The State of Art

Abstract

In the application of potential fields in regional investigations, the gravimetric method solves the problems of the study of regional geological constitution, with better results for the folded belts. Regional studies that make use of gravimetric surveys also permit detailing the main tectonic features such as faults and other alignments, with which various mineral and energy resources are linked. Meanwhile, the aeromagnetic survey is helpful for geological mapping of vast regions with a thick sedimentary cover, where geological-structural features can be revealed if some magnetic horizons are present within the sedimentary sequence. In the absence of magnetic sediments, aeromagnetic survey data can provide information on the nature and form of basic–ultrabasic and/or crystalline basement. Both cases are applicable to oil and gas exploration. Regarding airborne gamma spectrometry, this provides a direct measurement of the naturally distribution of radioelements (K, U, and Th) occurring in the ground surface. Potassium is a major constituent of most rocks, while uranium and thorium are present in trace amounts, such as mobile and immobile elements, respectively. As the concentration of these radioelements varies among different types of rocks (and derived residual soils), distribution can be used to distinguish the different lithologies. Regarding hydrocarbon exploration, changes in mineral stability on columns of mineralized rocks above hydrocarbon deposits derived different types of morphometric, geophysics, and geochemistry significant responses.