International Journal of Earth Sciences Knowledge and Applications (2022) 4 (2) 143-156

and Applications (2021) 3 (1) 9-21

International Journal of Earth Sciences Knowledge and Applications

journal homepage: http://www.ijeska.com/index.php/ijeska

Research Article e-ISSN: 2687-5993

Use of Gravity and Magnetic Methods in Oil and Gas Exploration: Case
Studies from Azerbaijan

Vagif Gadirov1*, Ekrem Kalkan2, Adil Ozdemir3, Yildiray Palabiyik4, K.V. Gadirov5
1
Department of Geophysics, Baku State University, Baku, Azerbaijan
2
Department of Civil Engineering, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey
3
Department of Geological Engineering, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey
4
Istanbul Technical University, Department of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering, İstanbul, Turkey
5
Geophysics and Geology Department of SOCAR, Baku, Azerbaijan

INFORMATION ABSTRACT

Numerous studies have proved the connection between low-amplitude local anomalies
of gravity and magnetic field with oil and gas deposits in both platform and geosynclinal
areas. In theoretical and experimental studies, gravity and magnetic prospecting methods
for forecasting oil and gas accumulations in various geological structures have been used.
Article history
They show out that oil and gas deposits located in different oil and gas regions of the
Received 21 September 2021
world are noted discoveries with geophysical methods, including gravitational and
Revised 27 October 2021
magnetic fields. As a result, new exploration signs have identified the appearance of local
Accepted 30 October 2021
gravitational and magnetic minima of various intensities above the productive parts of
the structures. It has been established that the first physical and geological prerequisites
Keywords
for using gravimetry and magnetometry to explore hydrocarbon deposits in Azerbaijan
Oil and gas exploration
are decreases in the density and magnetic susceptibility of rocks in the area of the deposit.
Gravity
Gravity-magnetic studies carried out in the Kura depression show that over the known
Magnetic
deposits (Muradkhanly, Jafarly, Tarsdallar, Gazanbulag, Babazanan, Bandovan, etc.),
Geophysical exploration
gravitational and magnetic minima of 0.2-0.8 mGal and 20 -30 nT. the Physical and
Hydrocarbon deposit
geological properties of the Muradkhanli field have been modeled by studying some of
the physical parameters in the Middle Kura depression of Azerbaijan (the changes in the
Contact
magnetic susceptibility, temperature, and density of rocks in the subvertical zone above
*Vagif Gadirov
and below the reservoir). In this study, the results of gravimetric and magnetometric
[email protected]
studies performed for oil and gas deposits on the areas of Arabkubaly, Naftalan, Northern
Naftalan, Gedakboz of Azerbaijan are presented. Consequently, the outcomes of
experimental and systematic work carried out in the areas of Middle Kura Depression
and Lower Kura Depression show the effectiveness of gravity-magnetic methods.

1. Introduction fields several times, and local minima appear in the

To explore oil and gas deposits, various geophysical and gravitational field over oil and gas deposits (Medovskiy and
geochemical methods are used. At the same time, special Mustafaev, 1959; Medovskiy and Komarova, 1959;
attention is paid to geophysical methods because the practical Tsimelzon, 1959). Subsequent numerous studies have also
results of various geophysical surveys can prove a fairly proved the connection between low-amplitude local
straightforward display of hydrocarbon (HC) deposits. Since anomalies of gravity and magnetic field with oil and gas
the 1950s, numerous seismic-gravity and magnetic studies deposits in both platform and geosynclinal areas (Berezkin et
have been performed in many regions of the world, purposing al., 1978, 1982; Agulnik et al., 1982; Karshenbaum et al.,
to identify characteristic anomalies of geophysics associated 1982; Mikhailov, 1982; Gadirov, 1991, 1994; 1997; 2009).
with oil and gas deposits. Those ones have shown that The presence of relative temperature maxima, signs of
absorption (attenuation) of wave energy is found in seismic hydrocarbon deposits, has been shown in the literature

Copyright (c) 2022 Authors

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. The authors keep the
copyrights of the published materials with them, but the authors are aggee to give an exclusive license to the publisher that transfers all publishing
and commercial exploitation rights to the publisher. The publisher then shares the content published in this journal under CC BY-NC-ND license.
V. Gadirov et al. International Journal of Earth Sciences Knowledge and Applications (2022) 4 (2) 143-156

(Gadirov, 1991; 2009; 2014; Gadirov and Eppelbaum, 2015). areas of the deposit and sub-vertical zone above the deposit,
Seismic, gravimetric, magnetic, and thermometric even reaching the day surface (Gadirov, 2012; Gadirov and
measurements have been conducted on the Southern Eppelbaum, 2012).
Lugovsky gasfield in the south of Sakhalin Island since 2003,
and some anomalies have been identified. It was found that 2. Purpose and Physical-Geological Prerequisites for Using
the planned location of the deposit is clearly observed in the Gravity-Magnetic Methods in Exploration of Hydrocarbon
gravitational and thermal anomalies. It was also revealed that Deposits
these anomalous zones are noted on seismic time sections as Numerous publications on petrophysical and geophysical
well (Roslov et al., 2009; Parovyshny et al., 2018). studies associated with individual structures or regions show
that physical parameters of oil and gas deposits differ from
The study regarding the magnetic field and magnetic their host rocks. A decrease in density of 0.1-0.25 g/cm3, an
susceptibility of the soil cover within the hydrocarbon increase in the electrical resistance of rocks up to 1.5-5 times,
deposits in the Outer Zone of the Ciscarpathian trough has an increase in the polarizability of rocks of 15%, a decrease
revealed negative magnetic anomalies with an amplitude (4- in the velocity of longitudinal seismic waves up to 25-30%,
7 nT). A genetic relationship has been established between an increase in the absorption of seismic waves up to 10 times,
local magnetic anomalies and oil and gas content in a decrease in magnetic susceptibility up to 2-8 times, an
Venezuela, in the Wessex basin of England, in Russia, in increase in temperature up to 10-18% can be observed within
Azerbaijan, etc. (Saunders et al., 1991; 1999; Aldana et al., the reservoir (Berezkin et al., 1978; Gadirov, 1994; 2009;
2003; Emmerton et al., 2012; Gadirov, 2013; Kuderavets et Gadirov and Eppelbaum, 2012).
al., 2013; Machel and Burton, 1991; Menshov et al., 2014).
The physical and geological prerequisites for using
The in situ gravity and magnetic methods as well as gravimetric and magnetometric methods to explore
aerogeophysical studies for predicting oil and gas hydrocarbon deposits in Azerbaijan are, first of all, connected
accumulations in various geological settings are also to a decrease in the density and magnetic susceptibility of
presented in the literature (Nettleton, 1976; Donovan et al., rocks in the field of the deposit. An analysis of the density
1984; Geist et al., 1987; Lyatsky et al., 1992; Fooote, 1992; characteristics of rocks in the Middle Kura depression shows
1996; Gadirov, 1994; Piskarev and Tchernyshev, 1997; a decrease in the density of rocks within the reservoir up to
Matolin et al., 2008; Eppelbaum and Mishne, 2011; Perez- 0.15-0.17 g/cm3. In this case, the calculated gravitational
Perez et al., 2011; Gadirov and Eppelbaum, 2012; anomaly could be 0.2-0.3 mGal, depending on the thickness
Kuderavets et al., 2013; Satyana, 2015; Eke and Okeke, 2016; of the deposits.
Stephen and Iduma, 2018; Gadirov et al., 2018; Ozdemir et
al., 2020a; 2020b; 2020c; 2021a; 2021b). From the studies The magnetic susceptibility of rocks decreases even several
mentioned above, it turns out that deposits located in various times within and below the reservoir and overlying deposits
oil and gas regions of the world are determined with above the reservoir. Gravity-magnetic studies carried out in
confidence by conducting geophysical surveys (including the Kura Depression show that over the known deposits
gravitational and magnetic methods). As a result, the (Muradkhanli, Jafarly, Tarsdallar, Gazanbulag, Babazanan,
anomalies of gravity and magnetic prospecting have been Bandovan, etc.), gravitational and magnetic minima of 0,2-
determined. These anomalies indicate the emergence of local 0,8 mGal and 20-30 nT (Gadirov, 1991; 2009; Gadirov and
gravitational and magnetic minima of various intensities over Eppelbaum, 2012; Gadirov et al., 2018). Therefore, the
the productive parts of the structure. combination of these methods increases the efficiency of
forecasting oil and gas deposits. It is assumed that oil and gas
Since 1975, gravity-magnetic studies have been carried out in lead to a change in the physical properties of the overlying
Middle Kura Depression (MKD) of Azerbaijan for and surrounding rocks. The migration of light hydrocarbon
exploration of oil and gas deposits. This research aims to fractions into the overlying layers affects the physical
examine the useability of gravimetric and magnetometric properties of rocks above the reservoir. Many researchers
surveys for the exploration of oil and gas deposits in the have paid attention to such a change. It has been established
Middle Kura Depression of Azerbaijan. The deposits here are that pyritization, color, and magnetization changes occur in
confined to the effusive rocks of the Upper Cretaceous, the the rocks above the oil deposits (Donovan et al., 1984 and
Eocene marl member, and partly Chokrak sandstones. The many more studies).
work was performed along rectilinear profiles, placed parallel
on the study area to obtain correlated connections between Generally, sedimentary rocks and sediments are
the corresponding areas. At the same time, for the characterized by low magnetic susceptibility. The
observation step, 100 m was mainly used, and the distance sedimentary cover over the deposit accumulates magnetic
between the profiles is 500-700 m. The gravitational field in minerals such as magnetite, maghemite, hematite, greigite,
the Bouguer reduction was calculated with an accuracy of which are the physical and geological prerequisites for using
0.07-0.08 mGal, and the magnetic field (ΔZ and T) was 1-2 magnetic prospecting methods in exploration for oil and gas
nT and 0.1 nT. The gravimetric studies have shown that over deposits. Therefore, under the influence of hydrocarbons in
the known oil and gas fields, minima are observed in the the sub-vertical zone above the deposit, secondary
gravitational and magnetic fields of 0.1-0.4 mGal and 15-30 mineralization occurs along with the transfer of heavy metals
nT. The reason for the appearance of gravity-magnetic by microbubbles from the area of the deposit, which leads to
minima over the deposits, as already mentioned, is explained a change in the magnetic field above the deposit (Foote, 1996;
by a decrease in density and magnetic susceptibility in the Putikov et al., 2000; Ustinova, 2002).

144
V. Gadirov et al. International Journal of Earth Sciences Knowledge and Applications (2022) 4 (2) 143-156

Fig. 1. Physical and geological model of the Muradkhanly. 1 and 9- calculated gravitational and magnetic fields of the model; 2 and 10- observed gravitational
and magnetic fields; 3- regional background; 4- restored maximum; 5- local minima associated with oil and gas content; 6- calculated gravitational anomalies
of deposit zone and oil reservoir; 7 and 8-local gravity anomalies, selected from curves 1 and 2; 11- calculated magnetic anomalies of deposit zone; 12 and
13- local magnetic anomalies, selected from curves 9 and 10; 14- points at which theoretical effects are calculated; 15- exploration wells; 16- sub-vertical
deposit zone; 17- oil reservoir; 18- sedimentary deposits; 19- fault; 20- effusive formation

145
V. Gadirov et al. International Journal of Earth Sciences Knowledge and Applications (2022) 4 (2) 143-156

Fig. 2. Separation of local anomalies using the third derivatives of the gravity potential Wzzz (Muradkhanli areas, pr. 01 and 03)

The magnetic anomalies observed over oil and gas fields were gravitational fields, the mosaic structure of such geodynamic
also explained by the flow of natural electric currents over the foci of energy and matter radiation manifests itself quite
fields, leading to the appearance of thermal and magnetic unambiguously on the continents and in the oceans.
anomalies (Pirson, 1971; Seifulin, 1980). Megerya et al.
(2003) indicated the presence of negative gravitational and 2.1. Physical Characteristics of a Sub-Vertical Zone above
positive magnetic anomalies in the form of a subvertical a Reservoir
channel in the areas of Western Siberia, where oil-producing The Geosoliton concept of deposit formation accepts the
wells are located. This subvertical element of geophysical presence of a peculiar zone above the deposit and also proves
fields is characterized by a low density and increased that all deposits, regardless of their types, have their "roots"
magnetization going deep into the earth (Bembel et al., 2006). Such peculiar
subvertical zones, according to the authors, are associated
The Geosoliton concept of the occurrence of hydrocarbon with deep faults and degassing processes of the earth.
deposits indicates that, regardless of the types of deposits,
they accumulate by a common occurrence mechanism. The Many researchers expressed the presence of a peculiar zone
general principle for all types of deposits is the presence of above the deposit. The physical parameters of this zone are
specific “roots” (sub-vertical channels) extending from each to differ from its environment. Hydrocarbon invasion areoles
of them (deposits) deep into the depths. Similar sub-vertical over the oil and gas reservoir have been established, also by
geological objects are mapped in most oil and gas regions of drilling. Moreover, geochemical studies have shown that
Western Siberia (Russia) and the world as a whole, in the such zones can be traced even to the surface of the earth
form of small-sized geophysical anomalies with almost all (Saunders et al., 1991; Machel and Burton, 1991; Gadirov,
geophysical methods (including seismic, gravity, magnetic, 1991; 1994; Schumacher and Abrams, 1996; Foote, 1996;
electrical), and radiometric, thermal and geochemical Aldana et al., 2003; Liu et al., 2004; Emmerton et al., 2012;
surveys (Bembel et al., 2006). In the magnetic and Gadirov and Eppelbaum, 2012).

146
V. Gadirov et al. International Journal of Earth Sciences Knowledge and Applications (2022) 4 (2) 143-156

However, there were no quantitative estimates of changes in (curves 2 and 10) by the reconstructed maximum (curve 4)
the physical parameters of the subvertical zone above the shows that these anomalies match well enough. In this case,
reservoir. It was sometimes impossible to establish such the contour of the minima corresponds to the contour of the
changes from core materials, for example, by density, since it subvertical deposit zone (curve 16). The calculated gravity
was determined with an accuracy of 0.01 g/cm3. By and magnetic anomalies of the deposit zone (curves 6 and 11)
inspecting some physical parameters in the Middle Kura are turned out to be more prominent in linear size.
Depression of Azerbaijan, it has been possible to
quantitatively estimate the change in magnetic susceptibility, Calculations show that the calculated gravitational effect of
temperature, and density of rocks above and below the the deposit zone (together with the oil reservoir) is 0.35
reservoir, which was used in compiling a physical and mGal. The calculated magnetic impact of the subvertical
geological model of the Muradkhanly field (Gadirov, 1991; deposit zone reaches up to 40 nT. Such anomalies can be
1994; 2012) (Fig. 1). detected with modern gravimeters and magnetometers.

Data on density, porosity, magnetic susceptibility for the 3. Diagnostic Signs and Identification of Gravity and
southeastern part of the Middle Kura depression were Magnetic Anomaly Types of Reservoirs
obtained in laboratory conditions from cores. The density Experimental studies carried out in Russia, Uzbekistan,
defect within the sub-vertical zone above the reservoir was Belarus, Ukraine, Azerbaijanestablished some rules in the
calculated using the formula (Gadirov, 2014; Gadirov and display of oil and gas deposits in gravitational and magnetic
Eppelbaum, 2015). fields (Agulnik et al., 1982; Karshenbaum et al., 1982;
Mikhailov, 1982; Nikitsky and Glebovsky, 1990; Gadirov,
As can be seen from Fig. 1, the physical parameters of the 1991; 1994). At the same time, a study in terms of the
reservoir zone differ sharply from the surroundings. For contours of characteristic local gravitational minima and
example, in the sediments of the Absheron, Akchakyl and the hydrocarbon deposits was revealed. The presence of a sharp
Balakhani (Pliocene) outside the deposit, the magnetic change in gravity gradients at the boundaries of anomalous
susceptibility and temperature are 48×10-5 SI and 52 °C, objects was also shown (Mikhailov, 1982). Special attention
respectively whereas, within the deposit, these values are has to this study.
32×10-5 SI and 59 °C. It can be seen that upon entering the
deposit zone, the magnetic susceptibility decreases by 16×10- Various transformations of these potential fields are used to
5 SI, i.e. up to 1.5 times, and the temperature increases up to distinguish weak local gravitational and magnetic anomalies
7 °C, i.e. up to 13%. As the depth increases, the difference in associated with oil and gas deposits. The calculation of the
magnetic susceptibility (up to 199×10-5 SI), temperature (up third derivatives of the gravity potential, the "grad" method,
to 17 °C), as well as a density reduction (up to 3.6 kg/m3) in the fully normalized gradient, the continuation of the gravity
sedimentary rocks in the deposit zone increases. Based on in the lower half-space, etc. are applied (Berezkin et al., 1978;
core materials, a strong decrease in magnetic susceptibility Mudretsova and Veselov, 1990). Despite this, different
has also been established in effusive formations at the top of sources indicate the inapplicability and ambiguity of various
the structure, at the same time in the vicinity of the deposit. traditional transformation methods for separating potential
If the magnetic susceptibility of these formations is on fields and identifying local anomalies associated with
average 1592×10-5 SI, then at the top of the structure, where hydrocarbon deposits (Agulnik et al., 1982; Karshenbaum et
there are oil deposits, it takes the value of 262×10-5 SI. al., 1982). The studies in recent years show that any
transformation inevitably introduces fundamental distortions
It can be assumed that oil and gas lead to a change in the in the separated components, leading to the appearance of
physical properties of the rocks surrounding the deposit. The many "false" local anomalies that have nothing to do with
migration of the light hydrocarbon fraction to the overlying geological reasons.
layers affects the physical properties of the rocks above the
reservoir. It should be noted that the secondary factors, in Using several examples in this study considers the results of
contrast to the primary ones (thickness, depth of the deposit, the third derivatives of the gravity potentials in the
oil and gas density, porosity, and oil and gas saturation Muradkhanli area of the Middle Kura Depression in
coefficient), have not been sufficiently studied. Azerbaijan. From profiles 01 and 03 passing through deep
wells, from the observed fields ∆g, Wzzz was calculated (Fig.
The combination of the above factors (changes in physical 2). In this case, the formula for M = 9 points was used in the
parameters of the geological cross-section) ultimately leads to differentiation section 2L = 4 km (Berezkin et al., 1978). The
anomalous changes in the gravitational and magnetic fields Wzzz curve calculated from profile 01 shows the alternation
over oil and gas deposits. On the observed geopotential fields, of maxima and minima. The Well 58 with a high oil ratio
characteristic local anomalies appear due to the presence of falls into the Wzzz minima. In the area of borehole 13, there
oil and gas deposits in the geological cross-section. is also an intense minimum in the Wzzz field, but this
borehole, firstly, is not productive. Secondly, a fault along the
The calculated gravitational and magnetic fields of the Mesozoic was established according to seismic and borehole
constructed model (curves 1 and 9) have been compared with data. The Well 64, located in the zone of Wzzz minimums,
the observed gravity and magnetic fields (curves 2 and 10). turned out to be not productive, but the Wells 45 and 213,
As can be seen, a comparison of local minima (5, as well as which produced oil with mass flow rates of 2-10 tons/day,
curves 7 and 12 and curves 8 and 13) extracted from the are in the zone of maximum Wzzz. On profile 03, between
theoretical curves (curves 1 and 9) and the observed field pickets 90-95, according to seismic and gravimetric data, a

147
V. Gadirov et al. International Journal of Earth Sciences Knowledge and Applications (2022) 4 (2) 143-156

fault is noted along the Mesozoic surface, with an amplitude For this reason, stated above, a regional background is
of 300-400 m. In this section of the profile, a deep Wzzz constructed to adjoin the curves from the side of the lowest
minimum appears, which cannot be associated with oil and value of potential fields, making it possible to identify
gas deposits. The Well 21, located in the minimum zone, did anomalies caused by the structural properties of the
not produce, but The Wells 55 and 98 located in the zone of geological cross-section. Then, along the zones of gradient
relative maximum Wzzz gave an inflow of oil having changes, local maxima are restored, and characteristic local
industrial importance. minima are distinguished against their background due to the
presence of oil and gas deposits in the structure (Gadirov,
These data indicate the ambiguity of the Wzzz results. It has 1991; 2009).
also been pointed to some ambiguities in the analytical
continuation methods of Δg to the lower half-space and the Fig. 3 shows the construction of the curves of the regional
full normalized gradient when solving the issue of background (4) and the restored maximum (6) on the curves
exploration for oil and gas deposits (Berezkin et al., 1978; (1 and 2) reflecting the gravitational and magnetic fields, as
Karshenbaum et al., 1982). As can be seen, the identification well as the regression equations corresponding to these
of anomalies associated with the reservoir is challenging. curves, based on the profile passing through the
Muradkhanly field. To show local variations in the observed
The results of gravity and magnetic exploration carried out in fields ΔgB and Z, nodal points (3) were selected on these
different oil and gas regions of Azerbaijan show that a special curves, a regional background curve (4) passing through these
approach can be used to distinguish the gravitational and points was constructed, and local maxima (5) existing in the
magnetic anomaly over the oil and gas reservoir (Gadirov, potential field were highlighted. On the wings of the
1991; 1994; 1997; 2009). In this case, a sharp change in the identified local maxima, the maxima (6) were reconstructed
gradients of indicated potential fields is used (Mikhailov, at the selected nodal points (3), and the difference between
1982; Gadirov, 1991; 2009). Local minima are distinguished the reconstructed curve and the local maximum curve was
against the background of maxima, which is a diagnostic sign noted as an anomaly of the local minimum associated with
of anomalies of the type of reservoir. oil and gas (7).

Fig. 3. Separation of local anomalies associated with oil and gas deposits from gravitational and magnetic fields. 1 and 2- curves of gravitational and magnetic
fields, 3- nodal points of interpolation, 4- regional background, 5- local maxima, 6- restored maximum, 7- local minima associated with oil and gas content

148
V. Gadirov et al. International Journal of Earth Sciences Knowledge and Applications (2022) 4 (2) 143-156

Fig. 4. Separation of local anomalies associated with oil and gas from the field of gravity (Δg) (Zardab-Shikhbagi, North Naftalan-Gedakboz, Panakhli-Orujlu
and Bandovan fields). 1- observed Δg curve; 2- regional background; 3- local maxima; 4- restored maximum; 5- local minima

Similarly, in recent years, in the areas Naftalan, North expressed by a convex curve (maximum), in the Byandovan
Naftalan, Gedakboz, Duzdag, Gazanbulag, Borsunlu, region - by a concave curve (minimum), and in the Panahli-
Dalimamedli, Zardab-Shikhbagi, Jafarli, Orujlu, Bandovan, Orujlu region - by a straight line (Fig. 4).
Gektepe Middle- and Lower Kura Depressions based on data
obtained on straight and parallel profiles was determined In the Tarsdallar and Jeyranchel areas, the regional
gravity, also in the areas where magnetometric studies have background of the geomagnetic field is expressed by a straight
been carried out (Tarsdallar, Jeyranchel), magnetic minima line, which highlights the local magnetic maximum (Fig. 5).
associated with oil and gas (Figs. 4 and 5). Despite the difference in the shape (convex, concave,
straight) of the regional curve, against the background of the
In areas of Zardab-Shikhbagi and Panahli-Orujlu, the gravity identified local maxima in these areas, it was possible to
values are positive, and in areas of Naftalan-Gedakboz and distinguish characteristic gravity and magnetic minima
Bandovan, they are negative. In the Zardab-Shikhbagi and associated with oil and gas using the proposed method
Naftalan-Gedakboz regions, the regional background is (Gadirov, 1991; 2009).

149
V. Gadirov et al. International Journal of Earth Sciences Knowledge and Applications (2022) 4 (2) 143-156

Predicting locations of oil and gas deposits by the gravity and southwestern slope of the Lower Kura depression) showed
magnetic methods has proved themselves in the Jafarly and the presence of a local uplift along the surface of Mesozoic
Bozgobu areas of the Middle Kura Depression, where drilled sediments (Gadirov, 1991; Gadirov and Eppelbaum, 2012).
deep wells confirmed the presence of deposits in the zone of
local gravity and magnetic minima. In addition, in different In the meantime, characteristic local gravitational and
areas of the Middle and Lower Kura Depressions (North magnetic minima associated with oil and gas were detected
Naftalan-Gedakboz, Arabkubaly, Bandovan, Geytepe), the on 5 profiles (profiles 12-16), and on their basis, a diagram of
Absheron (Gala, Hovsan), locations of oil and gas deposits the distribution of local gravity-magnetic minima over the
have been predicted, and deep wells have been planned. study area was constructed (Fig. 6). The intensities of local
minima are 0.4.-0.5 mGal and 30-40 nT, respectively, which
4. Results and Discussion corresponds to the anomalies observed at the Muradkhanly
Arabkubaly areas: Gravimetric and magnetometric studies and Jafarli oil fields. The zone of local minima, about 2 km
carried out in the Arabkubaly area (in the central part of the wide, extends more than 8 km north and southeast of the arch
Kurdamir-Sabirabad zone of uplifts, overlooking the of the asymmetric structure of Arabkubaly.

Fig. 5. Separation of local magnetic anomalies associated with oil and gas deposits (Tarsdallar-Jeyranchel fields). 1- observed ΔT curve; 2- regional
background; 3- local maxima; 4- restored maximum; 5- local minima

On the other hand, it was found that local minima are Seismic data show that on the southwestern slope of the
manifested not at the crest of the Arabkubaly structure, but Lower Kura depression in the Paleogene-Neogene complex,
in the eastern wing, which underwent a sharp dip (Gadirov, individual stratigraphic units pinching out to the Mesozoic
1991). Considering that the surface of the Mesozoic surface formed stratigraphic traps. In the Mugan monoclinic,
sedimentary complex drops sharply to the east and that the it was established that the traps of Khashimkhanly, Muganly,
overlying deposits pinch out to the Mesozoic surface, it can Sarkhanbeyli, Agchala, and Khirmandali were formed as a
be assumed that the probable deposit is associated with result of pinching out of the lower parts of the Balakhanian
pinch-out zones, as in the areas of the Mugan monocline in stage onto eroded Mesozoic sediments (Hajizade, 2003). In
the Lower Kura depression. the Arabkubaly area, seismic prospecting also established

150
V. Gadirov et al. International Journal of Earth Sciences Knowledge and Applications (2022) 4 (2) 143-156

pinch-out zones for the lower horizons of the Balakhanian from the Western Garasu area to the Arabkubaly area, rise,
stage. their thickness decreases to 600-700 m, and the lower part of
these sediments is gradually pinched out. It can be assumed
On the geological cross-section built on the gravity- that hydrocarbons may migrate from the Lower Kura
magnetometric profile No. 14 passing through the crest of the depression and accumulate in a trap formed by the pinching
Arabkubaly structure, it can be seen that the proposed deposit out of the lower parts of the Balakhanian Stage on the surface
on the arch of the structure lies at a depth of 3000 m, and of the Upper Cretaceous.
sinks to 4000 m in the east (Fig. 7). According to the data of
well No. 2 Western Garasu, located in the direction of this In general, the presence of an uplift in the Upper Cretaceous
profile, the deposits of the Balakhanian stage were exposed in the Arabkubaly area, manifestations of gravitational and
in the depth interval of 3322-4473 m and have a thickness of magnetic minima associated with oil and gas deposits,
1151 m. requires the involvement of new geophysical studies in this
area. And, if it is necessary to conduct exploratory drilling, it
Seismic studies carried out in these areas in 1980-1990 also is important to place wells in the zone of local anomalies such
showed that the sediments of the Balakhanian stage, starting as deposits, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7.

Fig. 6. Distribution scheme of local gravity-magnetic minima associated with oil and gas content in the Arabkubaly area 1 - isohypsum of the Upper
Cretaceous according to gravimetric data; 2-gravity-magnetic profiles; 3- fault lines based on gravity-magnetic data; 4- zone of local gravity minima; 5-
prospecting wells; 6- recommended wells

In 2004, 2005, and 2010 these gravimetric studies were study area. The intensity minima of 0.2-0.3 mGal are
carried out in Naftalan, North Naftalan, and Gedakboz generally small in size and cover a limited area.
areas. The gravity field observed on the profiles was
analyzed, and characteristic local gravity minima (reservoir- For the first time in the Naftalan region, several zones of local
type anomalies) associated with oil and gas deposits were minima of a very complex configuration were revealed. The
identified. Hence, a map of local minima was constructed intensity of the local minimum in the area of wells 37 and 44
(Fig. 8). The map (Fig. 8) shows that local gravitational is 0.3-0.4 mGal (Fig. 8). It should be noted that well No. 37,
minima of varying intensity and size were identified in the drilled in 1935, produced oil from the Maykop suite with a

151
V. Gadirov et al. International Journal of Earth Sciences Knowledge and Applications (2022) 4 (2) 143-156

flow rate of 20-30 tons/day. The Well No. 44 was drilled up the Maykop suite with an initial flow rate of 40-60 tons/day.
to 500 m and penetrated the Akchakyl stage and the upper The Well 33 had a gas gusher from horizon IV of the Maykop
clay part of the Maykop suite. suite. In the well No. 58, drilled to a depth of 2500 m, oil was
obtained at a rate of 0.2-0.3 tons/day, presumably from the
In the area of the wells 56, 58, 43, 47, 33, 90, etc., the intensity Upper Cretaceous deposits. No exploration drilling was
of the local gravity minima is 0.1 mGal, and in a small area - performed in the zone of local gravity minima with an
0.2 mGal. The Well No. 43 produced oil from horizon VI of intensity of 03.-0.4 mGal, found in the northwest of Well 56.

Fig. 7. The geological section on gravimagnetic profile (Arabkubaly area, prof. 14). 1 and 2- observed gravitational and magnetic fields; 3- regional
background; 4- local gravitational and magnetic maximum; 5- restored maximum; 6- local gravitational and magnetic minima associated with oil and gas
content; 7- exploration wells; 8- recommended wells; 9- estimated accumulation of oil and gas; 10- tops and bottoms of the Balakhani Formation according
to seismic exploration; 11- Upper Cretaceous surface; 12- fault lines based on gravity-magnetic data; 13- effusive formations.

The other two zones of local minima in the Naftalan area are located approximately 1 km northwest of well No. 2
identified according to profiles 06, 07, 10, and 11. One of (Northern Naftalan). The zone of local minima extends from
them is more intense and reaches 0.3-0.5 mGal. Another north to south and has a size of approximately (2 × 4) km,
zone of minimum is observed in the Far East wing of the within the isoanomaly of 0.2 mGal. It should be noted that
structure, at the end of profiles 06, 07, and 10. No prospecting borehole No. 2 (Northern Naftalan), located in the zone of
drilling was carried out in this area either. It should be noted local minima, gave an inflow of oil with water with a flow
that the Well No. 63, located between the minimum zone rate of 3.6 tons/day from the Middle Eocene sediments.
found here, was drilled to a depth of 2125 m, penetrated the
clay horizon of the Maykop suite, and was not productive. The Well No. 2 (Gedakboz) was not productive, and went
beyond the zone of gravity minima. No characteristic local
In the Northern Naftalan area, the most intense areas of the gravity minimum was recorded in the zone of the 3M well,
gravity minimum associated with oil and gas (0.4 mGal) are where the Mesozoic deposits were penetrated.

152
V. Gadirov et al. International Journal of Earth Sciences Knowledge and Applications (2022) 4 (2) 143-156

Local gravity minima associated with oil and gas content is In the area of well No. 10, the size of the zone of an intense
more complex in the Gedakboz Area. The zone of local local minimum 0.2-0.3 mGal is (1 × 2) km, the minimum
minima, established based on a network of parallel profiles zone located to the west of wells No. 6 and 8, within 0.2
worked in 2005 and 2010, is located in the north-north-east- mGal of the isoanomaly has a width of (1-1.5) km and more
south-south-west direction. than 2 km in length.

Fig. 8. Map of local gravity minima (Naftalan, Northern Naftalan, Gedakboz areas). 1- isoline of local gravitational minimums; 2- gravimetric profiles; 3-
exploration wells

The most intense part of the gravimetric anomaly is located Considering that the small volumes (0.5-1.5 tons/day) of oil
in the area of well No. 10 and practically covers the crest of from wells No. 6, 7, and 8 in this area are associated with
the Gedakboz structure. Anomalies in the area of Well No. 6 deposits of the Middle Eocene, one can assume the presence
are marked on the northern pericline of the structure. of hydrocarbon deposits in the zone of local gravity minima

153
V. Gadirov et al. International Journal of Earth Sciences Knowledge and Applications (2022) 4 (2) 143-156

(Fig. 8). The Well No. 10, drilled to a depth of 2718 m, serve as characteristic local minima, identified by
penetrated only 88 m of Middle Eocene sediments, and tests gradient zones against the background of local maxima.
were not carried out in this interval.
References
In general, the identified zone of local gravity minima in the Agulnik, I.M., Zvyagin, E.M., Kolchin, S.A., Mikhailov, I.N.,
regions of Naftalan, Northern Naftalan, Gedakboz extends Yakovenko, A.A., 1982. Experience and results of using high-
from south to north. This zone is bordered in the west by a precision gravity prospecting in direct oil prospecting on the
deep fault, established by seismic prospecting. To the east of example of the Verkh-Tarskoye Maloichskoye field. In the book:
Increasing geological efficiency and practical methods of
this fault and the southeast towards the Yevlakh-Aghjabedy
interpreting gravity exploration works: Moscow, VNII
trough, the surface of the Mesozoic deposits deepens, making Geofiziki (Rotaprint), pp. 58-65 (in Russian).
it possible to substantiate the migration of hydrocarbons from
Aldana, M., Costanzo-Alvarez, V., Bolivar, S., Diaz, M., 2003.
the center of the trough to the wings. In this case, the marked Magnetic and mineralogical studies to characterize oil reservoirs
deep fault can play an important role of a shield on the path in Venezuella. The Leading Edge 22 (6), 526-529.
of hydrocarbon migration. Bembel, R.M., Megerya, V.M., Bembel, S.R., 2006. Prospecting
and exploration of hydrocarbon deposits based on the
5. Conclusions geosoliton concept of earth degassing. Geology of Oil and Gas
To investigate the features of gravitational and magnetic 2, 2-8 (in Russian).
fields, substantiate local gravity magnetic minima over oil Berezkin, V.M., Kirichek, M.A., Kunarev, A.A., 1978. Application
and gas deposits, and compare the obtained theoretical of geophysical methods of exploration for direct prospecting of
results with the observed data, model work was conducted at oil and gas fields. Moscow, «Nedra», 223 p. (in Russian).
the known Muradkhanly fields of the Middle Kura Berezkin, B.M., Loshchakov, A.I., Nikolaev, M.I., 1982.
Depression, where there are a large number of wells, and Application of magnetic prospecting for prospecting oil and gas
numerous data on density, porosity, magnetic susceptibility fields. Applied Geophysics, Moscow, «Nedra», No. 103, pp.
have been obtained. Based on experimental and methodical 128-136 (in Russian).
work carried out in the areas of Tarsdallar, Naftalan, Donovan, T.J., Hendricks, J.D., Roberts, A.A., Eliason, P.T., 1984.
Naftalan, Gedakboz, Zardab, Jafarly (Middle Kura Low altitude aeromagnetic reconnaissance for petroleum in the
Depression), Kursanga, Babazanan, Bandovan, and others Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Geophysics 49 (8), 1338-1353.
(Lower Kura Depression), where numerous wells discovered Eke, P.O., Okeke, F.N., 2016. Identification of hydrocarbon regions
in Southern Niger Delta Basin of Nigeria from potential field
oil and gas deposits confined to different types of traps and
data. International Journal of Scientific and Technology
deposits, different stratigraphy showed the effectiveness of Research 5 (11), 96-99.
gravity-magnetic methods. Depending on the coincidence of
Emmerton, S., Muxworthy, A.R., Sephton, M.A., 2012. Magnetic
the obtained gravimetric and magnetometric local minima characterization of oil sands at Osmington mills and Mupe bay,
with the contours of oil and gas deposits (in Azerbaijan, Wessex Basin. UK Geological Society Special Publication 371
Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Ukraine, etc.), (1), 189-198.
these methods give grounds using for direct exploration of oil Eppelbaum L.V., Mishne A.R., 2011. Unmanned airborne
and gas deposits. magnetic and VLF investigations: effective geophysical
methodology of the near future. Positioning 2 (3), 112-133.
According to this study, some conclusions on gravimetry and Fooote R.S., 1992. Use of magnetic field aids oil search. Oil & Gas
magnetometry have been drawn: Journal 90 (18), 137-142.
Foote R.S., 1996. Relationship of near-surface magnetic anomalies
 Oil deposits, regardless of the shape of the structure on to oil and gas producing areas. Book Chapter: D. Schumacher
the gravitational and geomagnetic fields, are marked by and M.A. Abrams, eds., Hydrocarbon migration and its near
local minima, surface expression. AAPG Memoir 66, 111-126.
 The intensity of local gravity-magnetic minima depends Gadirov, V.G., 1991. Prediction of the Mesozoic volcanic
to a greater extent on the thickness of the oil and gas formations Middle Kura depression and their oil and gas
reservoir, rather than on its depth, potential based on complex geophysical data: Auth. Dis. PhD
 Deep-seated oil and gas deposits in gravity-magnetic on geol.-mineral sciences Ph.D., Baku, 22 p.
fields are demonstrated due to the additional anomalous Gadirov, V.G., 1994. The physical-geological principles of
effect created by the sub-vertical zone above the deposit, application of gravity and magnetic prospecting in the search of
 The relatively large values of local magnetic minima oil and gas deposits. Proceedings of 10th petroleum congress
and exhibition of Turkey, Ankara, pр. 197-203.
(30-40 nT) in the Middle Kura depression are explained
by the presence of volcanogenic rocks in the geological Gadirov, V.G., 1997. The question of interpreting local gravity and
magnetic anomalies in oil and gas fields. Geophysics news in
section and a relatively strong decrease in magnetic
Azerbaijan: Baku, No. 4, pp. 23-24.
susceptibility in these rocks in the deposit zone,
Gadirov, V.G., 2009. Results of the application of gravity and
 According to the real data, a decrease in the magnetic magnetic prospecting in forecasting oil and gas deposits in the
susceptibility of rocks not only in the deposit but also Kura depression of Azerbaijan. Geophysics, Moscow, No. 2,
above and below it has been established, pp. 51-56 (in Russian).
 Gravitational and magnetic minima over deposits are Gadirov, V.G., 2012. Integration of gravity and magnetic
created not just by the deposit itself, but by the entire prospecting for the search for oil and gas deposits in the
sub-vertical deposit zone, conditions of Azerbaijan. Geophysics, Moscow, No. 6, 73-77 (in
 Diagnostic signs of the detection of oil and gas deposits Russian).
by gravimetric and magnetometric exploration can Gadirov, V.G., 2013. Application of magnetic exploration for oil

154
V. Gadirov et al. International Journal of Earth Sciences Knowledge and Applications (2022) 4 (2) 143-156

and gas deposits on the promising areas of Azerbaijan. Kiev, Ukraine.

Geophysical Journal 35 (6), 182-189 (in Russian). Mikhailov, I.N., 1982. Development of new principles for the
Gadirov, V.G., 2014. Study of the effect of rocks temperature and interpretation of gravity prospecting. In the book: Increasing
density on gravity fields over hydrocarbon deposits. geological efficiency and practical methods of interpreting
Karotazhnik, Tver, No. 4 (238), pp. 45-53 (in Russian). gravity exploration works: Moscow, VNIIGeofiziki,
Gadirov, V.G., Eppelbaum, L.V., 2012. Detailed gravity, magnetics (Rotaprint), pp. 40-80 (in Russian).
successful in exploring Azerbaijan onshore areas. Oil and Gas Mudretsova, E.A., Veselov, K.E., 1990. Gravity prospecting.
Journal 110 (5), 60-73. Handbook of Geophysics, Moscow, «Nedra», 607 p.
Gadirov, V.G., Eppelbaum, L.V., 2015. Density-thermal Nettleton, L.L., 1976. Gravity and Magnetics in Oil Prospecting.
dependence of sedimentary associations calls to reinterpreting McGraw-Hill, 464 p.
detailed gravity surveys. Annals of Geophysics 58 (3), 1-6. Doi: Ozdemir, A., Palabiyik, Y., Karataş, A., Sahinoglu, A., 2021a.
https://doi.org/10.4401/ag.6672. Mature petroleum hydrocarbons contamination in surface and
Gadirov V.G., Eppelbaum L.V., Kuderavets R.S., Menshov O.I., subsurface waters of Kızılırmak Graben (Central Anatolia,
Gadirov K.V., 2018. Indicative features of local magnetic Turkey): Geochemical evidence for a working petroleum system
anomalies from hydrocarbon deposits: examples from associated with a possible salt diapir. Turkish Journal of
Azerbaijan and Ukraine. Acta Geophysica, Polska 66, 1463- Engineering 6 (1), 1-15. Doi: 10.31127/tuje.747379.
1483. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11600-018-0224-0. Ozdemir, A., Sahinoglu, A., Palabiyik, Y., Karataş, A., 2021b.
Geist, E.L., Childs, J.R., Scholl, D.W., 1987. Evolution and Reservoir-targeted oil and gas exploration in metamorphic and
petroleum geology of Amlia and Amukta intra-arc summit magmatic rocks of the Niğde Massif (Central Anatolia, Turkey).
basins, Aleutian Ridge. Marine and Petroleum Geology 4, 334- Journal of Scientific Reports-A (in press).
352. Ozdemir, A., Karataş, A., Palabiyik, Y., Yaşar, E., Sahinoglu, A.,
Hajizade, F.M., 2003. Geological structure and oil and gas content 2020a. Oil and gas exploration in Seferihisar Uplift (Western
of the Middle Kura basin of Azerbaijan. Baku, Adiloglu, 380 p. Turkey) containing an operable-size gold deposit: Geochemical
Karshenbaum, M.A., Veselov, K.E., Gladchenko, L.G., Mikhailov, evidence for the presence of a working petroleum system.
I.N., 1982. Application of high-precision gravimetric surveys for Geomechanics and Geophysics for Geo-Energy and Geo-
the purpose of direct search for hydrocarbon deposits on the Resources, 6 (30). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40948-020-
Kerch Peninsula. Exploration Geophysics: Moscow, «Nedra» 00152-2.
94, 91-96 (in Russian). Ozdemir, A., Palabiyik, Y., Karataş, A., Sahinoglu, A., 2020b.
Kuderavets, R.S., Maksymchuk, V.Yu., Chobotok I.O., Organic geochemical evidence of the working petroleum system
Klymkovych T.A., Tymoschuk V.R., Pyrizhok N.B., 2013. in Beypazarı Neogene Basin and potential traps (Northwest
Practice of magnetic surveys over hydrocarbon fields in Central Anatolia, Turkey). Turkish Journal of Geosciences 1
Carpathian foredeep, Ukraine. Geodynamics 15 (2), 186-188. (2), 35-52.
Doi: https://doi.org/10.23939/jgd2013.02.186. Ozdemir, A., Karataş, A., Palabiyik, Y., Sahinoglu, A., 2020c.
Lyatsky, H.V., Thurston, J.B., Brown, R.J., Lyatsky, V.B., 1992. Reservoir-targeted oil and gas exploration in the Karaburun
Hydrocarbon exploration applications of potential field Peninsula (Western Turkey). International Journal of Energy
horizontal gradient vector maps. Canadian Society of and Engineering Sciences 5 (2), 115-145.
Exploration Geophysicists Recorder 17 (9), 10-15. Parovyshny, V.A., Veselov, O.V., Senachin, V.R., Kirienko, V.S.,
Liu, Q.S., Chan, L., Liu Q., Li H., 2004. Relationship between 2008. Temporal changes in geophysical fields over a gas
magnetic anomalies and hydrocarbon microseepage above the reservoir (Sakhalin Island). Pacific Ocean Geology 27 (4), 3-15
Jingbian gas field, Ordos Basin, China. AAPG Bulletin 88 (2), (in Russian).
241-251. Perez-Perez, A., D’Onofrio, L., Bosch, M., Zapata, E., 2011.
Machel, H.G., Burton E.A., 1991. Causes and spatial distribution Association between magnetic susceptibilities and hydrocarbon
of anomalous magnetization in hydrocarbon seepage deposits in the Barinas-Apure Basin, Venezuela. Geophysics 76
environments. AAPG Bulletin 75 (12), 1864-1876. (6), 35-41.
Nikitsky, V.E., Glebovsky, Yu. S., 1990. Magnetic prospecting. Pirson, S.J., 1971. New electric technique can locate gas and oil.
Handbook of Geophysics, Moscow, «Nedra», 470 p. World Oil. P.1, Vol. 172 (5), 69-72.
Matolin, M., Abraham, M., Hanak, J., 2008. Geochemical and Piskarev, A.L., Tchernyshev, M.Y., 1997. Magnetic and gravity
geophysical anomalies at the Zdanice oil-and gas field, SE anomaly patterns related to hydrocarbon fields in northern West
Czech Republic. Journal of Petroleum Geology 3 (1), 97-108. Siberia. Geophysics 62 (3), 831-841.
Medovskiy, I.G., Mustafaev, K.A., 1959. On the nature of "blind" Putikov, O.R., Veshev, S.A., Voroshilov, N.A., Alekseev, S.G.,
zones in seismic exploration in the coastal regions of the Ziyun, Z., and Kasiankova, N.A., 2000. "Jet" scattering halos
Caspian Sea. Geophysical Prospecting for Oil and Gas, over oil and gas deposits in heterogeneous rocks. Geophysics,
Moscow, pp. 31-37 (in Russian). Moscow, No. 1, pp. 52-56 (in Russian).
Medovskiy, I.G., Komarova, G.M., 1959. On the possible nature of Roslov, Y.V., Efimova, N.N., Kremlev, A.N, Pavlenkin, A.D.,
local gravitational minima over oil and gas deposits. Geology of 2009. Seismic signs of fluid flow and associated deposits.
Oil and Gas, Moscow, «Nedra» 11, 50-57 (in Russian). Geofizika, Moscow, No. 2, pp. 26-30 (in Russian).
Megerya, V.M., Savin, V.G., Shcherbinina, G.P., Prostolupov, Satyana, A.H., 2015. Subvolcanic hydrocarbon prospectivity of
G.V., 2003. Complex geophysical studies of Paleozoic Java: Opportunities and challenges. Proceedings, Indonesian
sediments during oil exploration in the Gorely area. Petroleum Association. Thirty-Ninth Annual Convention &
Geophysics, Moscow, No. 6, pp. 14-16. Exhibition, May 2015. IPA15-G-105.
Menshov, A.I., Kuderavets, R.S., Chobotok, I.A., 2014. Study of Saunders, D.F., Burson, K.R., Thompson, C.K., 1991. Observed
the magnetic field and magnetic susceptibility of soils in the relation of soil magnetic susceptibility and soil gas hydrocarbon
areas of hydrocarbon production in the Ciscarpathian trough. analysis to subsurface petroleum accumulations. AAPG
Geo Informatics 2014. XIIIth International Conference on Bulletin 75, 389-408.
Geoinformatics-Theoretical and Applied Aspects. 12-15 May, Saunders, D.F., Burson, K.R., and Thompson, C.K., 1999. Model

155
V. Gadirov et al. International Journal of Earth Sciences Knowledge and Applications (2022) 4 (2) 143-156

for hydrocarbon microssepage and related near-surface Inland Basin: Case study of Afikpo Basin. Journal of Applied
alterations. AAPG Bulletin 83 (1), 170-185. Geology and Geophysics 6 (4), 1-24.
Schumacher, D., Abrams, M., 1996. Hydrocarbon migration and its Tsimelzon, I.O., 1959. Application of gravimetry for direct
near-surface expression. AAPG Memoir 66, 446 p. exploration of oil and gas. Geology of oil and gas: Moscow,
Seifulin, R.S., 1980. Correlation of thermal and magnetic anomalies «Nedra», No. 12, pp. 41-46 (in Russian).
over hydrocarbon deposits with natural electric fields. Oil and Ustinova, V.N., 2002. Hydrocarbon deposits, peculiarities of their
Gas Geology and Geophysics. No. 8. pp. 42-43. manifestation in geophysical fields. Geophysics, Moscow, No.
Stephen, O.I., Iduma, U., 2018. Hydrocarbon potential of Nigeria’s 5, pp. 25-31 (in Russian).

156