Spatial Data Modeling Based MCE Fuzzy Logic for Petroleum Exploration in Part of Say&amp;apos;un-Masilah Basin of Yemen

Arafat Mohammed Bin Mohammed

doi:10.11648/j.ajrs.20170501.11

Abstract

GIS Provides spatial and analytical support to assess multicriteria (MCE) methods, which are used to combine data to show areas best fulfilling specific criteria. Petroleum explorations would benefit from an MCE method that is spatial, is flexible for combining heterogeneous data, considers the interpretive nature of the data, is geologically applicable, and is applicable for frontier areas or where little information exists regarding probabilities of the presence of petroleum. This study proposes a GIS-based MCE method for petroleum exploration based on fuzzy logic, which fulfills the previously stated requirements using 9 subcriteria combined to produce a favorability map of potential exploration areas. A case study applied to Sayun Almasilah Basin East Yemen. We conclude that the method can be applied in an exploration setting and, as such, is applicable for other regions of the world.

Highlights

Multicriteria evaluation (MCE) is a subset of multidimensional decision and evaluation models
A case study applied to Sayun- Al Masilah Basin in the central east of Yemen which is known as a mature Basin; the methodology applied and the resultant map of favorability area was verified by using ground truth data such as oil field and producing well selected for the evaluation, the favorable map was in agreement with the ground truth data
Most of the derived surface anomalies are in agreement with the location areas of oil fields and leads, three sub criteria were combined, Lineament density (LD), drainage Density (DD) and subsurface Lineament Density (SLD)

Summary

Introduction

Multicriteria evaluation (MCE) is a subset of multidimensional decision and evaluation models. Multicriteria evaluation is not strictly a spatial analytical model [4] and [5]; the present study makes an attempt MCE for spatial analysis, with application to economic geology settings, such as mineral or petroleum exploration. Has been selected as the MCE method for investigating petroleum favorability in this study since it is applicable for frontier areas and does not rely on prior probabilities It has been successfully employed in mineral exploration, and economic geology; besides it is acceptable for petroleum exploration in non spatial environment, [12]. The study proposes a data evaluation process based on a series of user- defined inputs and criteria used to show geographic areas that may be of Arafat Mohammed Bin Mohammed et al.: Spatial Data Modeling Based MCE Fuzzy Logic for Petroleum Exploration in Part of Say'un-Masilah Basin of Yemen interest for further investigation for petroleum exploration. The method can be successfully applied to the frontier Basins where not much data are available

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion