Download definition of tectonic elements on the surface and planning grid

Špiljak Vulama V., Rafael-Gujić G. (2005).
Definition of Tectonic Elements On the Surface and Planning Grid of Seismic Lines Using Satellite Images.
In: D. Kereković (ed.). Geographic Information Systems in Research & Practice. IInd Part.
Croatian Information Technology Association – GIS Forum, University of Silesia, Zagreb, 119-123.
DEFINITION OF TECTONIC ELEMENTS ON THE SURFACE AND
PLANNING GRID OF SEISMIC LINES USING SATELLITE IMAGES
Vesna Špiljak Vulama, Gordana Rafael-Gujić
Ina-Naftaplin, Šubićeva 29, 10000 Zagreb
e-mail: [email protected]; gordana.rafael-gujić@ina.hr
ABSTRACT
Satellite images register Tectonic data of Lithosphere by recognition of morphological structural
characteristic of ground. Discontinuity evoked by tectonic disturbances is noticed on the rock layers by faults
and fractures. A fault causes lithological sequence of lithosphere to be crushed. They are registered on the
satellite images based upon geomorphologic criteria’s. Layouts of various surface rocks and sharp
boundaries between the same or different geological patterns are characteristic for tectonic activities. For
more accurate method to recognize the tectonic elements on the satellite images we take different pictures of
landscape using various instruments or sensors . This paper represents such interpretation on case study of
Hajan exploration block in central Syrian Palmirides.
METHOD AND TECHNOLOGY IN MONITORING THE EARTH'S SURFACE
Remote sensing involves the use of instruments or sensors to examine the spectral and spatial relations of
objects and materials observable at a distance - typically from above them. Normally, we experience our
world from a more or less horizontal viewpoint while living on its surface. But, under these conditions our
view is usually limited to areas of a few square kilometers at most owing to obstructions such as buildings,
trees, and topography. From a vertical or high oblique perspective, our impression of the surface below is
notably different than when we scan our surroundings from a point on that surface. We then see the
multitude of surface features as they would appear on a thematic map in their appropriate spatial and
contextual relationships. It is the practical, orderly, and cost-effective way of maintaining and updating
information about the world around us.
Interpretation of Satellite Images in petroleum exploration is a long-standing hydrocarbon exploration
method. Petroleum exploration business becomes a high risky experience. Oil is hiding in more deeper and
deeper, far offshore and in tectonically complicated structures.
This indispensable analysis is linked to define geotectonic elements, structural shape of relief, vegetation
outcrops linked to tectonic elements etc. Topology data provides petroleum geologists and geophysicists a
bird’s eye view of regional features and structures, fault and tectonic systems. Newly developed software and
technologies increases importance of this method.
Therefore, the geological processes of plate tectonics and plate movements, which give rise to the general
pattern of landforms and processes which we see today, respond to internal forces within the Earth’s crust
and mantle, and to the particular patterns of movement of the plates with each other. These patterns have
profound impacts on climates, landforms, soils and life. Therefore, the geological processes and patterns are
prime causes, and they could be extracted from satellite images.
Integrated interpretation of Geo satellite images and Earth geology can be used for tracing seismic profiles,
2D and 3D seismic area planning, location of exploration wells, civil engineering, road and railway
constructions etc. It can facilitate determining the early logistical needs of a project, confirming the location
of pipelines, hazards, roads, buildings and other large features of relevance.
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Špiljak Vulama V., Rafael-Gujić G. (2005).
Definition of Tectonic Elements On the Surface and Planning Grid of Seismic Lines Using Satellite Images.
In: D. Kereković (ed.). Geographic Information Systems in Research & Practice. IInd Part.
Croatian Information Technology Association – GIS Forum, University of Silesia, Zagreb, 119-123.
F ig. 1 Blank Map of Syrian central Palmirides (Hayan block) with interpreted faults and well locations.
HAJAN EXPLORATION BLOCK
Hajan block is located in central part of Syria. It covers some 4795 km2 of exploration area.
Landscape of the area is mostly covered with Hamada type of desert (rocky desert) and agricultural areas.
This relief is clearly visible on satellite images. For interpretation purposes we used geological map of Syria
in scale (M 1: 200 000) from which we extracted major faults. We also added on map exploration wells.
These wells are mostly located around the group of faults. Surface mapped faults are usually good lead to
understanding sub surface structures, as possible hydrocarbon accumulation trap. When we add to this map
satellite image and geology map we can interpret origin and geological period of tectonic structures.
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Špiljak Vulama V., Rafael-Gujić G. (2005).
Definition of Tectonic Elements On the Surface and Planning Grid of Seismic Lines Using Satellite Images.
In: D. Kereković (ed.). Geographic Information Systems in Research & Practice. IInd Part.
Croatian Information Technology Association – GIS Forum, University of Silesia, Zagreb, 119-123.
Fig. 2 Interpreted faults and well locations of Syrian central Palmirides, (Hayan block) with Landsat topology Image.
Fig. 3 Merged map of interpreted faults, well locations, Landsat topology image, and Geology Map of Syrian Hayan
block. Satellite images visualize surface topology. Integrated with seismic and geotectonic interpretation improve
structural and tectonic understanding.
121
Špiljak Vulama V., Rafael-Gujić G. (2005).
Definition of Tectonic Elements On the Surface and Planning Grid of Seismic Lines Using Satellite Images.
In: D. Kereković (ed.). Geographic Information Systems in Research & Practice. IInd Part.
Croatian Information Technology Association – GIS Forum, University of Silesia, Zagreb, 119-123.
Fig. 4 Interpretation of Landsat image showing different type of earth usage and planning for seismic lines to avoid
cities, towns and villages, national parks, military areas, areas of special scientific interest, cultivated areas etc.
SUMMARY
Built-in different Earth geology data and Satellite images can facilitate interpretation giving more accurate
and faster determination of potential hydrocarbon bearing structures.
Seismic data acquisition is still one of the main surveying technology to obtain sub-surface imagery and
exploring hydrocarbons. Two technologies are important in planning and conducting these surveys. One is
Remote Sensing, and the other is GPS (Global Positioning System).These two technologies accomplishes
each other with the satellite imagery being referenced to map projection and datum by GPS based
coordinates.
Before conducting field operations we always need some sort of map .Existing maps might have been made
using conventional kinds of topographic survey methods.
122
Špiljak Vulama V., Rafael-Gujić G. (2005).
Definition of Tectonic Elements On the Surface and Planning Grid of Seismic Lines Using Satellite Images.
In: D. Kereković (ed.). Geographic Information Systems in Research & Practice. IInd Part.
Croatian Information Technology Association – GIS Forum, University of Silesia, Zagreb, 119-123.
With a variety of remote sensing data now available, choice has to be made between footprint sizes, image
resolution and band frequency of the data for the region to be surveyed. By using Landsat TM images and
GPS control points, positional adjustments are easily made.
For successful geological oil and gas explorations it is necessary to know and precise determine structuralgeological relations as we must reconstructed whole tectonic complex on the surface.
Major faults, especially which across all over potential oil bearing structures, can have large influence in
exploring hydrocarbons. So, for example, some faults if not sealed, are good migration pathways for
hydrocarbon accumulations or vice versa.
Satellite data in the forms of images or maps can keep different thematic piece of information: geological
data, water- flow, topographic data, types of ground cover, administrative boundaries, infrastructural objects
etc. We integrated data from satellite images and those collected by traditional Earth geology methods.
Interpretation of Satellite images and integration with geological records represents quick and powerful tool
in the hydrocarbon exploration.
Literature:
1.
2.
3.
M.Oluić/ Snimanje i istraživanje Zemlje iz Svemira , 2001, Hrvatska Akademija Znanaosti i Umjetnosti i Geosat,
Zagreb
INA-Naftaplin/ Seismic Quality Control Supervisors, 2005, INA_Naftaplin, Zagreb
ER Mapper Magazine – Issue 2 – 1999
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