An Integrated Remote Sensing, Sedimentological, Geochemical and Geophysical Approach for Mapping Prospective Areas for Hydrocarbons in the Proterozoic Cuddapah Basin, India

ABSTRACT Despite having promising evidence of hydrocarbons, the Proterozoic Cuddapah Basin in southern India has not been explored adequately for petroleum resources. The present study aims to identify potential regions for hydrocarbons in Cuddapah Basin by integrating various aspects of hydrocarbon exploration. The remote sensing approach involves structural and spectral analyses of multi‐sensor satellite data to look for suitable surface manifestations of hydrocarbons. From remote sensing perspective, areas with high lineament density, presence of geomorphic highs and spectrally anomalous regions are mapped as potential hydrocarbon‐bearing sites. The sedimentological studies focus on identifying the best suitable reservoirs for hydrocarbon accumulation through detailed analyses of mineralogy, texture and depositional environments. The geochemical aspects cover the surface geochemical prospecting and analysis to pinpoint anomalous areas of soil gas occurrence and potential source rocks. Geophysical studies interpret gravity, magnetic and seismic data to delineate sedimentary thickness and suitable traps for hydrocarbon accumulations. Remote sensing, combined with surface geochemical studies (adsorbed soil gas and microbial analyses), sedimentological, gravity, magnetic and seismic studies point out a promising area for hydrocarbon occurrence in the north‐central part of the study area. Detailed sedimentological studies demonstrate Tadpatri, Pulivendla, Vempalle and Gulcheru formations as potential reservoir rocks for the identified promising area. Thick shales and intrusives are envisaged as potential seals. Furthermore, geochemical parameters and the presence of gas seepage reinforce the hydrocarbon potentiality of the mapped region. The study will provide valuable insights into hydrocarbon exploration in Cuddapah and other Proterozoic basins of the world.