Abstract

Petroleum exploration is often more efficient with a regional perspective in hand prior to focused seismic reflection studies. We have developed a low-cost method of geological spatial analysis that combines high-quality synoptic data coverage with localized geologic knowledge in a GIS format using common, off-the-shelf, PC-based software. The results are scaleable across at least two orders of spatial magnitude, are easily editable and highly portable. It is now a trivial matter to include public domain information within an exploration dataset. Equally, our results can readily be extended with commercial or exclusive data, allowing continuous updating.

The cornerstone of our procedures is a merged regional grid of onshore, marine and high-resolution satellite gravity data, providing a unique means to unify previous tectonic interpretations and link and extend features into areas not adequately covered by seismic data or drilling. Digital elevation models, remote sensing datasets, and raster files created from the literature are feedstock for the generation of new interpretations. A synthesis of the Banda Sea region using these techniques, for example, suggests a transform connection between the Sorong fault system and the Hamilton fault, separating Buru and Seram.