NPA Geological Studies

De-risk onshore exploration activities with the industry's most respected tectonic geomorphology, structural geology and geological interpretation services.

• Multi-scale geological mapping of any terrain and climatic environment
• Trusted to reduce continent-to-prospect risk in new ventures exploration
• Proven expertise that delivers consistent surface and subsurface linkage and correlation
• Low cost screening and validated model building

CGG's NPA Satellite Mapping group specializes in geological mapping and interpretation of remote sensing data, from regional projects to detailed interpretation of license blocks. We advise clients on the choice of satellite imagery and elevation data sets that best suit their study objectives in terms of scale, resolution and environment.

Our regional database of studies that have been performed during the last four decades provides context to many more detailed studies. Currently available multi-client studies are listed below:

The Palaeogeographic Framework for Southeast Asia

NPA Satellite Mapping and Robertson have produced and integrated a diverse suite of regionally consistent geological and drainage data for the Southeast Asia region, combined with plate modelling techniques and palaeogeographic reconstructions.

This multi-client study, available now, provides a better understanding of the palaeogeography of Southeast Asia; aiding new ventures and reducing exploration risk. The project includes a regionally consistent structural and lithostratigraphic map dataset, fully attributed within ArcGIS, which underpins our drainage and hinterland analyses that provide the vital link between the onshore and offshore – the ‘source-to-sink story’. As present-day drainage networks typically preserve a record of their evolution in their character and form, they can provide a unique opportunity to understand historical sediment delivery to on- and offshore areas.

The geological dataset also provides the framework to develop a detailed dynamic plate model which has been viewed in the context of current regional understanding. Alternative solutions have been tested by nesting them within Robertson’s global plate tectonic framework (Robertson Plate Kinematics), providing additional value. An understanding of this dynamic evolution is vital for generating the palaeogeographic reconstructions that can act as a means of evaluating play elements. Professor Robert Hall (Royal Holloway University, London), who is highly respected for his work in Southeast Asia, has worked closely with us, providing valuable commentary and assessment during key stages in the model’s development. The palaeogeographic maps capture key events in Southeast Asia’s tectonic history pertinent to hydrocarbon system development.

East African Rift System (EARS)

In response to recent industry interest, We have initiated a regional structural interpretation of the East Africa Rift System (EARS).

The project uses Landsat OLI data and Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) DEM data to complete a 1:200,000 scale regional interpretation of the larger rift system area. A new Landsat 8 OLI mosaic of the entire region has now been prepared and is used alongside the newly released SRTM 1 30m resolution DEM.

The interpretation has mapped regional basement to assess regional tectonic grain and gross lithology, focussing on the rifts in more detail. Particular attention has been paid to rift asymmetry and polarity, transfer and accommodation zones and surface faulting. A drainage analysis using the DEM data is presently identify palaeo-drainage systems that might have fed the rift systems during early rifting events to locate sediment input nodes.

The entire region has been mapped at 1:200,000 scale but many of the rifts themselves are available at 1:50,000 scale.
An option to include the Global Offshore Seepage Database for both the lacustrine and marine domains will also be available.

The project is available as a whole or by bespoke extraction to accommodate all potential clients. Additional information can be found in the EARS BasinMap flyer.

Kurdistan

Since 2007, We have been working in the Kurdistan region of Iraq and continue to add further refinements to the study.

The structure and stratigraphy have been interpreted at between 1:50,000 and 1:100,000 scale, depending on the terrain. Control has been achieved using published mapping and field data, where available. Dips have been calculated using both SPOT HRS DEMs (20m resolution) and Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) DEMs (75m resolution). To date some 10,000 dips have been measured: as more SPOT data is made available, these are being updated with greater control.

We added 12 cross sections modelled in 2-D Move to augment the interpretation. Other areas in nearby countries are covered by similar studies at the same scale.