Fluid Flow and Sealing Properties Associated with an Active Faults – Kura Basin, Azerbaijan

Abstract

With the advent of stereoscopic data such as as Landsat and SPOT imagery, these methods have been applied to satellite data and used to successfully obtain quantitative measurements over large areas. On this connection, these methods have assisted considerably in fault analysis considerations and detection hydrocarbon seeps in surface of the Kura basin which are considered main oil and gas bearing region in onshore Azerbaijan. The satellite imagery interpretation drew upon knowledge of structural geology and geomorphology and detected hydrocarbon seeps related to fault and mud volcano geomorphology. The main objectives are to determine the role of faults and mud volcanoes within the geologic structure of the study regions and to guide future oil exploration. Remote sensing to detect hydrocarbon seepage onshore allowed recognition of marginal and sub-marginal low-relief structural prospects and stratigraphic traps that is overlooked by reflection seismic surveys. Remote sensing data and images were integrated in hydrocarbon exploration programs with other exploration data such as seismic surveys, well logs, gravity surveys, and other geologic-geophysical investigations. Analysis of satellite data allowed to determine the geometry of the fault system and around them distributions of hydrocarbon seeps and to predict hydrocarbon potential of the Kura basin.