Lecture organized by SPG India, MUMBAI Chapter on

“Utility of Geo-potential Method in Hydrocarbon Exploration”

Delivered by Prof. Anand S. P., Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, Mumbai

SPG Mumbai Chapter organised a technical presentation as a part of continuous and relentless efforts of SPG to share ideas and experiences to the geo-scientific community and to express & exchange views on “Utility of Geo-potential Method in Hydrocarbon Exploration” on 17th April, 2024, under the guidance of Shri B.S. Bora, ED-CGS, President and Shri Vikas Mohan, HGS, Secretary, SPG Mumbai Chapter. The technical presentation was delivered by Dr. Anand S. P., (Professor E), Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, Mumbai. The presentation was organised at ONGC NBP Green Heights Conference Hall and more than 60 participants from different work centres in Mumbai, including SPG members attended it.

Shri B.S. Bora, ED-CGS, President SPG Mumbai Chapter delivered the opening remarks. He introduced the distinguished speaker, Dr. Anand S. P. and the importance of the subject.

Brief biodata of Dr. Anand S. P., Prof. (E), Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, Mumbai

Dr. Anand S.P. is a Professor E at Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIGM) Mumbai with extensive experience and expertise in Sub-basalt imaging using Geo-potential methods, structure and evolution of Aseismic Ridges in the Northern Indian Ocean. With a distinguished career spanning over twenty years, he has made significant contributions to the field through his research, publications, and academic endeavours.

One of his important contributions to the field of Geoscience is the publication of composite magnetic anomaly map of India and its contiguous region, the first of its kind, where magnetic data collected from different platforms, organizations and agencies were integrated to generate the composite anomaly map. He carried out and was part of projects funded by ISRO (SAC-Space Applications Centre), ONGC, DST etc. In probably a first such exercise carried out in India, his survey planning, meticulous processing and interpretation of magnetic data helped to successfully delineate archaeological structures in the Keeladi archaeological site, Tamil Nadu. Currently, Dr. Anand is developing techniques for sub-basalt imaging using gravity and magnetic data in the Deccan Volcanic Province and the Western Continental Margin of India and also generating a lithospheric magnetic anomaly map of India from satellite data. Dr. Anand was a part of the Continuing Education Program of Society of Petroleum Geophysicists, member of National Aero-Geophysical Mapping Program (NAGMP) committee and has been invited by GSI to deliver lectures on Exploration Geomagnetism during orientation programs, workshops etc

The talk covered various aspects of geopotential method, its theory, application, usefulness and importance. Dr. Anand explained the theory of geopotential method in a very simple way, which was imprinted on the audience’s mind. He quoted from published papers about the improvements in Magnetic prospecting for hydrocarbon. Geopotential method for hydrocarbon exploration has transformed from a mere reconnaissance tool to a method that can now provide levels of detail that are compatible to those derived from other geophysical methods

Multiple case studies were also presented by Dr. Anand.

1. Case studies of Frontier Basin-Basement Depth
2. Mapping IS Sources and Basement and Intra sedimentary Mapping
3. Seep-Induced Magnetic Anomalies &
4. Magnetic imaging of intra-sedimentary anomalies and their association with hydrocarbon producing fields in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

Intra-sedimentary Mapping (ISMAP) for hydrocarbon exploration involves the use of highsensitivity, high-resolution aeromagnetic data to resolve very low amplitude (5nT) anomalies originating from structures within the essentially non-magnetic sedimentary column, as well as high amplitude features from the crystalline basement. ISMAP detects structures from within the sedimentary column as well as determining the depth to, and structure of, the magnetic basement. The benefits of ISMAP are realized through the improved data processing techniques used. These include tie-line levelling, micro-levelling, equivalent source corrections where appropriate, and signal enhancement filtering, which permits the retention of the high frequency component of the data during the contour mapping. ISMAP surveys are particularly useful in identifying linear or curvilinear features originating from sources within the sedimentary section

The talk was highly informative and succeeded in generating great interest among the audience. Geoscientists present in the session actively interacted with the speaker during the talk.

The technical session was followed by closing remarks by Shri Nandan Verma, ED-Basin Manager, WOB. SPG Mumbai chapter felicitated guest speaker Dr. Anand S.P. for his contribution with a memento as a token of appreciation. Finally, Shri Amit Kumar, SG (S), Jt. Secretary, SPG Mumbai Chapter delivered the vote of thanks.