies Correlate Faults Between 2D Seismic Lines

Seg Technical Program Expanded Abstracts, 2004

Correlation of faults between 2-D seismic lines using enhanced magnetic anomalies is illustrated ... more Correlation of faults between 2-D seismic lines using enhanced magnetic anomalies is illustrated by this example from a HighResolution AeroMagnetic (HRAM) survey near the Weyburn oil field in south-eastern Saskatchewan as part of the IAE Weyburn CO2 Storage and Monitoring Project. Seismic fault picks, interpreted on 2-D seismic sections, closely correlate with linear magnetic anomalies on the filtered HRAM map. These fault-associated magnetic anomalies can be correlated within the 2-D seismic coverage area and beyond its limits.

Research paper thumbnail of Origin and enhancement of gravity and magnetic signatures of the continental-oceanic boundary (COB): examples from West Africa Passive Margin

Seg Technical Program Expanded Abstracts, 2008

The accurate delineation of the continental-oceanic boundary (COB) is important for deep-water pe... more The accurate delineation of the continental-oceanic boundary (COB) is important for deep-water petroleum exploration at passive continental margins. Integrated analysis of the satellite-derived gravity and airborne magnetic fields reveals distinct anomalous signatures that are characteristic of the oceanic and rifted-continental types of the Earth's crust. Different signatures of the gravity and magnetic anomalies, displayed as changes in amplitude, wavelength and spatial arrangement, originate from differences in density, magnetization, depth and structural deformation of rock complexes composing these crustal types. Calculation of horizontal gradients of the isostatic gravity and downward-continued aeromagnetic fields provides the most efficient enhancement and visualization of changes in anomalous signatures of the enhanced gravity and magnetic fields on both sides of the COB. Integration of the aeromagnetic and satellite-derived gravity data provides complementary evidences for reliable and accurate interpretation of the COB location.

Research paper thumbnail of Intrasedimentary magnetization by vertical fluid flow and exotic geochemistry

Research paper thumbnail of Intra-Sedimentary Magnetization of the Hines Creek Fault (N. Alberta) by Vertical Fluid Flow and Exotic Geochemistry

A seismic line crossing the Hines Creek Fault with magnetic depth solutions plotted in time as an... more A seismic line crossing the Hines Creek Fault with magnetic depth solutions plotted in time as an overlay shows a remarkable correspondence between the position of intra-sedimentary magnetic depth solutions and the position of the seismically imaged fault trace. This one-to-one correlation clearly demonstrates that the region immediately around the fault plane is magnetized. We propose a model involving vertical flow of fluids along fractures and faults to explain the observed magnetization along fault planes detected by High Resolution AeroMagnetic (HRAM) surveys. This model involves the transport of iron in oxidized waters flowing along vertical fractures near basement and the precipitation of exotic iron-bearing minerals during ascent of the water as it undergoes redox reactions within the fracture system.

Research paper thumbnail of Mackenzie Delta: A Case of One Residual Gravity Anomaly and 16 Dry Exploration Wells

Summary The importance of integrating a detailed gravity data into the process of selecting well ... more Summary The importance of integrating a detailed gravity data into the process of selecting well locations for exploration drilling is illustrated by this example from the Mackenzie Delta area. Residualization of the Bouguer gravity field revealed a long (~ 95 km) residual gravity anomaly striking parallel to and downdip from the regional-scale Eskimo Lakes Fault Zone (ELFZ). The shape, structural

Research paper thumbnail of Aeromagnetic Depth Solutions Indicate Numerous Magnetic Sources within the Sedimentary Section of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin

The application of aeromagnetic data to hydrocarbon exploration has increased significantly in th... more The application of aeromagnetic data to hydrocarbon exploration has increased significantly in the last decade. Improved data acquisition accuracy and development of PC and workstation based, interactive processing and interpretation software have contributed to this renewed interest in aeromagnetic survey data. The more recently acquired aeromagnetic survey data permit greater resolution of magnetic sources within the sedimentary section and at

Research paper thumbnail of Is The Geosphere Secure? Assessing The Presence Of Deep-Penetrating Faults In The IEA Weyburn CO2 Study Area, SE Saskatchewan

cspg.org

As part of the IEA Weyburn CO 2 Monitoring and Storage Project, investigations were conducted int... more As part of the IEA Weyburn CO 2 Monitoring and Storage Project, investigations were conducted into the nature of faulting within an area up to 200 x 200 km around the Weyburn Field. This study is an essential element in assessing the integrity of the geosphere for CO 2 storage. A specific concern is whether faults are present that may penetrate from the Mississippian Midale Beds to shallower levels in a smaller Assessment Area focussed on 10 km beyond the limits of the CO 2 flood. These faults may represent potential conduits for migration of CO 2 in the subsurface.

Research paper thumbnail of Magnetic Basement: Gravity-Guided Magnetic Source Depth Analysis and Interpretation

We present a new integrated approach to the interpretation of magnetic basement that is based on ... more We present a new integrated approach to the interpretation of magnetic basement that is based on recognition of characteristic patterns in distributions and alignments of magnetic source depth solutions above and below the surface of magnetic basement. This approach integrates a quantitative analysis of depth solutions, obtained by 2D Werner deconvolution of the magnetic data, with a qualitative evaluation of the Bouguer gravity anomalies. The crystalline/metamorphic basement and sedimentary cover have different origins, tectonic histories, lithologies and magnetic properties. These differences result in different geometries of magnetic sources associated with faults, fracture zones, igneous intrusions, erosional truncations, subcrop edges and other structural discontinuities. Properly tuned, 2D Werner deconvolution is able to resolve the intra-sedimentary and intra-basement magnetic source geometries into distinctly different distributions and alignments of calculated depth solutions. An empirical set of criteria, basement indicators, was developed for identification and correlation of the basement surface. The ambiguity of basement correlation with limited or non-existent well control, which is common for onshore frontier and offshore explorations, can be reduced by incorporating the Bouguer gravity data into the process of correlation.

Research paper thumbnail of Episode 173: Why you need the Gravity '&' Magnetic Encyclopedic Dictionary

Seismic Soundoff Podcasts, Jan 5, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Gravity and Magnetic Encyclopedic Dictionary

Society of Exploration Geophysicists eBooks, Nov 3, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Texture Analysis of High Resolution Aeromagnetic Data to Delineate Geological Features in the Horn River Basin, NE British Columbia

... The main formations of interest for shale gas exploration in the Horn River Basin include the... more ... The main formations of interest for shale gas exploration in the Horn River Basin include the Devonian Muskwa shale and Evie shale (Levson et ... Levson, VL, Walsh, W., Adam, C., Ferri, F., and Hayes, M., 2009, An overview of shale gas potential in Northeastern British Columbia ...

Research paper thumbnail of Detecting Shallow Geological Features in High Resolution Aeromagnetic Data of the Horn River Basin Using Second Derivative in the Gradient Direction (SDGD) and PLUS Filters

In this poster we introduce a group of filters to process HRAM data. These filters aim at enhanci... more In this poster we introduce a group of filters to process HRAM data. These filters aim at enhancing the high frequency contents of HRAM data and reducing the level of noise and thus revealing shallow geological features related to faults, fractures and buried channels more clearly. These filters are known as the second derivative in the gradient direction (SDGD) and the PLUS. These filters were applied on HRAM data covering the Horn River Basin in Northeast British Columbia. Prior to applying the SDGD and the PLUS filters, the HRAM image was convolved with a Gaussian filter in order to reduce noise in the data. The aim of this study is therefore to detect shallow geological features using SDGD and PLUS filters. The preliminary results of this study are very encouraging. We were able to detect features that are believed to be related to faults, fractures and buried channels that we were not able to detect on images produced by using traditional filters.

Research paper thumbnail of Automatic identification of basement geomorphic features in the Peace River Arch using curvature attributes of magnetic data

The boundary between crystalline basement rocks and overlying sedimentary rocks in a sedimentary ... more The boundary between crystalline basement rocks and overlying sedimentary rocks in a sedimentary basin represents one of the best targets for magnetic surveys because of its high magnetic susceptibility contrast. The high magnetic susceptibility contrast at the basement/sedimentary boundary is often produced as a result of high concentration of magnetic minerals in the basement rocks relative to the overlying sedimentary rocks. For that reason, most of the magnetic signals observed on magnetic images are most likely related to basement geomorphic features such as ridges (horsts) and valleys (grabens). Mapping shapes and orientations of basement geomorphic features using magnetic data is vital for oil and gas exploration because the basement is often control the overlying sedimentary rocks and their related geological structures, including the formation of their oil and gas plays. Thus, this abstract describes a new approach to automatically identify shapes of basement geomorphic fea...

Research paper thumbnail of Delineation of curvilinear structures on magnetic images using eigenvalues of Hessian based vesselness filter

One of the main objectives of using magnetic data in geological interpretation is to delineate co... more One of the main objectives of using magnetic data in geological interpretation is to delineate concealed geological structures that are often displayed as linear or curvilinear anomalies on magnetic images. These curvilinear anomalies are attributable to faults and fractures that are most often formed as a result of juxtaposition of rocks with contrasting magnetic susceptibility values. Therefore, accurate delineation of curvilinear geological structures is vital for oil and gas exploration as well as for obtaining a reliable interpretation of magnetic data. In this study a new 2D/3D Hessian based filtering technique called ‘vesselness’ is used to delineate curvilinear geological structures on magnetic images. This relatively new filtering technique was developed in 1998 by Frangi to delineate tube-shaped blood vessels on medical images and since then it has been used extensively in several disciplines. Even though blood vessels and geological structures are different in principle t...

Research paper thumbnail of Magnetization of the Hines Creek Fault - an Aeromagnetic Case History

Research paper thumbnail of A new approach to visualize and interpret eigenvalues of Airborne Gravity Gradiometry (AGG) tensor data

With recent advances in the airborne gravity gradiometry (AGG) acquisition and processing, and th... more With recent advances in the airborne gravity gradiometry (AGG) acquisition and processing, and the growing interest in their utilization in exploration for natural resources, it is becoming essential to develop new approaches for interpreting the AGG data. Gravity surveys, in general, measure variations in the Earth's gravity field, which is a function of the mass or density of subsurface rocks. Unlike the conventional airborne gravity data, interpretation of the AGG tensor data is more challenging because of its multicomponent nature. In the conventional airborne gravity surveys, a single component of the gravity field is measured: vertical component gz. In contrast, AGG surveys measure nine components of the gravity gradient field along three mutually orthogonal x, y, and z directions. Together, the nine gravity gradients (Txx, Tyy, Tzz, Txy, Tyx, Txz, Tzx, Tyz, and, Tzy) form 3x3 symmetric second-rank traceless tensor. In the traceless tensor, sum of the diagonal elements is equal to zero (i.e., Txx + Tyy + Tzz = 0). Among nine full tensor components, five are independent: Txx, Tyy, Txy, Txz, and Tyz. The Tzz component is computed from Txx and Tyy via the Laplace's equation. Since AGG measurements are made in a source-free space and in accordance with the Laplace's equation, Tzz =-(Txx + Tyy). AGG surveys measure multiple components of the gravity field, and they provide a higher spatial resolution data than the conventional airborne gravity surveys. Moreover, AGG surveys measure the horizontal and the vertical gradients of the gravity field and, therefore, they are able to capture the high-frequency signals associated with shallow or near-surface geological targets. This is considered as one of the advantages of the AGG surveys over the conventional airborne surveys, because it provides an opportunity to map the ground water aquifers, near-surface mineral deposits, and shallow hydrocarbon accumulations. For the deep geological targets, perhaps, conventional airborne gravity surveys are more suitable, because the AGG signal loses its strength faster than a conventional gravity signal with the increasing depth: AGG signal strength diminishes by power of three, whereas the conventional gravity signal strength diminishes by power of two from the point sources. Tensor components of the AGG data (Txx, Tyy, Tzz, Txy, Txz, and Tyz) provide useful information about geology of the area: gradient anomalies of the horizontal components (Txx, Tyy, and Txy) are related to the structural discontinuities such as faults, fractures, and lithological contacts. Vertical components of the AGG data (Tzz, Txz, and Tyz) are related to the depth and density variations of the geological target. Generally, each of these six components is interpreted either separately or they are combined into a single image and interpreted as a single attribute. The latter approach is more appropriate in some cases, like interpreting the shape or curvature attributes of the geological target. In this study, we are introducing a new approach to interpret and visualize the AGG data based on combining the six tensor components (Txx, Tyy, Tzz, Txy, Txz, and Tyz) into the single images describing shape and anisotropy attributes of the data. Using the six components of the AGG data, we computed three eigenvalues (λ1, λ2, and λ3) from 3x3 Hessian matrix. The Hessian matrix is composed of the nine second-order derivatives of the gravity potential. Based on the three extracted eigenvalues, four shape and anisotropy attribute indices were computed using the eigenvalue magnitudes. These attribute indices are linear anisotropic (CL), planar anisotropic (CP), spherical anisotropic (CS), and fractional anisotropic (FA). These attribute indices appear to be closely related to the rock density variations and structural geology of the area. We applied these attribute indices to the publicly available Falcon ® GeoConvention 2020 2 AGG data from the survey over the McFaulds Lake area in Ontario, Canada, to test their effectiveness in interpreting the AGG tensor data. The obtained results are, in general, intriguing and they show a good agreement between the degree of the tensor anisotropy, expressed by four anisotropic attribute indices, and the geological structure of the study area. It appears that the anisotropy is more intensive toward the western part of the study area, where most of the Precambrian rocks are located and subjected to the multiple phases of deformation, volcanism and mineralization.

Research paper thumbnail of Contribution of Integrated Interpretation in Subsurface Structure: Example from Esh El Mellaha area, Gulf of Suez, Egypt

Summary Significant improvements in the magnetic survey, design, processing and most important, r... more Summary Significant improvements in the magnetic survey, design, processing and most important, resolution of aeromagnetic data could provide detailed information on the spatial distribution, geometry, and structural style of faults and fracture systems. The magnetic data can easily integrate/merge and correlated with other available data (e.g. gravity, geology, seismic, topography). The integration of these data provides an excellent approach for structural system and evaluation of hydrocarbon plays in Esh El Mellaha area, Gulf of Suez. In this paper, enhancements and filtering of aeromagnetic data were implemented using band-pass filter and horizontal gradient technique. The results are compared with the available information; such as geologic map, drill-hole data, topographic data, and 2D seismic data in the northern part of the area. In general, the area is dissected by a system of faults most of them trending in the NW-SE (Red Sea trend) and NEE-SWW (Tethyan trend). Introduction:

Research paper thumbnail of Horizontal gradient and band-pass filter of aeromagnetic data image the subsurface structure; Example from Esh El Mellaha Area, Gulf of Suez, Egypt

Summary The Esh El Mellaha area is located on the western coast of the Gulf of Suez that is consi... more Summary The Esh El Mellaha area is located on the western coast of the Gulf of Suez that is considered the main hydrocarbon resource in Egypt. The main exploration problems in and around the Gulf of Suez are the complexity of the basement structure and the Pre-Miocene salt formation that masks the seismic energy. Herein, we attempt to image the

Research paper thumbnail of Using Enhanced HRAM Anomalies to Correlate Faults between 2-D Seismic Lines

Summary Correlation of faults between 2-D seismic lines using enhanced magnetic anomalies is illu... more Summary Correlation of faults between 2-D seismic lines using enhanced magnetic anomalies is illustrated by this example from a High-Resolution AeroMagnetic (HRAM) survey near the Weyburn oil field in south-eastern Saskatchewan as part of the IAE Weyburn CO2 Storage and Monitoring Project. Seismic fault picks, interpreted on 2-D seismic sections, closely correlate with linear magnetic anomalies on the filtered HRAM map. These fault-associated magnetic anomalies can be correlated within the 2-D seismic coverage area and beyond its limits.

Research paper thumbnail of Hram Fault Interpretation Using Magprobe Depth Estimates and Non- Traditional Filtering

We discuss in this paper a technique for interpreting high resolution aeromagnetic (HRAM) data to... more We discuss in this paper a technique for interpreting high resolution aeromagnetic (HRAM) data to identify and correlate intra-sedimentary and upper basement vertical and near vertical magnetized faults. In this technique we integrate the results of two independent approaches: 1) interpretation of Magprobe automatic depth estimations; and 2) interpretation of filtered magnetic maps. Cascaded Goussev filtering, a new and successful technique, is discussed. This two-pronged interpretation technique generally assumes that magnetized faults can be approximated by thin dike causative bodies. In practice, magnetized faults appear to be a narrow vertical distribution of heterogeneous sources. An example from the Simonette region of Alberta, Canada, shows that the sealing fault separating two hydrocarbon pools defined by 3D seismic data can be reliably identified and correlated beyond the limits of the seismic survey area using our integrated processing and interpretation technique. The res...

Research paper thumbnail of Enhanced HRAM Anomalies Correlate Faults Between 2D Seismic Lines

Seg Technical Program Expanded Abstracts, 2004

Correlation of faults between 2-D seismic lines using enhanced magnetic anomalies is illustrated ... more Correlation of faults between 2-D seismic lines using enhanced magnetic anomalies is illustrated by this example from a HighResolution AeroMagnetic (HRAM) survey near the Weyburn oil field in south-eastern Saskatchewan as part of the IAE Weyburn CO2 Storage and Monitoring Project. Seismic fault picks, interpreted on 2-D seismic sections, closely correlate with linear magnetic anomalies on the filtered HRAM map. These fault-associated magnetic anomalies can be correlated within the 2-D seismic coverage area and beyond its limits.

Research paper thumbnail of Origin and enhancement of gravity and magnetic signatures of the continental-oceanic boundary (COB): examples from West Africa Passive Margin

Seg Technical Program Expanded Abstracts, 2008

The accurate delineation of the continental-oceanic boundary (COB) is important for deep-water pe... more The accurate delineation of the continental-oceanic boundary (COB) is important for deep-water petroleum exploration at passive continental margins. Integrated analysis of the satellite-derived gravity and airborne magnetic fields reveals distinct anomalous signatures that are characteristic of the oceanic and rifted-continental types of the Earth's crust. Different signatures of the gravity and magnetic anomalies, displayed as changes in amplitude, wavelength and spatial arrangement, originate from differences in density, magnetization, depth and structural deformation of rock complexes composing these crustal types. Calculation of horizontal gradients of the isostatic gravity and downward-continued aeromagnetic fields provides the most efficient enhancement and visualization of changes in anomalous signatures of the enhanced gravity and magnetic fields on both sides of the COB. Integration of the aeromagnetic and satellite-derived gravity data provides complementary evidences for reliable and accurate interpretation of the COB location.

Research paper thumbnail of Intrasedimentary magnetization by vertical fluid flow and exotic geochemistry

Research paper thumbnail of Intra-Sedimentary Magnetization of the Hines Creek Fault (N. Alberta) by Vertical Fluid Flow and Exotic Geochemistry

A seismic line crossing the Hines Creek Fault with magnetic depth solutions plotted in time as an... more A seismic line crossing the Hines Creek Fault with magnetic depth solutions plotted in time as an overlay shows a remarkable correspondence between the position of intra-sedimentary magnetic depth solutions and the position of the seismically imaged fault trace. This one-to-one correlation clearly demonstrates that the region immediately around the fault plane is magnetized. We propose a model involving vertical flow of fluids along fractures and faults to explain the observed magnetization along fault planes detected by High Resolution AeroMagnetic (HRAM) surveys. This model involves the transport of iron in oxidized waters flowing along vertical fractures near basement and the precipitation of exotic iron-bearing minerals during ascent of the water as it undergoes redox reactions within the fracture system.

Research paper thumbnail of Mackenzie Delta: A Case of One Residual Gravity Anomaly and 16 Dry Exploration Wells

Summary The importance of integrating a detailed gravity data into the process of selecting well ... more Summary The importance of integrating a detailed gravity data into the process of selecting well locations for exploration drilling is illustrated by this example from the Mackenzie Delta area. Residualization of the Bouguer gravity field revealed a long (~ 95 km) residual gravity anomaly striking parallel to and downdip from the regional-scale Eskimo Lakes Fault Zone (ELFZ). The shape, structural

Research paper thumbnail of Aeromagnetic Depth Solutions Indicate Numerous Magnetic Sources within the Sedimentary Section of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin

The application of aeromagnetic data to hydrocarbon exploration has increased significantly in th... more The application of aeromagnetic data to hydrocarbon exploration has increased significantly in the last decade. Improved data acquisition accuracy and development of PC and workstation based, interactive processing and interpretation software have contributed to this renewed interest in aeromagnetic survey data. The more recently acquired aeromagnetic survey data permit greater resolution of magnetic sources within the sedimentary section and at

Research paper thumbnail of Is The Geosphere Secure? Assessing The Presence Of Deep-Penetrating Faults In The IEA Weyburn CO2 Study Area, SE Saskatchewan

cspg.org

As part of the IEA Weyburn CO 2 Monitoring and Storage Project, investigations were conducted int... more As part of the IEA Weyburn CO 2 Monitoring and Storage Project, investigations were conducted into the nature of faulting within an area up to 200 x 200 km around the Weyburn Field. This study is an essential element in assessing the integrity of the geosphere for CO 2 storage. A specific concern is whether faults are present that may penetrate from the Mississippian Midale Beds to shallower levels in a smaller Assessment Area focussed on 10 km beyond the limits of the CO 2 flood. These faults may represent potential conduits for migration of CO 2 in the subsurface.