Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists

ABN 71 000 876 040 ISSN 1443-2471 February 2005 Issue No.114

SSumatranumatran earthquakeearthquake

affects the whole world ppageage 2

GGeophysicseophysics aatt NewmontNewmont TTsunamisunami ppageage 2233 ssimulationsimulations CCompanyompany PProfilerofile

BBEACHEACH PETROLEUMPETROLEUM ppageage 2255

Geeothermalothermal energyenergy eexpxpllorationoration takestakes offoff inin SA pagepage 3535 CONTENTS

ADVERTISERS 2 Editor's Desk Alpha GeoInstruments ...... 15 4 President's Piece Auslog ...... 17 Baigent ...... 38 5 Preview Information Daishsat Pty Ltd ...... 13 6 Executive Brief ElectroMagnetic Imaging Technology ...... OBC Encom ...... IFC 7 Calendar of Events Flagstaff GeoConsultants Pty Ltd ...... 4 Fugro Geo Instruments ...... 20 8 Conferences Geoimage Pty Ltd ...... 5, 10 - Sendai 2004 Geophysical Software Solutions ...... 13 - Denver 2004 Grant Geophysical Inc...... 20 10 People Leading Edge Geophysics ...... 12 - ASEG Officers Outer-Rim Exploration Services ...... 15 - New Corporate Members Professional Investment Services ...... 4 - 1st ASEG FedEx Systems Exploration (NSW) Pty Ltd ...... 5 UTS Geophysics ...... 38 13 Branch News Zonge Engineering ...... 4 14 Web Waves 2004 Corporate Plus Members - Observing Earth from space

Velseis Pty Ltd 16 Canberra Observerd 2004 Corporate Members 19 ASEG Research Foundation Beach Petroleum NL BHP Billiton Minerals Exploration 21 Geophysical Anniversaries Chevron Australia Pty Ltd - Southern Cross early geophysical flights Earth Resource Mapping Encom Technology Pty Ltd 25 Company Profile ENI - Beach Petroleum Fugro Airborne Surveys Geosoft Australia Pty Ltd Haines Surveys Pty Ltd 26 Passive Seismic Normandy Exploration Ltd - what, where and why Oil Search Ltd Origin Energy Resources Ltd 29 3D geophysical processing, visualisation Outer-Rim Exploration Services Pty Ltd Petrosys Pty Ltd and interpretation of rice irrigation PGS Australia Pty Ltd impacts Primary Industries & Resources South Australia Professional Investment Services Pty Ltd 33 Geophysics in the Surveys Rio Tinto Exploration Pty Ltd Santos Ltd 37 Industry News Seismic Asia Pacific Pty Ltd Veritas DGC WesternGeco 39 FASTS/AGC WMC Resources Ltd Woodside Energy Ltd 40 Book Review Zonge Engineering & Research Organisation - Rock and fluid transport in reservoirs

FEBRUARY 2005 Preview 1 EDITOR'S DESK

established. However, the 2004 event was the interface, involving slip directed perpendicular largest earthquake known to have occurred to the trench, and strike-slip faulting, which outside of the Pacific Basin. occurs several hundred kilometres to the east of the trench and involves slip directed The table below shows the top five. parallel to the trench (see USGS website). The December 26 earthquake occurred as the We also know that all these top five earthquakes result of thrust-faulting at the trench. were associated with shallow thrust faulting at subduction zone plate boundaries. The The Tsunami faulted areas extended over thousands of square kilometres for each event. They also The tsunami generated by the earthquake caused significant damaging tsunamis. caused death and destruction all around the Indian Ocean (even in East Africa where Faulting mechanism 137 people were reported killed). One of the Sumatran earthquake key questions is: Given the occurrence of a affects the whole world The complete faulting mechanism for the giant earthquake, what sort of tsunami will it main Boxing Day 2004 earthquake has not generate and where and when will it strike? Apart from wars and global pandemics, like been finally determined. However, it appears the 1918 Spanish flu, the 2004 Boxing Day (see ‘Preliminary Rupture Model by Chen Ji, Fortunately, a modelling package is now earthquake, that took place off the west coast Caltech at http://neic.usgs.gov/neis/bulletin/ available to address these questions (see of northern Sumatra, had a more widespread neic_slav_ff.html) that the rupture, which Figures 2, 3 & 4 and Titov, V.V., and F.I. impact than any other disaster in the last 200 generated the tsunami, had almost a pure Gonzalez (1997): Implementation and testing years. thrust mechanism. The strike of the fault was of the Method of Splitting Tsunami (MOST) ~274° with a dip of ~13° and a slip The death toll to date is over 280,000, direction of ~55°. The epicentre of which more than 200,000 were from was situated at the south-eastern Indonesia, 30,000 from Sri Lanka and 16,000 end of the main fault, which from India. In addition nearly 9000 foreign propagated northwest for up to tourists from 39 countries have been reported 400 km. The total rupture duration as either dead or missing. The tourists came was estimated at ~200s with a from all the six habitable continents. They maximum slip of ~20 m. The were visiting the area from Argentina to aftershock sequence extended over Iceland, from South Korea to South Africa 1300 km along the plate boundary and from Australia to Canada. In Europe, (see Figure 1) and in the first 12 for example, Germany and Sweden each lost hours after the main event ~55 nearly 1000 of their citizens. earthquakes with magnitudes of 5 or greater were located by USGS. Previous natural disasters have killed more The largest had a magnitude people. Chinese floods in 1887, 1931, 1938/9 of 8.8 and seven were larger and 1959 reportedly killed nearly 7 million than 6.0. people, but these events only appeared to have affected China. The phenomena of The cause of the earthquake is globalisation, cheap travel and multi-national due to the interaction of the India interdependence did not really predominate Plate, which moves northeast at a until the end of the 20th century. At present rate of about 6 cm/year relative to the world in which we live is home to the Burma Plate. This results in 6.4 billion people, an increase of about 70 oblique convergence at the Sunda Fig. 1. Aftershock distribution and tectonic setting of the Boxing Day 2004 earthquake. Note the direction of the interaction, between the percent in the last 40 years, and these people Trench. The oblique motion is India and Burma Plates, which does not coincide with the direction of are rapidly spreading to cover more and more partitioned into thrust-faulting, faulting from the earthquake (55°). The diagram was sourced from: of the land area. So it is not surprising that which occurs on the plate- http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqinthenews/2004/usslav/tect_lg.gif. natural hazards have the potential now to Location Date Magnitude Co-ordinates cause catastrophic global effects. Chile 22 May 1960 9.5 38.24 S, 73.05 W Prince William Sound, 28 Mar 1964 9.2 61.02 N, 147.65 W So what do we know about the earthquake? Alaska Firstly, although it was a giant earthquake, Andreanof Islands, Alaska 9 Mar 1957 9.1 51.56 N, 175.39 W it was only the fifth largest to have occurred since 1900, when the first global Kamchatka 4 Nov 1952 9.0 52.76 N, 160.06 E Off west coast of 26 Dec 2004 9.0 3.30 N, 95.78 E seismographic networks were being Northern Sumatra

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model NOAA Technical Memorandum ERL PMEL-112, 11; and Cummins, P., 2004, Small threat, but warning sounded for tsunami research: AUSGEO news, Issue 75, September 2004, www.ga.gov.au).

These models are clearly only first approximations to what actually happened but they provide excellent material on which to design improved warning systems.

The Future

The main focus now is to rebuild the tsunami- affected areas as rapidly as possible from the devastation and destruction they experienced. The next step is to investigate what can be done to minimize the damage from future events. As can be seen from Figure 2 the Fig. 2. Travel-times in 30 minute intervals from a modelled source comprising three fault segments. From travel-times to the main populated areas in http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/tsunami/indo20041226/TT.pdf. Notice that there is only a two hour period from the the region are mostly less than two hours. earthquake taking place and the tsunami arriving in India and Sri Lanka. In that time the earthquake has to be located and its size determined to estimate whether Finally, there needs to be more effective And of course the irony of the earthquake or not it might generate a tsunami. And if regional warning systems using the local is that without Plate Tectonics there would the answer is yes, then all those likely to be Emergency Service Agencies. A simple be no crustal recycling, no oceans, very threatened have to be warned. A big ask. phone call to the Maldives, for example, little atmosphere and the continents would could have reduced the death toll there from all be flat and eroded. Plate Tectonics builds The location problem is the easiest to solve. 82 down to zero, but no system was in place, mountains, enriches soils, regulates the planet’s With current technology seismic signals and nobody called. temperature, concentrates gold, petroleum can be transmitted in real time to regional and other resources, and maintains the sea’s centres, where there will be a seismologist on In any case more than a phone call would be chemical balance. Without it there would be duty 24 hours a day every day to determine needed for Thailand, Indonesia, India and Sri no humans on planet Earth to be at risk from the source parameters. Not easy but it can be Lanka. And even if a system is set up within earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanoes. done, and is already in place for parts of the the next six months, what are the chances of globe right now. it working when the return period of these I would like to thank Phil Cummins of earthquakes is over a hundred years? By the Geoscience Australia for assistance in The next task is harder because appropriate time the next giant earthquake occurs at this compiling this contribution. pressure sensitive tide-gauges have to be plate boundary again there will be no one acquired, installed and maintained. At present alive who remembers the last tsunami. David Denham there are none in the Indian Ocean. Even the Pacific Ocean is poorly served.

Fig. 3. Observed and calculated travel-times for the tsunami. From Fig. 4. Predicted amplitudes as the waves proceed across the Indian Ocean. From http://www.pmel. http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/tsunami/indo20041226/obs_vs_model.png. noaa.gov/tsunami/indo20041226/max.pdf.

FEBRUARY 2005 Preview 3 PRESIDENT'S PIECE

From the narrow perspective of a geophysicist, Regulation, native title issues, etc. Or why one interesting aspect I noticed was the rush not spend a day at your daughter or son’s to find geoscientists to quote, interview, school explaining what you do at work? even blame in the days after the event. This is often the case on a smaller scale after The mineral and petroleum sectors are every newsworthy earthquake, but this time booming now, but the cycle will eventually the interest in geophysicists, cross-sections, roll around, and what we do now will plate boundaries, even genuine map symbols ensure that government and private efforts to showing reverse faulting were prominent in support the geosciences continue during the every media I picked up. down times. As well, acting now will ensure that we attract high calibre students to the The public’s memory is notoriously short, profession. In fact, any geoscience related and few will remember that the quake that issue you care to name – yes, even tsunami initiated the tsunami was at the Indian prediction and warning systems – will stand The Tsunami Aftermath – Burmese plate boundary, and many of the a better chance of being influenced, even readers still haven’t grasped the order of funded, now than at any time in recent I write this piece barely two weeks after the magnitude difference between an 8.0 and 9.0 history. tsunami in the Indian Ocean. Most everything seismic event. that can be written or said about the extent of I’ve already heard quotes from NGO workers the horror and devastation caused by the But perhaps this is an opportunity to indicating that the challenge in tsunami earthquake and subsequent tidal wave has take advantage of the fact that the public ravaged areas is not just to rebuild them but already been read or heard. All the statistics worldwide has been reintroduced to the to ultimately emerge with a better place for relating to the magnitude of the tremor, the work of geoscientists. Maybe this is a prime people to live. In the same vein, this just still escalating death toll, the size and speed time to write to our legislators and push your might be a time, with the world’s eyes on of the wave, and a myriad more have by now barrow, be it flow-trough shares for mineral earth issues and geoscience, to ultimately pretty much been discussed by talking heads leases, increased funding for government emerge with a better place in which to on every network worldwide. funded geoscientific research, Petroleum practice geophysics. I am assuming that ASEG members made contributions to the tsunami relief effort. I urge you also to contribute to making a difference in the role of geoscience in the community.

Howard Golden

4 Preview FEBRUARY 2005 PREVIEW INFORMATION

Aims and Scope article, and are invited to discuss with the out, except where the number is greater publisher, RESolutions Resource and Energy than nine. Confusing mathematical notation, Preview is published by the Australian Services, purchase of multiple hard-copy and particularly subscripts and superscripts, Society of Exploration Geophysicists. reprints if required. should be avoided; negative exponents or the It contains news of topical advances in use of a solidus (i.e. a sloping line separating geophysical techniques, news and comments The text of all articles should be transmitted bracketed numerator and denominator) on the exploration industry, easy-to-read as a Word document. Tables, figures and are acceptable as long as they are used reviews and case histories of interest to illustrations should be transmitted as separate consistently. The words ‘Figure’ and ‘Table’ our members, opinions of members, book files, not embedded in the Word document. should be capitalised (first letter) and spelt in reviews, and matters of general interest. Raster images should be supplied as high- full, when referred to in the text. resolution (300 dpi) tiff files wherever possible. Vector plots can be supplied using Contents software packages such as Corel Draw or Deadlines Illustrator. Illustrations produced in any The material published in Preview is neither other software packages should be printed Preview is published bi-monthly, February, the opinions nor the views of the ASEG to postscript files. Authors are encouraged April, June, August, October and December. unless expressly stated. The articles are the to contact the publisher, RESolutions, The deadline for submission of all material opinion of the writers only. The ASEG does for information to assist in meeting these to the Editor is the 15th of the month prior to not necessarily endorse the information requirements. the issue date. Therefore the deadline for the printed. No responsibility is accepted for April 2005 issue is 15 March 2005. the accuracy of any of the opinions or information or claims contained in Preview References and readers should rely on their own Advertisers enquiries in making decisions affecting their References should follow the author (date) own interests. Material published in Preview system as used by the SEG (see their website Please contact the publisher, RESolutions becomes the copyright of the Australian for full details). When reference is made in Resource and Energy Services, (see details Society of Exploration Geophysicists. the text to a work by three or more authors, elsewhere in this issue) for advertising rates the first name followed by et al. should be and information. The ASEG reserves the used on all occasions. References should be right to reject advertising, which is not in Contributions listed in alphabetical order at the end of the keeping with its publication standards. paper in the standard form: All contributions should be submitted to the Advertising copy deadline is the 22nd of Editor via email at [email protected]. Blackburn, G. J., 1981, Seismic static the month prior to issue date. Therefore the We reserve the right to edit all submissions; corrections in irregular or steeply dipping advertising copy deadline for the April 2005 letters must contain your name and a contact water-bottom environments: Expl. Geophys., issue will be 22 March 2005. A summary of address. Editorial style for technical articles 12, 93-100. the deadlines is shown below: should follow the guidelines outlined in Exploration Geophysics and on ASEG’s Preview Text Adverts website www.aseg.org.au. We encourage the Abbreviations and units Issue & articles Copy In use of colour in Preview but authors will be asked in most cases to pay a page charge of SI units are preferred. Statistics and 115 Apr 2005 15 Mar 2005 22 Mar 2005 $440 per page (including GST for Australian measurements should always be given in 116 Jun 2005 15 May 2005 22 May 2005 authors) for the printing of colour figures. figures e.g. 10 mm, except where the number Reprints will not be provided but authors begins a sentence. When the number does 117 Aug 2005 15 July 2005 22 July 2005 can obtain, on request, a digital file of their not refer to a unit of measurement, it is spelt 118 Oct 2005 15 Sep 2005 22 Sep 2005

GEOIMAGE ROCK PROPERTIES SPECIALISTS IN IMAGE PROCESSING MASS - Density, Porosity, Permeability MAGNETIC - Susceptibility, Remanence REMOTE SENSING AND GEOPHYSICAL ELECTRICAL - Resistivity, IP Effect APPLICATIONS ELECTROMAGNETIC - Conductivity DIELECTRIC - Permittivity, Attenuation Angus McCoy SEISMIC - P, S Wave Velocities THERMAL - Diffusivity, Conductivity MECHANICAL - Rock Strength Suite 4, First Floor, CML Building, 59 Smith Street, Darwin NT, 0800 SYSTEMS EXPLORATION (NSW) PTY LTD G.P.O Box 1569, Darwin NT, 0801 Contact - Don Emerson Geophysical Consultant Email: [email protected] Phone: (02) 4579 1183 Fax: (02) 4579 1290 WWW: www.geoimage.com.au Tel: (08) 8941 3677 Fax: (08) 8941 3699 (Box 6001, Dural Delivery Centre, NSW 2158) email: [email protected]

FEBRUARY 2005 Preview 5 EXECUTIVE BRIEF

Executive Brief any member shall be ‘entitled’ to attend the Why would you want to attend? Because AGM. Therefore, you have a Constitutional this is your Society. If you would like to be right to attend the AGM (the Constitution is familiar with the goings on in your society The ASEG needs your input on the website, if you don’t believe me…). or if you would like to have some input, at the AGM attending the AGM is a great way to do Now that you have (hopefully) stopped this. Back to the election of office bearers... By the time you read this Executive Brief yawnig, you are probably wondering why nominating some capable person as office (I hope that people actually do read the you would want to attend the AGM. Well, bearer (or having yourself nominated) is also Executive Brief) Christmas and New Year lots of valuable business is transacted there. a very good way of having a say in what celebrations will possibly be a distant This includes, but is not limited to, reports happens in your society. memory. After all, since Christmas there have from the Federal Executive on the activities been tsunamis, bushfires and Federal politics of the society during the past year, financial When you see the notices, in the not-too- (Feral politics?) to occupy our thoughts, not accounting and auditing reports and finalising distant future, of the AGM and the election to mention the day-to-day of our work and the election of new office bearers in the of office bearers, I strongly encourage you families. But, if you can still recall the festive Federal Executive (hold that thought – I will to participate in this process if you can and season, I hope it was an enjoyable one. come back to it later). General business, such help to make the ASEG a better society. At as the presentation of 25 year membership the very least, you are welcome to come I thought I would take the opportunity here certificates, may also be on the agenda. along and enjoy drinks, nibbles and the to talk about the ASEG Annual General conversation of colleagues. Meeting (AGM). “Boring…” – I can hear I know what you are thinking…long, boring your thoughts already. Stop yawning there! meeting. Wrong. Last year’s AGM lasted This is important stuff! The Constitution of about one hour. The business was transacted the ASEG states that AGMs shall be held efficiently and we were soon enjoying drinks Lisa Vella at least once each calendar year and that and nibbles. Federal Secretary

AUSTRALIAN SOCIETY OFEXPLORATION GEOPHYSICISTS

INVITATION FOR CANDIDATES FOR THE FEDERAL EXECUTIVE

In accordance with Art. 14.1.12 of the ASEG Constitution, any Member may lodge the name of any other eligible Member for any of the following elected offices:

• President • President-elect • Secretary • Treasurer

by forwarding the name of the nominated candidate to the Secretary

Lisa Vella PO Box 8463 Fax: 08 9427 0839 c/- of the ASEG Secretariat Perth Business Centre WA 6849 Email: [email protected] Australia

All candidates must be willing to give written consent for which there are multiple nominations will then when requested, and support from nine additional be determined by postal ballot of Members and Members will be sought for all nominations. results declared at the AGM on 02 May 2005 in accordance with the Constitution. Nominations must be received via post, fax or email Lisa Vella no later than COB 05 March 2005 WST. Positions Secretary, ASEG

6 Preview FEBRUARY 2005 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

2005 16-17 August Venue: Houston, Texas, U.S CENTRAL AUSTRALIAN BASINS SYMPOSIUM Website: www.seg.org 8-9 March (CABS) 2005 SCIENCE MEETS PARLIAMENT Theme: Minerals and petroleum Venue: Parliament House Canberra potential 2006 Organiser: TFASTS Venue: Alice Springs (details TBA) 2-7 July Contact: http://www.fasts.org Contact: Greg Ambrose, Northern THE AUSTRALIAN EARTH SCIENCES Territory Geological Survey CONVENTION 2006 15-16 March Email: [email protected] ASEG, IN COLLABORATION WITH GSA; SEE GRID II: IMPLEMENTING INTEROPERABILITY ASEG’S 18TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE FOR AN AUSTRALIAN SOLID EARTH AND 19-23 September AND EXHIBITION, AND GSA’S 18TH AUSTRALIAN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES GRID 22ND INTERNATIONAL GEOCHEMICAL EXPLORATION GEOLOGICAL CONVENTION Venue: CSIRO Discovery Centre, SYMPOSIUM Canberra Venue: Melbourne, Vic. Sponsors: The Association of Exploration Website: www.earth2006.org.au Contact: [email protected] Geochemists Website: https://www.seegrid.csiro.au/ Theme: From Tropics to Tundra twiki/bin/view/Main/WebHome Venue: Sheraton Hotel, Perth, WA 2007 Website: www.promaco.com.au/ 4-7 April conference/2005/iges 18-22 November SAGEEP ASEG’S 19TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE Venue: Atlanta Airport Hilton Hotel, 6-11 November AND EXHIBITION Venue: Perth, WA Atlanta, USA SEG INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION & 75TH Contact: Brian Evans 5 April ANNUAL MEETING Email: [email protected]. PROMOTING PROFESSIONAL WOMEN: CONFERENCE edu.au AND MENTORING PROGRAM Venue: Sofitel Wentworth, Sydney, NSW IIR Presents Sponsor Australian Government 12th Annual Conference Website: www.apesma.asn.au Email: [email protected] CCulturalultural HHeritageeritage 10-13 April 2005 APPEA CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION & NNativeative TTitleitle 20052005 Venue: Perth (at the new Convention Duxton Hotel, Perth, April 19th-21st, 2005 Centre facility) Contact Julie Hood Email: [email protected] The 2005 Native Title and Cultural Heritage conference is returning to Perth, April 19th – 21st, and will be focusing on policy updates, relationship 19-21 April 12TH ANNUAL CULTURAL HERITAGE AND NATIVE building, negotiation, sustainable development and cultural heritage management. TITLE CONFERENCE The conference includes presentations from industry leaders in Qld., WA, SA and THEME: RELATIONSHIP BUILDING, NEGOTIATION, NT and a detailed discussion of the ramifications of the Wik and Wik Peoples Way SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND CULTURAL determination settled October 2004, and several case studies including presentations HERITAGE MANAGEMENT Venue: Novotel Langley, Perth WA from Alcan Gove and Tiwest. Email: [email protected] Website: www.iir.com.au/resources Cultural Heritage and Native Title 2005 will also feature several successful case studies See notice on this page. of indigenous corporations working in collaboration with industry and Government, and will demonstrate practical methods for finding beneficial solutions for all stakeholders. 23-27 May 2005 AGU JOINT ASSEMBLY ASEG, Reconciliation Australia and the Department of Indigenous Affairs are endorsing Venue: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA this event, which entitles all ASEG members to a 10% discount. Don’t miss this Website: www.agu.org opportunity to make sure you are progressing with industry developments, Government 6-7 June regulations and the opportunities they provide in other states. 11TH ANNUAL SOUTH EAST ASIA AUSTRALIAN OFFSHORE CONFERENCE Venue: Darwin, NT To register contact Email: [email protected] TEL: 02 9923 5090, FAX: 02 9959 4684, EMAIL: [email protected] Website: www.seaaoc.com VISIT:www.iir.com.au/resources Two free tickets to this exciting event are available to ASEG members. 13-16 June Please email your bids for these to Louise Middleton at the ASEG Secretariat 67TH EAGE CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION st MADRID, SPAIN on [email protected] by no later than 31 March, 2005. Website: http://www.eage.nl/conferences/

FEBRUARY 2005 Preview 7 CONFERENCES

Society of Exploration Geophysicists of Japan Imaging technology is a broad term, and most geophysical techniques fall in this category. 7th International Symposium on Imaging As seen in the number of papers presented, this symposium was unique in that majority

Technology of the presentation was on non-resource Sendai, 24-26 November, 2004 application of geophysics. Engineering and environmental application accounted for more than half of the presentation. Koya Suto Terra Australia Geophysics Pty Ltd, It is often said that SEGJ meetings do not [email protected] provide information relevant to the interests of Australian SEG members. As can be seen John A. McDonald from the list above the range of topics covered is broad. More specifically, the three papers Curtin University of Technology addressing carbon dioxide disposal, which should have been of interest to persons in the Late November in northern Japan can be CRC for Greenhouse Gas Sequestration. cold and miserable; however the weather during the SEGJ Symposium, which was We feel that unless the ASEG and its members held in Sendai, was fine and pleasantly participate in regional meetings our local cool. A taxi driver remarked that it was the society is in danger of being marginalised, temperature to be expected in early October. and being left out of regional planning. The venue, at the Aoba Memorial Hall at Tohoku University, was on the hillside of the This Symposium was co-sponsored by SEG, old Sendai Castle site overlooking the City ASEG, EAGE, KSEG and EEGS. and the Hirose River. The hill is now mostly Fig.2. John McDonald addresses a session at the developed as a university campus. same meeting. At the end of the meeting it was suggested to hold the 8th SEGJ International Symposium The symposium was attended by 180 phase arrival times. Aki is living in Reunion, in Kyoto, and perhaps the 9th in Korea. delegates from 17 countries: including 95 a remote volcanic island off Madagascar, Also, tentative plans were made with Craig from Japan; 27 from Korea; 13 from China; which he uses as his laboratory. Aki’s Beasley, President of SEG, to hold a joint 6 from Malaysia; 6 from Indonesia; 13 from research has become all the more pertinent HAGI-SEGJ meeting in Bali in 2007. It is North America; and 9 from Europe. Although to the Indian Ocean following the Boxing hoped that the ASEG will actively participate we were the only two delegates from Day Disaster of 2004. in all these meetings. Australia, two graduates of Curtin University of Technology, currently working in Japan as Post Doctoral Fellows, gave papers.

Sixty-four oral presentations and 23 posters were presented in a variety of disciplines. The numbers of papers by discipline (oral–poster) were: Reservoir Geophysics (5-6); Borehole Geophysics (5-1); Seismic Data Analysis (7-0); Fracture Geophysics (3-1); Resistivity and Electromagnetics I (11-4); Ground Penetrating Radar (5-1); Integrated and Interdisciplinary Methods (5- 2); Near-Surface and Hazard Geophysics I (13-7); Environmental Geophysics I (6- 1); Laboratory Experiments and Numerical Modelling (3-0). In addition, there were eight invited papers by world experts in imaging technology.

Professor Keiiti. Aki (of Aki and Richards fame) gave a fascinating account of the possibilities of predicting earthquakes using Fig. 1. Koya Suto and John McDonald at the 7th International Symposium on Imaging Technology, held at Sendai, the whole earthquake coda and not just the November, 2004.

8 Preview FEBRUARY 2005 CONFERENCES

Curtin Reservoir Geophysics Consortium receives SEG’s Distinguished Achievement Award at Denver 2004 meeting

SEG’s Distinguished Achievement Award is a wealth of knowledge of consortium and given from time to time to a company, research management as well as industry institution, or other organization for a specific visibility. technical contribution or contributions that have, in the opinion of the SEG’s Honours Joint research projects had taken place and Awards Committee and the Executive between Curtin Geophysics and AGL since Committee, substantially advanced the the early 1980s. Virtually the whole research science of exploration geophysics. program on the Curtin side was carried out by Norm Uren and Brian Evans. The tireless Fig. 1. John McDonald receiving the Award from SEG The citation by William S. French, reads as efforts of Brian Evans in field work and fund President Peter Duncan at the SEG’s 74th annual follows: raising were a key to early success. meeting at Denver, in October 2004.

The Curtin Reservoir Geophysics Consortium McDonald was recruited by Uren on a (CRGC) was initially funded in 1998 by permanent basis in 1995 to specifically of a closely associated Interactive Virtual forward looking companies in the petroleum launch CRGC. Industry initially said it could Environment Centre (IVEC), which has exploration industry with help from national not be done in Australia, but they did it! applications in other disciplines in addition and state government entities in Australia. to imaging in the geosciences. Since inception, CRGC has been the driving The research strengths of the department force for industry research in the Department were submitted to about 70 industry experts CRGC holds a two-day annual meeting for of Exploration Geophysics, Curtin University to vote on their preferred ranking of the sponsors each year where research results of Technology in Perth, Australia. topics. The top six were selected and written and related software are presented and into the initial CRGC proposal. distributed. Staff and students contribute In CRGC’s short lifetime, 13 students and worldwide to SEG and other professional two members of the academic staff have Simultaneously and synergistically, a two- meetings, workshops, and journals; the received petroleum-related PhD degrees; semester postgraduate course in reservoir current average is some 30 papers and only two were awarded prior to CRGC. This geophysics was started. In addition, Curtin’s presentations per year. distinction, combined with the many BSc, vice-chancellor pledged to build a research honours, and master’s degrees awarded by wing onto the upcoming Australian Resources The Curtin Reservoir Geophysics Consortium the department, allows CRGC’s monthly Research Centre to house the resource of Curtin University of Technology is newsletter to proudly carry the motto: Curtin sciences: exploration geophysics, petroleum conducting research in areas that are highly Geophysics—producing the largest number geology, and petroleum engineering. This is beneficial to the exploration geophysics of petroleum geophysicists in the Southern now complete. industry and thus is very deserving of SEG’s Hemisphere. Another statistic of significance Distinguished Achievement Award. The is that postgraduate students have come from The critical mass was in place. The State research areas include signal processing, over 25 different countries. of Western Australia under its Centre of multicomponent processing, and rock Excellence program funded the Centre for physics. The consortium also helps to train CRGC’s young age belies its rich history. Exploration and Production Geophysics. geophysicists for later careers in industry In the 1980s, Norm Uren (now recently This enabled the hiring of a world-class and academia. A few examples of recent retired as head of the department) and Brian theoretical rock physicist, Boris Gurevich, in work on anisotropy and mode conversions Evans (now a professor in the department) a joint appointment with CSIRO Petroleum. include: a 3C VSP analysis, recovery of actively promoted the concept of a petroleum This appointment brought immediate and anisotropic parameters, and attribute analysis; industry and government-sponsored research deserved attention to CRGC. anisotropic processing (NMO and velocity consortium in Australia, but the concept was analysis for which CRGC has developed a not accepted at the time. In addition to the research activities listed in new implementation of anisotropic moveout the preamble, physical modelling technology that is accurate to all offsets; isotropic and In 1994, funding by the Australian Petroleum was developed to study two-phase fluid anisotropic P-wave imaging of VSP and Cooperative Research Centre permitted movement in unconsolidated sand reservoirs surface seismic data; isotropic and anisotropic Norm Uren to invite John McDonald on using time-lapse 3D techniques. Innovations converted-wave imaging; characterisation a six-month sabbatical. McDonald was in 3D signal processing, multiple suppression, of reservoir rock properties using seismic then the Director of the Allied Geophysical wavelet transformation, and time-reversed anisotropy; and anisotropic AVO analysis. Laboratories (AGL) of the University of acoustics were also developed. These Houston so he brought to the department research activities have led to the founding Congratulations to a great organization!

FEBRUARY 2005 Preview 9 PEOPLE

ASEG Officers PRESIDENT ELECT AND New South Wales PUBLICATIONS: Terry Crabb PRESIDENT: Michael Moore Tel: 08 9385 9626 Published for ASEG by: Tel: (02) 9901 8398 Email: [email protected] PUBLISHER: Brian Wickins Email: [email protected] RESolutions Resource & Energy Services 1st VICE PRESIDENT: Jenny Bauer SECRETARY: Naomi Osman Pty Ltd Tel: (07) 3858 0601 Tel: (02) 9460 0165 Tel: (08) 9446 3039 Email: [email protected]. Email [email protected] Fax: (08) 9244 3714 com.au Email: [email protected] HONORARY TREASURER: John Watt Northern Territory EDITOR: David Denham Tel: (08) 9222 3154 PRESIDENT: Gary Humphreys 7 Landsborough Street, Griffith ACT 2603 Email: [email protected] Tel (08) 8999 3618 Tel: (02) 6295 3014 Email: [email protected] HONORARY SECRETARY: Lisa Vella Email: [email protected] Tel: (08) 9479 8476 SECRETARY: Roger Clifton ASSOCIATE EDITORS: Email: [email protected] Tel: (08) 8999 3853 Petroleum: Mick Micenko Email: [email protected] PAST PRESIDENT AND Email: [email protected] INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS: Queensland Petrophysics: Don Emerson Kevin Dodds PRESIDENT: Nigel Fisher Email: [email protected] Tel: (08) 6436 8727 Tel: 07 3378 0642, Minerals: Peter Fullagar Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] ASEG RESEARCH FOUNDATION: Book Reviews: David Robinson SECRETARY: Natasha Paton Phil Harman Email: [email protected] Tel: 07 3228 6813 Tel: (03) 9909 7699 Web Waves: Jill Slater Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE: Koya Suto South Australia ASEG HEAD OFFICE & Tel: (07) 3876 3848 PRESIDENT: Graham Heinson SECRETARIAT: Email: [email protected] Tel: (08) 8303 5377 Ron Adams Email: [email protected] Centre for Association Management ASEG TECHNICAL COMMITTEE: SECRETARY: Tania Dhu PO Box 8463, Perth Business Centre John Hughes Tel: 08 8303 5326 WA 6849 Tel: (08) 8224 7952 Email: [email protected] Tel: (08) 9427 0838 Email: [email protected] Fax: (08) 9427 0839 Tasmania Email: [email protected] ASEG Branches PRESIDENT: Michael Roach Web site: http://www.aseg.org.au ACT Tel: (03) 6226 2474 PRESIDENT: Ben Bell Email: [email protected] FEDERAL EXECUTIVE 20041 Tel: (02) 6249 9828 SECRETARY: James Reid PRESIDENT: Howard Golden Email: [email protected] Tel: (03) 6226 2477 Tel: 08 9479 0576 SECRETARY: Jacques Sayers Email: [email protected]. Email: [email protected] Tel: (02) 6249 9609 Email: [email protected] 1 Members and chairpeople of ASEG’s Victoria Standing and ad hoc Committees can be ACTING-PRESIDENT: Suzanne Haydon found on the ASEG website. Tel: 03 9658 4515, Email: [email protected]) GEOIMAGE SECRETARY: Ashley Grant SPECIALISTS IN IMAGE PROCESSING Tel: 03 9278 2179 REMOTE SENSING AND GEOPHYSICAL Email: [email protected] APPLICATIONS Western Australia Tony D’Orazio PRESIDENT: Donald Sherlock 27A Townshend Road Tel: (08) 6436 8729 Subiaco, WA 6008 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] WWW: www.geoimage.com.au SECRETARY: Kirsty Beckett Tel: (08) 9381 7099 Fax: (08) 9381 7399 Tel: 08 9266 3521 Int Tel: +618 9381 7099 Int Fax: +618 9381 7399 Email: [email protected]

10 Preview FEBRUARY 2005 PEOPLE

Australian office contact: David Hearty sensors, Hydrographic, Oceanographic, ASEG welcomes Eni Australia Magnetometers, Tide and Current meters, three new Corporate Level 3, 40 Kings Park Road, West Perth, ROV’s, Side Scan sonar, Sub bottom profilers, 6005 Echo sounders and Transducers. Members [email protected] From its modest beginnings in 1959, as Three new Corporate Members have joined Oil a company supplying consumables and the ASEG for 2005. They are Eni, Oil Search Search Limited services to Australia’s fledgling seismic and Ltd and Seismic Asia Pacific Pty Ltd. For fast growing oil and mining industries, the members not familiar with these companies a Oil Search is an oil and gas exploration company has grown to become the largest thumbnail sketch of each is provided below: and development company that has been supply and service company in its field. operating in Papua New Guinea since 1929. It Seismic Asia Pacific is a publicly owned Eni has a market capitalisation of approximately Australian subsidiary of Nautronix Pty Ltd. US$1.5 billion and is publicly listed on Eni is a major international company operating the Australian and Port Moresby Stock Mining consumables are now available in the oil and natural gas, electricity generation, Exchanges. through the Company’s Seismic Supply engineering and construction sectors, and Kaltex Division. in the petrochemical business: The three Oil Search is incorporated in Papua New main business areas are: Exploration & Guinea (where the State holds an 18% equity Seismic Asia Pacific (SAP) is now the largest Production, Gas & Power and Refining & in the Company) and owns approximately organisation of its type in the Pacific Rim. It Marketing. The company is active in around 70% of PNG’s oil reserves and over 50% provides equipment, consumables, systems 70 countries with a staff of more than 76,000 of gas reserves dedicated to the PNG Gas integration, engineering hardware and employees. Project. It took over as operator of the software maintenance support services to the country’s producing oil fields in October Geophysical, Hydrographic, Oceanographic Eni’s 2003 consolidated revenues, of around 2003 from incumbent Chevron Niugini. Environment and defence Industries €51.5 billion, generated a net profit of throughout the region. It also maintains a €5.6 billion and a return on capital employed Oil Search is one of PNG’s largest companies, pool of rental equipment and has skilled of 15.6%. and one of the largest investors, spending technicians available for technical support. almost K1 billion in PNG in 2004. It is The company is listed on the Milan and the responsible for around 14% of PNG’s G DP It provides a range of products and services New York stock exchanges. and 20% of its export revenue and has for offshore applications to Government, approximately 900 employees in PNG, Defence and Resource related clients and In Australia it operates in the exploration and Australia, Yemen and United Arab Emirates. has established a worldwide reputation as production of hydrocarbons and in oilfield a supplier of robust reliable equipment services, construction and engineering. In PNG it has seven Petroleum Exploration and systems. This is through our long term Licences, five as operator; five Production and close associations with many of the In September 2001, Eni discovered an Licences; eight Gas Retention Licences and leading manufactures of the equipment important gas field in the offshore Bonaparte three Pipeline Licences. used in these activities, and through our in- Basin, about 300 km southwest of Darwin. house expertise and innovative methods of The finding was made through the Blacktip - It also has three concession areas in Yemen integrating, adapting and developing the base 1 exploration well located in the WA - 279 - P (two as operator) and a concession area in manufactures’ equipment to accommodate Block. Eni is present in the WA - 279 P Block Egypt. individual users needs. (Eni’s interest 30%) together with Woodside Australian office contact: Keiran Wulff Petroleum Ltd and Shell. It is also present Oil Search Ltd SAP provides standalone, integrated systems in the development of the Bayu - Undan Gas GPO Box 2442, Sydney NSW 2001 and engineering support equipment, hardware Field and in the Wollybutt Oil Field. Email: [email protected] and software.

In February 2004 Eni started the production As a result of our ongoing commitment to of the Bayu-Undan field. In the first phase, Seismic Asia investing in the best facilities, equipment and the total production of the Bayu-Udan Pacific Pty Ltd staff, SAP has developed an excellent, proven field will be 115,000 barrels per day of range of high quality equipment and systems condensates and LPG. The second phase of Seismic Asia Pacific Pty Ltd, supply to suit a variety of offshore applications. the development will start in 2006 and will Geophysical and Hydrographic and Head Office regard the production of gas, too. The gas Navigation data acquisition systems Seismic Asia Pacific Pty Ltd will be sent through a 550 km pipeline to to the Australasian and Pacific Rim ACN 083755104 Darwin’s LNG plant, which build-up works countries. Product fields include, Acoustic 12 Archimedes Street have already started. The plant will have a positioning, Geophones, Hydrophones, Darra capacity of 3.52 million tonnes per year. GPS, DGPS, Heave compensators, Attitude Queensland 4076

FEBRUARY 2005 Preview 11 PEOPLE

A snapshot Laric Hawkins started in the BMR and Lee Furlong became later joined the University of NSW where he 2nd V P in 1972/73, of the members became Assoc. Professor. His main interests 1st V P in 1973/74 and of the first ASEG were in seismic refraction interpretation and President in 1974 –75 plate tectonics. He was the first, of only 4 and is still a member. Federal Executive persons to date, to be awarded the ASEG Lee remained in Gold Medal, in 1985. Laric died prematurely geophysics through 35 years later in 1985 and his memory is honoured through to the mid ‘80s, consulted to the IAEA for compiled by Roger Henderson the Laric Hawkins Award, inaugurated in 5 years, co-authored two IAEA publications [email protected] 1986 and given at every conference. on borehole geophysics, and subsequently became president of several small public Mal Parsons continued as 2nd V P in 1971/72. exploration companies. Lee is still very active The first Executive Committee of the ASEG He was a Senior Geophysicist with Esso and in a number of applied science ventures. in 1970/71 consisted of: it is believed that he returned to his roots in President: R A McQueen Canada some time ago. Mal was with Esso at Ross Crain continued 1st Vice-President: L V Hawkins the same time as Ken Richards who was the as Editor in 1971/72 2nd Vice-President: M G Parsons Editor in 1972-3. Ken was also involved in after which he returned Secretary: J E Sundquist and later J the foundation of the ASEG and was the first to Alberta where he still Wardell recipient of Honorary Membership in 1977. lives. Ross is a well- Treasurer: V L R Furlong His memory is perpetuated by the Earth known petrophysicist Editor: E R Crain Resources Foundation at Sydney University and has published extensively on well-log Committee Members: J E Bordelon where a bequest from his estate provides analysis including the textbook; The Log & L N Ingall scholarships each year to worthy students. Analysis Handbook, first published in 1986, which contains 7 chapters on seismic The following is a very brief summary of Jim Sundquist was site manager with GSI petrophysics. He was awarded Honorary their activities since 1970 and their present and was recalled to USA after only a few Membership of the Canadian Well Logging whereabouts. months as Secretary. He later left GSI and Society in 1994. became a consultant, living in Evergreen, Robin McQueen spent Colorado. J H Bordelon served on the first committee an adventurous career in for a short time, responsible for publicity. It both soft and hard rock John Wardell took is believed that he left Sydney in mid-1971 exploration, alternating over as Secretary from to become Senior Geophysicist with Esso between big company Sundquist and held the in Kuala Lumpur. He is last known to be a posts and entrepreneurial position until 1974. consultant in New York in 1989. endeavours. His work He received Honorary took him beyond his native Australia to Africa, Membership in 1991 Lindsay Ingall became the second President Asia and North America. One entrepreneurial and is still a member of ASEG. John spent in 1971/72 and again in 1979, was awarded foray in Canada gained NASDAQ listing. most of his career with GSI, spending 2 years Honorary Membership in 1988, and was the Another, in Thailand, led to a discovery that each in Houston and Calgary before returning first recipient of the Service Medal in 1998 spawned the country’s largest gold mine. He to Sydney in 1979. He retired in 1989 and is recognising an almost continuous involvement has settled near Brisbane. now living in Castle Hill, Sydney. in the Society over 28 years. After a full career leading to managing a successful contracting company, Wongela Geophysical, Lindsay died in May 1999. His great contribution to the ASEG and other societies is recognised by the inauguration, in 2000, of the Lindsay Ingall Memorial Award.

Should anyone wish to contact some of the above, their email addresses are:

Robin McQueen: [email protected],

John Wardell: [email protected],

Lee Furlong: [email protected],

Ross Crain: [email protected].

12 Preview FEBRUARY 2005 BRANCHES

Branch News to thank him for his time and effort as Western Australia President over the last two years and also as – by Anita Heath Secretary before that. His time as President South Australia has been extremely successful, especially at The WA Branch held their AGM in December. – by Tania Dhu increasing student involvement both within A new committee was formed and President the Committee, the South Australian Branch Don Sherlock gave a presentation of events The SA Branch held the Annual Student and the Society as a whole. during the year. Treasurer Levin Lee gave a Night in early December. Lesja Mitrovic presentation on finances and Best Student (Flinders University), Luke Gardiner The AGM of the South Australian Branch Papers. The best presentation was awarded to (Australian School of Petroleum) and will be held on 16 February 2005 at which Jill Slater and the best technical content was Clarke Petrick (University of Adelaide) gave a new President and committee will be awarded to Mike Whitford. presentations on a wide range of topics, elected. We wish the new President well in including geophysics for investigation of following the footsteps of Graham Heinson The 2007 ASEG Provisional-Conference saline intrusion, structural analysis of part and stewardship of the branch. Committee has been formed and is in of the Warburton Basin and the use of the process of selecting a Professional magnetotellurics for onshore petroleum Finally we would like to thank our Conference Organiser (PCO). A decision is exploration. Over 50 members attended sponsors who have made all these events expected to be announced in early February. the evening with Lesja Mitrovic receiving possible. In 2004 the ASEG SA Branch Two optional venues presently booked are the award for best presentation and Clarke was sponsored by PIRSA, Schlumberger, the Perth Convention Centre in the city, and Petrick for best paper. The year ended with Santos, Cooper Energy, Australian School the new Holiday Inn convention centre at the Christmas Party held at Past president of Petroleum, Minotaur Resources, Petrosys, Burswood. A decision on the venue will be Richard Hillis’s home. Twenty eight people Zonge Engineering, Beach Petroleum and announced in July. attended and a good time was had by all. Stuart Petroleum. We look forward to their continued support in 2005 for the betterment Sadly Graham Heinson’s tenure as President of the geophysical industry and the resources Present committee: has come to an end although he will continue industry in general. to serve on the Committee. We would like Brian Evans Co-Chair Howard Golden Co-Chair Kim Frankcombe Technical Papers Andre Gerhardt Technical Papers Norm Uren Technical Papers Bill Peters Treasurer Megan Evans Exhibition Greg Street Courses Mike McLerie Publicity Laurence Hansen Sponsorship Levin Lee Sponsorship and publicity Richard Haines TBA Gigi Ewing Provisional social events Dom Howman Students day

We are on the lookout for new committee members so if there are any volunteers out there, please call Brian Evans on 9266 7092 or email [email protected].

FEBRUARY 2005 Preview 13 WEB WAVES by Jill Slater [email protected]

flames are captured from space) and the available on their website. breaking tsunami waves along the east coast Up-to-date forecasts on Observing Earth of India, captured on December 26th 2004. solar, geophysical and from space high-frequency propagation conditions are a Be sure to check out the Visible Earth, a feature on this site. Other interesting topics Today, images of our planet from orbit are searchable directory of images, visualizations include solar activity, space debris, eclipses acquired continuously. They have become and animations of the Earth. and radio communications. powerful scientific tools to enable better understanding and improved management National Oceanic and ★★★ Committee on ★★★1/2 of the constantly changing Earth and its Atmospheric Administration Earth Observation Satellites environment. Prior to the advent of space- http://www.noaa.gov/index.html http://www.ceos.org/ borne observations, changes to the Earth and the environment were monitored and inferred from data gathered at widely disparate points The Committee on Earth Observation on the Earth’s surface. Large scale systems, Satellites membership encompasses the processes and trends are more easily and The National Oceanic and Atmospheric world’s government agencies responsible for reliably observable from space. With the Administration is an American organization civil earth observation satellite programs, current explosion in information technology, which conducts research and gathers data along with agencies that receive and process these data have been made readily accessible about the global oceans, atmosphere, data acquired remotely from space. The to everyone. climate, space and the sun. NOAA provides committee coordinates international civil weather forecasts, charts the seas and skies, spaceborne missions designed to observe We need to develop a scientific understanding and conducts research to improve our and study planet Earth. of the Earth system and its response to understanding of the environment. natural and human-induced changes to Under Subsidary Groups, there are links to enable an improved assessment, prediction NOAA provides its services through five the ad hoc Group on Earth Observations and mitigation of environmental changes, major organizations: the National Weather (GEO) and the ad hoc Disaster Management climate, weather, and help us to understand Service, the National Ocean Service, the Support Groups, both of which have the cause and effect of natural hazards for National Marine Fisheries Service, the informative websites. present and future generations. National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service, and NOAA Research. Integrated Global ★★★1/2 The recent Tsunami that caused widespread The National Environmental Satellite, Data Observing Strategy damage and human loss has been observed and Information Service provides global and reported on a scale that no other environmental data, which I found most natural disaster has ever been before. High relevant and interesting. resolution satellite imagery has captured http://ioc.unesco.org/igospartners/index.htm the event before, during and after the wave Australian Government ★★★★1/2 struck, highlighting the actual wave, and the IPS Radio & Space Services The Integrated Global Observing Strategy destruction it caused from space. This edition http://www.ips.gov.au (IGOS) seeks to harmonize the common of Webwaves looks at websites dedicated to interests of the major space-based and in- the observation of Earth from space. Satellite situ systems for global observation of the images such as that of the Tsunami can be Earth. Information relating to climate and found on most of the following sites. The Ionospheric Prediction Service (IPS) atmosphere, oceans, coasts and coral reefs, acts as the Australian Space Weather Agency, the land surface and the Earth’s interior NASA Earth Observatory ★★★★1/2 providing a support for a wide range of is provided on this website. Of particular http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/ systems and technologies affected by space interest was the Geohazards theme, which weather: HF radio systems (communications aims to map, monitor, mitigate and predict and surveillance systems), geophysical earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides and The NASA’s Earth Observatory site provides exploration, power systems protection and subsidence. A link to the website can be freely accessible up-to-date satellite imagery satellite and spacecraft operations. It provides found under Themes>Geohazards. and scientific information about our services to various industry and government home planet. The main focus is on Earth’s bodies, including Boeing Australia Limited, EarthSat – Earth ★★★★ climate, environmental change and natural Telstra, the Department of Defence, the Satellite Corporation hazards. The website shows high resolution Australian Customs Service, Airservices satellite imagery of various environmental Australia, the Bureau of Meteorology and phenomena including droughts, dust, smoke, the Australian Communications Authority http://www.earthsat.com/default.html fires, floods, tsunamis, storms and volcanoes. (ACA). Their extensive network of monitoring Worthy of note, the satellite imagery of stations and observatories gather space Earth Satellite Corporation (EarthSat) is the January fires which affected Perth (the weather information which is then made an international professional services firm

14 Preview FEBRUARY 2005 WEB WAVES

which specializes in the development B-15A iceberg, recorded from space. There ACRES goal is to maintain a comprehensive and application of remote sensing and are many interesting news articles on archive of satellite remotely sensed data over geographic information technologies applications of earth observation via satellite. Australia to help ensure that fundamental (GIS). Projects focus on the exploration, Earth Observation satellites can highlight geographic information is available for the sustainable development and management of environmental changes occurring gradually, benefit of the Australian community. Satellite the Earth’s resources and the monitoring of thus satellite data can map the steady clearing data can be ordered and delivered online, the environment. Have a look at the remote of rainforests, and the apparent annual rise in and some data is available to download for sensing services which can be applied to oil sea level. Very interesting and informative. I free. The Geoscience Australia website also and gas, water and minerals exploration. highly recommend this site. For all the space includes a range of geohazard factsheets, as nuts, the ESA website is also well worth a well as up-to-date geomagnetic forecasts. European Space ★★★★★ look. Agency – Observing the earth ★★★★ http://www.esa.int/export/esaEO/index.html ACRES - Australian Centre for Remote Sensing: Geoscience Australia

STAR RATING The Observing the Earth website is managed Content/information by the European Space Agency. This very http://www.ga.gov.au/acres/ available on web pages 2 informative site has fantastic satellite Navigation friendly 1 imagery of a wide range of environmental The Australian Centre for Remote Sensing Aesthetically Pleasing 1 occurrences. Examples include images (ACRES) is Australia’s major satellite remote Currency 1 of the Tsunami disaster and the collision sensing organisation, which was established TOTAL 5 course of the largest floating object, the as the Australian Landsat Station in 1979.

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FEBRUARY 2005 Preview 15 CANBERRA OBSERVED by Eristicus

ARC provides Linkage Projects better bet the tectonic history of the Musgrave Block than Discovery Projects to assist mineral explorers and regional $381million synthesis programs. for 1387 new Those researchers looking to develop grant applications for the 2006 round should be For the Discovery Projects the nearest research projects aware that bids for Linkage Projects have a equivalent table is as shown in Table 2. much higher success rate (51.2%) than for In November 2004 the Minister for Education, Discovery Projects (30.8%). The overall success rate was only 30.8% for Science and Technology, Brendan Nelson the Discovery Projects. However, a total of announced that the Australian Government Table 1 summarises the outcomes for new $295.5 M was awarded, so the size of the pie will allocate $381 M over five years for funding by discipline group for Linkage is much larger. 1,387 new research projects from 2005. Projects: The most successful universities were: The projects will be funded through Australian Three points are noteworthy. Research Council’s (ARC) Discovery • The University of Melbourne, Projects, Discovery Indigenous Researchers 1. The industry contributions amount to $37,953,748 Development, Linkage Projects, Linkage $80,364,264, so the total amount available International, and Linkage Infrastructure over the five year period will be ~$137 • The Australian National University, Equipment and Facilities grants. million. $37,640,751

ARC Linkage Projects grants encourage 2. The Physics, Chemistry and Geosciences • The University of Sydney, $34,336,283 the formation of long-term strategic discipline group had the highest success alliances between university researchers and rate – 61% • The University of New South Wales, their collaborating partner organisations, $34,254,172 including from within industry. In this round, 3. The top five universities, in the context the ARC will provide $55.5 M to new of dollars awarded by the Commonwealth • The University of Queensland, collaborative research projects. Industry and were: $25,392,296 other partner organisations will contribute • The University of Queensland, $7.2 M $80.4 M, investing $1.45 for every dollar of • The University of New South Wales, Government funding. In the Geosciences, 44 projects were funded $4.9 M for a total of $13.2 M, which is equivalent ARC Discovery Projects grants support • The University of Melbourne, $4.3 M to 4.5% of the sum allocated. The ANU was fundamental or basic research. The number awarded 14 grants for a total of $4.15 M • Monash University, $3.7 M of these grants awarded has increased from over the duration of the projects, followed 875 in 2004 to 1,051 in 2005. • The University of Sydney, $3.6 M by Melbourne, which awarded 6 grants for a total of $2.15 M. The new grants were awarded under the There were only five Linkage projects umbrella of the National Competitive Grants approved in the geosciences. These totalled The largest geoscience Discovery grant Program, an initiative of Backing Australia’s $1.5 M, with the largest being a grant to was $965 k, which was awarded to Mike Ability. Adelaide University ($420 k) to decipher Sandiford at Melbourne University for a five

Table 1

Discipline Applications Applications Success rate Requested funds over project life Funds awarded over project life Group received funded (%) (all applications 2005-2009) (all funded applications, 2005-2009)

BSB 82 39 47.6 $21,838,518 $11,059,443 EE 103 51 49.5 $22,286,746 $12,141,684 HCA 59 27 45.8 $11,512,484 $5,860,298 MIC 45 22 48.9 $14,392,486 $6,522,689 PCG 41 25 61.0 $14,186,128 $7,016,249 SBE 133 73 54.9 $24,890,313 $12,909,189 Total 463 237 51.2 $109,106,675 $55,509,552

BSB: Biological Sciences and Biotechnology HCA: Humanities and Creative Arts PCG: Physics, Chemistry and Geosciences EE: Engineering and Environmental MIC: Mathematics, Information and SBE: Social, Behavioural and Economic Sciences Communications Sciences

16 Preview FEBRUARY 2005 CANBERRA OBSERVED

Table 2

Average amount requested by funded Average funding awarded to successful Average funding awarded as a proportion Discipline applications for 2005 applicants of average funding requested (%)

BSB $142,596 $104,993 73.6

EE $147,928 $110,951 75.0

HCA $91,525 $70,071 76.6

MIC $135,220 $92,075 68.1

PCG $169,330 $121,590 71.8

SBE $102,216 $71,632 70.1

Total $130,003 $94,204 72.5 year study of the Neotectonics of the Indo- Australian Plate.

Geochemists score well for new infrastructure

The ARC is also providing $28.3 M under the Linkage Infrastructure Equipment and Facilities Program. The geochemists did very well with five projects totalling $1.54 M being approved. The two largest were $552 k for a consortium headed by the ANU to build a stable isotope ion microprobe (SHRIMP SI) to examine extraterrestrial and terrestrial systems, and $495 k to a Macquarie led group to install a ThermoFinnigan Triton high-sensitivity thermal ionisation mass spectrometer for constraining geoscience rates and environmental processes via Ra and Os analysis (we geophysicists probably need some enlightenment on this one!).

Overall, the geoscience disciplines obtained 4.2% of the $381 M distributed, so there are clearly opportunities to increase this by developing more, good project proposals during 2005.

For more detailed information visit the arc website: http://www.arc.gov.au/arc_home/ default.htm. Government invests $407 million in CRC Program In December 2004, Minister Nelson announced grants of $407 M for research and innovation under the Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Program.

FEBRUARY 2005 Preview 17 CANBERRA OBSERVED

The CRC Program brings together universities, Clean Power CRC had been in existence • Phil Clark (representing the BCA), research organisations, government agencies since 1994, with about 100 scientists and industry. The latest round of funding will associated with its work. Victorian Energy • Ross Milbourne (representing the ATN) support five new CRCs with an additional minister Theo Theophanous has called for VC of UTS, nine to be developed from existing CRCs. the decision to be overturned. Supplementary funding will go to two • Anne Edwards (representing the Innovative existing CRCs. Each CRC is scheduled to Details of the successful applicants, including Research Universities Australia (IRUA)) last for seven years. funding and contact information, can be VC of Flinders University, found at http://www.crc.gov.au/ or http:// The successful CRCs will undertake www.dest.gov.au/ministers/nelson/dec_04/ • Alan Pettigrew (representing the NHMRC), research in manufacturing, information n1038211204.pdf. and and communications technology, mining and energy, agriculture and rural-based • Evan Arthur (representing DEST). manufacturing, the environment and medical Expert Advisory science. Group to oversee Terms of Reference The only successful applicant in the resource/ energy sector was the Parker CRC for development The Expert Advisory Group will support Integrated Hydrometallurgy Solutions, which of the Research the development of the Research Quality was developed from an existing CRC. It will Framework through provision of advice receive program funds of $20 M over seven Quality Framework on processes and measures to assess the years (i.e. funds from the government). for publicly funded quality and impact of research in Australia’s universities and Publicly Funded Research The application process was very competitive, research Agencies (PFRA’s) including: with only 14 Centres being funded out of the 58 that were invited to make applications on Just when we all thought we could go home • International experiences of implementing the basis of their Expressions of Interest. to prepare for Christmas, Minister Nelson research assessments and options for announced on 21 December 2004, the international benchmarking; The five new CRCs are: membership of an Expert Advisory Group he has appointed to oversee the development of • Options to improve the comparability of 1. Advanced Automotive Technology the Research Quality Framework for publicly quality assessment mechanisms across Manufacturing, Technology Sector – funded research. discipline areas; Victoria; CRC Program funding: $38.35 M; The members are: • Cost effective approaches to undertaking 2. An Internationally Competitive Pork research quality assessment processes; Industry, Agriculture and Rural Based • Sir Gareth Roberts (International Manufacturing Sector – SA; CRC Program representative - UK), President of Wolfson • Advantages and drawbacks to linking funding: $25.75 M; College, Oxford – CHAIR, quality assessment in universities and PRFA's to research funds allocation; and 3. Biomedical Imaging Development, Medical • Paul Callaghan (International representative Science and Technology Sector – Victoria; - NZ), Victoria University of Wellington, • Appropriate processes for consultation CRC Program funding: $21.47 M; New Zealand, with universities and PFRA's and other key stakeholders to progress consideration 4. Contamination Assessment and • Michael Barber (representing the CSIRO) of a Research Quality Framework. Remediation of the Environment, is Executive Director, Science Planning, Environment Sector – SA; CRC Program CSIRO, More information can be obtained from funding: $30 M; and DEST's web site: www.dest.gov.au/resqual. • Ian Chubb (representing the Group of Eight), 5. National Plant Biosecurity, Agriculture This is a huge committee with no and Rural Based Manufacturing Sector • Peter Høj (representing the ARC), representation from practicing researchers, – ACT; CRC Program funding: $20.5 M. and representation of 4 VC groups. Why all • Ian O Smith (representing ANSTO), the VCs are needed is not clear neither are Several major CRC’s dealing with emerging the words in the Terms of Reference. Don technologies lost their funding, such as the • Robin Batterham, Chief Scientist of Watson of Death Sentence fame would not CRC for Microtechnology and significantly, Australia, be amused. the CRC for Clean Power from Lignite. This has sparked criticism from some quarters • Peter Sheehan (representing the AVCC) VC regarding the government’s priorities. The of the Australian Catholic University,

18 Preview FEBRUARY 2005 ASEG RESEARCH FOUNDATION

Project Results grids produced from the data showed very verify CDI’s generated from the re-levelled good correspondence to mapped geology. data. Post-levelling CDI’s showed better The ASEG Research Foundation provided However, the ‘non-geological’ nature of correspondence to the inferred geology a total of $3650 to the School of Earth EMFlow conductivity-depth images (CDI’s) than those produced from the ‘raw’ data. Sciences, University of Tasmania in 2003, computed from the data suggested the likely Plan maps of inphase-quadrature apparent to support fieldwork costs for two Honours presence of levelling or calibration errors. resistivity generated from the re-levelled projects in northwest Tasmania. Project data also showed some improvement, with supervisors were James Reid and Michael Re-levelling of the data was undertaken by increased stability of the algorithm leading to Roach. Both students were awarded first comparing the HEM data with the results of fewer null points in the post-levelling plots. class Honours, and are currently employed ground truth geophysical surveys. Ground as geophysicists with G-Tek, where they truth data were acquired at a number of have worked on UXO and utility detection points on the HEM survey lines, in areas of Student: Jhana projects in Australia and the USA. uniform HEM response. These areas tended Hale to be resistive, and DC resistivity soundings Honours title: were found to be the most appropriate Geophysical geophysical technique. Resistivity sounding investigation and data were interpreted in terms of layered- interpretation of the Student: earth models, which were then used to predict Temma area, NW Ian Wilson the HEM response at survey altitude. For all Tasmania Honours title: ground truth points, the largest absolute HEM data levelling error between the observed and calculated Project Summary – The Clump, NW HEM data was 56 ppm (in comparison Tasmania. with a measured response of 66 ppm). The The Temma area in northwest Tasmania has misfit between the observed and predicted long been the subject of minor exploration Project Summary data yielded levelling corrections for the interest due to the presence of quartz – inphase and quadrature components at each sulfide lodes of unknown size and extent that This project involved interpretation of an frequency. Misfits varied widely between show anomalous levels of Cu, Pb, Ag and 8 km2 subset of Hummingbird helicopter ground control points, and a number of Au. This project involved ground-truthing electromagnetic (HEM) data collected for different methods for applying the levelling and interpretation of regional magnetic, the Western Tasmanian Regional Minerals corrections were trialled. However, simple radiometric and HEM data from Temma, Program (WTRMP). The study area included interpolation of the levelling corrections and HEM anomaly picking to identify any known copper mineralisation at The Clump, between the ground truth points was found bedrock conductors potentially associated approximately 10 km north of the historical to be an effective approach. with sulfide mineralisation. mining centre of Balfour. A particular focus of the project was on re-levelling of the HEM Levelling of the data in this manner produced The major lithologies in the area have distinct data based on ground-truth geophysical significant along-line improvements in data physical characteristics, which allowed them measurements. The HEM data had already quality, expressed as improvements in the to be successfully mapped using airborne been processed to correct for drift, by removal quality of EMFlow CDI’s (Figure 1). Cross- geophysics. Apparent resistivity grids of high altitude zero levels, and to remove sections of the mapped geology and a surface produced from Hummingbird HEM data obvious ‘line busts’. Apparent resistivity TEM profile were used to independently were effective in delineating conductive Tertiary basalts as well as resistive quartzites and siltstones of the Proterozoic Rocky Cape Group. Magnetic and radiometric data have provided further constraints on interpretation.

A numerical modelling study was carried out in order to assess the depth of investigation of the HEM system in areas of conductive basalt cover. Model parameters were constrained by the results of surface TEM and DC resistivity surveys, and by extensive magnetic susceptibility measurements on Fig. 1. EMFlow CDI’s from Line 10211 over ‘The Clump’. The lower CDI was generated from the ‘raw’ HEM both basalt and basement outcrop. The basalt data, and the upper CDI from data which has been re-levelled based on ground-truth data. The unlevelled CDI was found to have a relatively low magnetic contains a geologically implausible continuous conductive horizon between 319 000 E and 322 250 E. This susceptibility (2.4×10-3 SI), and to have artefact has been suppressed in the levelled CDI. The strong conductor between 321 400 E and 321 900 E in the levelled CDI is a black shale unit. The discontinuities in the levelled CDI at 319 400E and 322 250 E conductivities in the range 0.02 – 0.055 S/m. correspond to mapped fault contacts. The high conductivity of the basalt results

FEBRUARY 2005 Preview 19 ASEG RESEARCH FOUNDATION

from clays produced by weathering, and because the flows are extensively fractured and jointed. The model study indicated a maximum depth of investigation of only 28 m for typical basalt conductivities and susceptibilities, due to the relatively high frequencies used by the Hummingbird system. The high conductivity was found to be the main factor limiting the depth of Fig. 2. Observed (blue) investigation. Drilling results indicate clay and modelled (red) ground + weathered/fractured basalt thicknesses of TMI responses from Couta up to 60 m. As a result, little exploration Rocks, north of Temma. significance was assigned to HEM anomalies The dyke-like causative body has width 18 m, depth to top occurring in areas of Tertiary basalt cover, 3 m, magnetic susceptibility which were considered most likely to be due 0.309 (SI), strike 350° to variations in thickness or conductivity of and dip 73°E. the basalt.

Aeromagnetic data show numerous associated with known mineralisation were magnetic data indicated that these bodies are northwest trending lineaments transecting not apparent in the HEM data. Ground-based of dyke-like form and steeply dipping, clearly the Temma district. These lenticular magnetic investigation of aeromagnetic anomalies crosscutting the shallowly east-dipping host units are associated with known sulfide in the north of the survey area revealed rocks (Figure 2). Orientation of these bodies mineralisation in the area. However, the shallow magnetite-bearing bodies hosted in is locally parallel to the cleavage of D4 and patchy vein style of mineralisation did not the laminated siltstones of the Rocky Cape on a regional scale to the northwest trending produce large EM responses and anomalies Group. Quantitative modelling of ground faults of D3.

Outer-Rim Exploration Services Pty Ltd was established in 1993 to offer a professional and reliable EM contracting service to the exploration and mining industry. The Crone PEM system was chosen because of its proven reliability, portability and consistency of data. Various upgrades over the years have been geared specifically for the Australian environment. Outer-Rim will undertake three component down hole EM surveys, both from surface and underground, and moving and fixed loop surface surveys using conventional coil or the new LANDTEM system. For further information: David Lemcke (Manager)

Outer-Rim Exploration Services Telephone: (07) 4725 3544 Mobile: 0412 549 980 P.O. Box 1754, Aitkenvale, Qld. 4814 Fax: (07) 4725 4805 Email: [email protected] Australia.

The LANDTEM is a ground based TEM receiver developed by the CSIRO, utilising high temperature superconducting (HTS) rf SQUIDS. The LANDTEM measures the B field directly and is extremely sensitive. Several case studies, both in Australia and Canada, have shown the LANDTEM has application in conductive environments where conventional coil receivers may be unable to define good conductors. Outer-Rim Development Pty Ltd is manufacturing the systems under licence from the CSIRO, making units available for sale or rent to mining, exploration or contracting companies alike. For further information: David Lemcke (Manager)

Outer-Rim Development Pty. Ltd. Telephone: (07) 4725 4050 P.O. Box 1754, Aitkenvale, Qld. Fax: (07) 4725 4805 4814 Mobile: 0412 549 980 Australia. Email: [email protected]

Comparison of LANDTEM and conventional coil data over Western Areas NL's Daydawn deposit, Central Yilgarn, WA.

20 Preview FEBRUARY 2005 [email protected] by Doug Morrison GEOPHYSICAL ANNIVERSARIES

70 Years Ago

The ‘Southern Cross’ and some geophysical reconnaissance

In late June 1934 the first executive Fig. 2. The ‘Southern Cross’. 19th April 1935. Courtesy Queensland Air Museum 136/2 via Jack Petersen. committee meeting of the Aerial, Geological and Geophysical Survey of Northern Hooper. The aircraft was specially fitted out AGGSNA’s first year of operations and the Australia (AGGSNA) chaired by Sir Herbert for the survey. The normal longitudinal leather first geological work commenced nearby Gepp (Figure 1) recommended that the seating being removed and replaced with in April 1935 followed by the first ground technical members of the committee should cane chairs (!) for each of the scientists. geophysics at the Mount Freda mine on 12th make a preliminary aerial reconnaissance of May 1935. The geophysics, performed in the Survey’s proposed exploration regions, The Southern Cross stopped over at Brisbane conjunction with the contracted Electrical so tenders were called for the supply of to pick up L. C. Ball the Chief Government Prospecting Company of Sweden (represented an aircraft and crew. The Sydney based Geologist for Queensland. by Sepp Horvath) included electrical, Kingsford Smith Air Service Limited were electromagnetic and magnetic methods. the successful bidders. The reconnaissance extended as far north as Darwin, as far west as Roebourne and as Harry Purvis and his ‘Outback The AGGSNA, it should be mentioned, remote as The Granites and Tanami with the Airman’ was a pioneering and jointly funded actual route being recorded in the AGGSNA minerals exploration program between the Parliamentary Report June 1935. A map of The use of the Southern Cross on this and other Commonwealth and the governments of the route is shown (Figure 3). The Southern mineral exploration related flights in the era Queensland and Western Australia instigated Cross returned to Sydney on the 20th October is very significant in the history of aviation by the mover-shaker Sir Herbert Gepp, a 1934 after 12,000 miles and 143 hours of in Australia and it is quite fortuitous that the dominating character and considered by flying, a very full month! The AGGSNA co-pilot on the AGGSNA reconnaissance, some the ‘father of exploration geophysics financial report for the period lists the cost of Harry Purvis, devoted a chapter to some of in Australia’. Gepp had earlier established ‘aerial services’ at £1,583/9/4. these survey flying operations in his 1979 the joint UK and Australian government book Outback Airman where he included Imperial Geophysical Experimental Survey The regions inspected were primarily gold some interesting side comments regarding (IGES), which had run from 1927-30. The mining areas and all members of the party the work - stuff that did not make the official IGES published a report (and distributed it made independent reports at the completion reports. worldwide) describing their field geophysical of the reconnaissance and at the following experiments in Australia and the AGGSNA (the second) AGGSNA executive meeting Harry Purvis was a co-pilot on a number was to put some of these IGES methods to they made recommendations on the way the of pioneering flights (e.g., the post-war the test. survey was to proceed over the following transpacific flight Australia – Chile with P. years. The recommendations for the first G. Taylor in the Catalina Frigate Bird II) and On the 19th September 1934 the famous (and year included a plan to carry out aerial many explorationists involved with remote then aging) tri-motor Fokker FVIIB-3 m VH- photography over the USU Southern Cross (Figure 2), piloted by following specific areas, O. B. (Pat) Hall with co-pilot and engineer Cloncurry (Bower Bird and Harry Purvis, departed from Sydney for Soldiers Cap), Palmer River, Brisbane (and parts north) with passengers Mount Oxide, Pine Creek, Dr. W. G. Woolnough, the Commonwealth East MacDonnell Ranges, Geological Advisor; Marble Bar (Warrawoona) P. B. Nye (later to and Nullagine (Mosquito become Director of Creek). This photography, the BMR in 1951), in itself historic, was flown the Executive Officer by the Royal Australian Air of the AGGSNA; Force in 1935 following a F. G. Forman, the decision that commercial Government Geologist bids were far too expensive. of Western Australia and the radio operator/ Cloncurry was selected as Fig. 1. Sir Herbert Gepp (1877-1954) meteorologist Alan the headquarters for the Fig. 3. The AGGSNA ‘Southern Cross’ reconnaissance route of 1934.

FEBRUARY 2005 Preview 21 GEOPHYSICAL ANNIVERSARIES

a great camp cook. Everyone respected of the Melbourne Centennial Air Race – they Prof Woolnough – and he was affectionately had been flying Sydney to Darwin but winds known to all as ‘Dad’. Eating at the remote had forced them to stop and overnight at pubs in those days was an experience, one, Cloncurry. Smithy instructed Harry Purvis unidentified by Harry, served a menu of goat to check over the Altair which did not please (for regulars) or galah (for others)! Harry too much as he had just done a long day’s flying and everyone was heading for the The days were long and to make it easier for pub (Millers Post Office Hotel). A good night Fig. 4. A signed AGGSNA philatelic cover carried the pilots they changed roles every half hour was being had by all until Harry arrived and by the ‘Southern Cross’ postmarked Longreach 18th October 1934. Author’s files. (no auto-pilot in those days). Despite the announced he found a number of extensive long, noisy, turbulent and tiresome days the cracks in the Lady Southern Cross’s engine survey work in the 1960s, may recall Harry tour went well with the scientists continuously cowling – this was serious enough for Smithy when based from Alice Springs, Uluru etc., attentive to the scene below – Harry recalled to call off his ferry to London. Smithy and Harry piloted many charter flights for oil and the scientists were particularly excited when Taylor returned to Sydney the following day, mineral exploration companies with aviation viewing the geology of the East Kimberleys. where they were to receive some extremely companies SAATAS and Connellan Airways. unpleasant newspaper comments regarding He was also a part owner of the pub at Ayers The exorbitant cost of fuel at Tennant Creek their failure to continue to London. Within Rock and the Inland Motel at Alice – a haunt at 6/- (six shillings) a gallon appalled Hall a few weeks, as an alternative project to for many a survey crew. Harry was a legend and Purvis, compared to Sydney prices of the air race, Smithy and Taylor flew the even then. The Survey’s pilot Pat Hall, as 1/2 (one shilling and two pence) it was Lady Southern Cross to California across the well as being Kingsford Smith’s partner, was enough to remove all the profits from the Pacific Ocean - the historic first aerial west also a pioneer aviator, having flown the first work, in fact there was even trouble by the to east crossing! airmail from Sydney – Melbourne in 1929 company paying the pilots salaries at the for instance. completion of the survey. Smithy and his engineer Tommy Pethybridge were to go missing in the Lady Southern Harry’s 1934 recollections It may be interesting to some readers that a Cross in the early hours of the 8th November number of ‘By Airmail’ philatelic covers were 1935 near Aye Island, Burma – they were In 1934 the Southern Cross was nearing the carried on the flight as a commemoration of never found. end of it’s working life – in fact it had been the survey and some of the covers were stationary for some time prior to the AGGSNA signed by participants and postmarked In 1935 the Commonwealth of Australia contract and Harry Purvis was worried the old ‘LONGREACH 18th OCT 34’. An example purchased the Southern Cross. Wright J5 engines would struggle with flying is shown (Figure 4). for a month or two of continuous operations and he was not wrong; some frustrating The historic crew meeting with References magneto problems also occurred throughout Smithy at Cloncurry The Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia: the operations but he recalled the scientists Aerial, Geological and Geophysical Survey of were an uncomplaining lot although their On landing at Cloncurry on the 29th Northern Australia, Reports for periods ended patience was stretched at times. September 1934, the AGGSNA scientists, 30th June 1935, and 31st December 1935. Pat Hall and Harry Purvis were absolutely Purvis, Harry and Joan Priest, 1979, Outback The normal procedure throughout the survey amazed to see waiting for them ‘Smithy’ (Sir Airman, p.31-36, p.46-56. was to plan in the evening the survey flight Charles Kingsford Smith) and P. G. Taylor Wilkinson, Rick, 1996, Rocks to Riches: Allen plan for the following day and according in their single engine Altair 8D Special, the & Unwin. to Harry, Pat Hall had a very good eye for Lady Southern Cross (Figure 5). Smithy and visual navigation and rarely missed locating Taylor were enroute to London for the start the previous nights defined targets – although he does say that neither pilots nor geologists could locate Soldiers Cap from the air.

Harry wrote that each of the scientists in the cabin wore leather flying helmets and each had attached speaking tubes so they could communicate with each other over the engine noise – he also wrote that as a result they all looked like creatures from another planet! Camping under the stars (and under the wing of the Southern Cross) did occur Fig. 5. Historic photograph of the trans-Pacific pioneering aircraft the ‘Southern Cross’ and the ‘Lady Southern during the tour and it gave Prof Woolnough Cross’ together at Cloncurry during the AGGSNA survey. Note the wide vision available from both sides of the the opportunity to show his expertise as cabin. 29th September 1934. Courtesy Queensland Air Museum 158/7 via Charles Fotherington.

22 Preview FEBRUARY 2005 [email protected] by Chris J. Wiles, Newmont Mining Corp. GEOPHYSICAL ANNIVERSARIES

4. Denver, Colorado (1989-Present): Magma Copper, a Newmont affiliate, was In downtown Denver and later at the developing a new, large copper deposit. Malozemoff Technical Facility, significant Directed by Harry Siegel (see June 2004 Geophysics at developments were with rugged airborne Preview, p. 8), these tests demonstrated that Newmont – a history and ground data acquisition systems disseminated sulphide mineralization could aided significantly by the advent of be detected even under considerable depths of innovation and GPS navigation. Important in the late of cover using this overvoltage, or induced 1990s were the collaborative Newmont/ polarization, phenomenon. development Normandy NewTEM/HoistEM helicopter- (Part 1, 1946-1975) borne EM systems and modelling and Jerome, Arizona 1949 – 1957 inversion of IP and EM data. Introduction In 1949, Dr. Brant joined Newmont and a In the first of a two part review we will be geophysical group was established at Jerome, covering the period from 1946-1975. In the Arizona, in the porphyry copper country of Newmont’s geophysical department has a April 2005 Preview we will be covering the the southwestern United States. ‘Doc’ Brant long history of innovation and development period from 1975 to the Present. always felt that the requisites for the successful since 1946. Essentially there were four major development of geophysical exploration eras in its history so far: The story starts at the end of World War II, technology were good theoretical work, good which brought a period of growth, discovery instrumentation, solid rock property studies 1. Jerome, Arizona (1949-1957): This was and evolution in geophysical techniques. At and modelling. He assembled an exceptional the amazing post-war period under Doc this time a concerted effort was undertaken group of scientists and technicians at Jerome Brant that led to the development of IP to sieve war-time technological developments in 1949, all Canadians, including his top and time-domain EM. for their exploration potential. students at the University of Toronto: Harry Siegel, Jim Wait, Len Collett, Ken Ruddock, 2. Danbury, Connecticut (1957-1975): This Radio Frequency Laboratory of Boonton, New Robert Baldwin, Don Wagg, Ken Hunter, period was difficult with low metal prices, Jersey, a developer of near-shore underwater John Dowsett, and Ewart Blanchard. Others small budgets and the breakup of the mine detection devices, drew Newmont’s followed in later years. Jerome group. Significant developments attention in early 1946 to the phenomenon were primarily with computing and the whereby metal samples in a water tank gave Brant credited the genius of Jim Wait for almost first gridding and contouring routines in rise to a discharge of considerable magnitude single-handedly laying the mathematical collaboration with IBM. and duration when a pulse of direct current foundations for time and frequency domain was applied. At this time Arthur Brant, from electromagnetic prospecting while at 3. Tucson, Arizona (1975-1989): A large the University of Toronto, began to consult for Jerome. And Harry Siegel developed the portion of this period was spent developing Newmont and recommended an investigation first mathematical expressions indicating and utilizing the ground-based high-power, of this phenomenon be undertaken by RFL. the overvoltage anomalies to be expected deep-penetrating time-domain EM system Following positive tank tests on sulphide ore across mineralized bodies of geometric form (EMP). After the advent of the PC, portable samples in 1946, equipment was built and charged by the application of a square-wave imaging workstations were developed and mounted in an Army 6 x 4 truck and used for direct current pulse. Len Collett carried sent out to the field offices, a major change field tests at Tintic, Utah, and Ely, Nevada, out model and physical property tests on in the way computing was done. in 1947. This was followed by further field particle size, mineral response, surrounding tests in 1948 at San Manuel, Arizona, where media, fracture orientation, suppression

Fig. 1. Arthur Brant (Director Fig. 2. The home of the geophysical group at Jerome, Arizona, Fig. 3.The first Induced Polarisation tests at Johnson Camp, Arizona. 1949-1975) assembled the first from 1949- 1957. ~1947. significant research group in the history of mining geophysics in America.

FEBRUARY 2005 Preview 23 GEOPHYSICAL ANNIVERSARIES

holds 25 patents in geophysical techniques. capable of measuring in- and out-of- phase of Patents were sought, as a matter of policy, the primary field to about 5 ppm and allowed for defensive purposes to ensure Newmont’s excellent interpretation of conductivity-width right to work and apply these techniques. product and depth to source. In 1959, Texas Although Conrad Schlumberger was the first Gulf Sulphur introduced a similar system, to recognize the phenomenon of induced but with a rigid 15 m coil-carrying boom polarization in 1912, it was the post-war mounted on a light Bell 47G2 helicopter. work by the Radio Frequency Laboratory This system resulted in the discovery of the and Arthur Brant’s team at Newmont that giant Kidd Creek copper-zinc-silver deposit, significantly advanced the method to one of the most successful applications ever commercial use. By the late 1940s and of airborne EM. At the same time, Newmont early 1950s, overvoltage exploration was also developed and applied a borehole EM Fig. 4. Magnetometer and EM receiver coil on Newmont Aero Service frequency-domain EM system being carried out around Jerome; Leadville, system, a 400 Hz in-phase out- of-phase ~1956. Colorado, and later over many of the copper system with coils 30 m apart. Chuck Elliot showings in southern Peru. joined Newmont in 1955 and spent time using the equipment at Newmont’s O’okiep Other major contributions to the development and Tsumeb copper operations in southern of IP in the 1950s were made by Ralph Africa in the late 1950s and at Lynn Lake Holmer and George Rogers at Kennecott, in Manitoba, Canada, in 3,000 ft horizontal Ed McAllister at Anaconda, John Sumner holes the early 1960s. and Sal Gaytan at Phelps Dodge, and Vic Mayper, Ted Madden, Phil Hallof and Keeva Danbury, Connecticut 1957 - 1975 Vozoff at MIT. The latter’s development of the dipole-dipole surveying technique In 1957, Newmont built a new research facility and pseudo-section presentations are now at Danbury, Connecticut, and focused on Fig.5. Transmitter coil on Newmont Aero Service in general use, and IP is routinely applied interpretive techniques and the development EM system mounted on a Sikorsky S-55 helicopter ~1956. by mining companies and geophysical of special methods in geophysics. Innovators contractors worldwide. like George McLaughlin, who joined by oxidation, and frequency versus time Newmont from McPhar in 1959, developed domain. Ken Ruddock proved exceptional The development of electromagnetics a portable IP receiver that could be operated in electronics and was the chief designer of had two main contributors in the 1950s: without being connected to the transmitter the early field equipment. Elwood Bratnober McPhar Engineering of Toronto, primarily in for timing, thereby allowing several receivers was a human computer and did much of the instrumentation and field procedures, and Jim to be used simultaneously. George had a numerical computation for the Siegel and Wait in quantitative theory and evaluation at remarkable ability to build equipment that Wait theory. Newmont. Under sponsorship from Sherritt worked. He and Bill Dolan also worked Gordon Mines, a Newmont affiliate, and later on the theory, modelling and design of a Under Brant’s leadership, the Jerome Inco, McPhar developed the first helicopter- high current, low voltage, large loop pulsed laboratory developed several innovative borne EM system in 1955. This was a rigid- electromagnetic system originally conceived geophysical techniques, marking the beam coaxial-coil pair system in a 20 ft by Jim Wait in 1952. In the early 1960s beginning of a coherent and continuous towed bird, credited with the discovery of the Dolan operated this system in Cyprus. geophysical effort by Newmont that Heath Steele massive sulphide ore bodies in continues to this day. In all, the Jerome group New Brunswick, Canada. As a result, mining Maurie Davidson and Misac Nabighian concerns, including joined the Danbury group in 1966 and 1967, Newmont, rushed into respectively, both from the Lamont-Doherty EM exploration. Earth Observatory at Columbia University.

In 1956, Ken Ruddock Newmont had one of the first in-house built the Newmont Aero computers in the mining industry, an IBM Service frequency- 1130. The first gridding and contouring domain EM system routines were developed in collaboration mounted on a large with IBM staff from their nearby White Sikorsky S-55 with Plains research facility. coaxial transmitter and receiver coils mounted Arthur Brant retired from Newmont in 1975 fore and aft resulting in and in 1977 moved to Tucson to become a coil separation three an adjunct professor at the University of times that of towed-beam Arizona and the Krumb School of Mines at Fig. 6. Early EM tests at Jerome, Arizona ~1955. The triangle shaped transmitter coil was a prototype for the airborne EM system. systems. The system was Columbia.

24 Preview FEBRUARY 2005 COMPANY PROFILE

Beach Petroleum However, in recent years it has diversified to include investments in the offshore Gippsland – focusing on Basin (Vic.), the offshore and onshore Otway Australian oil and Basin (SA and Vic.), the offshore Browse and Carnarvon Basins (WA) and the Gulf of gas production and Papua (PNG). exploration Beach’s share of production during the 2003/04 financial year totalled ~1.0 million barrels of oil equivalent (Mboe), or Beach Petroleum Ltd is a public company approximately 3200 boe per day. This number based in Adelaide and listed on the Australian is about six times the amount produced in Managing Director – Reg Nelson Stock Exchange. It has a market capitalisation 2001/02, with a corresponding improvement of around A$140 million, putting it in the top in cash-flows. • As a second priority, participate in tier of Australia’s oil and gas producers and exploration activities, primarily in explorers. The company has a reserves/annual- prospective offshore regions on the production ratio of about 10:1 and an active northwest margin of Australia, with the Beach was established in the early 1960s exploration program to boost its reserves. potential to make substantial additions by the late Dr. Reg Sprigg, an outstanding to the company’s reserve base, albeit at a Australian oilman, geologist, explorer and The main objectives of the company’s higher level of risk. conservationist. In recent years its exploration exploration and development program are: program has expanded considerably. Key Personnel Currently it holds interests in tenements • As a first priority, participate in sufficient Chairman – Bob Kennedy throughout Australia and in Papua New low risk exploration and development Managing Director – Reg Nelson Guinea. The company’s activities are mainly activity, primarily in the onshore Cooper/ Head office: Glenside, South Australia focused upon the Cooper/Eromanga Basin Eromanga and Otway Basins, to maintain Contacts: of South Australia and Queensland, where it or improve the company’s reserves base; Tel - (08) 8338 2833 holds interests in nine exploration areas and and Email: [email protected] four oil production joint ventures. Website: www.beachpetroleum.com.au

Fig. 1. Locations of tenements where Beach has an interest. Details of the Gippsland holdings postdate this map; refer to the website: http://www.beachpetroleum.com.au/files/exploration_VIC_RL06_09_10.htm for details of the 2004/2005 exploration programs Fig 2. Discovery well Christies No 2 in PEL 92, SA.

FEBRUARY 2005 Preview 25 PASSIVE SEISMIC Passive Seismic: what, where and why

Summary Surely, one has to have some sort of energy source. By: Rather let us say that it is seismic imaging using The practice of passive seismic, listening without active sources of opportunity rather than the standard airguns, surface sources, is hardly new. Yet the application vibrators or dynamite that a crew usually puts to good to resource exploration and development has lagged use. A passive seismic crew merely lays out an array behind the use of more conventional 2D and 3D seismic of receivers and……listens. They are listening for techniques. The need to explore in more difficult frontier earthquakes and microseisms, some produced naturally terrains and the current ‘smart oilfield’ initiatives have and some the result of production activity, but all useful led to renewed interest in passive seismic. This paper will to create an image of what’s going on down under. review the various methodologies currently employed with several real field examples from applications There are two distinct branches of passive seismic. The around the world. first I will call transmission tomography. This branch Peter M. Duncan uses micro-earthquakes located below the target area President, MicroSeismic, to create a 3-D image of the target using travel-time Inc Introduction tomography. The second branch I will call emission tomography. In this technique, one listens for the 800 Tully Road, Suite 175 3D seismic is generally accepted as the most significant seismic events occurring at or near the target to image Houston, TX 77079 technical development in the E and P business in the the dynamics of the target. One is listening for the noise Tel: 281.493.0032 last 15 years. Seismic imaging as an exploration and created by creeping faults, or opening fractures or the development tool has changed radically over the last 80 movement of fluid through porous rocks. years and become a billion dollar business. Recording email: systems that can handle thousands of channels of Let us deal with each of these branches in turn. [email protected] data, fleets of vibrators operating in tandem and helicopter supported field ops are commonplace. But there are environments where such modern systems Passive Seismic Transmission are too expensive to operate, or where environmental Tomography or community concerns obviate the use of heavy machinery. There are also problems in today’s oilfield Passive seismic transmission tomography creates that reflection seismic cannot address. 3D images of the target volume using the observed travel-time of seismic signals originating from micro- Enter passive seismic. earthquakes occurring below the target. The field setup is illustrated in Figure 1. A sparse array of independent What is passive seismic? It is seismic imaging without seismographs is established above the target volume. sources. Wait a moment. That seems a silly statement. The array usually consists of 20 to 100 observation stations each recording the output of a 3-component geophone. Typical imaging areas for such an array are 300 to 1500 km2. The 3-component phones are typically placed 10 to 30 m below the surface to get away from the noisy surface environment. The stations may store Fig. 1. In passive seismic their data locally, but often are linked to the processing transmission tomography, centre by some form of telemetry. micro-earthquakes occurring below the target, illustrated here as the yellow cube, Once the array is established the survey proceeds by serve as seismic sources. simply listening. Assuming a starting velocity model, 3-component geophones the observed micro-earthquakes are located in time and on the surface record the arrival times of P and S space using standard location algorithms dependent waves from these tremors. upon picks of the arrival times of the p and s phases at Travel-time inversion is each observation station. Once a number of events has used to estimate the P been located one flips the process, assumes the origin and S velocity distribution in the target. As more time and hypocentre of the events are known, and uses events are observed, the some form of travel time inversion to estimate a new velocity distribution can velocity model for the target volume. The 3-component be estimated to a finer resolution. nature of the observations allows for estimation of

26 Preview FEBRUARY 2005 PASSIVE SEISMIC

the Vp and the Vs velocity structures. Over time, as more events are added to the dataset, ever finer estimates of the velocity structure can be achieved. The process proceeds in this boot-strapping fashion until the desired resolution is reached. The length of time needed will depend upon the level of seismic activity in the area and the number of stations deployed. Since the processing of the data proceeds in near real time, it is possible to monitor the effectiveness of the survey and cease field operations when the particular needs of the survey have been met. Survey times of 6 to 12 months are typical.

Most of us are surprised to find that there are enough micro-earthquakes occurring to make this a viable tool. We are conditioned by media and government publications to Fig. 2. Depth map to the Base Cretaceous created by integrating a 2D seismic line (indicated by the red line only think of earthquakes in terms of life with circles) with the results of a 3D passive survey (used with permission). threatening, concrete crushing events that thankfully happen only rarely. Such events have a local magnitude (mL) of 3 or greater. Earthquakes are observed to be log-normally distributed as to their magnitude. This means that there will be, on a statistical basis, 10 times as many magnitude 2 earthquakes as magnitude 3, and 10 times as many magnitude 1 as 2, and so on. The micro-earthquakes used for passive seismic transmission tomography are typically all those down to magnitude 0 or even smaller depending on the local ambient noise environment. Given the frequency of occurrence of these smaller events, one begins to appreciate how Fig. 3: Common Vp value volume extraction from a Fig. 4. Portion of 3D cube showing Vp/Vs distribution passive seismic imaging can be possible. It 3000 km2 passive 3D representing distribution of extracted from a 3000 km2 passive 3D (courtesy of is often useful to deploy a few stations in the carbonates in the subsurface (courtesy of LandTech LandTech Enterprises). project area prior to mobilizing a full suite Enterprises). in order to assess the noise environment and the level of micro-seismicity. This enables a makes the likelihood of obtaining permits line across the prospect and then extend the reasonable estimate of time-to-resolution for much higher. 2D to 3D using passive data. Twenty stations a given number of observation stations. were deployed for 5 months. About 4000 There is not a great abundance of case history events were located of which about 1000 Where and when does such an approach to to report for passive seismic transmission were used for inversion. Figure 2 shows a imaging become cost effective? Certainly tomography. One example that has been structure contour map made by combining in flat, open country a more conventional reported was a project in the Ucayali Basin the 2D and passive 3D data. The cost for survey using reflection 3D is probably a of Peru conducted by Technology Research the 3D data was on the order of $1000/km2. better solution. But in mountainous terrain Associates Corporation on behalf of Attained resolution was on the order of 300 where it’s difficult and expensive to carry Anadarko in 1997 (The use of earthquake m in the survey centre. on conventional operations, passive can be energy for structure tomography in the as much as an order of magnitude less northern Ucayali Basin, B. Mallick and J. Another example was published in expensive. In environmentally sensitive areas, Drummond, Anadarko Peru Co., Houston, December 2003 (Case study in NW Greece where permitting of conventional surveys is TX USA, INGEPET ‘99). The project area of passive seismic tomography: a new tool becoming next to impossible, the benign is in the headwaters of the Amazon, in triple for hydrocarbon exploration, S. Kapotas, environmental impact of passive means that canopy jungle. Quotes for conventional 3- G-A Tselentis and N. Martakis, First Break a survey that might otherwise never get shot D ran as high as $150,000 per km2, and it Volume 21, Dec 2003). This survey was becomes possible. In highly cultured areas, was not certain that the survey could be performed by LandTech Enterprises. The the low impact presence of passive again permitted. Anadarko elected to shoot a 2D driving force was again cost. 2D dynamite

DECEMBER 2004 Preview 27 PASSIVE SEISMIC

Fig. 5. Distribution of event epicentres observed by monitor well in Ekofisk Field. Events are interpreted to be caused by compaction-related faulting associated with hydrocarbon withdrawal (image courtesy of ESG Solutions).

Fig. 6. Presentation of event hypocentre distribution observed during a hydraulic fracturing of a well. The red vertical line with the thicker blue section represents the frac well and the frac interval respectively. The black triangles on the other well line represent the monitor 3D geophones. The hypocenter locations are represented in 3 dimensions as spheres, with larger size representing greater magnitude and the colour representing the level of proppant concentration in the frac well. The lower diagram shows the event count over time as a bar chart. The red curve presents the pumping pressure. The blue curve shows proppant concentration (image courtesy ESG Solutions). Passive Seismic was to observe seismic activity associated Emission with compaction faulting contributing to Tomography ocean floor subsidence in the area of the field probably as a result of hydrocarbon When we move to emission withdrawal. The locus of hypocentre Fig. 7. Illustration of the surface method of emission tomography. Movement tomography we move from locations clearly shows the fault pattern on the fault causes a seismic signal that is recorded on the surface array. using micro-seismic activity controlling the compaction and suggests a The array is beam-steered sequentially at each cell in the subsurface. The seismic energy recorded by the array over a period of observation time is as a convenient source of certain compartmentalisation of the reservoir. displayed as colours in the cube, hotter colours representing higher energy energy with which to image The scale of the figure illustrates one of the levels. The areas of high energy will delineate where dynamic activity is the subsurface, to considering limitations on such downhole observations. taking place in the subsurface. the micro-seismic activity Attenuation of the signal limits the area of itself as the target. By investigation to perhaps no more than 1 km seismic was costing £30,000 per line-km. mapping the distribution and character of from the observation well. Vibrator 2D was £6000/line-km. 3000 km2 of this activity we intend to gain some insight passive 3D with a resolution of about 500 m into the dynamic processes occurring in and One of the more common applications of was acquired for around £500,000. Forty around the imaging target. emission tomography in use today is the recording stations were deployed for about monitoring of well stimulation through 10 months and 4000 events were captured The most straightforward approach to such a hydraulic fracturing. Typically an array of 8 and used in the inversion. Figure 3 presents a task is to observe and record the direct arrival to 12 3-component geophones is clamped at structure map of a key marker derived from of the seismic waves from theses events and to or just above the reservoir level in a wellbore the data. Figure 4 shows a Vp/Vs section locate and map the distribution of hypocentre near the frac well. First break picks are derived from the data highlighting the multi- locations using the same mathematics as the made of the events observed by the array component aspect of passive seismic. first step in the transmission tomography and used to estimate events’ hypocentres. application. For the most part, the events Mapping the hypercentres over time, mirrors In summary, passive seismic transmission being considered here are small, with local the development of fracturing as pumping tomography offers an opportunity to obtain magnitudes in the -1 to -3 range. Such small proceeds. Figure 6 illustrates the results cost effective structural images (velocity events are rarely discernable as clean first of such a survey. Often these results are structure not impedance structure). It breaks on surface recordings. Consequently, presented as movies, which much better competes with conventional seismic in rugged much of the work in this domain has been reflect the dynamic nature of the process. terrains, in environmentally sensitive areas executed with receivers placed near the target and in culturally difficult areas. Most areas activity in a nearby borehole. The availability of observation wells and of the world experience enough seismicity the limitations of observation distance are for the approach to ‘work’ given enough Figure 5 shows one of the earliest and most serious impediments to the widespread time. The issue of resolution is largely an published of such an emission tomography usefulness of this downhole technique. A economic one of trading off time in the field application. The data plotted are the different approach to emission tomography with number of stations deployed. epicentres of the events observed in a monitor well in the Ekofisk Field. The objective Cont'd on page 29

28 Preview FEBRUARY 2005 3D GEOPHYSICAL PROCESSING OF RICE IRRIGATION IMPACTS 3D geophysical processing, visualisation and Fabienne d’Hautefeuille interpretation of rice irrigation impacts

By: Abstract apart (sometimes 5 m). The results from each survey Fabienne d’Hautefeuille1 have been assembled into a movie (using SURFER and and Noel Merrick, The National Centre for Groundwater Management at SLICER software), which shows the 3-D heterogeneity National Centre the University of Technology, Sydney has completed a in resistivity across the site. A couple of movies have for Groundwater three stage research project at a field site near Griffith been produced showing the variation with time along Management, Institute for Water NSW, which included an examination of the dynamics representative sections. Snapshots of the differential and Environmental of groundwater levels and salinisation adjacent to an apparent resistivity between surveys before and after Resource Management, irrigated rice paddock. The site had 22 piezometers and irrigation show definite incremental salinisation in the University of was instrumented with 16 data loggers from October fallow paddock adjacent to the irrigated rice paddock. Technology, Sydney 1999 to September 2001. Ten resistivity imaging and Anita Hodson, Advitech, EM34 surveys were conducted during the period Introduction Newcastle, Australia October 1998 to June 2001 – before, during and after and Megan Mc Lachlan, irrigation. Each imaging survey comprised 15 lines Resistivity imaging allows a good approach to Sydney Water, Sydney, (during winter) or 10 lines (during irrigation) each investigations of the level of salinity in groundwater and Australia of about 200 m long. The lines were generally 10 m spatial variability in plan and section. 3D animations E-mail: [email protected] 1 No longer at UTS, contact now via Email: [email protected] Cont'd on page 30

Cont'd from page 28

is illustrated in Figure 7. In this method include frac monitoring, mapping of fault an array of geophones is deployed on creep and compaction, and tracking of the surface much as in the transmission injected fluids. In a very real way we are tomography case, but the array is denser, putting a stethoscope on the chest of the typically with 40 to 100 stations distributed earth and listening for the internal dynamics. over a few km2. The array is sequentially It is a continuous 4D seismic survey, if you beam steered at all points in the subsurface like, and represents a unique direct detection and a 3D map is made of the acoustic energy of subsurface activity. The challenge is that being emitted over a given time from each we don’t have a lot of experience to draw subsurface location. In this way it is not upon with which to interpret these sounds. necessary to ‘see’ each individual event, but rather we map the cumulative energy released by the sum of events over a period Conclusion of time. We are using the same principle as the hyperbolic microphone or the dish Passive seismic in my terminology encompasses antennae. The approach effectively extends two complimentary applications. In the first, Fig. 8. Depth slice at the reservoir level through an the lower limit of signal that can be seen emission energy cube derived from one minute of micro-earthquakes below the target are used from the surface. Of course, this method can observation time, during a hydraulic fracture stimulation as seismic sources with which to create an incorporate borehole observations as well, if of a horizontal well. The black dots are the locations of image using travel time tomography. In the the observation stations. The brown line terminated by such are available. the white dots represents the location of the horizontal second application, the micro-earthquakes portion of the well. The hotter colours represent areas themselves are the target to the extent Figure 8 presents the results of a frac of higher energy acoustic emission. The inset shows the they reveal in real time something about monitor conducted with a surface array as frac pressure history with the vertical lilac line being the dynamic processes taking place in the the time of this observation. The distances along the just described. The array consisted of 100 axes are in feet. The energy distribution is consistent subsurface. Neither of these technologies 3D phones spaced on a regular grid above the with fractures being set up in 2 directions, one parallel is particularly new theoretically, but the well to be frac’ed. The well is a horizontal to the direction of maximum principal stress (thought application to the resource industry on a well with the depth of the horizontal segment to be perpendicular to the well), and a conjugate set practical basis is new. It remains for a body at right angles to this direction. at about 2500 m. The horizontal reach is of case history to be developed for us to gain about 1000 m. The figure clearly shows the better insight into the range of problems that concentration of acoustic energy extending The ability to monitor dynamic processes can be usefully and economically attacked away from the well parallel to the direction in real time from the surface presents many with a passive approach. of maximum principle stress as expected. opportunities for useful application. These

FEBRUARY 2005 Preview 29 3D GEOPHYSICAL PROCESSING OF RICE IRRIGATION

Cont'd from page 29 array is properly focused. As soil texture had been planted for the first time in 1998 is time-invariant, the difference between in the paddock after a few years of fallow. through space or time enable an even better repeated images can highlight changes in The drain to the west of the fallow paddocks understanding of the apparent resistivity either salinity or moisture, by focussing the is filled by overflow from the flooded rice variations at a site. Watching the evolution depth of investigation to the saturated or paddocks and drains into the main drain at of the salinity in the ground over a period of unsaturated zones, respectively. the northwest corner of the site. The rice time provides an insight into the dynamics of paddocks are supplied with gravity-fed water the groundwater processes. In this way, we ensure that the survey depth of at the south-eastern corner of each paddock. investigation starts under the water table, so In October 2001, rice was reintroduced in This work is part of a project concerning that any observed changes between surveys the fallow and thus the whole field site was the salinity at an irrigated field site. A field are caused by salinity variations. irrigated. investigation of the dynamics of groundwater level and salinity adjacent to a rice paddock Using a defined methodology and different The site is located on the Dallas Clay Plain before, during and after a growing season software packages, animated movies showing and is characterised by extensive level plains was completed by Mclachlan (2000), and the salinity variations were created. of dense clay, classified as grey-brown soils of a model of groundwater flow and solute heavy texture. The identified soil associations transport at paddock scale and at short time at the site are: Mundiwa clay loam (Eastern scale was developed on this site by Hodson Method and Results section), and Gogeldrie clay (Central and (2000). Characteristics of the field site Western sections). Hodson (2000) conducted a soil survey by taking samples at 0.25 m The site is located in the New South Wales The field site is 360 m x 200 m in size, intervals down two representative profiles Riverina (Australia), 30 km south east of located in a very flat rice-growing area where to a depth of 1 m. The Mundiwa clay loam Griffith at Whitton. Fieldwork, including irrigation takes place every year between is strongly alkaline (ph 9.0), has uniform resistivity imaging surveys, was done at October and April. Ground slope is 1:4000 soil moisture of about 23 percent (23.1- different dates over a two-year period. towards the west, established by laser planing. 23.9%), and has soil salinity averaging 840 In this operation, about 0.15-0.2 m of top mg/L (577-1130 mg/L). The Gogeldrie clay The water table is generally less than 2 soil was removed from the site. The site is is also strongly alkaline (ph 8.5-9.0), has m below ground surface. Field apparent organised into three blocks (Figure 1): similar soil moisture of about 21 percent resistivities vary over a narrow range (21.0-21.7%), but has considerably lower (generally 4-12 m); consistent with a clay • Line 45E to 5E: Eastern section (rice soil salinity averaging 450 mg/L (352-546 lithology and groundwater salinity in the paddock) mg/L). Infiltration tests indicate that the range 1500-3000 mg/L. Formation resistivity infiltration rate under ponding conditions is is a bulk physical property that has source • Line 5W to 35W: Central section (middle expected to be higher for the Gogeldrie clay. ambiguity. It is determined by a number paddock, fallow) of more fundamental factors, the more On a broader scale, the clay at the site is important of which are soil texture (e.g. • Line 45W to 80W: Western section (western part of the Shepparton Formation, at the top clay, sand), salinity and moisture content. paddock, fallow) of the Cainozoic Murray Basin sequence. Without other controls, the method will The Formation consists of fluvio-lacustrine be ambiguous in its interpretation of the The Central and Western sections are fallow sediments (clay, silt, sand) with vertical and causative factors. Time-lapse imaging can paddocks, surrounded by rice paddocks in lateral heterogeneity. The regional hydraulic differentiate between these if the electrode the south and in the Eastern section. Rice conductivity is of order 1-3 m/d, but sandier lenses can be an order of magnitude higher. Hydraulically, the formation is an unconfined aquifer, overlying an extensive semi-confined sand-gravel aquifer (Calivil Formation) at a depth of about 30 m.

Data acquisition

Resistivity data were collected using the Sting Memory Earth Resistivity Meter and the Swift multi-electrode accessory developed by advanced Geosciences, Inc. (Austin, Texas). Data were acquired with two cables of fourteen electrodes each attached at the Sting/Swift system, and then one cable leapfrogs the other for another acquisition Fig. 1. Rice irrigation field site. Survey lines are represented by parallel dash lines. Each line is 200 m long. Lines are defined from their Y axis, if below zero, they are west, if above they are east lines. using two cables. Roll-along command

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Fig. 2. Linear and homogeneous pattern in the variation of the resistivity. April 1999, line Fig. 3. Heterogeneity created by the drain between rice and fallow bays. 55W. Lower values of resistivity are in red, then yellow, green and blue (highest values of September 2000, line 67.5S. Transversal section, looking south (left towards east). resistivity). Looking east (left towards north). Linear pattern once more observed here; it is interrupted by a decrease of the salinity near the drain between the rice and fallow paddocks (left of centre). This section was created from the 3D resistivity data at each survey. files (WL051, WL052) avoid repetition not inverted true resistivities. In this area During irrigation, the resistivity tends to of overlapping readings. The June 2001 there are no dramatic contrasts in resistivity, increase with a time delay, especially in the survey used three cables, so no leapfrogging only smooth variations. It is considered upper layers. After irrigation stops, resistivity was required. The data are stored in the that the apparent resistivity images give an stays constant for a while before decreasing internal memory and downloaded to a laptop adequate indication of the spatial variations a little at the end of winter. In the movies computer each night. in true resistivity, sufficient as a basis for we can see an increase of the salinity in the understanding groundwater processes. upper part of the profile with time especially Ten surveys were conducted between October in the observation bay (fallow paddocks). 1998 and June 2001. These were completed Two types of movies were created: There is as well an up and down movement before, during and after two irrigation seasons of the horizontal pattern with time. in order to monitor the dynamic variations in • Movies showing spatial variation of the groundwater level and salinity. resistivity. Ten movies, one per survey. Interpretation The field contains 15 lines spaced every • Movies showing variation of the resistivity 10 m (sometimes 5 m), but only 10 lines through time. Two movies along the North- Changes in the resistivity values can be were accessible during the irrigation season South axis (lines 65W and 10W) and due to three main factors: clay content, due to ponding of the Eastern section. The one movie in the transversal section (line moisture content and salinity variation. Clay Schlumberger configuration was used for 67.5S). content will remain the same from one all the surveys except the first one (October survey to another and the effective depth 1998 with Wenner configuration). With Observations for the smallest electrode spacing is beneath electrodes at 5 m spacing, resistivity is the shallow water table. Hence, changes in measured to an effective depth of about It is observed that generally, the resistivity resistivity correspond to salinity variations. 25 m. The first survey was documented by increases with depth in a linear and Merrick and Williams (1998). homogeneous pattern (Figure 2). This is The rise of the resistivity in the southeastern most likely to reflect a variation in salinity corner or along the drain between the fallow The apparent resistivity data vary between with depth, as groundwater salinity sampled and the rice paddocks can be due to an 3.6 and 19.6 Ωm, the main range being from in multi-level piezometers is generally 200 introduction of some fresh water in the 4 to 12 Ωm. The initial survey identified mg/L higher near the surface (2 m) than at aquifer by infiltration. In the drain the fresh substantial spatial variability, with a higher greater depth (7 m). Some discordance and water comes from the excess water from resistivity area in the south-eastern corner of anomalies are observed during the irrigation irrigation. The south-eastern corner is a the field and a lower resistivity area in the period especially for the first irrigation event water feeding point for the rice bay. northern part and in the fallow paddocks. (October 1998). Eastern and Central sections have a lower resistivity in the northern half of Irrigation causes an increase in the resistivity Creation of animated movies2 the field in the upper part of the profile. The of the soil beneath the fallow paddocks. south-eastern corner is always slightly more This is not observed as soon as irrigation The Slicer3D (Version 1.1) software, developed resistive than the rest of the site in the upper starts but with a certain time delay. When by Fortner Research LLC Company, was used layers. Drains or water supply channels are irrigation stops, a decrease in the resistivity to create animation movies. The scale used to elements of disturbance on the homogeneous is observed following another delay. This can represent the range of apparent resistivity is pattern (Figure 3). There is a clear permanent be accounted for by the fresh water brought the same for all the movies. increase in resistivity at the junction between by the irrigation. When some fresh water the rice and fallow paddocks, as this coincides gets into the ground, the salinity decreases. As a first view of the data, movies are with the toe drain that is permanently wet During this supply, the salts migrate up created for field apparent resistivity data, during summer and is the receptacle for under the fallow paddocks. When irrigation runoff during winter rain events. stops, there is no fresh water supply and the 2 To view the movies please contact Fabienne salts are more concentrated than they were d’Hautefeuille or Noel Merrick.

FEBRUARY 2005 Preview 31 3D GEOPHYSICAL PROCESSING OF RICE IRRIGATION IMPACTS

before as groundwater evapotranspiration Apparent restivity image at effective depth 2.5 m – in particular near the rice bay. The higher September 2000 minus October 1998 occurs from a high watertable. Therefore, an evapotranspiration due to the higher water increase of the conductivity is observed in table results in an increase of the salinity the movies between irrigation events. This with salts mobilisation and migration to the phenomenon amplifies over time and hence top of the aquifer. During winter, the level of the salt concentration increases beneath the the water table goes down, evapotranspiration fallow paddocks. is lower, and the resistivity increases slightly, the salts being partly washed away with the The delay time with which the variations of groundwater flow. On the whole, however, the salinity are observed cannot be quantified there is an inexorable increase in salinity. by data from only two irrigation seasons, Fig. 4. Differential apparent resistivity image at with sampling at 2-3 month intervals. effective depth 2.5 m; September 2000 minus Slicer3D software has been used to create the October 1998. Negative values (blue) correspond to movies. Its use is simple but the version used an increase in salinity. An increase in the salinity is The rainfall quantity is not as important obvious under the fallow paddock (lower two-thirds). isn’t the ideal software: annotations can’t be as irrigation and, being much lower than The soil beneath the irrigated paddock is fresher. animated, real values on the axis and colour evapotranspiration, is an unlikely factor for scale can’t be shown, and animation scripts the variations. However, greater rainfall and have to be rewritten for each movie. Other a lower evapotranspiration in winter may limitations include importing base map and be the cause of the time delay between the information on the screen. end of the irrigation and the increase of the Apparent restivity image at effective depth 13 m – conductivity. September 2000 minus October 1998 Three-dimensional resistivity movies are a good instrument to visualise resistivity Differential maps of the apparent resistivity evolution, and are a complement to more between October 1998 and September 2000 traditional surface map and cross section at 2.5 m and at 13 m effective depths illustrate presentations. the spatial evolution of the apparent resistivity in the field site (Figure 4, Figure 5). At shallow depth, there is a clear freshening below the Acknowledgments irrigated bay and a clear increase in salinity beneath the fallow paddocks. At greater The Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) depth, there are some fresher patches but on for Sustainable Rice Production financed the whole there is a perceptible increase in Fig. 5. Differential apparent resistivity image at the whole project and Peter and Lorraine salinity. The fresher zones could be due to effective depth 13m; September 2000 minus Stott kindly allowed use of their farm for preferential recharge of fresh water. October 1998. Negative values (blue) correspond to research. The Department of Land and Water an increase in salinity. Generally, salinity has increased Conservation (DLWC NSW) supplied the at this depth. The red zones beneath the irrigated paddock might be due to preferential recharge of equipment. Eric Gordon ran many of the Conclusions fresh water. field surveys.

Three-dimensional resistivity movies show the variations of the salinity in a field site in References an irrigated area in space and through time. Fortner Research LLC, 1996, SLICER 3D for Windows version 1.1, Fortner research LLC, Resistivity increases with depth in a quite USA. linear and homogeneous pattern. Irregularities Golden Software, 1995, SURFER Version 6.0 are connected to fresh water supply from Surface Mapping System, Golden software, Inc., irrigation and drainage through the drains Colorado. system. Annual variations and also seasonal Hodson, A., 2000, Groundwater Flow and Solute variations have been captured by imaging. Transport Simulation Model at Stott’s Farm, Over the years, there is a global increase of Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, MSc Thesis, University of Technology, Sydney. the salinity in the ground, especially for the Fig. 6. Conceptual model of resistivity variation during upper parts of the profile. irrigation and between irrigation seasons: during Mclachlan M., 2000, Data Collection Report irrigation, the fresh water infiltrates the aquifer for the Modelling of Groundwater Dynamics and raises the water table in the fallow bays, the and Salinity at Stott’s farm, M.I.A. MSc Thesis, A simple model (Figure 6) can be drawn to resistivity increases in the fallow bay, in particular University of Technology, Sydney. explain the salinity variation in the fallow near the rice bay. A high water table results in high Merrick N. P., and Williams R.M., 1998, Whitton paddocks. During irrigation, the fresh evapotranspiration which causes an increase of the salinity. During winter, the level of the water table Geoelectrical Survey: October 1998, NSW water infiltrates the aquifer and raises the drops, evapotranspiration is lower, and the resistivity Department of Land and Conservation, Sydney, water table in the fallow bays. This gives an increases slightly, the salts being partly washed away CNR 98.033. increase of the resistivity in the fallow bays, with the groundwater flow.

32 Preview FEBRUARY 2005 GEOPHYSICS IN THE SURVEYS

Geoscience Australia

GA’s Southwest Frontiers Geophysical Survey

Barry Bradshaw, Alexey Goncharov, and Fred Kroh Geoscience Australia Email: [email protected]

As part of the Australian Government’s ‘New Oil’ initiative, Geoscience Australia completed the Southwest Frontiers Geophysical Survey over the southwestern Australian continental margin between October 20th and November 25th 2004. Geophysical data collected during the survey will be used to understand the petroleum potential of basins on the southwest margin that are not currently held under permit, with a view to promoting new Fig. 1. Map showing locations of new seismic lines and refraction recording stations from the Southwest Frontiers Survey. Also shown are locations of reprocessed seismic lines in the Vlaming and Bremer Sub-basins, which are exploration opportunities. currently available from Geoscience Australia.

These include the frontier Mentelle Basin and Bremer Sub-basin (western Bight Basin), and of hydrocarbons in these frontier basins. Frontiers Survey will add substantially to the previously explored Vlaming Sub-basin It will also provide the first deep seismic existing onshore and offshore refraction data (Perth Basin). This is a very challenging reflection data (> 6 seconds two-way time) sets in this region. area to acquire seismic data, with shallow in the Vlaming Sub-basin, which will be carbonate hard-grounds in the Vlaming Sub- integrated with a 2000 km grid of recently All seismic reflection data acquired during basin, deep water conditions (200–4000 m) reprocessed data to develop an improved the Southwest Frontiers Survey (including in the Mentelle Basin and Bremer Sub- understanding of the geology and petroleum field tapes) with basic on-board processing basin, and a system of submarine canyons prospectivity of the Vlaming Sub-basin. (Radon de-multiple, DMO, Stack, Migration) throughout the Bremer Sub-basin. Veritas will be available at the cost-of-transfer from DGC were contracted to undertake the During the seismic acquisition, sonobuoys April 2005. Three lines acquired in the Southwest Frontiers Survey for Geoscience were also deployed and land recording stations Vlaming Sub-basin will be made available Australia using the M/V Pacific Sword. placed along the onshore continuation of from February 2005 for use by explorers The survey acquired 2700 km of industry- three key survey lines (Figure 1) to record interested in the 2004 acreage release permit standard, 106-fold seismic reflection data refractions from the seismic vessel’s energy W04-17 from this area. Further processing recorded to 12 seconds two-way time using source. The objectives of this refraction work (SRME, XRmult, Pre Stack time and/or a 6–8 km digital streamer and 4900 cubic are to: estimate seismic velocities to better depth migration, full stacks, near, middle inch air gun array. Seismic data collected constrain conversion of reflection time to and far offset stacks) will be undertaken on includes 11 lines (1300 km) in the Bremer true depth; estimate sediment thickness; seismic data acquired from the Bremer Sub- Sub-basin, 7 lines (1100 km) in the Mentelle constrain gravity modelling; and investigate basin, and will also be available at cost-of- Basin, and 3 lines (300 km) in the Vlaming the nature of basement and crust in this transfer in April 2005. Reprocessed seismic Sub-basin (Figure 1). These are the first part of Australia. Twenty-nine sonobuoys data sets from previous industry surveys in seismic reflection data to be acquired in (nineteen of these in the Bremer Sub-basin) the Vlaming Sub-basin and Bremer Sub- the Mentelle Basin and Bremer Sub-basin recorded data to maximum offsets of 23 basin are currently accessible through the in almost 30 years, and from the Vlaming km. The onshore refraction survey deployed Geoscience Australia Data Repository. Sub-basin in over a decade. The new seismic nineteen stations in line with two survey Further information can be obtained from reflection data provide a regional coverage lines in the Mentelle-Vlaming area, and 9 Barry Bradshaw at Geoscience Australia of the Bremer Sub-basin and Mentelle Basin, stations collinear with one line in the Bremer (phone +61 2 6249 9035, fax +61 2 6249 and will help determine if suitable geological Sub-basin (Figure 1). The new refraction 9980, email [email protected]). conditions exist for generation and trapping seismic data collected during the Southwest

FEBRUARY 2005 Preview 33 GEOPHYSICS IN THE SURVEYS

Deep seismic surveys wide-angle seismic experiment during the A call for tenders has been issued to provide focus on mineral exploration acquisition of the reflection data. magnetic and radiometric coverage of an area approximately 28 000 km2 in the Paterson- Geoscience Australia, in conjunction with The 2003 Gawler Craton seismic survey Rudall region (Paterson Central in Figure 2). the Geological Survey of Western Australia, results were presented at the Gawler Craton: Depending on analyses of coverage priorities, the Northern Territory Geological Survey State of Play 2004 and Seismic Workshop, availability of private company data and new and local gold explorers, are well advanced held in Adelaide in August 2004. These results data acquisition costs, the survey may be in their planning for the 2005 Tanami were described in the last issue of Preview. extended to the southeast and northwest Seismic Research Project. The results from in a region of 69 000 km2 extending from this project will help understand both the The Curnamona Province seismic survey, Mandora to Tabletop 1:250 000 Sheet areas. crustal architecture and mineral systems that undertaken as a collaborative project When completed, the project will produce a operated in the Tanami region by using involving the Office of Minerals and Energy total of between 90 000 and 200 000 line-km an integrated geological and geophysical Resources, South Australia, the Predictive of magnetic and radiometric data for public investigation. The Tanami Project will Mineral Discovery Cooperative Research access. include the acquisition of seismic reflection Centre and Geoscience Australia was data and gravity data along four traverses completed in 2004 after it was postponed The new data will be acquired on lines spaced (Figure 1, though it is anticipated that only due to rain in 2003. The seismic data are 400 m apart with a ground clearance of 60 m parts of each traverse shown will actually currently being processed. Results from this above ground level. Geoscience Australia be acquired) within the Tanami region of survey will be presented in 2005, after the will be managing the flying program. northern Australia to test our understanding dataset has been interpreted. of the 3D architecture by imaging the For further details, contact David Howard by regional geology and key regional structures. Future work being discussed includes telephone on 08 9222 3331 or by e-mail at Some of these key structures are related extending the Curnamona seismic traverses [email protected]. to gold mineralisation. This deep seismic into the Gawler Craton and a seismic refection survey will use the facilities of program within the Paterson Province of ANSIR, Australia’s Major National Research Western Australia. Absolute Gravity Facility in seismic imaging. Geoscience Measurements Australia, in conjunction with Adelaide at Fundamental Gravity University, is also investigating undertaking Airborne magnetic and Base Stations a coincident Magnetotelluric survey to radiometric survey over determine conductivity variations along Paterson Province WA Geoscience Australia has conducted the seismic profile. Geoscience Australia, absolute gravity measurements at selected in conjunction with RSES and the NTGS, Planning is underway for the second large Fundamental Gravity Base Stations using is also investigating the feasibility of a regional survey project of the West Australian an A10 Portable Absolute Gravimeter to longer-term teleseismic study of the Tanami government’s four-year, $12 million program determine the accuracy and precision of the region and the possibility of undertaking a to increase airborne magnetic and radiometric current Australian Gravity Datum, Isogal84. coverage of Western Measurements were made at sites in NSW Australia. The survey is and Victoria during 2003 with sites in planned to start in April Queensland, the Northern Territory, Western 2005. Australia and South Australia visited in

Fig. 1. Location of all proposed Tanami Seismic traverses (black lines with traverse name) on regional Tanami gravity image. It is anticipated that only part of the proposed traverses will actually be acquired. Also shown are the main Fig. 2. Location of areas to be covered by the 2005 airborne geophysical survey over the faults (red) and main mineral deposits (yellow dots). Paterson Province, WA.

34 Preview FEBRUARY 2005 GEOPHYSICS IN THE SURVEYS

2004. The locations of the 48 base stations distribution of these errors and occupied are shown in Figure 3. provide accuracy estimates for all of the Fundamental Gravity Isogal84 is based on a network of some 900 Base Stations. Analysis of stations established using relative gravimeters the differences between the from the 1950’s to the present. This network Isogal84 values and the absolute is tied to absolute gravity measurements measurements is currently made at Sydney, Hobart, Perth, Alice Springs underway. and Darwin by a Soviet absolute gravimeter in 1979. The errors in this relative network For further information have been distributed throughout by least about these absolute gravity squares adjustments of the network. The measurements, contact Ray absolute measurements made by Geoscience Tracey: [email protected] Australia will indicate the magnitude and Fig. 3. Absolute gravity station locations occupied in 2003 and 2004.

Geothermal energy explore has been established and at end- 1. A map of the application area (at present December 2004, 22 Geothermal Exploration the area must be <500 km2), exploration takes off Licences (GELs) have been issued to 7 in SA companies, with another 7 applications still 2. A proposed five-year work program to being considered (GELAs). This commitment evaluate the prospectivity of the licence Concern over greenhouse gas emissions, and translates into an exploration investment of area (including the expected annual cost the resulting global warming and climate ~$325 million – a very significant amount. of operations), changes, have heightened the need to generate ‘clean’ energy to replace those sources that Companies or individuals wishing to apply for 3. Evidence of technical and financial rely on the burning of fossil fuels. a GEL (see Alexander, 2004) need to provide: resources, and

One option being explored involves the use of the heat from hot dry rock to generate electricity. In practice, this means exploring under sedimentary cover to find high temperature basement rocks that can be fractured. Water is then circulated through the fractures via deep injector wells to drive heat exchangers and generate electricity.

Based on the results of recent heat flow analysis (see Figure 1) there are some attractive prospects in South Australia, and the State Government has been pro-active to encourage geothermal exploration there.

The legislative framework Fig. 1. Estimated crustal temperature at 5 km depth, based on the austherm03 data base (see Holgate and Chopra, 2004). Note the for companies wishing to large anomaly near the Queensland South Australia border.

FEBRUARY 2005 Preview 35 GEOPHYSICS IN THE SURVEYS

4. Pay an application fee of A$2736.

Companies currently active in the state and their current interests are shown in the Table below (see also Figure 2).

Company GEL GELA

Eden Energy 167, 166, 168, Pty Ltd (Tasman 169, 175, 177 Resources) 176, 185

Geodynamics 97, 98 Ltd

128, 129, Green Rock 161, 162, Energy Pty Ltd 163

Havilah 181 Resources NL

156, 157, MNGI Pty Ltd 158, 178, 179 (Petratherm) 180 128, 129, Perilya Ltd 161, 162, 164, 165 163 99, 170, Scopenergy 171, 172, Limited 173, 184

The Geodynamics prospect is currently the most advanced. This is in the Cooper Basin in the north east of the state (GELs 97 & 98). To date, a 4.4 km well (Habanero 1) was drilled in 2003 and Habanero 2, which is 500 m away, was completed in late December 2004 to a depth of 4.3 km (see Figure 3). Drilling targets of this scale are not cheap. It is expected that the company will have to spend ~$10 million to complete the drilling Fig. 2. Locations of the current GELs and those presently under consideration. Refer to the Table to identify the program just for these two holes. operators. However, if the technology is proven then the payoffs will be very worthwhile for both the companies involved and the environment.

References

Alexander, E., 2004, Geothermal energy exploration in South Australia: MESA Journal, 34, 4-6. Holgate, F., and Chopra, P., 2004, New Temperature maps of the Australian crust: Preview, 109, 24-25.

Fig. 3. Habanero #2 well – Cooper Basin HFR Project. First geothermal steam produced during fish recovery operations on 21 November 2004.

36 Preview FEBRUARY 2005 INDUSTRY NEWS

2004 good year for resource stocks

Whatever anyone may say about the happenings during 2004, the performance of resource industry shares on the ASX was quite remarkable.

Figure 1 shows how the total market capital of the resource companies listed in the top 150 companies of the ASX tracks against the All Ordinaries Index. During the last 18 months it is clear that resource stocks have out performed the AO Index. This is in spite of Newmont, which had a market capital of $4.5 billion in September 2004, transferring its stock to the New York Stock Exchange. In fact, apart from the 9/11 blip, the resource stocks have done very well since 2000. Fig.1. Total market capitalisation, in $billion, of resource companies listed in the top 150 of the ASX (top graph); All Ords Index *20 for the same period (2nd graph), and the two largest companies, BHP-Billiton and Rio Tinto (lower two graphs). One interesting change in the five year period is that the cut-off for the 150 top companies has risen from about $550M to $1billion. Everything has grown!

Concern over future oil supplies

At the start of 2005, the Association for the Study of Peak Oil and Gas (ASPO) has put a real dampener on the prospects for future petroleum supplies.

ASPO comprises a group of European institutions and universities formed “to determine the date and impact of the peak and decline of the world’s production of oil and gas, due to resource constraints”. In Fig.2. Global oil and gas resources, 1930-2050. Note how US production has already peaked in about 1970. their January 2005 Newsletter (http://www. peakoil.net/Newsletter/NL49/newsletter49. pdf) this group estimated that the peak would come in at 2008. Figure 2 shows the main results of their study.

Of course, this result was predicted long ago by King Hubbert, but is seems that more notice will have to be taken of the situation now. The main problem is that oil and gas are being burnt much faster than new resources are being discovered. Figure 3 shows the growing gap.

The world now uses about 82M barrels a day, so it is a big ask to find replacement sources. Even if new fields with the capacity to produce ~100,000 barrels a day Fig. 3. Growing gap between production and discovery of oil and gas.

FEBRUARY 2005 Preview 37 INDUSTRY NEWS are discovered, they are really very small global economic uranium resource base, up Unit returns for energy exports are forecast in the global context. The world’s largest from 33%. to increase by 33 per cent in 2004-05, after a field, Ghawar in Saudi Arabia, is currently decline of 11 per cent in 2003-04. World oil producing almost 5M barrels a day, but this The announcement of the upgrade came prices are forecast to average around US$41 was discovered way back in 1948 and its several days after Xstrata made a $6.35 a a barrel for West Texas Intermediate crude in future is somewhat uncertain. share offer for WMC. This resulted in WMC 2005, compared with an estimated average of shares rising from $4.99 at the end of October US$42 a barrel in 2004. Unit export returns To put these numbers into perspective, it is to $7.26 a month later in November 2004. for metallic minerals and metals are forecast worth noting that many of the wells in the Since then the share price has plateaued and to rise by 15 per cent in 2004-05, following a Cooper/Eromanga Basins only produce ~500 at the time of writing (15/1) was still close to fall of 2.0 per cent in 2003-04. barrels a day. this value, at $7.21 a share. Earnings from farm exports are forecast to Scary stuff. The future is uncertain with BHP Billiton, be $26.8 billion in 2004-05, an increase of Rio Tinto, Anglo American and of course 2.6 per cent from $26.1 billion in 2003-04. the Treasurer, Peter Costello all reported as Crop exports are forecast to rise by 3.0 per WMC announces 30% showing a keen interest in proceedings. cent to $13.7 billion and livestock product resource upgrade at exports to increase by 2.1 per cent to $13.0 Olympic Dam billion in 2004-05.” ABARE forecasts In the midst of a takeover war with Xtrata, commodity exports to reach It is interesting that, in spite of these good WMC Resources announced a 30% increase $95 billion in 2004-05 numbers, the Trade Deficit continues to get in its resource estimates for Olympic Dam worse. at 31 October 2004. Total mineral resources In a media release of 13 December, ABARE there are now estimated to be 3.81 billion has forecast that earnings from Australia’s tonnes up from the 2.95 billion tones estimate commodity exports will increase by 15 per Drilling Begins at Paralana made in 2003. cent to a record of $95 billion in 2004-05. for hot rocks

These results were based on an analysis of “This forecast increase mainly reflects higher Hot rocks are in the news again with the 113 deep holes around the southern end minerals and energy prices on world markets start of drilling at Petratherm Ltd’s first of the orebody. Of these, 97 deep holes and increased export shipments in response geothermal evaluation well, Paralana 1 in the hit mineralisation, with the best (RD1399) to global economic growth,” Dr Fisher said. far north of South Australia. This well will intersecting, 458 m of 1.2% Cu, 0.5 kg/t “The value of Australia’s minerals and be used to evaluate the hot rock potential of U O , 0.6 g/t Au and 1.4 g/t Ag. 3 8 energy exports is forecast to be $65.1 billion the Paralana Plains Area east of the Mount Painter Ranges where exceptionally high The overall grades have been re-estimated in 2004-05, a rise of 23 per cent from $53.0 billion in 2003-04. heat producing granites are known to occur. as 1.1% Cu, 0.4kg/t U3O8 and 0.5 g/t gold. These translate into 41.9Mt, Cu; 1.52Mt, Dr Fisher noted that export earnings from CEO of Petratherm Peter Reid said: “Recently U O and 1900 t, Au. 3 8 coal are forecast to increase by 48 per cent to acquired down hole temperature readings This resource upgrade was based on the $16.1 billion in 2004-05. Reflecting higher from shallow mineral exploration drill holes following price assumptions: uranium at world prices, the value of crude oil exports (170m to 200m) in the adjacent area indicate A$30/lb, gold at $500/ounce and Cu at is expected to increase by 34 per cent to $6.8 a highly elevated temperature gradient in $1.42/pound. billion in 2004-05. For base metal (copper, the shallow sedimentary sequence. This is lead and zinc), export earnings are forecast encouraging for the prospect of finding Already the largest known uranium resource, to reach a total of around $5.1 billion in the elevated subsurface temperatures in Olympic Dam now contains 38% of the total year, a rise of 23 per cent from last year. Paralana 1. Cont'd on page 39

DAVID ABBOTT General Manager [email protected]

NINO TUFILLI Managing Director [email protected] Specialists in PO BOX 126 High Resolution Airborne BELMONT WA 6984 Geophysical Surveys in Australia Tel: +61 8 9479 4232 and Around the World Fax: +61 8 9479 7361 Suite 1/127 Melville Parade Como WA 6152 Ph: +61 8 9474 6255 Fax: +61 8 9474 6266 Email: [email protected] Magnetics • Radiometrics • Gravity • EM

38 Preview FEBRUARY 2005 FASTS/AGC

AGC proposes CSIRO is the leading research agency in find targets have already been discovered. Australia it is important that its research research directions programs are focused on high priority The AGC has identified four main research for mineral activities. directions. These are listed below together with the collaborating publicly funded exploration in CSIRO The challenge is to discover, extract and agencies. Members are invited to consider process mineral resources so that Australia these proposals, and of course, to suggest The Australian Geoscience Council (AGC) can maintain and improve its global position improvements. has been asked to provide input to CSIRO, as an attractive place to explore and invest for the current review of research directions in new resources. In recent years it has Mike Smith (President of the AGC) would being carried out in the Exploration and been harder to find world class deposits, welcome feedback via: Mining Division. particularly in Australia where the easy-to- [email protected]

Research Direction Collaborating agencies Suggested CSIRO areas for research

GA & State and Develop better ways to use the data sets that are now available, Provide tools for efficient processing of Territory Geol. through better software. In other words more effective system geoscience information Surveys integration.

Develop new concepts of ore-body GA, CRCs & Research into ore formation and ore body models. formation, and predictive modelling of Universities ore distributions Develop models that improve the search for attractive prospects.

More powerful or more sensitive methods to ‘see through’ the cover.

Develop new and better techniques Development of cheaper and more efficient methods for drilling as to hunt for resources, particularly this essential activity is the greatest single cost of exploration. at greater depth, thereby restoring CRCs Better interpretation techniques to distinguish potential ore from Australia’s very high rating as a other geological features. preferred destination for mineral exploration investment. Aid interpretation by establishing a better handle on the physical properties of rocks and ore mineral assemblages. This will also aid the development of more sophisticated in-hole logging systems.

Develop new ways to extract and Improve extraction processes to make them more efficient with process resources, so that more ore CRCs negligible environmental impact (producing waste streams which are bodies can be economically exploited. either useful or benign).

Cont'd from page 38 INDUSTRY NEWS

Paralana 1 will be drilled through the artesian added Seismic cables to its range of services/ So it is not surprising that it is aiming to aquifer which is estimated to be located at products. Nexans is a multinational company expand its activities in the geosciences where 500 m, and into underlying rock sequence. A specialising in cables and cabling systems. lightweight reliable cables are essential in total depth of around 600m is projected for It was formed in 2000 (Formerly Alcatel many parts of exploration activities. the first phase of drilling of Paralana 1. Cables) and has offices in 41 countries and five continents with the group headquarters It currently has projects with Velseis and On completion the hole will be cased and situated in Paris. Its annual sales amount Tyco/Greenspan and is looking to increase its projections of the temperature gradient will be to ~€4 billion and it employs some 17,000 activity in this area, and also with offshore, made to the target depth of around 3.5 km.” people. umbilical, submarine, petrochemical and specialised sensor & instrumentation cables. We will watch with interest. In a world of hi-tech facilities, cables are For more information, contact now an essential part of modern life. Nexans Chris Armstrong at: is cabling the 555-seater A380 Airbus, Nexans introduces [email protected]. Seismic Cables the Transrapid magnetic levitation train in Shanghai, and has cabled the Petronas In response to increased exploration Towers in Malaysia and Daydream Island in investment in Australia, Nexans Australia has Australia.

FEBRUARY 2005 Preview 39 BOOK REVIEW by Andrew Barrett, Geoscience Australia [email protected]

Petrophysics: important properties, the chapter also The text is liberally Theory and Practice introduces the important concepts of flow illustrated with of Measuring Reservoir units and reservoir heterogeneity. schematics, graphs and the occasional Rock and Fluid Transport The following chapter starts to look at the photograph, all of Properties formation fluids and their properties. The which are designed formulae become more complex here but to explain the text. Each chapter contains a D. Tiab and E.C. Donaldson again they are well demonstrated with useful very extensive reference list. Gulf Professional Publishing an imprint of and relevant examples. Capillary pressure Elsevier pp. 850 leads onto a discussion of water saturation In the Appendices a series of nineteen ISBN: 0750677112 and the determination of the free water level; experiments are outlined illustrating the Price: $AUD 205 not just hydrocarbon-water contacts. procedures to determine the physical rock properties. Some examples include the One of the better known physical laws for determination of surface tension, viscosity, “Petrophysics is the study of rock properties fluid motion is Darcy’s Law. Rocks by their permeability and porosity plus other and their interactions with fluids.” Herein very nature do not allow for simple straight properties that are essential for the petroleum lies the essence of this book. The aim of flow paths but the permeability of a rock is industry to do its work properly. which is to provide the reader with a basic an important property to determine as relates understanding of the physical properties directly to the hydrocarbon producibility. The It is very difficult to adequately review of porous rocks and the interactions with formulae in this chapter are more complex, this book in such a short space. It is so full fluids filling the pores. Despite an author as the authors attempt to mathematically of useful information to help professionals dedication that includes “Last but not least, describe flow through real rocks. Altered better understand their rocks and the fluids to my ex-wives: brainy Teresa, beautiful zones around boreholes also get treatment in in them. The chapters cover the important Twylah, and Salima for giving me the best this chapter. subjects and the content is well designed to years of their lives”, this book can be taken assist in solving problems. You would have very seriously. Fracture porosity gets a chapter of its own to be a hard reader to satisfy if there was not with a detailed description of fracture types. something of use within this book that could The book is well structured taking the reader make a positive difference to your work. through various levels of knowledge and The following chapter on stress should techniques starting with Geology 101 in appeal to drilling engineers if they want to This book is highly recommended for the first chapter. Even the second chapter avoid drilling expensive wells due to hole professionals in the upstream petroleum would not hold much mystery to experienced instability. The production of hydrocarbons industry who have a need for a comprehensive petroleum geoscientists but rock and fluid also produces near-bore stress and reference on petrophysics. It sticks very properties get introduced at first principles. strain changes that need to be taken into closely to the definition in its title. At a consideration when designing production cost of $205, this book is not likely to be on Subsequent chapters lead on to the essential programs. everyone’s shelves although it deserves to be. aspects of porous rock properties including: It will certainly form an important reference The fluid-rock interaction chapter primarily in company and organisation libraries. • Porosity and permeability (Chapter 3), deals with rock alteration or damage • Formation resistivity and water saturation associated with field operations; there is This book, however, should come with a (Chapter 4), unlikely to be any operation that does not safety warning – at more than 850 pages one • Capillary pressure (Chapter 5), in some way affect the rock properties. Any would not want to drop it on one’s foot. • Wettability (Chapter 6), damage is likely to reduce the near-bore • Applications of Darcy’s Law (Chapter 7), permeability thus affecting production rates. I wonder if later editions will come with • Naturally fractured reservoirs (Chapter 8), This zone of reduced permeability is referred dedications to even more wives! • Effect of stress on reservoir rock properties to as the ‘skin’ and it is important to be (Chapter 9), and, able to reduce this effect. Other formation • Fluid-rock interactions (Chapter 10). damage concepts are also dealt with. Copies can be purchased directly from The porosity and permeability chapter runs In all of this there are many formulae shown Elsevier Australia Customer Service on Tel. for 116 pages alone. Besides dealing with but this daunting prospect is very well 1800 263 951, fax (02) 9517 2249 or email the basic concepts of these two extremely balanced by many realistic worked examples. [email protected]

40 Preview FEBRUARY 2005