5 Survey Methods to Consider If You Are Exploring a Site for Hydrocarbons
If you plan to use an underwater area for hydrocarbon exploration, you may want to do a site survey first. This involves a number of different elements. Here are some of the site survey methods you may want to use.
1. High-Resolution Seismic Reflection
This site survey process uses seismic waves to detect and define cavities in a potential exploration site. If you opt for high-resolution seismic reflection, your measuring equipment needs to be able to go at least as deep as you plan to drill. That way, you can rest assured that you aren't missing any important information.
This type of surveying can be used to figure out if gas pockets are shallow. You can also opt for seismic velocity testing which can help you figure out sediment thickness.
2. Magnetics
Magnetic surveys are critical if you are drilling in certain parts of the ocean. This type of surveying helps you figure out the age of the oceanic crust. It can also help with figuring out how the plates in that area have been moving and by extension how they are likely to continue to move.
3. Sediment Cores
A sediment core is when you pull a core of sediment out of the ground. With this core, you have a better understanding of what you are going to bump into once you start drilling. In particular, you can figure out issues related to the sediment thickness and how easily the sediment will wash away when you start drilling.
4. Rock Samples
This survey method is similar to taking a sediment core, but it involves taking a core of the rocks in the area. Ideally, you need to get a sense of the rocks in the direct area where you are drilling. That helps you hone in on the right drilling method.
Beyond that, you need to know about the composition of rocks in the nearby areas. In particular, you need to know if the rocks are harboring any gases or chemicals that could be dangerous if released during the course of your drilling or exploration activities.
5. Current Samples
When you're doing exploration in water, you have to think about the water and its currents as well. You need to be able to figure out how they are going to affect your workflow. For exploration on shallow sites, you also need to have a tidal map as part of your site survey.