The impact-cratering process is fundamental to all planetary bodies so far examined and was one of the dominant forces which sculptured the earth. Under proper conditions, impact craters (astroblemes) can serve as excellent traps for commercial hydrocarbons. Reserves in the United States continue to decline while energy companies remain oblivious to the enormous potential of these unique structures. Astroblemes containing commercial quantities of oil and gas remain undetected and undrilled. Accidental discoveries of several hydrocarbon-bearing astroblemes have shown that their subsurface profiles can be difficult to detect. Geophysical computer modeling, however, can reveal the seismic, gravity, J/and magnetic signals generated by these structures under a multitude of subsurface conditions. These conditions involve such variables as crater erosional level, depth, rock densities, and additional petrophysical parameters. Phase I research will begin by utilizing seismic modeling. Basically this modeling will reconstruct what happens to (seimic survey) sound reflections after they have passed through astroblemes in the earth and have returned to the surface. Preliminary work has already shown unexpected synthetic seismic signals from astroblemes "buried" under certain conditions. Normally, one would not drill such an anomaly if seen on real seismic records. Correct identification of an astrobleme, however, means that a fractured reservoir has been located and that exploration should proceed. A subsurface impact crater anomaly in the southern United States will provide the field test for synthetic seismogram and a 3 vector magnetometer developed in Phase I.The potential applications as described by the company: Accumulated computer data can be compared to particular anomalies on existing geophysical coverage in U.S. petroleum basins. Those anomalies which yield the requisite parameters for astroblemes can then be studied in greater detail with advanced geophysical instrumentation. The ultimate goal is to drill and exploit these features, some of which can add significantly to U.S. hydrocarbon reserves, thereby reducing our dependence on foreign oil.
