Aeromagnetics assists Oil & Gas exploration in the Bedout Sub-basin, offshore Canning Basin

Abstract

Finder Exploration and its joint venturer Carnarvon Petroleum commissioned Fugro Airborne Surveys to acquire and interpret 21,622 line kilometres of airborne magnetic data over Petroleum Exploration Permits WA-436-P and WA-438-P in the Bedout Sub-basin, offshore Canning Basin within the Northwest Shelf, Western Australia. These data were acquired to augment the existing sparse 2D seismic data in the study area. The newly acquired aeromagnetic data were integrated with selected seismic profiles, regional structural and geological data; tied to the well data to provide an interpretation of the tectono-structural evolution of the Bedout Sub-basin, a depth to magnetic basement and total sediment thickness estimation in the study area. The interpretation revealed a complex basin architecture reflecting multiple structural and depositional features which contributed to the development of the Bedout Sub-basin. The estimated depths to magnetic basement are consistent with previous assessments of sediment thickness derived from the interpretation of the existing 2D seismic dataset, with the exception of previously unrecognised thick sedimentary deposits interpreted in the eastern part of the study area. The interpretation of the aeromagnetic data shows variations in sediment thicknesses of up to 5kms over relatively short lateral distances in the vicinity of the Bedout High in the northern part of the study area. A significant shallowing of the basement towards the Lambert Shelf in the south is also identified. As part of the ongoing exploration effort, this new aeromagnetic data and interpretation has added to the understanding of the study area by identifying a possible additional hydrocarbon source kitchen and improving the tectono-structural understanding of the Bedout Sub-basin.