f Hydrocarbon Exploration and Development in Kurdistan; Insights from Remote Sensing Data

Earth Observation technology is increasingly being used to assist hydrocarbon exploration in frontier areas. Satellite imagery datasets with a range of spectral and spatial specifications have a role to play in the regional assessment and appraisal of surface geological structure and stratigraphy. This is combined with the ability to generate high resolution and high accuracy Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) to assist in facility and infrastructure planning. The objective of this presentation is to review how this geological information, derived from remote sensing data, can contribute to onshore exploration and development, focusing on Kurdistan and the surrounding region. Regionally, these contributions include a greater understanding of the variation in tectonic characteristics and surface geology across the fold belt, together with the identification of previously unmapped structures using medium resolution satellite imagery. After regional appraisal, detailed block specific studies are undertaken utilising high resolution imagery. Although oil and gas exploration, appraisal and development has increased in Kurdistan over recent years it remains largely unexplored with no production until 2008 and is thought to contain many unmapped and undrilled structures.