Geochemistry and field spectrometry for detecting hydrocarbon microseepage

Remote sensing detection of hydrocarbon reserves would be a valuable addition to conventional methods used currently. Tests were made in a drilled, proven hydrocarbon area predominantly covered by wheat. Field‐spectroradiometers measured spectral characteristics of wheat and soil associated with hydrocarbon microseepage. Soil gas and secondary carbonate produced only by hydrocarbon microseepage were at anomalously high levels at the oil–water or gas–water boundaries. Kaolinite and illite in the soil have higher percentages above petroleum reservoirs. The inflection point positions of spectra on oil‐field wheat were shifted 7 nm to longer wavelengths than off‐field wheat samples, and can be positively correlated with the delta carbonate and soil‐gas. The absorption of soil spectra at 2.346 mm is at least 0.2% higher over oil‐fields than off‐fields. This research proves that remote sensing can be used in an monocultural agricultural area to detect hydrocarbon microseepage.