Earth Modelling using Integrated seismic and gravity gradiometry data: A case history from Gabon deep water

This project was part of a comprehensive work program undertaken to improve the understanding of untapped potential in the pre-salt province of Gabon. Marine Gravity Gradient data was acquired to better constrain the extent of individual salt bodies, improve the geologic modelling and identify prospective areas where future 3D seismic acquisition should be performed.

The gravity gradiometry survey was acquired on a variable grid over 9,000 sq km of the Zone Sud area, offshore Gabon. The FTGeX gravity gradiometer, a full tensor system which records all components of the Earth's gravity field, was deployed on a ship.

The gravity gradiometry data has proved to be extremely useful for constraining the geometry of the salt bodies for accurate Earth Modeling and prestack depth migration. Gravity gradiometry data has provided a higher resolution model of the shallow section which also improves the estimate of depth-to-base salt and therefore improves the estimate of the syn-rift sediment thickness to identify potential targets in the pre-salt section.