Andrea Balza Morales. Msc

Imaging of geological structures with sharp parameter changes across layer boundaries is challenging using conventional smoothness-constrained inversion of geophysical data sets. Advanced regularization approaches consider constant geostatistical properties throughout the parameter domain and therefore fail to capture the complexity of 3D geological models including fault networks, fault–surface interactions, unconformities, and dome structures.

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We evaluate here geometry-based inversion using an implicit potential-field interpolation approach for an optimized representation of complex 3D reservoir models with low parametrizations. This implementation has the potential to significantly improve reservoir models and associated process simulations to enable simplified model update with novel information. 

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Time-lapse gravity is most commonly used to monitor fluid movement and is especially useful when monitoring water encroachment in a gas reservoir. Although time-lapse gravity data are directly sensitive to density changes in reservoirs, it is still necessary to integrate multiple types of data with complementary information to enhance the time-lapse gravity interpretation.

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This project developed a workflow to invert a time-lapse gravity data set and production data to help monitor the edge-water encroachment through a case study at the Sebei gas field in western China. Through this approach, we constructed a set of time-lapse density contrast models that are consistent with the time-lapse gravity data, production data, and structural information. The resultant density contrast models better delineate the regions of reservoir with increased water influx and also enable improved porosity estimation in the reservoir.

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GeoLatinas Coding group, started in May 2020, aiming to teach through collaborative and interactive virtual sessions the importance of coding in Geoscience and related disciplines. Since then, the initiative leaders and founders, Isamar Cortés and myself, have put together a series of guided lessons where we practice code LIVE. One of the unique characteristics of our coding group is that our sessions and resources are in English and Spanish.

 

During the last 5 months,  we have learned coding skills that allow us to advance in our careers and research. In these sessions, we practice Python and together we go over and explain each line of code. We later manipulate the functions to arrive at different answers and plots to test capabilities. We started our very own hackathon where we developed code to simplify volunteer task and increase the organizaion visibility. 

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We host two weekly sessions with an average of 15 participants online. We have presented our initiative in Transform 2020 and Geological Society of America. We look forward to presenting the results of our recent hackathon at the American Geophysical Union online conference this fall. 

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This study will compares the before and after magnetic signatures and create a 4-D analysis of the change in magnetic signal attributed to a known amount of ore extraction. We discuss the methodology used to compare the time-lapse dataset and those acquisition factors which were normalized in order to isolate the changes in magnetic signal due to mining activity. We will discuss the ability to correlate the time-lapse survey with the shape, volume, and grade of the extracted ore and the possible application of these estimates to resources within unmined areas in similar terranes.

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Future work: Use this data as proof of concept for different inversion techniques and upward continuations. Add a 3D model of the difference signal. 

EDCON-PRJ conducted their first airborne gravity test using the DGS with inertial guidance in a small aircraft. The goal was to compare the gravity data acquired in the Cessna 180 with 82 public domain stations and 1,385 Getech land gravity data present throughout northern Colorado.

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We performed a survey for the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) as a “proof of concept” of survey planning, data acquisition, and processing for specific targets.

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We found that the combination of accurate, low-level drone flights and advanced processing techniques allows for precise mapping of abandoned wells and pipelines in areas with difficult surface access. Drone acquisition offers quick surveying over a considerable area given that a 160 acre section can be completed in just a few days. We believe that this partnership can offer clients a more accurate and cost-effective result than a ground-based survey.

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In 2020, I joined SWUNG (Software Underground) while leading the GeoLatinas coding group. During this year I have been learning about the open-source packages and libraries that geoscientist have developed. I am working on applying it to acquired data and comparing interpolation methods, inversion results and other machine learning capabilities. The goal is also to contribute to these packages and help grow its applications. 

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Some of the teams and software I have worked with: 

Fatiando a Terra

Numpy 

PyGIMLi

SimPEG

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