GRSG 35th Conference 2024 Abstract
Title: Long Term Data Validation of InSAR Based with GNSS Data, Correlation and Integration with Micro Seismic in Oil and Gas Field
Author: Mohammed Al Sulaimani
Organisation: Sultan Qaboos University
Long Term Data Validation of InSAR Based with GNSS Data, Correlation and Integration with Micro Seismic in Oil and Gas Field
Eng. Mohammed AL Sulaimani, Dr. Rifaat Abdullah, Dr. Mohammed El Diasty, Dr. Mohammed Al Ghali, Dr. Amani Al Abri, Eng. Ahmed Tabook
Monitoring Surface Deformation in oil and gas fields is crucial for assessing the impact of the subsurface activities, such as fluid extraction or steam injection on the surface level. This helps in identifying potential hazards, infrastructure stability, resource management, environmental impact and regularity compliance.
Given these expectations, many oil and gas operators are implementing advanced monitoring techniques to continuously observe reservoir behavior beneath the surface. This includes using geophones placed at certain depths to detect and record seismic activity, as well as employing geodetic methods to measure surface deformation through ground-based GNSS stations and satellite-based Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR). Other surveillance techniques such as microgravity, spot height measurement, and precise leveling are also utilized.
Each of these techniques provides valuable insights into different aspects of reservoir conditions and behavior. However, effective proactive monitoring of both subsurface and surface activities requires the integration, validation, correlation, visualization, and analysis of diverse data types.
Both InSAR and GNSS are powerful techniques in measuring surface deformation, however each one has it is unique strengths and limitations. InSAR is providing very high spatial resolution, lateral coverage and consider as a cost-effective solution for large areas where GNSS provides high temporal resolution, specific location and less affected by atmospheric conditions. Combining surface deformation data with InSAR and GNSS measurements can improve the accuracy of the geo-mechanical models and geophysical analysis.
The validation of InSAR measurements with GNSS observations is a crucial step in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the measurements. This abstract represents part of ongoing PhD research running at Sultan Qaboos University in collaboration with Petroleum Development Oman. The first objective is: to perform a validation of InSAR measurements with observations from multiple and well-distributed permeant GNSS stations in oil and gas areas (Yibal and Qarn Alam Fields). The validation process involved; ensuring both InSAR and GNSS are spatially and temporally aligned. Applied spatial (low pass / focal statistics) and temporal filtering to data from both datasets to minimize the noise effects. The second objective is: to perform a cross-correlation between observed surface deformation and recorded microseismic events. The cross-correlation involved; temporal alignment and spatial correlation of both datasets, give more attention to areas with significant surface deformation and the number of recorded microseismic events for a localized spatial statistical analysis.
The results showed that both InSAR and GNSS has a similar surface deformation pattern with RMSE of few millimeters differences of the vertical measurements. Such result, gives the assurance of the data accuracy and the confident to proceed with the remaining research objectives. The microseismic data also showed a very good correlation in space and time with the surface deformation observed by both InSAR and GNSS. The majority of the microseismic events are recoded within the most significant surface deformation area as well the increase number of events is corresponded to the increase of the surface deformation. All integration and correlation analysis were performed into different time dimension from short to long-term analysis (quarterly, semi-annual and annual basis). This was helpful in order to identify emerging trends or anomalies for the short-term, making more informed adjustment to operational practiced based on observed changes in both InSAR measurements and microseismic activities for the medium-term and assessing the effectiveness of mitigation measures and refining long-term strategies for resource management and risk assessment.