The Pelarang Anticline is part of the NNE-SSW oriented Samarinda Anticlinorium, a detached thrust-and-fold belt in the Tertiary Kutai Basin. Results from an airborne gravity gradiometer survey over the Pelarang Anticline are presented herein. The Pelarang Anticline is interpreted as a detachment fold ~30km long with steeply dipping (70 o-80 o) flanks. However, seismic imaging on existing 2D data is poor. In October 2016 Cue Energy acquired airborne gravity gradiometer survey data over the anticline. The survey revealed a large (~10mGal) gravity signal range, and that the anticline is associated with a strong, positive gravity anomaly. Subsequent application of potential field enhancement filters clearly delineated the crest and the flanks of the feature. 2D modelling of selected profiles across the anticline suggests that it can be modelled as a 1,500m-2,000m wide, by ~2,000m high shale body that is close to breaching the surface in places. This is in alignment with an interpretation that the feature is cored by highpressure shales, resulting in un-prospective areas. However, 3D modelling has revealed significant along-strike variations in the depths to the crest of the anticline, suggesting the presence of several anomalous structural lows. Further investigation suggests these features are pull-apart mini-grabens, formed in response to localized shear movements. At least two commercial hydrocarbon accumulations, Sambutan and Mutiara, appear to be genetically related to the newly recognized structural anomalies. This survey has led to the recognition of a new exploration play in the region, and provided a tool to pursue it.

No abstract

Structural closures on the western flank of the Patchawarra Trough in the Cooper–Eromanga Basin are truly low relief; drilling opportunities regularly target hydrocarbon columns of similar magnitude to the uncertainty of depth prediction. Improving the accuracy and precision of depth prediction will reduce risk for drilling opportunities, and improve drilling success rates. A detailed study of the near surface geology (surface to ~500 m depth) of the western flank of the Patchawarra Trough has been undertaken to better understand the effect of observed geological variations of the near surface on depth prediction at deeper target levels. The stratigraphic interval investigated includes the top of the Eromanga Basin and the entire Lake Eyre Basin, which is sparingly studied and routinely overlooked in the statics and velocity modelling process. This study analysed recently acquired cased-hole sonic logs in conjunction with gamma logs and mudlog data to map out the observed geological variations, and construct a 3D velocity model of the near surface. Variations of layer thickness and seismic velocity were input into Monte Carlo simulations to investigate sensitivities of each formation on two-way travel time and depth prediction. This investigation has found that velocity variations of the Weathered Winton Formation, and thickness variations of the Namba Clastics have the greatest impact on imaging of structures at depth. Independently, these have the potential to completely conceal or create structures in the time domain. Continued efforts in improved understanding of the near surface will subsequently lead to enhanced imaging of structures, which can then be used in the mapping of structural closures in petroleum exploration and development.