COURSE OVERVIEW:

Applied Structural Geology focusing on Gravity and Magnetic Methods is a specialized discipline that utilizes potential field data to map the deep architecture of sedimentary basins and their underlying basement. This course provides geoscientists with the skills to interpret gravity and magnetic anomalies as proxies for structural features such as faults, basement highs, and igneous intrusions. By understanding the density and magnetic susceptibility contrasts in the subsurface, participants can develop a more comprehensive view of the tectonic framework that governs hydrocarbon accumulation.

The scope of this training includes the processing and enhancement of potential field data to isolate regional and residual components. Participants will explore techniques such as first and second vertical derivatives, analytic signal, and tilt derivative filters to sharpen structural edges and identify subtle lineaments. These methods are particularly valuable in areas where seismic data is poor, such as beneath salt canopies, volcanic flows, or in deep-water frontier basins where understanding the basement topography is vital for heat flow modeling.

Furthermore, the course emphasizes the quantitative integration of gravity and magnetic data with seismic and well information through 2D and 3D forward modeling. This integrated approach allows for the validation of structural cross-sections and the reduction of non-uniqueness inherent in potential field data. By the end of the course, participants will be able to synthesize these multi-disciplinary datasets to build robust structural models that inform exploration strategy and prospect maturation.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

• Explain the physical principles of gravity and magnetism as applied to structural geology.
• Identify different types of gravity and magnetic anomalies associated with basin structures.
• Apply data enhancement filters to delineate fault systems and basement trends.
• Perform regional-residual separation to isolate targets at various depths.
• Calculate depth-to-basement using Werner and Euler deconvolution techniques.
• Interpret igneous features and their impact on the thermal maturity of hydrocarbons.
• Map salt bodies and calculate their volumes using gravity inversion methods.
• Integrate potential field data with seismic profiles to reduce structural uncertainty.
• Use magnetic data to identify basement terranes and tectonic boundaries.
• Evaluate the role of gravity and magnetic methods in frontier basin screening.
• Construct 2D forward models to test the validity of geological cross-sections.
• Recognize the limitations and non-uniqueness of potential field interpretations.
• Design a cost-effective gravity and magnetic acquisition program for exploration.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Exploration Geologists, Geophysicists, and Structural Geologists involved in basin analysis and regional tectonic studies.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.