TABLE OF CONTENTS Petroleum exploration and production are largely concerned with the geological interpretation of geophysical data, especially in offshore areas. Petroleum geologists need to be well acquainted with the methods of geophysics. For many years a large communication barrier existed in many oil companies between the two groups, which were usually organized in different departments. This separation has now largely disappeared, as a new breed of petroleum geoscientist appears half geologist and half geophysicist. Unfortunately, a new division has developed within the geophysical world between the mathematicians, physicists, and computer programmers (who acquire and process geophysical data) and those who use geological concepts to interpret this information.
The following account of geophysical methods of petroleum exploration has two objectives. It seeks to explain the basic principles and to illustrate the wonders of modern geophysical display. What it does not pretend to do, however, is explain the arcane mathematics and statistical gymnastics that are used to get from first principles to the finished brightly colored geophysical image. This account is probably sufficient for petroleum reservoir engineers seeking to know the origins of the maps by which fields are found and reserves assessed. For petroleum geologists, however, it is only an introduction and will be followed by courses in geophysics in general and in seismic interpretation in particular. Geophysicists need do no more than giggle at this section of the book and move on quickly to the next chapter.
Three main geophysical methods are used in petroleum exploration: magnetic, gravity,...
