Electrical resistivity anomalies over hydrocarbon bearing structures

Abstract

The present study is aimed at working out the possible resistivity anomalies associated with hydrocarbon bearing structures. The anomaly due to a typical two-dimensional anticlinal structure filled with hydrocarbon, and overlying a basement of infinite resistivity was computed using the conformal mapping technique. A more realistic and elaborate model, which could not be simplified by conformal mapping, was studied using the finite element method. This model consisted of a two-dimensional anticlinal structure filled with oil or gas-embedded midway in a homogeneous layer which itself overlies a half-space of infinite resistivity, the electrical resistivity of the hydrocarbon bearing structure being simulated as infinite.