Radar Sensing of Petroleum Seepage Gases
Abstract
Simple X-band radars have been used by a number of commercial exploration companies since 1972 in the search for gas and oil deposits. Uncertainty and controversy over the physical mechanism involved in the radar sensing of gas and oil led to the April/May 1992 radar investigation conducted by NRL. A low power X-band radar was used by NRL to acquire experimental data in Texas. The attributes of return signals observed over producing and prospective oil fields were found to have a unique set of characteristics which included the following:return signals were from weak, distributed targets: simultaneous amplitude and range variations were observed (10 dB or more in amplitude and +/- 60 ft in range) within time intervals of 1/3rd second and at ranges of from 500 to 2,000 ft, and at elevation angles of less than + 1 deg. The range and amplitude varying radar returns were suppressed by rain and/or a wet earth. Also during a single period of 24 hour observation, the varying signals disappeared during a period of high humidity (local night-time) and then re-appeared the next day when the relative humidity dropped below 50%. Radar returns from seepage gases heights greater than 25 feet as well as gas associated radar returns over cattle feed lots (methane and ammonia) were not confirmed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 17, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA261431
Entities
People
- Donald F. Hemenway
- Eugene G. George
- James P. Hansen
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory