Non-Seismic Data Acquisition and Processing: Gravity & Magnetics

Instructor: Dr Jaap C. Mondt (Breakaway, Netherlands)
Languages: English and Dutch
Level: Intermediate
Duration and formats:
Online: Extensive Course - self-paced study + 6 live sessions of 2 hours CPD Points: 10
Online: IOSC - 4 live sessions of 4 hours CPD Points: 8
Classroom: 2 days CPD Points: 10

Course Description

Non-Seismic methods such as gravity and magnetics provide valuable complementary information about the subsurface that is not provided by Seismic methods. In this course you will learn about these techniques and their use in the search for hydrocarbons, ores, salt- fresh water boundaries, etc.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to understand the use of gravity and magnetics data, how they are acquired, the benefits of employing them in geophysical acquisition projects and how to decide how much money to spend on a Non-Seismic Project.

Course Outline

Part 1: Gravity

  • Geophysical Methods
  • Gravity Anomaly
  • Depth Estimation
  • Gravity Response
  • Inversion of Gravity Data
  • Gravity Resolution

Part 2: Magnetics

  • Geo-Mag Signatures
  • Magnetic Modelling
  • Magnetic Anomaly
  • Inversion of Magnetic Data
  • Gravity and Magnetic Response
  • Geomodel Inversion

Participants’ Profile

The course assumes a reasonable understanding of Physics.

Recommended Reading

  • Philip Kearey, Michael Brooks, Ian Hill, An Introduction to Geophysical Exploration, John Wiley & Sons, April 2013.
  • J. D. Fairhead, Advances in Gravity and Magnetic processing and Interpretation, EAGE ISBN 978-94-6282-175-0.

About the Instructor

Jaap Mondt acquired a MA Bachelor’s degree in Geology (University of Leiden), Master’s degree in Geophysics (University of Utrecht), PhD in Utrecht on “Full wave theory and the structure of the lower mantle”. He then joined Shell Research to develop methods for Quantitative Interpretation. Subsequently he worked in Shell Expro in London where he was actively involved in acquiring, processing and interpreting Offshore Well Seismic data. After his return to the Netherlands he headed a team for the development of 3D interpretation methods using multi-attribute statistical and pattern recognition methods. After a period of Quality Assurance of “Contractor” software for seismic processing, Jaap became responsible for Geophysics in the Shell Learning Centre. During that time, he was also part-time professor in Applied Geophysics at the University of Utrecht. From 2001 till 2005 he worked on the development of Potential Field Methods (Gravity, Magnetics) for detecting oil and gas. Finally, he became a champion on the use of EM methods and became involved in designing acquisition, processing and interpretation methods for Marine Controlled Source EM (CSEM). After his retirement, he founded Breakaway, providing courses on acquisition, processing and interpretation of geophysical data (seismic, gravity, magnetic and electromagnetic data).

In the last couple of years, Jaap developed a keen interest in the use of Machine Learning for Geophysical Applications and developed a practical Machine Learning course for Geophysicists and Interpreters.