structural geology
Course Description
For this introductory course the participants are not expected to have a working knowledge in the field of structural geology.
Participants are encouraged to bring actual cases of their current work to the workshop for general discussion and integrated ‘hands-on’ problem solving during the workshop. Basic interpretation and mapping techniques will be discussed for each tectonic regime.
Especially seismic examples are welcome ‘fresh’ additions to the workshop material and help to focus the direction of the workshop on current on-going projects and ongoing problems of the participants.
A portable sandbox allows demonstration of analogue modeling of the main tectonic regimes, requiring only a table and sand. Will bring only on request, no extra charges.
The participants will be introduced to the main elements of geo-mechanics, which will serve as a basis to understand structural geometries and kinematics. Examples can never give a complete picture, whereas generic geo-mechanical approach is universally applicable. Case histories still provide good illustration material it helps understanding the mechanics and is also used extensively.
The schedule is tentative and flexible, as interaction and discussion is given a high priority in this workshop. The Instructor will provide integration of content with Structural Seismic Interpretation course-GE-2.
Audience
Geologists
Course Schedule
| 1 | Introduction: to geo-mechanics
General fault characteristics In order to create a ‘common ground’ in the group, the first day will be spend on general aspects of the application of structural geology and geo-mechanics in the E&P business. Introduction to stress and strain, some rock mechanics and the application of this subject to geological phenomena as encountered in the oil and gas business. |
| 2 | Extensional tectonics: rifts, delta’s, domes.
Theory, examples, analogue models, seismic interpretation.Structural geometries and fault properties that are characteristic for extensional tectonic regimes will be treated during the morning session of day-2. Structural reservoir types and fault sealing mechanisms will be part of the material. Strike-slip tectonics Theory, case history, analogue models, seismic interpretation. Structural geometries and fault properties that are characteristic for strike-slip tectonic regimes will be treated during the afternoon of day-2. Structural reservoir types, in-situ stress analysis and fault sealing mechanisms (also in sand-sand juxtapositions) will be part of the material. The 3D nature of this tectonic setting including pitfalls and traps in structural interpretation will receive special attention |
| 3 | Compressional tectonics: fold-and-thrust belts
Compressional tectonics: fault reactivation – multi-phase tectonics. Theory, case histories, analogue models, seismic interpretation exercise.Structural geometries and fault properties that are characteristic for compress ional tectonic regimes will be treated during the morning of day-3. Structural reservoir types and fault sealing mechanisms will be part of the material. During the afternoon session the mechanics of fault reactivation (inversion tectonics) will be discussed. |
| 4 | Salt tectonics
Fault sealing and top seal integrity Aspects of salt-tectonics will be discussed during the morning of day-4. Examples from the North Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, interpretation exercise. The afternoon session will be used to discuss fault sealing mechanisms and approaches to evaluate top seal integrity in exploration and in production scenarios. |
| 5 | Fracture systems: fracture mechanics, reservoir examples and outcrop examples
Analysis of fault and fracture systems, including fractal properties of fault and fractures and prediction of sub-seismic faults. Theory, case histories, analogue models.The morning session will be used to discuss fracture mechanics, fracture types, natural fracture systems and their influence on reservoir characteristics and production strategies. |
Instructors
Dr. Dirk Nieuwland, Mr. Evert Uitentuis, Dr. Eduardo Rossello
Instructors may vary based on location and schedule.
Classes
No classes are currently scheduled for this course.
Add yourself to the waiting list
We will schedule a class for this course, when there are enough participants on the waiting list.