Petroleum Services
Airborne geophysical surveys are conducted worldwide for oil and gas exploration, both offshore and onshore. Traditional methods include potential field mapping of exploration blocks (magnetics and gravity), however there are also applications for electromagnetics in onshore exploration.
Offshore Surveys
Offshore gravity and magnetic surveys can reveal valuable geological information within exploration blocks and can complement existing or planned seismic data. Volcanics, faults, basin boundaries and sub-basin features can be mapped with these methods. Of particular use for oil & gas exploration is the ability to map geological structures in transition zone and shallow water areas, where seismic vessels cannot navigate.
UTS Geophysics utilises aircraft that are specifically setup for offshore operations, with additional emphasis on safety precautions, including long-range tanks and survival equipment.
Typical survey specifications are: 2km – 10km line spacing, 100m – 300m flying height.
Onshore Surveys
In addition to the geophysical techniques applicable for offshore surveys, as mentioned above, onshore petroleum exploration can also benefit from airborne electromagnetic surveys. This technique identifies conductivity contrasts to depths of several hundred metres and can be used for detailed paleochannel mapping and statics corrections of seismic data. Typical survey specifications for helicopter electromagnetics are: 100m-250m line spacing, 30m sensor height.
