Abstract: Integrated Remote Sensing
and Structural
Geology to Define Complex Fold-and-Thrust Belt Structures
Bilotti, Frank D. - Texaco E&P; Shaw, John H. - Harvard University; Brennan, Peter A. - Texaco E&P; Connors, Christopher D. - Texaco Exploration Division; Prelat, Alfredo E. - Texaco E&P
Diagnostic patterns of faults and related
folds at the Earth's surface can reveal complex subsurface structural
geometries
in fold-and-thrust belts. We present methods for interpreting these
structural
patterns by integrating stereoscopic remote-sensing images with seismic
reflection data. We present examples from around the world that use stereoscopic
Landsat TM, SPOT, and airborne hyperspectral images to measure bedding
attitudes and map faults. These surface data are integrated with seismic
reflection profiles to generate balanced geologic
cross
sections
and three-dimensional
structural
models using fault-related folding techniques. Bedding attitudes
derived from stereoscopic imagery can be used to define kink-bands - or
regions of homogeneous dip. Fault-related folding theory describes the
relationship between kink-bands and underlying
structural
geometries, including
fault shapes. In imbricate thrust sequences, refolding of overlying faults
and strata by deeper faults produces shallow folds with multiple dip domains.
We interpret these multiple dip domains with stereoscopic imagery combined
with seismic reflection data to identify imbricate structures that commonly
provide large fold closures and sub-thrust
structural
hydrocarbon traps.
Our integrated approach to structural
analysis
allows for better definition of complex structures and is cost-efficient
for petroleum exploration. Surface attitude data can be used to constrain
structural
traps in places where seismic reflection data quality is poor
or widely spaced, thus limiting the amount of additional seismic data that
needs to be acquired.
AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90933©1998 ABGP/AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil