GIS MODELING APPLICATIONS IN PETROLEUM EXPLORATION

Recent advances in computer technology and GIS software can expedite petroleum exploration and development by creating geological models that previously involved hours of tedious data manipulation. In this study, examples of geospatial applications were developed for lease blocks in western Kentucky resulting in a series of interpretive maps to aid the geologist in siting well locations.

Preliminary data analysis begins with spatial orientation of a selected lease block using computer generated topographic and geologic maps. The associated well-log and seismic data are collected, stored in spreadsheet format, and then entered into the GIS kriging program to generate structure contour maps, paleotopographic surface maps, isopach maps and others.

Hillshade surface maps with differing azimuth settings are developed from Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) datasets, analyzed for surface fractures and mapped as shapefiles. Field-based radiometric isotope data are collected in selected grid format with total count, potassium, potassium-40, radon, and other isotopes designed to detect the amount of energy exiting the surface through fractures. The mapped radiometric data are then combined with SRTM data and analyzed in spatial relation to low energy “halo” zones of equilibrium where oil and gas could be contained.

Combining all maps and completed datasets creates a powerful and strikingly visual geological model. Map layers of interest can be entered into a 3-D display program for continued analysis or presentation while final site selections are geospatially listed with latitude and longitude postings for distribution to appropriate personnel.