ERHC Energy Inc., Houston, has let a contract to Bell Geospace to conduct an airborne full tensor gravity gradiometry survey on Kenya Block 11A.
Using a converted DC-3 aircraft, Bell Geospace will fly a dense grid of flight lines to measure small changes in gravity caused by changes in density of subsurface rocks. This survey method has been used successfully in Africa and contributed to recent oil discoveries in Uganda and Kenya.
Subject to certain contingencies and governmental approvals, the survey is expected to be flown through this summer according to a predetermined timeline. The information gathered will enable ERHC to focus on the most promising areas for shooting 2D seismic. Combined results will lead to drilling decisions.
The proximity of Block 11A and in-trend relationship of the Lotikipi plain, the block’s main surface feature, with adjacent blocks on which discoveries have been made as well as the Abu Gabra rift basins of southern Sudan, which are established petroleum provinces, suggest a high prospectivity for hydrocarbons, ERHC said.