Gravity Gradiometry for Emerging Applications

Summary

Gravity surveys have become an accepted part of the geophysical exploration process for hydrocarbons and minerals. Both scalar gravity and gravity gradient surveys are commonly conducted on land, sea, and in the air. The positive reception to these capabilities provides the backdrop for looking at other applications for emerging needs. Scenarios where gravity and gradiometry may have significant benefit include the detection and characterization of aquifers, monitoring of CO2 storage sites, geothermal exploration, and enhanced oil recovery monitoring. This paper will review modeling and analysis scenarios that evaluate the use of gravity in non-traditional applications.

Key words::

• Gravity
• gradiometry
• geothermal
• aquifer
• CO2