Structural Geology / Geophysical Services

From complex fold and thrust belts such as the South American Andes or the North American Rockies to complex extensional areas such as the U.S. Gulf of Mexico to Offshore Africa, SCA has the expertise to handle any type of structural project.

SCA has extensive experience in structural geology and geophysics. Our structural interpretation techniques allow us to better define structures favorable to hydrocarbon accumulations. The latest and most advanced structural geology principles, balancing methods and interpretation techniques can give you the advantage you need. These techniques tend to keep you on-structure and identify the location, shape, and size of structural traps.

Our staff of structural geologists and geophysicists have worked in complexly deformed areas throughout the world, solving structural problems. So why drill a well in order to identify interpretation problems, when quantitative geometric methods exist that can identify problems prior to the drill bit?

In areas of complex structural deformation, data are often poor. It is in these environments that structural geology and balancing methods can be most effectively applied to maintain three-dimensional structural validity. Correctly-balanced structural sections can eliminate many of the common pitfalls inherent in seismic interpretation of 2D and 3D data sets. These methods can also determine whether a structural interpretation is geometrically viable prior to drilling, thereby minimizing dry holes.

SCA has developed a number of structural interpretation techniques that are more objective than conventional techniques. These methods allow us to better locate faults and to solve structural and stratigraphic problems. Other methods exist, which enable us to accurately project from an area of good data into poor or no-data regions. Often, we are able to recognize improbable geologic interpretations prior to drilling a well. Some of these interpretation techniques are described in our two textbooks: Applied Subsurface Geological Mapping With Structural Methods (2003) and Quick Look Techniques for Prospect Evaluation (1994).

ΔD/D and (MBPA) Multiple Bischke Plot Analysis are structural processes developed by SCA that identifies and quantifies both seismic and well log correlations, as well as growth patterns. SCA has developed a proprietary software program called LOGBUST to assist in ΔD/D (MBPA) analysis by displaying data graphically to improve your ability to interpret, analyze and integrate into an exploration development project.

LOGBUST is a software program available from SCA. In addition, SCA can provide training in the MBPA process and the use of LOGBUST or conduct consulting services to help you better define your interpretations.

STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY / GEOPHYSICS AND BALANCING SERVICES

• Worldwide structural analysis and interpretation through conventional and advanced structural methods for the following structural types:
  -General thrust, strike-slip, salt and normal faulted structural types
  -extensional rollover anticlines
  -salt/shale intrusions
  -fault bend folds
  -fault propagation folds
  -duplexes/imbricates
  -basement structures
  -inversion structures
  -wedge structures
  -triangle zones
  -interference structures
  -lateral and inverted ramps
• Prospect generation, screening and evaluation
• Workstation structural studies (Geosec)
  -Interpretation, balancing, retro-deformation
• 3-D structural geometric analysis
• Multiple Bischke Plot Analysis (An extremely powerful technique)
• Integrated regional studies
• Cross-section construction and balancing (Extensional, compressional terrains)
• Structural formation and evolution analysis
• Growth analysis related to regional or prospect potential
• Retro-deformation of interpreted section
• Structural field mapping
• Percent sand analysis for growth normal faulted plays
• Long wavelength domain mapping
• Fault projection analysis
• Fracture analysis
• Depth to detachment calculations
• Dip domain analysis
• Scat-dipmeter analysis
• Kink method analysis
• Cross-section consistency
• Dip Isogon analysis
• Axial surface analysis
• Stress analysis
• Stereographic projection/analysis
• Forward and inverse modeling

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