b'AEGC 2021Short abstractsgeochemical processes and potential impacts to water resources24: Application of LiDAR for hydrocarbon exploration in from CO 2injection are important factors. Data from newlylogistically and geologically challenging environments: collected field samples of groundwater from the Precipiceexamples from the Papuan Fold and Thrust Belt, Papua Sandstone and Hutton Sandstone in the southern Surat BasinNew Guineaare presented, focusing on the stable isotope component of a broader study. Initial results show that the Precipice SandstoneMr Luke Mahoney 1, Mr Mitch Furnass1 and Mr Pedro Restrepo-has a wider range of salinity than the Hutton Sandstone,Pace1with the highest values in the region east of the Burunga-Leichhardt fault zone. The majority of dissolved methane and1 Oil Searchcarbon dioxide samples from Precipice Sandstone bores have a mixed origin isotopic signature, with13C-DIC also indicatingThe Papuan Fold and Thrust Belt (PFTB) in Papua New Guinea methanogenesis. Samples from the Moonie oil field, includinghosts the prolific Papuan Basin petroleum system yet remains the Precipice Sandstone and Evergreen Formation have a mixedunderexplored compared with other fold and thrust belts thermogenic signature. The majority of Hutton Sandstoneworldwide. The underexplored nature of the PFTB results dissolved gases, however, indicate in situ primary microbialfrom its remoteness, inhospitable karst topography and thick CO 2reduction producing methane. Water stable isotopes intropical vegetation, which combine to create an exceedingly the two aquifers span large ranges and are more depleted thandifficult and expensive area to explore for hydrocarbons. modern rainfall consistent with recharge during colder climates.There are, however, significant rewards awaiting those able Initial results from DST analyses in the project also indicate flowto overcome these challenges, with an estimated 40 tcf of components from north to south, and a potential pathway eastgas and 550 million barrels of oil Yet-to-Find. The history of to the Clarence-Moreton Basin. Analysis of groundwaters areexploration success in the PFTB has been closely linked to ongoing to understand processes and flow paths. technological advancements aimed at overcoming these challenges. In the 1980s, the introduction of heli-transportable drilling rigs provided access to highly prospective areas of 23: Detailed geophysical mapping and 3D geologicalthe interior PFTB that were previously inaccessible. In the modelling to support urban planning: A case study of1990s, significant advancements in 2D seismic acquisition Ny Rosborg, Denmark techniques facilitated much-improved imaging through the karst topography, subsequently resulting in several discoveries. Dr Theis Andersen 1 The most recent advancement of comparable significance has been LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), a remote sensing 1 VIA University College technology that provides the ability to see through the thick In Denmark, as in many other parts of the world, thetropical vegetation, revealing previously obscured geological population density is currently increasing, making un-usedoutcrops and revolutionising surface operation planning. land sparse for urbanisation. As cities grow, areas formerlyLiDAR data are used to create high-resolution 3D digital considered unsuited to urbanisation are now undergoingelevation models of the earths surface that have a myriad of urbanisation e.g. former industrial areas and wetlands.exploration applications from geological mapping to seismic The objective of this talk is to present a comprehensiveplanning and processing. LiDAR has significantly improved interpretation strategy showing how planning maps canour understanding of rock deformational characteristics and be created exemplifying the risk and opportunities onestructural styles within the PFTB, which has led to an improved area holds. The investigations were conducted on a 1.5 km understanding of the subsurface trapping styles and provided 2area at Ny Rosborg, Denmark. Within the area, boreholea stimulus for the identification of new exploration plays. In this information, geotechnical data (in situ vane tests andpaper, we discuss some of the ways that LiDAR is being used to standard penetration tests), electromagnetic data (DUALEM- explore within one of the most challenging yet underexplored 421S) and electrical resistivity tomography data (ERT) wereareas in the world.collected and analysed. The first steps of the interpretation strategy involve a review of the purpose of the project. This27: Hidden in plain sight: The Bamaga Basinis followed by the acquisition of high-density geophysical data. Hereafter, geophysical data in conjunction with GISMr Wolfgang Fischer 1data are used for constructing a detailed high-resolution 3D1 Gulf Energy Limitedgeological voxel model. The specific geotechnical properties are assigned to the interpreted geological units. In theThe Gulf of Carpentaria was extensively explored in the 1970s final step of the interpretation strategy, planning maps areand 1980s targeting the Carpentaria (Jurassic-Cretaceous) and created demonstrating the recommended use of differentKarumba (Tertiary) sag basins, the sediments of which show parts of the area for future urbanisation. An isopach mapno structuring. This activity failed to recognise the presence of showing the depth of the layers suitable for the foundationthe deeper and older Bamaga Basin and in 1984 Duyken-1, the is combined with a map showing the areas flooded by theonly well so far in the Gulf of Carpentaria, tested the Carpentaria nearby Vejle Stream during a 50- and 100-year climate eventand Karumba sediments without success, but missed the as well as habitat protected areas. Thus, the resulting planningunrecognised Bamaga Basin 120 km to the northeast.maps show the most suitable locations of blue areas (lakes, wetlands), green areas (parks, etc.) and grey areas (buildings,Poor quality seismic data and preconceived ideas masked roads) for future development. the Bamaga Basin and it was only in 2012 that modern 2D regional seismic data followed by an infill seismic survey in The adopted interpretation strategy can be successfully applied2014, revealed the presence of a sedimentary succession in similar situations to reduce the risks associated with urbanin the Bamaga, probably of early-middle/late Paleozoic development. age. The carefully processed new seismic data uncovers an 65 PREVIEW AUGUST 2021'