Remote Detection of Hydrocarbon Microseepage in a Loess Covered Area

Abstract

Hydrocarbon microseepage can result in related near-surface mineral alterations. In this study, we evaluated the potential of detecting these alterations with field measured and satellite acquired hyperspectral data. Fourteen soil samples and reflectance spectra were collected in the Xifeng Oilfield, a loess covered area. Soil samples were analyzed in the laboratory for calcite, dolomite, kaolinite, illite, and mixedlayer illite/smectite content, and we processed reflectance spectra for continuum removal to derive clay and carbonate mineral absorption depth (H). High correlation between absorption depth and mineral content was shown for clay and mineral carbonate with field measured spectra. Based on the result for the field spectra, we proposed and tested a fast index based on the absorption depth of clay and carbonate minerals with a hyperspectral image of the area. The detected hydrocarbon microseepage anomalies matched well with those shown in the geological map.

Keywords

hyperspectral remote sensing / hydrocarbon microseepage / spectrum absorption parameters / multiple regression analysis / fast index / geochemistry

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