Trial of Low Frequency Passive Seismic Technology for Deep Gas Exploration in a Frontier Area

Robert Habiger¹, Tamara Mueller¹, S. Carbonara², and A. Khelaiwi^2
1Spectraseis AG, Zurich, Switzerland
²EniRepSa Gas Ltd, Khobar, Saudi Arabia

A growing number of low frequency surveys at different oil and gas field locations throughout the world have established the possible relationship between micro-tremors and presence of hydrocarbons. These narrow-band, low frequency (from ~1Hz to ~6Hz) micro-tremor signals can be used as hydrocarbon indicators for the optimization of decisions for exploration, as well as appraisal and production phases. This paper describes a passive low frequency seismic survey pilot project conducted on a prospect located in EniRepSa Block C (Saudi Arabia). The block covers a large area of approximately 52,000 km2 in the Northern sector of the Rub al Khali basin.

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