Geophysical Technologies Research Articles

Muon radiography simulation for underground palace of Qinshihuang Mausoleum

Muon radiography is a nondestructive imaging technology based on the naturally existing cosmic ray muons. Because cosmic ray muons have the strong ability to penetrate, muon radiography in which the absorption of muons through matter is utilized, is especially suitable for the imaging of large-scale objects. While the traditional geophysical technologies used in archeology have some limitations, muon radiography is expected to become a powerful supplement in the nondestructive detection of large-scale cultural relics. Based on Monte Carlo simulation method Geant4, the muon radiography of the underground palace of Qinshihuang Mausoleum is studied in this work. A model of the underground palace of Qinshihuang Mausoleum is set up with GEANT4 program according to the data acquired by the previous archaeological study of Qinshihuang Mausoleum’s inner structure, as well as a reference model without these inner structure. By investigating the differences between the muon fluxes obtained from the two models, the muon radiography image of the inner structure of the model can be obtained. During the simulation, the cosmic ray muon source is generated by sampling according to an empirical formula summarized by Reyna, which can accurately describe the energy spectrum and angular distribution of cosmic ray muons at sea level. In addition, two viewpoints are selected in order to determine the three-dimensional position of the chamber. The simulation data are processed by using an image reconstruction algorithm which can be described as the following three steps. Firstly, the counts of muons in different directions are converted into muon flux. Secondly, the muon flux of the reference model is deducted from that of the Qinshihuang Mausoleum model, and the angular coordinates of the chamber walls are determined. Finally, combined with the wall’s angular coordinates obtained from the two viewpoints and the relative position between the two viewpoints, the chamber size and its position are reconstructed according to the geometric relationship. The errors of the reconstructed chamber center position and the length of chamber walls are both approximately 7%. In this article, we conduct only a preliminary study of muon radiography applied to the nondestructive detection of Qinshihuang Mausoleum, but the results show that muon radiography can be a promising tool for the archeological study of Qinshihuang Mausoleum. In the follow-up study, more factors will be taken into consideration, including the details of Qinshihuang Mausoleum model, and the improvement of image reconstruction algorithm.

Introduction to this special section: Latin America

Recent oil and gas exploration and development projects in Latin America, particularly in offshore basins, have increased the hydrocarbon resources of the region considerably. Geophysical technologies have played a significant role in the growth observed across the region, and those technologies will be crucial in the development of smart energy transition alternatives. That is what inspired this special section, which showcases a variety of technology applications, project scopes, scales, depths of investigation, and techniques, representing the diverse solutions required to tackle subsurface challenges in three major growth geographies: the Brazilian presalt, the Caribbean offshore, and the Gulf of Mexico.

System research of priority geological objects in the Pripyat trough with the intent of increasing the hydrocarbon resource potential

A new direction of system research in the Pripyat Trough to increase the hydrocarbon resource potential of the bowels on the basis of modern geological and geophysical technologies has been justified. Two-type priority objects, which are oil and gas prospecting and research polygons, are distinguished. The first-type object is represented by large oil multifield and prohibitive structures in the highly promising areas and sections. The second-type object includes the structures of the western part of the Central Zone of the Pripyat Trough where a rather high level of direct oil and gas occurrences is established.

The Technology of Geophysical Vessel Control for the Study of the World Ocean

The article performs the issues of positioning and ensuring the movement of a geophysical vessel along a routing line, applied aspects of marine geophysical technologies according to the technical characteristics of a vessel, allowing to carry out the operation complex on the shelf zone of the World Ocean. The points of balancing modes and stability region of the controlled object without stalling vessel in the circulation of the vertical plane relative to center-line plane are calculated for the realization of the parameters of the vessel motion. We determine a linearized model of a controlled device and a table of the numerical values of the coefficients determined in the vicinity of various balancing modes. In addition, the roots of a characteristic equation for the pair of towed objects directly from an underground garage and a vehicle have been established.

Next generation geophysical sensing: exploring a new wave of geophysical technologies for the energy transition

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Using Cloud-Based Array Electromagnetics on the Path to Zero Carbon Footprint during the Energy Transition

Fluid imaging is one of the key geophysical technologies for the energy industry during energy transition to zero footprint. We propose better Cloud-based fluid distribution imaging to allow better, more optimized production, thus reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) footprint per barrel produced. For CO2 storage, the location knowledge of the stored fluids is mandatory. Electromagnetics is the preferred way to image reservoir fluids due to its strong coupling to the fluid resistivity. Unfortunately, acquiring and interpreting the data takes too long to contribute significantly to cost optimization of field operations. Using artificial intelligence and Cloud based data acquisition we can reduce the operational feedback to near real time and even, for the interpretation, to close to 24 h. This then opens new doors for the breakthrough of this technology from exploration to production and monitoring. It allows the application envelope to be enlarged to much noisier environments where real time acquisition can be optimized based on the acquired data. Once all components are commercialized, the full implementation could become a real game changer by providing near real time 3-dimensional subsurface images in support of the energy transition.

The Role of GPR in Community-Driven Compliance Archaeology with Tribal and Non-tribal Communities in Central California

AbstractFor tribes whose preservation values and mitigation strategies for managing cultural heritage are built on an ethic of avoidance and minimal disturbance, geophysical technologies can be key components of the research design. These technologies, most notably ground-penetrating radar, have been used with great success in identifying and evaluating the depth, extent, and composition of some of those resources for heritage research and management purposes, easing tensions when working with sensitive ancestral places. Additionally, research in archaeological geophysics has shifted from feature finding in order to excavate targets of interest to the recognition that geophysical survey can provide data and interpretations for whole sites and landscapes complementary to or beyond that of excavation, especially regarding the intactness and sensitivity of cultural heritage sites. This use of geophysics as a primary method for research rather than a precursor to archaeological research has empowered tribes with another tool to advocate for low-impact investigation of ancestral sites and landscapes that position tribes as pro-science. Geophysical technologies provide scientifically rigorous yet minimally impactful strategies for investigating heritage while satisfying the requirements of academic and compliance archaeology in ways that can also be culturally appropriate for a much broader spectrum of tribal cultural heritage under consideration.

State‐of‐the‐art geophysics for metal exploration

AbstractThe new discovery of the economical metal deposit is getting more difficult year by year because the unexplored areas tend to be more remote areas than ever, and the metal prospective zones are deepening in the recent decades. Therefore, the advent of the state‐of‐the‐art or advanced geophysics technology to peer the deeper parts of the ground with higher accuracy and spatial resolution has been aspired in metal exploration industry. The author reports and introduces the drone‐based magnetic survey, the three‐dimensional time‐domain IP inversion algorithm using Cole–Cole parameter, the time domain electromagnetic method using superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID), and passive seismic survey as the state‐of‐the‐art or advanced geophysics technology for metal exploration.In the early stage of metal exploration, airborne magnetic survey has been used in a wide variety of exploration programs for large areas to map basement structures and to delineate other magnetic structures. The drone‐based magnetic survey is recently getting prevailing in the metal exploration because it can be conducted at much lower cost with simpler clearance for its flight by the governmental authority, and with higher spatial resolution than the conventional fixed‐wing or heliborne magnetic survey.In the target identification stage, induced polarization (IP) method has been recognized as one of the extremely powerful tools in the discovery of many new metal deposits. The historical various studies on complex resistivity measurements for metal sulphides, graphite, magnetite and pyrrhotite have revealed that there are significant differences in the spectral responses among metal sulphides, graphite, magnetite and pyrrhotite which is capable of being parametrized using the empirical Cole–Cole parameter model. JOGMEC developed the three‐dimensional time‐domain IP inversion code using Cole–Cole parameter model so as to interpret the difference of IP sources using Cole–Cole parameters, and has applied this code to its exploration activities. Transient electromagnetic method (TEM) also has a well‐established place in metal exploration. Since recent exploration targets are generally concealed by thick conductive overburdens such as weathered layers and black shale, these geological covers preclude induction currents generated by the TEM transmitter loop on the surface from diffusing into the exploration targets plentifully beneath the conductive covers. B‐field measurement using SQUID magnetic sensor is one of the technologies which enable TEM to investigate deeper than dB/dt measurement by the conventional induction coil system, because B‐field decays slower than dB/dt and time decay of B‐field reaches the system noise floor at later time than dB/dt if dynamic ranges of the both systems are almost identical. JOGMEC had developed the TEM system using a high‐temperature superconductor (HTS) SQUID, and has been using it in its metal exploration.The other current trend of mining geophysics is application of seismic method to metal exploration. In the target identification stage, deep geochemistry using aircore drilling is much utilized over the areas covered by transported cover. In order to design the aircore drilling survey, passive seismic survey has been utilized to evaluate thickness of transported cover in order to make plans of specification (length) of the aircore drilling survey, which is also a new trend in mining geophysics.

POWERFUL GEOPHYSICAL INDUSTRY AS THE BASIS OF ENERGY INDEPENDENCE OF UKRAINE

In the oil and gas industry, the geophysics bears the most knowledge-intensive and high-tech activity. The results of geophysical studies underlie the search, exploration and development of oil and gas fields. It is impossible to effectively drill, operate and repair wells without it. Success in the development of technology and technology in geophysics depends on the level of academic and industrial science, the effectiveness of the education system, and the intellectual training of personnel. The paper provides a historical insight into the era of geophysical research from the beginning of the last century to the present day. The current state and prospects of further development of the geophysical industry as the basis of Ukraine’s energy independence are analyzed. The main reasons for the negative state of affairs in Ukrainian geophysics are as follows: loss of professionalism, lack of high-quality basic education, lack of funding and short-sighted decision-making.

Bridge Foundation River Scour and Infill Characterisation Using Water-Penetrating Radar

Inspections of engineered structures below water level are essential to ensure the long-term serviceability of bridge infrastructure and to avoid major damage or failure. This research aimed to investigate integrated geophysical technologies for the underwater inspection of bridge foundation-related scour and erodible scour-based infill. Survey methods focused on Water-Penetrating Radar (WPR), supplemented by sonar. Whilst the survey benefits of the sonar imaging water–sediment interface and structures are well known, those of WPR are not. However, it is ideally suited to the survey of the water base and sub-sediment in shallow (>10 m) freshwater, especially where suspended sediment, weed infestation or methane impede sonar results. Our work produced good WPR imagery acquired from small, manoeuvrable boats that allowed bathymetric profiles to be plotted, as well as the likely locations of soft-sediment scour in future high-water flow events. This study provides clear benefits for integrated sonar and WPR surveys in the quantitative assessment of engineered structures within freshwater.

Application of Geophysical Exploration and Drilling Technology in Mine Water Control

Application of Geophysical Exploration and Drilling Technology in Mine Water Control

New G&G Technology Pilot testing and verification: Methodological Recommendations

Development of computer technologies allows not only to optimize the process of geological study of our planet, but also to create fundamentally new approaches in working with large arrays of geological data. This led to the transition of formalization of geological knowledge and information from the descriptive form to the technological one, i.e. aimed at the industrial application of unified approaches. The article explains the concept of “technology” as applied to the Earth sciences (“G&G-technology” – Geology & Geophysics Technology). The example of direct and reverse algorithm of hydrocarbon deposits study is given. Stages of new G&G-technologies creation and change of information content level at each stage of this process bring forward certain requirements when selecting geological objects for testing and verification of the obtained result. The practical example of set of criteria for verification of fracture zones mapping technology is considered and the importance of balance between theoretical, methodological and practical elements of mineral deposits study and modeling is described.

GPR Technologies for Predicting the Development of Dangerous Cryogenic Processes in Subsurface Soils

The paper presents the results of comprehensive engineering and geophysical studies on road sections of the city of Yakutsk. Actual studies aimed at improving modern geophysical technologies and methods for studying frozen rocks are considered. The results of studying the characteristic features of wave fields to develop signs of interpretation and prediction of the development of dangerous cryogenic processes in subsurface soils according to GPR data are presented. The data of two-stage autumn-spring measurements are presented, the results of which made it possible to study the complex cryogenic structure of the road section of Dzerzhinsky Street. Good convergence of the GPR results with the data of electrical exploration (non-contact measurement of apparent resistance) on the section of Lenin Avenue is shown. Potentially dangerous areas of the development of dangerous cryogenic processes associated with permafrost degradation were identified on the basis of low resistivities on the obtained ρk graphs and on the basis of the presence of discontinuities in the events, chaotic signals and low-frequency reflections in the radar section.

Study Investigates Using Borehole Gravity To Improve Reservoir Monitoring

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper OTC 30626, “Brazil Presalt, Santos Basin: Feasibility Study for the Application of Borehole Gravity To Improve Reservoir Monitoring,” by Zhijun Du, Adrian Topham, SPE, and Jeremy C. Lofts, SPE, Silicon Microgravity, et al., prepared for the 2020 Offshore Technology Conference, originally scheduled to be held in Houston, 4-7 May. The paper has not been peer reviewed. Copyright 2020 Offshore Technology Conference. Reproduced by permission. The complete paper uses a feasibility study to present the potential application of a three-axis gravimeter borehole measurement in the Libra presalt reservoir in the Santos Basin offshore Brazil. The authors’ findings suggest that an annual survey with a limited well stock could be effective in monitoring this type of reservoir and that a wireline-deployed three-axis gravity tool is likely to provide significant additional surveillance to constrain a reservoir production strategy through better appreciation of the direction of water movement. Introduction The giant Brazilian presalt reservoirs are in ultradeep water (greater than 2000 m) and buried at a depth surpassing 5000 m. In order to conduct reservoir monitoring and achieve successful reservoir management, borehole-based geophysical technologies are preferred because the measurements can be made closer to the reservoir mass. The development of a borehole gravimeter suit-able for use in deep reservoirs, however, poses significant technical challenges, and breakthroughs have been limited by the sensor form factor (size) and measurement stabilization. By use of microelectromechanical-system (MEMS) vibrating-beam technology, the authors introduce a borehole gravimeter that enables the recording of gravitational acceleration at very high sensitivity. The new resonant MEMS gravitational sensor is designed to sense mass in the subsurface such that time-lapse wireline-based surveys can be conducted to build a picture of fluid movements at relatively large distances from a wellbore, thereby enabling time-lapse or 4D gravity monitoring. The innovation of the three-axis gravimeter also allows the acquisition of directional information about the spatial movement of fluid, even when acquired from only a single borehole. The principles of measuring gravity in the borehole environment are provided in the complete paper. Libra Field. The field is one of the largest presalt oil discoveries in the Santos Basin. It was discovered in May 2010 with recoverable resources of approximately 9 billion bbl of oil. The first appraisal well was completed and tested in February 2015. At the time of writing, nine appraisal wells have been drilled. A high-density 3D seismic program was acquired over the Santos and Campos basins, and advanced seismic processing technology has also been applied. Reservoir Simulation. The geophysics for reservoir characterization and simulation of these carbonate reservoirs is still in its early stages, and little published knowledge about their properties exists. Nonetheless, since their discovery, 2D and 3D seismic technologies have been applied intensively for imaging the region structures and delineating the reservoirs.

Preface

The 9th International Conference on Environmental and Engineering Geophysics (ICEEG 2020) is hosted by Jilin University, Changchun, China, from October 11-14, 2020. Held biennially since 2004, the ICEEG Conference is one of the most important events for geophysical research and applications in environmental and engineering. Drawing together scientists, engineers, industrial delegates and end-users, the conference is a place to see all of the advanced developments, ranging from fundamental achievement in geophysical methods to the most interesting case studies. Traditionally, the proceedings “Engineering and Environmental Geophysics in Smart Urban and Rural Areas” of the 9th International Conference on Environment and Engineering geophysics is published for the readers from the near-surface geophysics community, Chinese Geophysical Society.Subsurface supports the survival and development of human beings. On the one hand, human beings obtain water and minerals from the subsurface, and construct necessary underground space to accommodate the water, electricity, gas, communication, and transportation network system of modern cities; on the other hand, they discharge and bury various wastes generated by human activities, forming a unique geological stratum of human beings. Shallow geophysical technology plays a very important role in the utilization of subsurface strata. Today, especially in China, the development of urbanization and the construction of smart cities have greatly promoted the development of near surface geophysical technology. The Conference aims to bring together all who are interested in the use of geophysical methods and techniques for any purpose in environment and engineering, to review developments in the field over the previous two years, and to attempt to extrapolate for the near-term future.In the proceedings of ICEEG 2020, 159 peer-reviewed research expended abstracts are published according to the following topics: geophysical exploration of urban underground space, ground penetrating radar (GPR) technology and application, shallow surface geophysical progress, engineering geophysics, hydrology and Environmental Geophysics, mining geophysics, disaster geophysical survey, archaeological Geophysics, airborne geophysics, big data and smart city, geophysical instruments and software, and high-speed railway seismology research.Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Environmental and Engineering Geophysics, Editor, Co-Editors are available in this pdf.

Integrated development of aeromagnetic system based on UAV platform and its application in mineral resources exploration

The geophysical measurement method based on the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) platform is an emerging branch of airborne geophysical technology. Based on the unmanned helicopter platform, this paper develops a set of aeromagnetic field measurement system and used it in the field of mineral resources exploration with complex terrain condition. The aeromagnetic survey of the crisis mines in the Maanshan area of China was carried out using a UAV aeromagnetic measurement system. Three-dimensional inversion of the underground geologic structure was carried out, and discover the magnetite deposits in the deep and peripheral areas of the mining areas, which provided technical support for determining the drilling position for the crisis mine secondary exploration.

Progress and development direction of geophysical prospecting technology of Sinopec

Progress and development direction of geophysical prospecting technology of Sinopec

Analysis on the Important Application of Geophysical Exploration Technology

Geophysical prospecting technology is widely used in current geological exploration, metal exploration, oil and gas resources exploration, etc. This technology has many advantages such as low cost, high efficiency and good accuracy of survey results, and plays an important role in many industries. At present, the level of geophysical prospecting technology in China is constantly improving, and its application effect is also constantly improving, so it is necessary to clarify the key application points of this technology. Therefore, this paper will conduct in-depth research and Analysis on the important applications of geophysical exploration technology, elaborate the basic concepts and specific applications of geophysical exploration technology, and put forward some reasonable opinions and measures, in order to further improve the application level of this technology.

НОВЫЙ МЕТОД ИМПУЛЬСНОГО ЭЛЕКТРОМАГНИТНОГО КАРОТАЖНОГО ЗОНДИРОВАНИЯ: КАРТИРОВАНИЕ БАЖЕНОВСКОЙ СВИТЫ ИЗ ЮРСКИХ КОЛЛЕКТОРОВ, ВСКРЫТЫХ НАКЛОННО-ГОРИЗОНТАЛЬНЫМИ СКВАЖИНАМИ

The work is devoted to the substantiation of new geophysical technology for mapping the Bazhenovskaya Formation based on an impulsive electromagnetic sounding from wells. Theoretically shown the possibility of its application to study the formation from highly inclined and subhorizontal wells drilled in the Upper and Middle Jurassic formations. Numerical modeling of the signals in realistic geoelectric models of the Bazhenov Formation with real well trajectories is carried out on the example of the East Surgut field. The calculations have established that the determination of spatial locations of the top and bottom of the beds is possible when using different-length sondes. Zones of high sensitivity of the full magnetic field matrix to the boundaries with a sufficient signal level at considerable distance, even with a small sonde length, are determined. It is theoretically established that pulsed sounding of the Bazhenov Formation from the Upper and Middle Jurassic reservoirs is feasible for both mapping the boundaries of the formation and tracing its lateral variability.

Fundamentals of Passive Seismohydroacoustic Methods for Arctic Shelf Investigation

A paper reviews existing and future seismohydroacoustic technologies, equipment, and novel scientific approaches to studying the Arctic Ocean. Particular attention is paid to the state of scientific and practical groundwork in the possibilities of developing passive geohydroacoustic methods for monitoring the ice-covered shelf of Russia’s northern seas. New knowledge on the structure and conditions of the formation and propagation of wave fields in the layered lithosphere–hydrosphere–ice–cover-atmosphere system generated by induced geodynamic processes has been obtained in the course of solving a separate class of problems within the fundamental scientific problem of seeking ways to build innovative, environmentally friendly geophysical technologies for delineating local heterogeneities, including hydrocarbon deposits, in ice-covered water areas.