Robert C Foote

US Patent:

47299606, Mar 8, 1988

Filed:

Dec 11, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/807495

Inventors:

Robert S. Foote - Irving TX

International Classification:

G01N 3324

US Classification:

436 31

Abstract:

Disclosed are methods of prospecting for subterranean deposits of hydrocarbon. Earth samples are taken at various depths in a substantially vertical column of earth overlying an area suspected of containing an underground petroliferous deposit. The magnetic susceptibility of each sample is then measured (or the concentration of maghemite or greigite therein determined) to determine the relative concentration of diagenetic magnetic material therein. The relative concentration data is correlated with depth from the surface to the approximate maximum penetration depth of surface-related oxygen. An anomaly occurring in the curve produced by such correlation demonstrates the likelihood of discovering a subterranean deposit therebelow. The relative concentration of diagenetic magnetic material in the earth's surface within the layer thereof subject to surface water penetration is increased by oxidation of ferrous iron previously reduced from the ferric to the ferrous state by the reducing effect of upwardly migrating hydrocarbons diffusing toward the surface from a subterranean deposit thereof.