Three-dimensional structure of the Laguna Salada Basin and its thermal regime

A comprehensive reinterpretation of the available gravity, magnetic, geothermal, geological and borehole information has been made of the Laguna Salada Basin to establish a 3D model of the basement and sedimentary infill. According to statistical spectral analysis, the residual gravity anomaly is due to sources with a mean regional depth of 2.8 km. The topography of the basement was obtained from a three‐dimensional inversion carried out in the wavenumber domain using an iterative scheme. The maximum density contrast of ?300 kg/m³ estimated from previous studies and the mean depth of 2.5 km finally constrained this inversion. The resulting model indicated that the sedimentary infill is up to 4.2 km thick at its deepest point. According to the gravity‐derived basement topography, the basin presents an asymmetry (i.e. it is of the half‐graben type). It is deeper to the east, where it is delimited from the Sierra Cucapah by a step fault. By contrast, the limit with the Sierra de Juarez is a gently sloping fault (i.e. a listric fault). The basement is not even, but it comprises a series of structural highs and lows. N–S to NW–SE and E–W to NE–SW faults delimit these structural units. The magnetic modelling was constrained by (i) the gravity‐derived basement topography; (ii) a Curie isotherm assumed to be between 7 km and 10 km; (iii) assuming induced magnetization only; (iv) the available geological and borehole information. The magnetic anomalies were interpreted successfully using the gravity‐derived basement/sedimentary interface as the top of the magnetic bodies (i.e. the magnetic modelling supports the gravity basement topography). An elongated N–S to NW–SE trending highly magnetized body running from south to north along the basin is observed to the west of the basin. This magnetic anomaly has no gravity signature. Such a feature can be interpreted as an intrusive body emplaced along a fault running through the Laguna Salada Basin. Treatment of the gravity and magnetic information (and of their horizontal gradients) with satellite image processing techniques highlighted lineaments on the basement gravity topography correlating with mapped faults. Based on all this information, we derived detailed geological models along four selected profiles to simulate numerically the heat and fluid flow in the basin. We used a finite‐difference scheme to solve the coupled Darcy and Fourier differential equations. According to our results, we have fluid flow in the sedimentary layers and a redistribution of heat flow from the basin axis toward its rims (Sierra de Juárez and Sierra Cucapah). Our model temperatures agree within an error of 4% with the observed temperature profiles measured at boreholes. Our heat‐flow determinations agree within an error of ±15% with extrapolated observations. The numerical and chemical analyses support the hypothesis of fluid circulation between the clay–lutite layer and the fractured granitic basement. Thermal modelling shows low heat‐flow values along the Laguna Salada Basin. Deep fluid circulation patterns were observed that redistribute such flow at depth. Two patterns were distinguished. One displays the heat flow increasing from the basin axis towards its borders (temperature increase of 20°C). The second pattern shows an increasing heat flow from south to north of the basin. Such behaviour is confirmed by the temperature measurements in the thermometric boreholes.     

Magnetic basement: gravity‐guided magnetic source depth analysis and interpretation

We present a new integrated approach to the interpretation of magnetic basement that is based on recognition of characteristic patterns in distributions and alignments of magnetic source depth solutions above and below the surface of magnetic basement. This approach integrates a quantitative analysis of depth solutions, obtained by 2D Werner deconvolution of the magnetic data, with a qualitative evaluation of the Bouguer gravity anomalies. The crystalline/metamorphic basement and sedimentary cover have different origins, tectonic histories, lithologies and magnetic properties. These differences result in different geometries of magnetic sources associated with faults, fracture zones, igneous intrusions, erosional truncations, subcrop edges and other structural discontinuities. Properly tuned, 2D Werner deconvolution is able to resolve the intra‐sedimentary and intra‐basement magnetic source geometries into distinctly different distributions and alignments of calculated depth solutions. An empirical set of criteria, basement indicators, was developed for identification and correlation of the basement surface. The ambiguity of basement correlation with limited or non‐existent well control, which is common for onshore frontier and offshore explorations, can be reduced by incorporating the Bouguer gravity data into the process of correlation.     

Gravity and magnetic field characteristics and hydrocarbon prospects of the Tobago Basin

The Tobago Basin, which is located offshore northern Venezuela with a southern margin close to Trinidad and Tobago, has an area of approximately 59,600 km². The Tobago Basin has relatively favourable hydrocarbon prospects, and to date, exploration work has mainly concentrated on small areas of the southwestern portion of the basin. To conduct a comprehensive study of the structural framework of the basin and the characteristics of the basement in order to identify prospective zones for hydrocarbon exploration, shipborne‐measured and satellite‐measured gravity data, shipborne‐measured magnetic data, and aeromagnetic survey data were analysed. A regularisation filtering method was used to separate and obtain regional and residual gravity and magnetic anomalies. Directional gradients of gravity and magnetic anomalies and the total horizontal gradient and vertical second derivative of gravity anomalies were employed to extract information about fault structures. Regression analysis methods were used to determine the basement depth. The geological significance of the gravity and magnetic fields was examined, the structural framework of the basin was assessed, the basement depth was estimated, and favourable hydrocarbon exploration prospects within the basin were identified. The results show that the Tobago Basin contains complex structures consisting mainly of two groups of faults trending in northeasterly and northwesterly directions and that the major northeasterly trending faults control the main structural configuration and depositional system within the basin. The basement of the Tobago Basin has deep rises and falls. It can be divided into the following four secondary tectonic units: the western sub‐basin, the central uplift area, the southern sub‐basin, and the northeastern sub‐basin. The central uplift area and northeastern sub‐basin are most likely to have developed hydrocarbon accumulations and should be targeted for further exploration.     

盆地基底岩性的综合地球物理预测方法——以松辽盆地滨北地区基底岩性预测为例

预测盆地基岩岩性不仅对于研究盆地的深部地质结构及盆地的形成演化具有重要的意义,而且也对基岩风化壳油气藏的勘探具有一定的指导作用.本文通过对盆地重、磁异常成因的综合分析,提出了一系列盆地基底岩性综合预测研究的综合地球物理资料处理解释方法技术.指出在地震构造界面的约束下采用重力剥皮技术可以较为可靠地获取基底岩性重力异常并分...     

A geophysical study of the granites and the sedimentary basins of the Xanthi area (N. Greece)

Intrusive features of varying size can be interpreted from the aeromagnetic map of the Xanthi area in N. Greece.The Xanthi pluton, which outcrops north of the city of Xanthi, seems to have the shape of a truncated pyramid. This feature has relatively large areal extent and reaches an approximate depth of 7 km. Another, relatively large magnetic body is buried under the sediments at the estuary of the Nestos River.3-D models of several smaller intrusions were constructed and the produced effect was compared to the observed. Some of these intrusions seem to be detached branches of the large Xanthi pluton.The basement in the outer part of the basin of the Nestos River seems to be buried at about 4 km depth. This figure is obtained by the Multiple Source Werner Deconvolution estimates and it is in agreement with the results of former geophysical studies and deep industrial boreholes.A 3-D model of the Xanthi-Komotini basin suggests that this basin is about 0.4 km deep at its southern part. The depth at its northern boundary is about 1.8 km while the boundary itself is formed by the large Kavala-Xanthi-Komotini fault.The Tertiary basin of the Nestos River and the observed magmatism are consistent with the idea of an older extensional tectonic regime in the area.     

关于黄海深部构造的地球物理认识

利用黄海海区重磁观测数据,以最新的地震层析成像和浅层反射地震探测结果作为约束,并利用小波分解、纹理特征图像处理等手段,对研究区进行了地球物理场特征分析、岩石物性总结、断裂信息提取和磁性基底埋深反演计算,同时对南黄海海域三条剖面进行了广义逆重磁数据拟合反演和地震P波速度成像.根据地球物理数据的各种处理结果,提出在南黄海西部存在一条串珠状地球物理线性构造带,并将这条NNW向断续延伸的构造带称之为南黄海西缘断裂带.该断裂带延伸长,断裂两侧前新生代地层差异较大,有可能是造成陆区和南黄海南部盆地区前新生代油气远景差异的原因之一.文中得到南黄海磁性基底埋藏分布具有“中间浅四周深”的分布特征,与地震层析成像结果相吻合.磁性基底的局部起伏和局部构造的边界断层共同控制了前新生代残留盆地的格架和残余厚度分布,反映出“区域控制局部,深层约束浅层”的规律.     

Basement relief map of kalabsha and seiyal areas, northwest of Aswan lake, Egypt

The Bouguer anomaly map of the Kalabsha and Seiyal areas was analysed on the basis of the available data about the depth to the basement from three boreholes. The density contrast between the basement complex and the Nubia formation was estimated from the gravity values and basement depths. Applying the estimated value of the density contrast, a residual map representing the basement effect and a basement relief map were constructed. The basement depth in Kalabsha and Seiyal areas range from 150 to 500 m below mean sea level. Comparing the general characteristics of the Bouguer anomaly of the Kalabsha and Seiyal areas with the clusters of earthquakes in the area since 1982 till present reveals a gravity low coinciding with a deep focal area. The gravity values increase toward a shallow focal area.     

Study of the Deccan Traps of Cambay Basin by geophysical methods

In the attempt to study the buried Deccan Trap layers in the Cambay Basin, the ground magnetic surveys have not been very useful as the data combine the effect due to the crystalline basement and the Trap thickness. In some parts of the basin, some reflections in the seismograms obtained in the course of seismic surveys, could be correlated to the Trap surface. These can be tied with wells drilled in the basin upto the Traps. The synthesis of the gravity and seismic data has enabled us to prepare a map of the Trap surface in the Cambay basin. The depth of the Trap surlace increases from about 2000 m in the northern part of the basin to about 600 m in its deepest part near Broach. The Trap surface rises gradually south of Narbada in an average direction of SE with depths running from 2500 m to 500 m. The interpretation of the gravity anomalies, assuming their cause to be the variations in the thickness of the Trap, has enabled the determination of the average thickness of the Traps in the basin. The maximum thickness of the Trap is in the central part of the basin and is estimated to be about 2.4 km. The Traps appear to gradually taper towards the flanks of the basin.     

秦岭造山带和邻域磁异常特征及结晶基底变异分析

本文根据最新的跨越南鄂尔多斯盆地-渭河盆地-秦岭-大巴造山带-四川盆地东北缘,即榆林-咸阳-万源-涪陵综合地球物理大剖面的高精度地磁观测数据和1：10万与1：20万航磁异常资料,经数据处理和反演分析了该研究区域内地磁异常场展布特征、构造分区及结晶基底起伏.通过对采集数据的反演与研究结果分析表明,不同构造单元之间地磁异常场和结晶基底起伏均存在明显差异和分区特征.南鄂尔多斯盆地磁异常较平稳,由于燕山运动导致盆地整体抬升,其后受到了不同程度的剥蚀作用,结晶基底埋藏较浅;渭河盆地与四川盆地东北部却长期接受沉积作用,结晶基底埋藏相对较深;而秦岭-大巴造山带磁异常变化剧烈,由于其经历了长期的碰撞、挤压和陆内造山作用,地层、岩性和构造分布极不均匀,且在深部存在物质与能量的交换和运移.这一研究结果为进一步深化认识研究区域内的上地壳属性、构造格局、深层运动学与动力学过程及深部潜在资源远景提供了重要依据.     

黄骅坳陷横向构造转换带与基底三分结构的重磁证据

黄骅坳陷盆地结构及构造单元展布受深断裂及盆地基底的控制与影响,利用重磁异常可以较大范围地揭示出控制盆地构造格局的深断裂及基底结构特征.本文综合考虑研究区盆地基底的宏观磁性差异以及存在的剩磁影响,采用对磁化方向依赖性小的磁异常模量数据,研究了黄骅盆地区域横向构造转换带的展布与磁性基底结构.识别出五条NW向与优势构造走向高角度相交的区域横向构造转换带和两条呈“T” 型展布的隐伏深断裂;研究区基底具有三分性结构特征,隐伏深断裂可能为三分基底的拼合线;基底结构差异及区域横向构造转换带共同控制了黄骅盆地“南北分区,东西分带”的宏观构造格局及沉积构造单元的展布.     

Mapping deep targets based on integrated 3D MT-gravity interpretation: a case study

Mapping deep geological hydrocarbon targets is of significant importance in basin exploration. In areas lacking reliable seismic data, magnetotelluric (MT) and gravity explorations are helpful to delineate the distribution of potential deep geological hydrocarbon targets. Here we investigate the effectiveness of the integrated 3D MT and gravity explorations for mapping the potential deep hydrocarbon source rocks. The result based on the data from the W Basin (part of the Ordes Basin) of China demonstrates that the method is efficient and economical for basin exploration. The method is particularly useful in target areas which are of great interest for oil and gas exploration but lack high quality seismic data. In our method, we first use the high-precision 3D small-bin MT data acquisition to improve the data accuracy. Then we perform datum static correction method and apply 3D inversion to obtain the3D resistivity distribution. We also develop a layered resistivity model based on resistivity logging to assist the interpretation of the inverted 3D resistivity data so as to derive an initial 3D geological model. Starting from the initial model, we use 2D gravity data to update the model via 2D inversion line by line, and then pass the updated model for the next round of the 3D MT inversion. The integrated inversion is implemented iteratively so the model converges to satisfy the need of final geological analysis. The application to the W Basin shows that we could successfully delineate the geological distribution of the potential deep hydrocarbon source rocks within the basin and map the thickness of the upper Paleozoic.     

琼东南盆地基底特征及其构造演化

本文通过处理琼东南盆地现有的重磁数据资料,得到琼东南盆地重磁特征,并采用三维Parker法进行重磁基底深度的反演,获得琼东南盆地的重力基底深度变化在1～11 km之间,磁力基底深度变化在5～11 km之间,结合地震剖面的重磁震联合反演结果和钻井资料推断琼东南盆地的基底岩性主要以酸性花岗岩和中性安山岩为主,少量陆相中生界地层.琼东南盆地的基底演化表现为早期主要与古特提斯洋的演化相关,晚期则与太平洋板块的俯冲密切相关.     

重磁异常解释断裂构造的处理方法及图示技术

利用重磁异常解释断裂是地质构造研究的主要手段之一.重磁异常解释断裂通常是在等值线图或剖面平面图上进行的,而重磁异常在进行等值线网格化成图时会造成微弱信息丢失,这些原因造成重磁异常解释断裂的多解性.本文对重磁异常数据在化极、曲面延拓处理的基础上,采用水平梯度法提取延拓曲面上的重磁异常梯度带,之后对断裂带进行窄化处理,通过图示技术将重磁异常数据转换成灰度值,图像的灰度值以变密度显示,形成彩色的变密度图像,这样就提高了数据图像识别断裂的视觉效果.该方法应用在鄂尔多斯盆地不同层次(时间序列)的断裂研究中,提取和识别重磁异常特征所反映的断裂信息,效果较好.     

AUTOMATIC INTERPRETATION OF GRAVITY GRADIOMETRIC DATA IN TWO DIMENSIONS: VERTICAL GRADIENT1

The magnetic and gravity field produced by a given homogeneous source are related through Poisson's equation. Starting from this consideration, it is shown that some 2D interpretation tools, widely applied in the analysis of aeromagnetic data, can also be used for the interpretation of gravity gradiometric data (vertical gradient). This paper deals specifically with the Werner deconvolution, analytic signal and Euler's equation methods. After a short outline of the mathematical development, synthesized examples have been used to discuss the efficiency and limits of these interpretation methods. These tools could be applied directly to airborne gravity gradiometric data as well as ground gravity surveys after transformation of the Bouguer anomalies into vertical gradient anomalies. An example is given of the application of the Werner deconvolution and Euler's equation methods to a microgravity survey.     

裂陷盆地基底双界面模式二维重力反演

裂陷盆地基底的起伏表现为非光滑的几何形态,传统的重力反演结果并不能很好地反映这种特点.此外,大多数情况下,重力观测面并不位于盆地上界面,应为单独的起伏观测面,盆地应为上界面和基底组成的双界面模式.基于此,本文研究了起伏观测面上裂陷盆地基底双界面模式二维重力反演方法.研究中假设沉积盆地的沉积层与基底的密度差随深度按双曲线规律变化.将沉积盆地的沉积层剖分成相邻的垂直柱体,其水平尺寸是已知的,顶面与沉积层上界面重合,底面深度代表基底的深度,即为要反演的参数.反演中引入全变差函数作为盆地模型的约束,使得反演结果呈现非光滑形态,符合裂陷盆地基底特征.为减小反演多解性,引入已知深度点作为约束.建立由重力数据拟合、已知深度约束及全变差函数组成的目标函数,采用非线性共轭梯度算法使目标函数最小化.模型试算结果表明该方法可反演裂陷盆地基底起伏,并通过调整正则化参数的值可反演坳陷盆地基底起伏.将该反演方法用于珠江口盆地惠州凹陷和运城-临汾裂陷盆地实际资料处理,其结果较好地反映了裂陷盆地基底起伏特征,为研究盆地构造、油气勘探等提供重要参考.     

An Automatic Method of Direct Interpretation of Residual Gravity Anomaly Profiles due to Spheres and Cylinders

We have developed a least-squares minimization approach to determine the depth and the amplitude coefficient of a buried structure from residual gravity anomaly profile. This approach is basically based on application of Werner deconvolution method to gravity formulas due to spheres and cylinders, and solving a set of algebraic linear equations to estimate the two-model parameters. The validity of this new method is demonstrated through studying and analyzing two synthetic gravity anomalies, using simulated data generated from a known model with different random error components and a known statistical distribution. After being theoretically proven, this approach was applied on two real field gravity anomalies from Cuba and Sweden. The agreement between the results obtained by the proposed method and those obtained by other interpretation methods is good and comparable. Moreover, the depth obtained by the proposed approach is found to be in very good agreement with that obtained from drilling information.     

Basement geology beneath the northeast Thelon Basin,Nunavut: insights from integrating new gravity,magnetic and geological data

Current models for unconformity‐associated uranium deposits predict fluid flow and ore deposition along reactivated faults in >1.76 Ga basement beneath Mesoproterozoic siliciclastic basins. In frontier regions such as the Thelon Basin in the Kivalliq region of Nunavut, little is known about the sub‐basin distribution of units and structures, making exploration targeting very tenuous. We constructed a geological map of the basement beneath the unconformity by extrapolating exposed features into the subsurface. The new map is constrained by detailed geological, geophysical, and rock property observations of outcrops adjacent to the basin and by aeromagnetic and gravity data over the geophysically transparent sedimentary basin. From rock property measurements, it is clear that the diverse magnetic and density characteristics of major rock packages provide quantitative three‐dimensional constraints. Gravity profiles forward modelled in four cross sections define broad synforms of the Amer Belt and Archean volcanic rocks that are consistent with the structural style outside the basin. Major lithotectonic entities beneath the unconformity include: supracrustal rocks of the Archean Woodburn Lake group and Marjorie Hills meta sedimentary gneiss and associated mixed granitoid and amphibolitic gneiss; the Amer Mylonite Zone and inferred mafic intrusions oriented parallel and sub‐parallel; other igneous intrusions of 2.6 Ga, 1.83 Ga, and 1.75 Ga vintage; and the <2.3 Ga to >1.84 Ga Amer Group. Four main brittle regional fault arrays (040°–060°, 075°–90°, 120°, and 150°) controlled development and preservation of the basin. The reactivated intersections of such faults along fertile basement units such as the Rumble assemblage, Marjorie Hills assemblage, Nueltin igneous rocks, and Pitz formation are the best targets for uranium exploration.     

Mapping basement structures in the northwestern offshore of Abu Dhabi from high‐resolution aeromagnetic data

This paper presents a case study of mapping basement structures in the northwestern offshore of Abu Dhabi using high‐resolution aeromagnetic data. Lineament analysis was carried out on the derivatives of the reduced‐to‐the‐pole magnetic data, along with supporting information from published geologic data. The lineament analysis suggests three well‐defined basement trends in the north–south, northeast–southwest, and northwest–southeast directions. The reduced‐to‐the‐pole magnetic data reveal high positive magnetic anomalies hypothesized to be related to intra‐basement bodies in the deep seated Arabian Shield. Depth to basement was estimated using spectral analysis and Source Parameter Imaging techniques. The spectral analysis suggests that the intruded basement blocks are at the same average depth level (around 8.5 km). The estimated Source Parameter Imaging depths from gridded reduced‐to‐the‐pole data are ranged between 4 km and 12 km with a large depth variation within small distances. These estimated depths prevent a reliable interpretation of the nature of the basement relief. However, low‐pass filtering of the horizontal local wavenumber data across two profiles shows that the basement terrain is characterized by a basin‐like structure trending in the northeast–southwest direction with a maximum depth of 10 km. Two‐dimensional forward magnetic modelling across the two profiles suggests that the high positive magnetic anomalies over the basin could be produced by intrusion of mafic igneous rocks with high susceptibility values (0.008 to 0.016 SI.     

东海陆架盆地雁荡低凸起综合地球物理解释及其成因探讨

通过对东海陆架盆地西部地震和重磁资料的综合地球物理解释,对雁荡低凸起展布形态进行了细致刻画,凸起呈NE方向不连续展布于瓯江凹陷和闽江凹陷之间,长约170 km、宽约15~50 km.地震资料揭示雁荡低凸起上广泛发育了侏罗纪与白垩纪地层,厚度约为500~1500 m,展布面积约5000 km²,局部缺失中生界地层.凸起两侧中生代盆地结构差异明显,西侧瓯江凹陷为典型的断陷盆地,东断西超、断裂发育,半地堑、掀斜断块等中生界构造样式发育;东侧闽江凹陷为坳陷型盆地,断裂、火成岩不发育,挤压背斜、断背斜、反转构造等中生界构造样式发育.自由空间重力异常图与剩余重力异常图上,凸起表现为一系列NE向团块状重力高值区,而磁力异常ΔT图上则表现为深部磁场强度低的特征,火成岩影响部位可见磁力高值异常.综合凸起及邻域重磁震、莫霍面深度等地质地球物理资料,认为雁荡低凸起为一元古界组成的古隆起,区别于东部的台北低凸起.同时,结合区域构造演化及沉积特征,推测侏罗纪时期雁荡低凸起与浙闽隆起区可能连为一体,晚白垩世近东西向伸展作用下浙闽隆起发生裂陷进而形成了雁荡低凸起.     

Interpretation of gravimetric and magnetic anomalies in the Cameros Basin (North Spain): combination of deep and shallow sources

Outstanding potential field anomalies (gravimetric and magnetic) in the Cameros Basin (N Spain) follow a WNW-ESE trend, parallel to the geological structures resulting from Mesozoic extension and Tertiary basin inversion. The positive Bouguer gravity anomaly (15 mGal) is interpreted as the result of a strong contrast between the density of Tertiary rocks of the foreland basin and the Paleozoic and Mesozoic rocks, combined with crustal thickening in the Iberian Chain with respect to the Ebro Basin. The dipolar magnetic anomaly, slightly shifted to the south with respect to the relative maximum of the Bouguer anomaly, can be interpreted as related to volcanic rocks within the basement, which are linked to Triassic rifting as witnessed by outcrops of basalts along the basin margins. An exhaustive analysis of rock properties (density, magnetic susceptibility and remanence) and basin geometry from other sources (seismic reflection profiles) allow to constrain variations in crustal thickness and the location of large-scale basement faults.