Gravity-Magnetic Data Analysis: Starting Point of Frontier Oil and Gas Exploration

Pratap V. Nair

Abstract: Oil and gas exploration commences with the interpretation of the basin configuration. In frontier areas with poor or limited data, gravity and magnetic data can be effective in estimating depths to basement or other geological features. Estimating the depth of potential field data serves as a valuable technique for interpreting geological sources. This can be accomplished by employing a downward continuation technique that utilizes a normalized algorithm. Oil majors have developed rapid scanning tools that automatically estimate depths to density or magnetic contrasts in the subsurface from shallow volcanics to basement, to the Curie depth. In the absence of a regulated source, such surveys are typically considered environmentally acceptable. This short paper examines the knowledge and the utility of this tool in frontier area exploration. Exploration technologies at the forefront are essential for assessing regions that are either minimally explored or not thoroughly investigated, whether they pertain to geographical or geological boundaries. India's sedimentary basins encompass these types of vast areas.

Keywords: Gravity-Magnetic, Depth Estimation, Curie depth, Frontier, Bay of Bengal