Potential of airborne geophysical surveys in prospecting for “hard-to-discover” oil.

Investigation of spatial layering of the basement and cover in the area of the East-European<br>platform and the Uralian folding system jointing by means of detailed airborne geophysical surveys<br>is characterized by high effectiveness. Exploration of deep horizons including the proterozoic<br>group, stratigraphic traps and traps of the autochthonous part of the West-Uralian overthrust makes<br>it possible to prognosticate an increase of hydrocarbon reserves of the region. Generalization of the<br>airborne geophysical information performed on a common matrix base is used as the base for an<br>analysis of regional trends in the placement of mineral resources distribution and quantative prognosis<br>of matter-structure inhomogeneity of different types and grades, starting with faults of different<br>age, basement terrains and overthrust sheets which influence the development of the sedimentary<br>basin up to carbon platforms and separate reefs hosting hydrocarbon accumulations in the<br>sedimentary mantle.