Gravity Modeling Rifted Continental Margins Using Moho Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interpretation of gravity anomalies over rifted continental margins is challenging due to their complex shape and reduced amplitude, primarily caused by regional gravity anomalies associated with the Mohorovicic Discontinuity (Moho), which complicates the determination of crustal structure for hydrocarbon exploration.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for gravity modeling that accesses survey data, determines the Moho uplift at specified locations, calculates the Moho surface, and generates a crustal model including the Moho and top basement surfaces, using geometric parameters and isostatic constraints to improve the accuracy and efficiency of modeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional gravity anomaly interpretation methods are used over rifted continental margins, then the analysis can be performed with standard techniques, but the interpretation accuracy deteriorates due to complex anomaly shapes and reduced amplitudes caused by regional Moho anomalies
Solution Approach 1:
The gravity anomaly data is segmented into two distinct components: regional anomalies caused by Moho depth variations and local anomalies caused by basement topography. This segmentation allows each component to be analyzed separately using appropriate methods, improving interpretation accuracy while managing complexity through systematic decomposition of the problem
Solution Approach 2:
The regional Moho anomaly component is extracted and removed from the total gravity anomaly data. By isolating and eliminating the dominant regional signal, the weaker local basement anomalies become more prominent and easier to interpret, directly addressing the reduced amplitude problem without requiring complex inversion techniques
2Manufacturing precision
If complex non-linear inversion schemes are used to model crustal structure, then the modeling precision improves, but the computational time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The Moho surface geometry is determined in advance using regional gravity anomalies and isostatic principles before analyzing local basement features. This preliminary action establishes a known reference framework that simplifies subsequent local anomaly interpretation, achieving high modeling precision through a two-stage approach rather than a single complex inversion
Solution Approach 2:
The complex non-linear inversion process is replaced with a simpler two-stage analytical approach: first determining Moho geometry from regional anomalies, then interpreting local basement features from residual anomalies. This substitution maintains modeling precision while dramatically reducing computational complexity and time requirements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides a more accurate and generalized model for rifted continental margins, enhancing the representation of basement and Moho structures, improving computational efficiency, and allowing for the analysis of gravity data without requiring complex non-linear inversion schemes, as demonstrated by successful simulations in the Red Sea continental margin.
Implementation Method 1
Gravity anomalies from density variations within Earth's crust have been used to study crustal structure
Data Source
AI summary
Example computer-implemented methods, computer-readable media, and computer systems are described for performing gravity modeling. In some aspects, survey data that includes gravity data of a rifted continental margin is accessed. A value of a geometric parameter is determined, which corresponds to a desired value of a Mohorovicic Discontinuity (Moho) uplift at a specified location of the rifted continental margin. A Moho surface is determined based on a value of Moho uplift at a rift center that is determined based on the value of the geometric parameter. A top basement surface is determined based on a residual gravity data associated with the Moho surface. A crustal model of the rifted continental margin is output. The crustal model includes the Moho surface and the top basement surface of the rifted continental margin.