Geological interpretation of offshore Central Sumatra basin using topex satellite gravity data

Abstract

Topex is a geodetic satellite to map earth surface topography with very high precision. Two types of data can be obtained from Topex satellite, namely topographic and free-air gravity field data. Then, it is processed to produce Bouguer anomaly which will be used to interpret the subsurface geology of a specific study area. The purpose of this study was to delineate sedimentary basin and basement configurations. The methods used in this research are spectral analysis, band-pass filter and 2D forward modeling. The spectral analysis results show the average thickness of the sedimentary rocks is 2.1 km. Sub-basin patterns based on the band-pass filter are 7 sedimentary sub-basins and the structural patterns found in this area comprise basement height, graben and fault. The 2D modeling results show that the bedrock in the eastern part of the Central Sumatra basin is granitic with a mass density value of 2.67 gr/cc and the layer above the bedrock is interpreted as a sedimentary rock with a mass density value of 2.35 gr/cc. Analysis of the gravity data shows significant results as initial information to delineate sedimentary sub-basin and regional structure to enhance information to the next stage of hydrocarbon exploration.