Air-FTG® – Full Tensor Gravity Gradiometry: What it is and how it is being used to advance exploration programs

Air-FTG^® directly measures different components of the 3D gravity field using the world’s only multi-accelerometer moving platform. Developed during the 1970’s and 80’s and first deployed on sea-going vessels in the 1990’s, the technology is now arguably the industry’s most successful exploration tool on offer. Much heralded success has resulted from deployment over Salt Basins in the Gulf of Mexico and offshore Europe, Rift Basins in East Africa, and Carbonate Platforms in SE Asia. The technology was mobilized to Ohio in 2014 to assist with the ongoing development of the Utica and Marcellus plays.

Air-FTG^® directly measures the gravitational response from sub-surface density contrasts. Such contrasts exhibit themselves in the form of stratigraphic and structural geological contacts. Air-FTG^® has been successful in the identification and mapping of conventional exploration trapping mechanisms such as fault blocks, anticlinal closures, carbonate build-ups and salt; and more recently with delineation of primary fault trends impacting on successful development of unconventional resources. It’s ability to directly delineate these structures and their geological setting make it a must-have for many of the world’s leading exploration companies.

This presentation will briefly describe the technology, how it works, what it detects, how it is being deployed. Case history material will be presented showing the technology is comfortable both as a frontier and an appraisal stage exploration tool. The technology is seen as a key risk reduction tool and has been instrumental in many exploration programs.