Surface Geochemical Exploration

Micro‐seepage (active), usually interstitial gas, is often used to assess exploration acreage or exploration structures for their oil/gas potential - migrating gases have a strong tendency of vertical ascension along a micro-fracture network in the rock system. The presence and identification of subtle micro-gas seepage at the surface may be used as a direct indicator for reservoir HC vertically below.

We offer Surface Geochemical Exploration service which is a technique based on the principal of oil and gas accumulations (and mature source rocks) having a surface geochemical expression. This hydrocarbon seepage can range from visible oil and gas seeps (macro seepage) at one extreme, to invisible but detectible micro seepage at the other extreme. The surface expression of hydrocarbon micro seepage can take many forms including:

• Microbiological Anomalies
• Anomalous Hydrocarbon Concentrations
• Mineralogy changes such as the formation of Calcite, Pyrite, Uranium, Elemental Sulphur, Magnetic Iron Oxides and Sulphides
• Bleaching of Redbeds
• Clay Mineral changes
• Acoustic Anomalies
• Electrochemical changes
• Radiation Anomalies
• Biogeochemical and Geo-Botanical Anomalies

Significantly, the technique can reduce exploration risk by identifying the specific areas or prospects with the greatest petroleum potential. Surface geochemical exploration surveys can be beneficial at all stages of exploration: from frontier basin evaluation, to high-grading leads and prospects on basis of hydrocarbon charge, to identifying by-passed pay in mature fields.