Abstract

Even though it is well known that seismic refraction is the most efficient technique to map the basement configuration, it is not commonly used due to the high cost involved in acquiring the seismic data. Keeping in view the importance of identifying potential hydrocarbon bearing sedimentary structures, after going through the derived success in different Trap covered terrains, it is strongly opined that a realistic data acquisition management module has to be selected to derive maximum benefit through optimal utilization of inputs. The suggested strategy, especially in the Trap covered area is as follows: To start with it is essential to look at the Bouguer/isostatic anomaly details of the area of interest to properly select the location, direction and extension of seismic refraction profiles. Once this is done, the suggested follow up action is to have Magneto-Telluric (MT) / Deep Resistivity Sounding (DRS) studies to identify broad features of potential structures, as the resistivity contrast between the Trap cover and the underlain sedimentary column is good to yield favorable results. This combined approach of having gravity and MT/DRS information prior to starting seismic studies, would then localize the area of study for seismic investigation. Similarly, the joint inversion of various data sets would narrow down the ambiguity and lead to production of better subtrappean structural details. Implementation of such a strategy has yielded very fruitful results in Saurashtra peninsula and Deccan Syneclise. Some salient sequence of events is given in this paper.