Integrated exploration improves wildcat success
The need to find and produce petroleum at costs that allow a reasonable profit at today's oil prices will require some drastic changes in conventional exploration philosophy. An integrated system of low-cost, direct and semi-direct geochemical methods coupled with geomorphic analyses based on Landsat and/or topographic maps and NHAP aerial photos is suggested as a workable solution to this problem. The savings can come from three principal sources: (1) fewer dry holes, (2) fewer unproductive leases, and (3) better focusing of more expensive exploration methods on the small areas where they are most likely to be successful. Recommended methods for Detailed Reconnaissance to convert leads to prospects include (1) airborne hydrocarbon sensing, (2) interstitial hydrocarbon soil gas analysis to validate active microseepages, (3) aerial micromagnetics, (4) soil magnetic susceptibility studies to validate aerial micromagnetic anomalies, and (5) aerial or surface gamma-ray spectrometry to detect radiometric anomalies. Custom-tailored combinations of these methods to fit geological, environmental and economic conditions, as well as the type of target sought, should result in substantially lower overall exploration costs.
- Research Organization:
- RECON Exploration, Inc., Dallas, TX
- OSTI ID:
- 5632502
- Journal Information:
- World Oil; (United States), Vol. 205:5
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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