Hydrocarbon exploration enhancement through Electromagnetic and Gravity-Based techniques adapted from mineral exploration

Hydrocarbon exploration increasingly faces structural uncertainty, especially in geologically complex settings where conventional seismic methods show limited resolution. Small scale faults, fracture networks, and complex salt geometries often remain poorly defined, which increases drilling risk and exploration cost. In contrast, mineral exploration has developed high resolution geophysical techniques that are designed to detect subtle subsurface contrasts and structural boundaries. This study presents an interdisciplinary conceptual framework that transfers selected mineral exploration techniques to petroleum exploration workflows. The proposed approach combines electromagnetic methods, high resolution gravity and gravity gradient analysis, and advanced seismic data processing. Electromagnetic surveys provide sensitivity to resistivity variations associated with fluids and sealing units. Gravity based methods improve detection of density contrasts and structural edges such as faults and salt flanks. Advanced seismic processing enhances the imaging of fracture systems and fine scale structural features. The integration of these complementary datasets supports the construction of more reliable subsurface models prior to drilling. This framework is intended for application during the intermediate exploration stage, after regional screening and before expensive drilling operations. The proposed knowledge transfer highlights the value of cross disciplinary methods for uncertainty reduction and risk informed decision making in hydrocarbon exploration.

Keywords:

Hydrocarbon exploration , Gravity and gravity gradient , Electromagnetic methods