Use of remote sensing data and GIS tools for seismic hazard assessment for shallow oilfields and its impact on the settlements at Masjed-i-Soleiman area, Zagros Mountains, Iran

Abstract

Masjed-i-Soleiman (MIS) is situated in the northern part of the Dezful embayment, which is in the Zagros fold-thrust belt with high seismic activities. MIS faces a shallow buried anticline, formed by the shallowest oilfield with a thick gas cap. The cap rocks of this oilfield are highly fractured, which has resulted in leakages from the gas cap. In this paper, we have used remote sensing techniques and image interpretation for the identification of the Niayesh, Lahbari, Andika and MIS fault zones in the studied area. Further, the study exploited seismic potential mapping using the remote sensing techniques. The relationships between the structural controls and localized gas leakage are assessed within the GIS environment. Additionally, field observation data corroborated that the leakages (and seepages) are smashed within the intersection of Niayesh and MIS fault zone, which belongs to the high fractured hinge zone of the MIS anticline. As a result, the reactivation of these active faults may cause large earthquakes with a maximum magnitude of between 6.23 < Ms < 7.05 (Richter scale) and maximum horizontal acceleration 0.26 < a < 0.55 g. Finally, the authors concluded that this anticipated earthquake may cause large scale fracturing of cap rocks, releasing a large volume of H 2S gas from the uppermost layer of the reservoir. © 2010 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.