Gravity and Gradiometry – Potential Achieved?

The need to identify new hydrocarbon reserves and produce at optimal rates is steadily increasing in an era of greater worldwide demand. The need for additional focus on both exploration and production optimization is obvious. In recent years gravity and gradiometry have received increased scrutiny and consideration as a viable tool for E&P. Various sensor designs as well as deployment scenarios are receiving renewed attention from industry. Has gravity reached its full potential? Has the technology achieved required performance and acceptance? Are there operational or cost constraints that prevent full technology adoption? This paper will attempt to address some of these questions at a high level.