Mapping Gas-charged Fault Blocks Around the Vinton Salt Dome, Louisiana Using Gravity Gradiometry Data

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dc.contributor.advisorHall, Stuart A.
dc.contributor.committeeMemberBhattacharya, Janok P.
dc.contributor.committeeMemberBanik, Niranjan C.
dc.creatorEnnen, Christopher 1983-
dc.date.accessioned2014-03-13T19:47:28Z
dc.date.available2014-03-13T19:47:28Z
dc.date.createdAugust 2012
dc.date.issued2012-08
dc.date.updated2014-03-13T19:47:33Z
dc.description.abstractReflection seismic imaging of complex faulting and associated petroleum reservoirs adjacent to onshore salt domes in the Gulf Coast region is both expensive and time consuming. Modeling studies show that gravity gradiometry data have the resolution in ideal conditions to image such reservoirs where seismic is unavailable or cost averse. Full Tensor Gravity Gradiometry (FTG) data, which are higher resolution than conventional gravity data, have been acquired by Bell Geospace over the Vinton salt dome located in southwest Louisiana. A model of the dome incorporating reflection seismic, well logs, VSP, and conventional gravity interpretations was built and input to a FTG forward calculation program. The resulting signal was subtracted from the recorded survey to remove the overpowering signal of the dome. This residual image revealed anomalies linked to subsurface structures such as faults, gas-charged reservoirs, and parts of the salt dome not included in previous studies. Models of gas-charged reservoirs were produced and input to the forward calculation program to compare the results with anomalies found near the dome. Negative Eötvös anomalies on the Tzz component of the residual image are observed within the maximum boundary of the salt dome. The distribution and amplitudes of these anomalies are used to discriminate between signals caused by salt and signals caused by reservoirs. Oil and gas production data overlaid on the FTG data show production within areas with signal character for gas-charged reservoirs.
dc.description.departmentEarth and Atmospheric Sciences, Department of
dc.format.digitalOriginborn digital
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10657/533
dc.language.isoeng
dc.rightsThe author of this work is the copyright owner. UH Libraries and the Texas Digital Library have their permission to store and provide access to this work. Further transmission, reproduction, or presentation of this work is prohibited except with permission of the author(s).
dc.subjectVinton
dc.subjectFull Tensor Gravity Gradiometry (FTG)
dc.subjectGradiometry
dc.subjectSalt domes
dc.subjectLouisiana
dc.subjectPotential fields
dc.subjectGeophysics
dc.subject.lcshGeophysics
dc.titleMapping Gas-charged Fault Blocks Around the Vinton Salt Dome, Louisiana Using Gravity Gradiometry Data
dc.type.dcmiText
dc.type.genreThesis
thesis.degree.collegeCollege of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
thesis.degree.departmentEarth and Atmospheric Sciences, Department of
thesis.degree.disciplineGeophysics
thesis.degree.grantorUniversity of Houston
thesis.degree.levelMasters
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Science

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