Electromagnetic Seabed Logging

Stéphane Sainson obtained his Ph.D. degree in geophysics in 1984 (Applied Geophysics Laboratory of the Ecole Normale Supérieure de Paris). After working several years as a diver and as a prospector, Dr. Sainson subsequently held the positions of research engineer in wireline logging, project leader in borehole seismic (Schlumberger) and finally R & D manager for special offshore operations on pipelines (Challenger of Vinci group). S. Sainson exercises his independent consulting engineering profession since 1997.

Introduction.- Preamble.- Economic environment.- Elements of geology and oil exploration.- Electrical resistivity and geology.- The electromagnetic seabed logging (SBL): its place in the modern petroleum exploration.- Historic landmarks on the sea bottom SBL.-
SBL methods philosophies and interests.- SBL industry and environmental impact.- Overview of the book.- Principles and methods.- Introduction.- Physical laws and principles.- Different methods and associated devices.- Operational limitations: detection problems.- Advantages and disadvantages compared to the seismic investigations.- Hybrid and combined methods.- Conclusion and synthesis.- Metrology and sea environment.- Introduction.- Electromagnetic properties of propagation media.- Frequential and temporal aspects of the method.- Theoretical evaluation and measurement of EM fields.- Acquisition systems definition and operational procedures.- Conclusion.- Instrumentation and equipment.- Introduction.- Measuring instruments qualities.- History of measuring equipments.- The transmitter.- The receivers.- Operational capabilities.- Conclusion.- Interpretation and modeling.- Introduction.- Reminders and general methods of interpretation.- Analytical models.- Numerical models.- Inversion techniques.-Analog models.- Conclusion.- Geological applications.- Introduction.- North Atlantic: Ramesses III (oceanic ridge).- West Africa: Angola basin (oil).- North Sea: Troll field (gas).- North Sea: Frigg field (gas pipelines).- Barents Sea: basin Nordkapp (diapir).- Malaysian gisement monitoring.- Example of DC prospecting.- Conclusion.- Overall conclusion and perspectives.

"The book provides a good overview of marine EM methods and their application for those starting out in the subject or wanting to learn more about the principles and practice. For specialists or those who want to dig further into the ideas that are discussed, there is an extensive bibliography, which is in itself extremely useful." (Lucy MacGregor, The Leading Edge, October, 2017)