Method for gravity and magnetic data inversion using vector and tensor data with seismic imaging and geopressure prediction for oil, gas and mineral exploration and production

Abstract

A method for modeling geological structures includes obtaining seismic data and using these data to derive an initial density model. Potential fields data is used to update the initial geophysical model by an inversion process using vector or tensor components of gravity and/or magnetic data. In regions having an anomalous density zone, the initial model includes a topographic or bathymetric surface and a 2D or 3D density model including the top of any zones of anomalous density. Potential fields data is then used to derive the lower boundary of the anomalous density zones by using an inversion process. The final density model from the inversion may be further refined using the seismic data in conjunction with the model obtained by inversion of the potential fields data. The model data are integrated two or three dimensions to determine an overburden stress for the subsurface that includes a proper treatment of the anomalous density zone. In an optional process, the seismic data can be processed in depth or time using the density model from the inversion to improve the quality of the velocity information adjacent to and beneath the anomalous bodies.