Seeing where seismic sheds little light
Gravity-based modeling is very valuable in defining or confirming structure below salt domes or where salt formations redirect or absorb seismic pulses. The same holds true for areas where sedimentary formations interface with igneous rock—especially where igneous intrusions may cover deeper sedimentary structure. In these instances gravity & magnetic-based modeling can provide information about structure. In conjunction with seismic data, gravity and magnetics can define those obscured prospect features.
These benefits are the reason leading companies incorporate gravity models in their prestack depth migration workflows.
Magnetic modeling, especially from high-resolution aeromagnetic (HRAM) data, provides a unique, high-sensitivity picture of top-of-salt relief.
Magnetic studies have been critical in defining the Gulf of Mexico’s framework for autochthonous salt interpretations.
Potential fields modeling has also defined/revealed structure under hanging walls, below igneous flows, thrusted basement, etc in areas such as US & Canadian Rocky Mountains.