Interpreting 2D seismic with the assistance of FALCON® Airborne Gravity Gradiometer data in the Canning Basin

Abstract

The interpretation of 'vintage' seismic data acquired in underexplored frontier basins is often challenged by their sparse coverage. This example from the Canning Basin illustrates how FALCON® Airborne Gravity Gradiometer (AGG) data greatly enhances the 2D seismic interpretation, facilitating exploration in such frontier basins. The initial seismic interpretation was performed by Buru Energy, and given the 'vintage' data, was limited at best. The integration of the AGG, magnetic, well, and other available data allowed the improvement of seismic interpretation. A basement structure map, and two intra-sedimentary structure maps were produced, resulting in an overall geological model. In particular, the initial seismic interpretation of seismic traverses perpendicular to strike across the AGG survey could be significantly improved by using images of the AGG data and AGG profile data (GDD and gD). The AGG data and the structure maps were used to constrain fault locations and depths as well as thickness distributions of geological units. The interpreted seismic traverses were validated by 2.5D gravity modelling, ultimately resulting in a conceptual geological model. This is a key-method to constrain the interpreted geology, providing a more confident interpretation of 'vintage' reflection seismic data with sparse coverage.