Airborne - EM hydrocarbon mapping in Mozambique

Abstract

We lay out a case history of a multi-method airborne geophysical survey to assist a hydrocarbon exploration project in central Mozambique. The dedicated targets of the survey are near surface resistivity anomalies caused by hydrocarbon seepage plumes. The geophysical survey concept includes the use of time-domain electromagnetics, magnetometry and gamma-spectrometry applied from rotary and fixed wing aircraft. Preliminary data interpretation, closely tied to 2D seismic information and the regional geological understanding, indicates a successful delineation of a seepage alteration zone just one month after survey completion.