Regional gravity survey and application in oil and gas exploration in China

• Published in: China Geology Vol. 2; no. 3; pp. 380 - 388
• Main Authors: Zhang, Ming-hua, Qiao, Ji-hua, Zhao, Geng-xin, Lan, Xue-yi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: KeAi Communications Co., Ltd 01.09.2019
• Subjects: China; Concealed and deep-seated structures; Data integration; Deep oil and gas exploration engineering; Gravity survey; Oil and gas basins
• ISSN: 2096-5192
• DOI: 10.31035/cg2018108

Ground gravity survey for regional structure unit delineation and oil and gas exploration in China is addressed in this paper with examples. Gravity survey scales, coverage, technical regulations and achievements at the national level are introduced, including data processing and anomaly interpretation techniques. Bouguer anomalies of terrestrial territories of China and classification of anomalous feature zones are also described; they are well correlated with lithotectonical boundaries, fault zones, and unexposed igneous plutons. Recent study results of petroliferous sedimentary basins are presented as well, including concealed boundaries and major structures of large basins. It is concluded that gravity survey is the most effective and economic method in unveiling unexposed and deep-seated structures, targeting and delineating oil and gas-bearing sedimentary basins, and locating main trap structures within prolific basins in early stage of exploration in China. Suggestions for improving exploration of both conventional and unconventional oil and gas reservoirs in China are also given in the paper.