Resumen

HOYER, Melvin et al. Aplicación de la Técnica Satelital Altimétrica para Estudios Prospectivos de Hidrocarburos en Venezuela. INCI [online]. 2004, vol.29, n.5, pp.256-260. ISSN 0378-1844.

Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA) performed in 2001-2002 an exploration project covering approximately 110000km² at the Orinoco river delta area. The study formed part of the investigation framework of the Venezuelan Atlantic Shield project. It integrates 3D seismic data, ship borne gravimetry and, in the case of Venezuela for the first time, satellite altimetry technique, for hydrocarbon prospecting purposes. In the present paper, the application of satellite altimetry as a complementary process for conventionally used exploration methods is studied for the Venezuelan case. Two independent evaluation projects have been performed, using altimetry observations from GEOSAT, ERS-1, ERS-2 and TOPEX POSEIDON satellite platforms; the first project was carried out by the British based GETECH Company and the other by the Physical and Satellite Geodesy Laboratory of the University of Zulia at Maracaibo, Venezuela. A geoid model of the region, free air and Bouguer anomaly maps, sea floor topography and isostatic residual anomalies have been developed by the first study. The second one processed data by means of independent software, for comparison purposes and complementary studies. Quality results could be achieved, proving a convenient use of the satellite altimetry technique for geophysical interpretation processes at an intermediate resolution scale level.

Palabras clave : Altimetría Satelital; Fachada Atlántica; Prospección Petrolera.