In an early exploration stage where seismic and well data are sparse, oil companies scan large areas in order to determine where to focus exploration efforts, and equally important, where not to.

In an early stage, it is important to achieve a good understanding of a basin and its development through geologic history. Sparse coverage of seismic together with gravity and magnetic data are commonly used to achieve this goal. However, there will always be large uncertainties regarding the hydrocarbon potential in a frontier basin. This is where resistivity data can be of invaluable help.

Regionally acquired 2D and 3D CSEM data will play a key role in helping operators identify high value leads and prospects, understand play types, define regional geology, and make strategic decisions on where to focus resources, e.g. in a license round.

EMGS has carried out extensive campaigns to aid the industry in their early exploration phase in Norway, Mexico and South America.


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