INDEX NUMBER: UEBO500721

NAME: ARTHUR CHRISTOPHER KENNETH

PROGRAMME: PETROLEUM ENGINEERING
COURSE: PETROLEUM GEOPHYSICS

Question
Discuss the use of gravity survey in oil and gas exploration. Support some case studies.
Gravity surveys are an essential geophysical method used in oil and gas exploration to
identify subsurface structures and delineate potential hydrocarbon-bearing formations.
Gravity survey is a passive geophysical method used in oil and gas exploration to identify
subsurface structures that may contain hydrocarbons. The method involves measuring the
gravitational field of the earth at different locations on the surface of the earth. The data
obtained from the survey is then used to create a map of the subsurface structure of the area
being surveyed. This map can be used to identify areas where hydrocarbons may be present.
This technique relies on measuring variations in the Earth's gravitational field, which are
influenced by the density variations of the underlying rocks. By analyzing these gravity
anomalies, geoscientists can make inferences about the presence and distribution of oil and
gas reservoirs. Gravity surveys have proven to be a valuable tool in oil and gas exploration.
By providing insights into subsurface density variations, these surveys aid in identifying
potential reservoirs, delineating structural features, and optimizing drilling locations. The
case studies mentioned demonstrate the efficacy of gravity surveys in enhancing exploration
success rates and improving the understanding of subsurface geology in diverse hydrocarbon
provinces. One study conducted in China concluded that gravity survey is the most effective
and economic method in unveiling unexposed and deep-seated structures, targeting and
delineating oil and gas-bearing sedimentary basins, and locating main trap structures within
prolific basins in early stage of exploration1. Another study conducted in Azerbaijan
presented the results of gravimetric and magnetometric studies performed for oil and gas
deposits on the areas of Arabkubaly, Naftalan, Northern Naftalan, Gedakboz23. Here are a
few case studies highlighting the significance of gravity surveys in the oil and gas industry:

Ghawar Field, Saudi Arabia: The Ghawar Field is the world's largest conventional oil field
and a vital asset for Saudi Arabia. Gravity surveys played a crucial role in its discovery and
subsequent development. The surveys helped identify the extensive anticline structure of
Ghawar, allowing geologists to target specific areas for drilling. The gravity data indicated
variations in subsurface density, helping to map the reservoir's boundaries and estimate its
size.

Prudhoe Bay, Alaska: Gravity surveys have been instrumental in the exploration of the
Prudhoe Bay oil field, one of the largest in North America. By measuring gravity anomalies,
geophysicists could detect the presence of sedimentary basins that indicated potential
hydrocarbon accumulations. Gravity data helped in mapping fault zones, salt domes, and
structural features, aiding in the identification of favorable drilling locations.
Campos Basin, Brazil: The Campos Basin, located offshore Brazil, is a prolific oil-
producing region. Gravity surveys played a vital role in characterizing the basin's complex
subsurface geology. The surveys helped identify salt structures, faults, and other geological
features that could trap oil and gas deposits. By integrating gravity data with seismic and well
data, geoscientists achieved a better understanding of the basin's architecture and improved
exploration success rates.

Niger Delta, Nigeria: The Niger Delta is a major hydrocarbon province, and gravity surveys
have been extensively used in its exploration. Due to the region's complex geology and
extensive sedimentary sequences, gravity data provided valuable insights into the basin's
structure and sediment thickness. These surveys helped in identifying potential areas for
hydrocarbon accumulation and delineating exploration targets.

Marcellus Shale, United States: Gravity surveys have been employed in unconventional
reservoirs, such as the Marcellus Shale in the United States. This formation is a prolific
source of natural gas, and gravity data aided in understanding the structural complexity of the
region. The surveys helped identify fault systems and variations in the thickness of the shale,
assisting in optimizing drilling locations and production strategies.

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REFERENCE

Fairhead 2002, Fairhead JD, Odegard ME., Advances in gravity survey resolution Leading
Edge, 21 (2002), pp. 36-37, doi: 10.1190/1.1445845.
Feng XL, Zhang CG, Wang WY.
An integrated study on distribution of Cenozonic basins in the South China Sea based on
gravity, magnetic and seismic data
Chinese Journal of Geophysics, 61 (10) (2018), pp. 4242-4254