Remote Detection of Hydrocarbon Microseepage in a Loess Covered Area

Hydrocarbon microseepage can result in related near-surface mineral alterations.In this study,we evaluated the potential of detecting these alterations with field measured and satellite acquired hyperspectral data.Fourteen soil samples and reflectance spectra were collected in the Xifeng Oilfield,a loess covered area.Soil samples were analyzed in the laboratory for calcite,dolomite,kaolinite,illite,and mixedlayer illite/smectite content,and we processed reflectance spectra for continuum removal to derive clay and carbonate mineral absorption depth(H).High correlation between absorption depth and mineral content was shown for clay and mineral carbonate with field measured spectra.Based on the result for the field spectra,we proposed and tested a fast index based on the absorption depth of clay and carbonate minerals with a hyperspectral image of the area.The detected hydrocarbon microseepage anomalies matched well with those shown in the geological map.

Laboratory Simulation of the Formation Process of Surface Geochemical Anomalies Applied to Hydrocarbon Exploration

The formation mechanisms and processes of geochemical anomalies used as proxies in surface geochemistry exploration （SGE） have not been well understood. Previous studies cannot realize 3D measurement of microseeping hydrocarbons from reservoirs to the surface, which made it difficult to understand the features and pathways of deep hydrocarbon microseepages. Understanding the processes of hydrocarbon microseepages will contribute to the acceptance and effectiveness of surface geochemistry. Based on a simplified geological model of hydrocarbon microseepages, including hydrocarbon reservoir, direct caprock, overlying strata and Quaternary sediments, this work established a 3D experimental system to simulate the mechanisms and processes of deep hydrocarbon microseepes extending to the surface. The dispersive halos of microseeping hydrocarbons in the subsurface were adequately described by using this 3D experimental system. Results indicate that different migration patterns of hydrocarbons above the point gas source within the simulated caprock and overlying strata can be reflected by the ratio of i-butane to n-butane （i-C4/n-C4）, which follow diffusion and infiltration （buoyancy） mechanisms. This is not the case for vertical measurement lines far from the point gas source. A vertical gas flow in the form of a plume was found during hydrocarbon microseepage. For sampling methods, the high-density grid sampling is favorable for delineating prospecting targets. Hydrocarbon infiltration or buoyancy flow occurs in the zones of infiltration clusters, coupling with a diffusion mechanism at the top of the water table and forming surface geochemical anomalies. These results are significant in understanding hydrocarbon microseepage and interpreting SGE data.

Surface geochemical data evaluation and integration with geophysical observations for hydrocarbon prospecting,Tapti graben,Deccan Syneclise,India

The Deccan Syneclise is considered to have significant hydrocarbon potential. However, significant hydrocarbon discoveries, particularly for Mesozoic sequences, have not been established through conventional exploration due to the thick basalt cover over Mesozoic sedimentary rocks. In this study, near-surface geochemical data are used to understand the petroleum system and also investigate type of source for hydrocarbons generation of the study area. Soil samples were collected from favorable areas identified by integrated geophysical studies. The compositional and isotopic signatures of adsorbed gaseous hydrocarbons （methane through butane） were used as surface indicators of pe- troleum micro-seepages. An analysis of 75 near-surface soil-gas samples was carried out for light hydrocarbons （C_1-C_4） and their carbon isotopes from the western part of Tapti graben, Deccan Syneclise, India. The geochemical results reveal sites or clusters of sites containing anomalously high concentrations of light hydrocarbon gases. High concentrations of adsorbed thermogenic methane （C1 518 ppb） and ethane plus higher hydrocarbons （∑C2＋ = 977 ppb） were observed. Statistical analysis shows that samples from 13% of the samples contain anomalously high concentrations of light hydrocarbons in the soil-gas constituents. This seepage suggests largest magnitude of soil gas anomalies might be generated/source from Mesozoic sedimentary rocks, beneath Deccan Traps. The carbon isotopic composition of methane, ethane and propane ranges are from 22.5‰to -30.2‰ PDB, -18.0‰ to 27.1‰,, PDB and 16.9‰-32.1‰ PDB respectively, which are in thermogenic source. Surface soil sample represents the intersection of a migration conduit from the deep subsurface to the surface connected to sub-trappean Mesozoic sedimentary rocks. Prominent hydrocarbon concentra- tions were associated with dykes, lineaments and presented on thinner basaltic cover in the study area, which probably acts as channel for the micro-seepage of hydrocarbons.

Magnetic, Geochemical and Mineralogical Charac teristics of Soils in Qiangtang Basin, Tibet, China: Implications for Prospective Oil and Gas Land

The alteration of iron bearing minerals induced by hydrocarbon microseepage above oil/gas reservoirs has been evaluated using measurements of soil magnetic susceptibility κ , geochemical compositions (gas hydrocarbon and alteration carbonate Δ C ), and composition and concentration of iron bearing minerals. The analyses were performed along two profiles across the Qiangtang basin in Tibet, China: the Nuoermahu Xuehuanhu profile (C) and the Mugari Huochetoushan profile (E). Results show that three strong magnetic anomalies (C 1, E 1 and E 2 anomalies) are related to the distribution of Neogene volcanic rocks on the surface in the Gangmacuo Xiyaergang uplift. Two other anomalies (C 2 and E 4 anomalies), characterized by both moderately amplitude magnetic susceptibility and elevated soil gas hydrocarbons, occur near fault zones in the Cuoni Donghu synclinorium. These latter anomalies display characteristics of hydrocarbon microseepage anomalies commonly associated with oil and gas accumulations. Their presence in the Cuoni Donghu synclinorium suggests that parts of the Qiangtang basin may have significant petroleum potential.