Gravity survey of marine field: Case study for Silurian reef exploration

Conference · Tue Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 1989 · AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (USA)

OSTI ID:5588640

Heigold, P C; Whitaker, S T ^[1]

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1. Illinois Geological Survey, Champaign (USA)

A gravity survey conducted over and around Marine field in southwestern Illinois has been used as an example to show how measurement of the local gravity field can aid in the search for Silurian reefs in the Illinois basin. Acquisition parameters for gravity surveys over Silurian reefs should be calculated beforehand from simple models of the reef based on estimates of density contrasts, depths, and size. Residual and derivative mapping techniques generally enhance gravity anomalies and enable more accurate portrayals of the structural relief on buried reefs. The second vertical derivative map of the residual Bouguer gravity anomaly surface at Marine field compares very well with the structure of the reef as mapped from subsurface data. This study indicates that similar mapping techniques could be effective on other reefs throughout the Illinois basin. Although gravity mapping methods are potentially powerful exploration tools in themselves, the writers believe that their proper role is as a part of a more comprehensive exploration approach. Gravity surveys can be used effectively as an initial exploration method in reef-prone areas to define smaller, prospect-size areas in which more intensive exploration techniques can subsequently be focused.

• OSTI ID: 5588640
• Report Number(s): CONF-8909166-; CODEN: AABUD
• Journal Information: AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (USA), Vol. 73:8; Conference: American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) eastern section meeting, Blommington, IN (USA), 10-13 Sep 1989; ISSN 0149-1423
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
ILLINOIS
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
EXPLORATION
DATA ANALYSIS
GRAVITY SURVEYS
MAPPING
REEFS
SEDIMENTARY BASINS
SILURIAN PERIOD
FEDERAL REGION V
GEOLOGIC AGES
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
MINERAL RESOURCES
NORTH AMERICA
PALEOZOIC ERA
RESOURCES
SURVEYS
USA
020200* - Petroleum- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration