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Correlation of LANDSAT data with surface and
subsurface informationa synergistic, quantitative
approach to oil exploration in Gujarat, India
D. S. MITRA
a
, K. VARADARAJAN
a
, T. J. MAJUMDAR
b
& D. S. KAMAT
b
a
Malaviya Institute of Petroleum Exploration, Oil and Natural Gas Commission, Dehradun,
India
b
Space Applications Centre, Jodhpur Tekra, Ahmedabad, 380 053, India
Version of record first published: 27 Apr 2007.
To cite this article: D. S. MITRA , K. VARADARAJAN , T. J. MAJUMDAR & D. S. KAMAT (1985): Correlation of LANDSAT data with
surface and subsurface informationa synergistic, quantitative approach to oil exploration in Gujarat, India, International
Journal of Remote Sensing, 6:3-4, 497-506
To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01431168508948471
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INT. 1. REMOTE SENSING, 1985, VOL. 6, NOS. 3 AND 4, 497-506
Correlation of LANDSAT data with surface and subsurface
information-a synergistic, quantitative approach to oil
exploration in Gujarat, India
D. S. MITRA, K. VARADARAJAN
Malaviya Institute of Petroleum Exploration, Oil and Natural
Gas Commission, Dehradun, India
T. J. MAJUMDAR and D. S. KAMAT
Space Applications Centre, Jodhpur Tekra, Ahmedabad 380053, India
Abstract. An attempt has been made to correlate the optical-density values
derived from LANDSAT imagery of a part of the oil field areas of Gujarat, India,
with all the available surface and subsurface information by employing a
mathematical model specifically developed for this purpose. An excellent two-
dimensional linear correlation exists between optical-density values of tonal
anomaly areas and gravity and magnetic values. A high correlation coefficient
factor was also obtained when a multiple correlation of different parameters with
optical density was carried out. This study has proved that such a synergistic,
quantitative approach is much more useful in oil exploration than simple visual
interpretation of remotely senseddata. .
1. Introduction
Many earlier workers in the field of the applications of remote-sensing techniques
in oil exploration have already established that a definite correlation exists between
different types of anomalies in the surface of alluvium-covered sedimentary basins
and deep-seated structures. Halbouty (1980) has gone to the extent of advocating
that had LANDSAT images been available earlier, the detection of many giant oil
fields would have been far more easy. The fact remains that most of the deep-seated
structures are involved in neotectonic movements and are still active. These
micromovements are reflected on the surface as different types of anomalies. Our
own efforts in this direction have brought to light many interesting anomalies in
different sedimentary basins of India. The existence of subsurface structures related
to such anomalies in many cases has subsequently been proved after conducting
more costly and more definitive geophysical surveys. Quite a few of them are
hydrocarbon bearing.
However, the above approach is essentially qualitative in nature and highly
subjective depending upon the skill and experience of the interpreter. The
introduction of digital techniques along with the advent of LANDSAT opened up
the vista and it has now become possible to approach different problems
quantitatively and objectively.
This case history deals with the correlation of remotely sensed data with different
types of surface and subsurface information over a known structural domain with
established oil fields. The parameters chosen for this study are the optical density
from remotely sensed data, gravity and magnetic values, top of the Deccan Trap
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498 D. S. Mitra et al.
formation as interpreted from seismic data and topographical heights. The purpose
was to correlate surface tonal anomalies as reflected in optical-density values and
deep-seated structures as deduced from gravity, magnetic and seismic surveys. Since
the surface anomalies have subtle topographic differences, topographic heights have
also been taken as a parameter. The structures of this region are influenced by
basement tectonics, and, hence, the top of the Deccan Trap formation, which serves
as the technical basement in this region, has been considered for this correlation.
A part of the Cambay basin in Gujarat State in India (figure I), covering an area
of about 2000km
2
around Kalol-Mehsana-Patan, has been selected for this study.
Detailed geomorphological, geological and geophysical studies have already been
conducted. In this oil-field area, deep-seated structures do get reflected as tonal
anomalies. The various inputs for this project include topographical maps,
LANDSAT computer compatible tapes and hardprints, aerial photographs, Bouguer
and residual gravity maps and seismic sections.
2. Geological set up
The Cambay basin is a narrow, elongated, NNW-SSE trending Cenozoic graben
in Gujarat State in Western India. The deepest part of the basin is located between
the Narmada and Mahisagar rivers where more than 5000m of sediments have been
deposited. The basin is divided into two parts-North and South-by an E-W
AREA OF STUDY
Figure 1. Location map of thearea covered.
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Indian National Natural Resources Management System 499
trending transverse fault along the Narmada river. Recent deep seismic soundings
have indicated that in addition to this Narmada fault, there are a few major faults in
this basin which are basement controlled and which have given rise to disjunctive
drape structures in the overlying sediments.
The project area is in the northern part of the basin and is a peneplained tract.
The Rupen and Khari rivers drain the area. The major slope is in the south-west
direction. Geomorphologically the area comprises uplands and alluvial plains.
Detailed visual interpretation of LANDSAT imagery and aerial photographs have
resulted in the detection of many anomalies and lineaments. The predominant trend
of the lineaments is in a NW-SE direction. The next important trend is in a NE-SW
direction (figure 2).
3. Geophysical interpretation
3.1. Gravity data
The Bouguer anomaly map (figure 3) shows a strong NW-SE trend with the
isogals running almost parallel and separated by belts of high gradient. The residual
map was also prepared to delineate local lows and highs.
3.2. Magnetic data
In the present area, the magnetic anomaly also has a regional NW-SE trend
similar to the gravity field. Very high magnetic disturbances in some parts indicate a
shallow basement and an abrupt widening of the contours towards the west of
Mehsana indicates a NW-SE-trending fault.
3.3. Seismic interpretation
Seismic data interpretation was primarily employed to study the ongm and
significance of the anomalies by reconstructing the paleogeomorphology of the area.
For the purpose many structure contour and isopach maps were prepared based on
seismic interpretation. It was found that summits of buried Eocene topography are
seen around Balol, Mehsana and Detroj. The subsurface ridge near Balol trends in a
ENE-WSW direction. The study has also revealed the existence of two major
subbasins around the Kadi-Kalol area and the Nungar area during the Miocene
period. The summits of buried Miocene topography are seen around the Kadi and
Balol-Nungar regions. The maximum subsidence during post-Miocene took place
around Lynch.
4. Correlation of remotely sensed data with collateral information
Different types of anomalies reflecting subsurface structures are recognized by
remote-sensing techniques essentially as tonal differences and, hence, it is logical to
expect that they will be indicated by optical-density values derived from the imagery.
Our earlier experience has pointed out the fact that these anomalies are closely
related to the presence of gravity/basement highs in the immediate vicinity, but
slightly offset from the exact location of the anomaly concerned. Hence, it was
decided to have a two-dimensional linear correlation between optical density on the
one hand and gravity and magnetic values on the other. When it was realized that a
close correlation does exist, a multiple correlation with optical density on one side
and gravity, magnetic, top of the Deccan Trap formation (technical basement in this
area) and topographical heights on the other. Topographical heights were included
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500 D. S. Mitra et al.
_--.-
I NOEX
N
A
(POST-MIOCENE)
(MIOCENE)
LINEAMENT
ANOMALY
SUMMITS Of MIOCENE TOPOGRAPHY
MIOCENE SUB BASINAL TRENO
SUMMITS Of EOCENE TOPOGRAPHY
EOCENE SUB BASINAL TRENO
fAULT
~ AREA Of MAXIMUM SUBSIDENCE
/ / / / / ~ . AREA Of MAXIMUM SUBSIDENCE
-M-'-
-M--
-E--
-E--
Figure 2. Structural map of the study area.
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Indian National Natural Resources Management System 501
N
A
'<0
;s'"
' 50 .. . ' .'
KADI 01' ... 50 v-.
a 'b 0 . .
['0. (
-,
' .
" ..
" .
... .............. .......
';' 250" .....
. ' . .. ...... ct...
". :. : ,', 200 ..
'!Xl i. . 150
.1>
'" 0
' .
.......
.'
DETROJ ;
a :
-,
.....
.......
'.
.. ' 0 .. ....
.. ' -,
r"16"
I .....
I N 0 E X
_+8 - BOUGUER GRAVITY CONTOURS IN M,GAL
.' .20
0'"
MAGNETIC CONTOURS IN GAMMA
Figure 3. Bouguer gravity and magnetic anomaly map,
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502 D. S. Mitra et al.
as a factor in the multiple correlation because our earlier experience has proved that
most of the anomalies are in fact subtle topographical highs.
The entire study area was divided into 2 x 2 km
2
grids. Four such grids were
grouped together as a block and two blocks, one around the Nungar-Mehsana area
and another around the Kadi-Kalol area were taken up for two-dimensional
correlation. A relatively larger area comprising 18 such grids was selected for
multiple correlation.
4.1. Two-dimensional correlation between optical density and magnetic field
The results of this two-dimensional correlation of magnetic field with optical
density are shown in table I. Linear, exponential and inverse relationships were
calculated. .
It is seen that a good linear relationship exists between optical density and
magnetic values excepting in grid 2 of Nungar-Mehsana block and grid 2 of the
Kadi-Kalol block. This poor correlation could be due to the fact that it is located in
a structurally flat region with no significant changes in magnetic or optical density
values. Better correlation coefficient figures are obtained on structural slopes. In the
next step isolines of correlation coefficient were generated for the entire area (figure
4). It is seen that the areas of high positive correlations around Dhinoj and Lynch
coincide with the slopes of the subbasins during the Miocene and post-Miocene
periods, respectively. Around Detroj and Balol, the areas of positive correlation
coincide with the flanks of the NE-SW and ENE-WSW-trending Eocene highs. The
areas of negative correlations west of Nungar and east of Shobhasan coincide with
the zone of the Deccan Trap bounded by faults which are inferred to be deep seated.
When these isolines of correlation were compared with simple optical-density
contours, it was observed that areas of higher optical-density values coincide with
areas of negative correlation.
4.2. Two-dimensional correlation between optical density and gravity field
A two-dimensional correlation of gravity values with optical density values has
also been attempted and the results are enumerated in table 2. Out of three
correlations, namely, the linear, exponential and inverse, the first one reveals better
correlation coefficients varying between - 083 and 096. As in the case of magnetic
values, the zones of positive correlations near north of Dhinoj, west of Lynch and
Nandasan coincide with slopes of subbasins. The positive correlation near Detroj
Table I. Correlationcoefficient between optical density (band 5) and magnetic field.
Area Linear Inverse Exponential
Nungar-Mehsana block
First grid 0-481 -0'487 0-476
Second grid 0'031 -0,004 0030
Third grid 0868 0868 0865
Fourth grid 0539 -0,548
Kadi-Kalol block
First grid 0603 -0603 0'601
Second grid 0'01l -0'119 0004
Third grid 0351 0339
Fourth grid -0,728 0749 -0'371
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Indian National Natural Resources Management System 503
t>-"
o
"
....
INDEX
N
J
o
............... ', .
e"'" CORRELATION COEFFICIENT FOR OPTICAL DENSITY
..... 0. ( BAND 5) a BOUGUER GRAVITY
..
CORRELATION COEFFICIENT FOR OPTICAL DENSITY
( BAND 5) a MAGNETIC
Figure 4. Isolines of correlation between optical density and gravity and magnetic data.
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504 D. S. Mitra et al.
Table2. Correlation coefficient between optical density(band 5) and gravityfield.
Area
Nungar-Mehsana block
First grid
Second grid
Third grid
Fourth grid
Kadi-Kalol block
First grid
Secondgrid
Third grid
Fourth grid
Linear
0019
-0,752
0842
-0,547
0962
-0,943
-0,4023
0699
Inverse
-0,115
0'80
-0'885
0953
0449
Exponential
0046
-0,787
0840
-0550
0960
-0947
-0379
0703
corresponds to the flanks of an ENE-WSW-trending Eocene high. The zones of
negative correlation coincide with the upthrown blocks of the Deccan Trap to the
west of the Nungar, Shobhasan and Mehsana areas. In general, the scheme of
isolines of correlation between optical-density and gravity values is similar to that of
optical-density versus magnetic values. This exercise has indicated that all the above
three parameters, namely, optical-density, magnetic values and gravity values, have
definite relationships with subsurface structures and are correlatable.
4.3. Multiple correlation ofremotely sensed data with other collateral information
Since it was realized that a good correlation exists between optical density and
magnetic values and again between optical density and gravity values, a
mathematical model was developed for carrying out a multiple correlation exercise
between optical density, on the one hand, and other parameters put together, on the
other hand. These parameters were chosen after specific consideration. Since it was
known that the structures of this region are controlled by basement tectonics and
they are neotectonically active also, parameters, such as gravity, magnetic, depth to
the top of the Deccan Trap and topographic values, were taken for correlation.
If optical density (0) is a function of all the other independent variables, such as
gravity (G), magnetic value (M), Trap top (TTR); elevation (H), etc. then,
O=f(G,M, TTR, H)
or
where Kl' ... , K5 are constants.
A small area around Kalol-Kadi in Gujarat comprising 18 grids of 2 km x 2 km
each was selected for multiple correlation. A set of two-dimensional linear equations
was developed by correlating optical density with other parameters, such as
topographic heights, Bouguer values, magnetic values and depth to the top of
Deccan Trap. Multiple correlation was then attempted between optical density and
other geophysical data showing a maximum correlation of 085' in the case of optical
density from band 5 of the LANDSAT imagery, as compared with band 7 values and
ratio values between bands 5 and 7. The results are:
(I) Multiple correlation with band 5 optical density values:
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Indian National Natural Resources Management System 505
The equation of the fitted curve for the optical-density value, OPD, is
OPD=05472749 + 00026396 x BG-0'0005107 x Topo-0'0000252 x TTR
+00000097 x MG
where BG is the Bouguer gravity value in milligals, MG is the magnetic value
in gammas, Topo is the topographic height in meters and TTR is the top of
the Deccan Trap formation in meters.
Standard error of the estimate = 0006
Correlation coefficient = 0836
(2) Multiple correlation with band 7 optical-density values:
The equation of the fitted curve is
OPD=0725934+00033371 x BG-0'0018068 x Topo + 0000024 x TTR
-00004719 x MG
Standard error of the estimate = 0009
Correlation coefficient = 0819
(3) Multiple correlation with optical density values of band 5/band 7 ratio:
The equation of the fitted curve is
OPD= 1597077+00007944 x BG-0'0009954 x Topo-0'000094 x TTR
-00014895 x MG
Standard error of the estimate = 0041
Correlation coefficient =0285
This model was extended to an adjoining area near Mehsana where a more or less
similar set up was available. The results obtained were similar, with a high
correlation value of around 08 where oil-bearing structures were present and a much
smaller value for areas having no structures.
Conclusions
These studies have indicated that the earlier qualitative approach to relate surface
anomalies with subsurface structures can be established quantitatively as well. Based
on these correlation coefficient values, more prospective areas for hydrocarbon
exploration in the immediately adjoining regions can be identified. A similar project
employing the same simple digital techniques and mathematical modelling in an
entirely different structural domain, namely, the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam in the
north-eastern part of India, has produced identical results, establishing the validity
of such an approach.
Acknowledgments
This project was carried out under the National Natural Resources Management
Surveys as a collaborative venture between the Malaviya Institute of Petroleum
Exploration, Dehradun, and the Space Applications Centre, Ahmadabad. Thanks
are due to many authorities and scientists of both these organizations whose
guidance and encouragement were always available. Even though we have made no
direct reference to it in the text, the contribution of Florensky et al. (1975) in the field
of formalized processing of space imagery and geological and geophysical data and
Parsons (1978) in statistical analysis influenced our thinking to a great extent.
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HALBOUTY, M. T., 1980, Geologic significance of Landsat data for 15 giant oil and gas fields.
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