Geochemical Methods Of Prospecting And Exploration For Petroleum And Natural Gas

The application of surface geochemical methods to finding petroleum is based on the detection of hydrocarbons in the soil that have leaked from a petroleum reservoir at depth. While the seal over the deposit was once considered impermeable, surface geochemistry data now show that such leakage is a common occurrence. Despite its simplicity and low costs, surface geochemistry remains controversial because, until now, there was no objective and in-depth treatment of the various methods of surface geochemistry for oil exploration. Written by a successful oil finder, this practical guide: * surveys a broad array of surface geochemistry techniques, from soil gases to microbiology, and provides clear strategies for applying them to the high-stakes art of petroleum exploration * offers numerous case studies, both successes and failures, to show the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches * examines statistical and spatial variation, surveys and models in surface geochemistry, demonstrating how each analytical tool can be used to optimize accuracy * integrates surface geochemistry data interpretation with data from conventional methods of oil exploration, and considers the economics of surface geochemical approaches * discusses key topics that have been neglected in the literature, such as grid design and the effects of soils. Geologists, geophysicists, geological engineers and exploration managers involved in petroleum exploration will gain valuable insights from this volume. By presenting and evaluating each method of surface geochemistry in a neutral tone, this book enables the reader to select and employ these methods with greater confidence.

This book is intended primarily as a textbook for geolo gists engaged in petroleum exploration. Its purpose is to introduce the reader to organic geochemistry and to show how to apply geochemistry advantageously in an explora tion program. I have made the explicit assumption that most readers will have a sound background in geology but far less knowledge of, or interest in, chemistry. Be cause there is no need for an exploration geologist to be an expert in organic chemistry, the amount of chemistry used in the book is rather modest. It is, however, often important for a geologist to understand some basic vocab ulary. The emphasis in this book is on applications of geo _chemistry to hydrocarbon exploration. Most of the analyt ical techniques are discussed only briefly, because although a geologist should know what a gas chro matograph is, he or she is unlikely to be asked to repair one. If more detailed knowledge does prove necessary, a laboratory is the proper place to learn. The strengths and weaknesses of the various analytical techniques are discussed so that a geologist will be able to anticipate pitfalls, cull bad data, and choose an appropri ate analytical program. On-the-job experience will prove invaluable in converting the basic information from this text into a practical working knowledge.

This book studies the “Redox Complex”, a complex of unconventional geophysical-geochemical exploration techniques used for the indirect detection, characterization and evaluation of various metal targets, while also illustrating selected applications of unconventional geophysical-geochemical methods for oil exploration in Cuba. This complex is successfully applied in various fields: oil & gas and metal ores exploration; studies of oil and metal contaminants in soils; and the search for metallic archaeological burials. The use of these techniques is intended to complement the conventional prospecting complex by reducing areas and/or facilitating the selection of the most favorable targets, improving the economical-geological effectiveness of investigations in the process. Further, the Redox Complex can be implemented without physical or chemical damage to the environment. The book’s primary goals are to: 1) outline the general features characterizing the processes of metal mobilization, transport and accumulation on surficial media; 2) outline the methodology, data interpretation and mathematical apparatus that support quantitative estimates of the Redox Complex; and 3) design a database and applications system (the Redox System) to address storage processes, reports, graphics and the corresponding interpretations of the Redox Complex in a quick and reliable way. To do so, it examines the regions of Havana-Matanzas (Varadero Oil Field, Cantel Oil Field and Madruga Prospect) and Ciego de Ávila (Pina Oil Field, Cristales Oil Field, Jatibonico Oil Field, Jatibonico Oeste Prospect and Cacahual Prospect). The methods covered include, in some cases, airborne gamma spectrometry (K/eTh ratio) beside ORP and, in others, the Redox Complex with reduced or standard attributes. In all cases, the anomalous complex of interest corresponds to the correlation of the minimum K/eTh ratio with minimum ORP and, in the case of the Redox Complex, Magnetic Susceptibility highs with ORP lows, Spectral Reflectance lows and maximum Content of Chemical Elements (V, Ni, Pb, Zn, Fe).

This is the completely revised edition of a book which was published in 1978 and, such was its popularity, was sold out within two years. It was described as ``An excellent compilation and condensation of a vast field of literature and experience in economic geology. Clear illustrations, charts and tables punctuate the text material very nicely... Valuable for all economic geologists and resource developers.'' (Choice).The material is illustrated by 215 text figures and 76 tables, and is presented in two parts. The first part covers the geological background of the genesis of mineral deposits as a clue to new discoveries, and the methods of geological, geochemical and geophysical prospecting. The second part concerns sampling, documentation and computation of ore reserves and economic assessment of mineral deposits. This new edition has been very extensively revised and brought up to date. This holds true particularly for the chapters on geochemical and geophysical methods, the use of photo-geology and satellite imagery, oil and gas prospecting, exploration of underwater minerals, the application of the principles of global tectonics in prospecting for deposits, and the evaluation of reserves. These new or thoroughly revised chapters comprise almost half of the entire text.

The book on Petroleum Geochemistry the first of its kind in India, is useful for postgraduate students of Science (Geology, Applied Geology, Geophysics, Earth Sciences) and undergraduate students of Engineering and Technology (BE, B.Tech.) undertaking several courses in petroleum science and engineering in the Universities, IIT's and other Institutions. It is also useful to geoscientists, engineers and technologists working in the oil industries dealing with exploration, production and related aspects. The book provides basic information on geochemical processes involved in petroleum generation, migration and accumulation in sedimentary basins, maturation of source rocks, evaluation of their genetic potential and correlations. It deals with the principles and applications of sub-surface geochemical methods including high resolution geochemical technologies for delineation of hydrocarbon kitchens and surface geochemical prospecting of hydrocarbons for prioritising targets for future exploration. In addition to basic principles, the book deals with the occurrence and distribution of petroleum in worldwide sedimentary basins with special reference to Indian basins, geochemical basin modeling and its application to petroleum exploration, application of biomarkers and modern instrumental techniques for characterisation of organic matter in source rocks and identification of their depositional environments. Applications of oil field waters and their role in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) operations, implications of scale formation and corrosion on drilling equipment and other installations are described comprehensively. Apart from conventional oil and natural gas the need for exploration and exploitation of unconventional petroleum resources such as Coal bed methane (CBM), Gas hydrates, Bituminous sands, Shale gas and Oil shale, Basinal gas and Tight gas sands, their origin, occurrence, characterisation of depositional environments, exploration and production strategies, environmental concerns and worldwide distribution with special emphasis to India are elaborated in detail.