Jafurah Basin Unconventional Gas Play: Geophysical Approach to Mitigate Water pollution risk in Al Ahsa Oasis
Abstract
Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco) is seeking unconventional gas at Jafurah basin, east of Ghawar Oil Field near Al Ahsa Oasis. Al Ahsa Oasis is not only one of the largest natural oases in the world but also an important agricultural land in the region. To assess the unconventional gas, it is essential to inject high-pressure solutions (the technique known as hydraulic fracturing) to create fractures in tight rock to enhance the flow of gas. The general public in Al-Ahsa region is concerned that development of unconventional activities such as hydraulic fracturing might lead to degradation of Al Ahsa water resources particularly pollution risk on drinking water. Therefore, additional steps need to be taken to mitigate or reduce of water pollution. Consequently, this study is undertaken to mitigate water pollution risk in Al Ahsa region. In this study, we propose a geophysical approach to mitigate or minimize the water pollution using integrated geophysical methods including Time-lapse Electrical Resistivity Tomography and Seismic Refraction Tomography, and Ground Penetrating Radar. The proposed approach will help in monitoring the movement of fluid with possible contaminants through the soil.
- Publication:
-
AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2019
- Bibcode:
- 2019AGUFMNS41B0816A
- Keywords:
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- 0933 Remote sensing;
- EXPLORATION GEOPHYSICS;
- 1829 Groundwater hydrology;
- HYDROLOGY;
- 1835 Hydrogeophysics;
- HYDROLOGY;
- 1880 Water management;
- HYDROLOGY