Publications

Remote Stress Field Detection (“SFD®”) is a unique exploration technology that unlike magnitude based, conventional gravimeters relies on variations in the rotational component of gravity. SFD® is an airborne ‘wide area’ exploration tool and a ‘prospect level’ investigation tool. In both instances, it is used to identify the location of trapped reservoir areas within stratigraphic or structural domain. The quantum physics based SFD® technology allows capturing and analyzing subtle directional changes in Earth’s gravity field. SFD® adjusts to the main magnitude changes of gravity and thus reveals the changes in orientation caused by stress field variations. Horizontal stress field variations are closely related to the sub-surface fluid traps. The stress field analysis can lead to better definition of oil and gas migrations and accumulations within a basin. These directional changes are mainly due to variations in elastic properties and fluid content of the basin. In carbonate reservoirs, especially with hydrothermal dolomitization, the preserved porosity containing hydrocarbons distorts the horizontal stress field and thus provides excellent SFD® anomalies. The SFD® surveys in the area of Devonian carbonates of Western Canada Sedimentary Basin (WCSB) lead to successful location of high prospectivity dolomitization trends. Devonian carbonates of WCSB host some of the giant oil and gas fields in Alberta and British Colombia. Hydrothermal dolomitization has allowed extensive porosity to be preserved in the host carbonates. Remote detection of the stress field and its integration with seismic and well data shows that these trap areas can be located remotely. Ladyfern, Burnt Timber, * NXT Energy Solutions, Inc. Dunvegan and Clarke Lake fields were studied. This work provides examples of a revolutionary way to focus exploration and identify targeted seismic in frontier and mature basins in order to enhance the possibility of finding hydrocarbons.