IGas — UK Onshore Multi-Basin ADR Study
An Innovate UK-supported programme tested ADR across IGas properties in the Cheshire Basin, Gainsborough Trough and Weald Basin, including calibrated locations and blind-test interpretation.
Can geology be mapped from the surface without new drilling or seismic?
The programme investigated whether portable ADR measurements could respond consistently to known subsurface geology and fluids, then transfer that learning to locations where local calibration information was withheld.
The study explicitly tested lithology, stratigraphy and fluid interpretation, while recognising the non-uniqueness inherent in geophysical responses.
Acquire → calibrate → interpret → validate
Acquire
ADR was deployed at 22 IGas onshore locations across three UK basins.
Calibrate
IGas supplied calibration data for 10 sites so ADR responses could be assigned and correlated with known lithologies.
Blind test
Relationships learned from calibration were applied to two blind-test holes in the Weald Basin.
What the field programme demonstrated
Geological response
The study concluded that ADR was responding to subsurface geological features, with strongest responses at clear contrasts between relatively homogeneous beds of different lithology and/or fluid.
Practical interpretation
Calibrating wells enabled broad-scale correlation of prominent units. A Weald Basin metric highlighted the Purbeck Anhydrite–Portland Sandstone boundary; the programme stressed that multi-attribute interpretations remain probabilistic.
Important: Historical ADR results are presented as exploration and subsurface decision-support evidence. Interpretations are probabilistic rather than diagnostic and should be integrated with wells, logs, geology and other geophysical information.
Bring VEXRAD one target.
Use Virtual Boreholes to add a non-invasive evidence layer before committing further subsurface capital.