Geology

applied structural geology in hydrocarbon systems analysis

Course Description

This course provides participants with an understanding of rock deformation processes that is appropriate for planning exploration strategies and for developing better interpretations of existing data. It differs from other courses that are primarily descriptive by relating structural geology to a practical approach to geomechanics. The course emphasizes the role of structural geology in controlling fluid flows in the subsurface.

Attendees will learn some of the standard techniques used for estimating the flow consequences of deformation. Participants will be presented with a new geomechanics paradigm that focuses on the key aspects of the deformation systems.

Audience

  • Geoscientists working in Exploration or Production and reservoir engineers with a good geoscience understanding or an interest in learning how things work.

Course Schedule

1
  • Relevance of structural geology and rock mechanics
  • Practical: Completion of cross section and structure contour map
  • Practical: Seismic interpretation exercise
2
  • Rock mechanics and structural geology
  • Textures of deformed rocks and relationship to deformation mechanisms
  • Practical: estimation of petrophysical properties of deformed rocks
  • Practical: simple stress states
3
  • Deformation environments
  • Practical: group identification of geomechanical issues in selected examples
  • Basin formation and geodynamics, reservoir depletion
4
  • Common structural elements
  • Fault zones, flexural-slip folding, fracture processes
  • Practical: fractured reservoirs interpretation
  • Practical: fault-seal predictions
  • Role of basement and its relationship to the sedimentary cover
5
  • Roles of deformation in the Hydrocarbon System
  • Structural features on seismic: interpretation pitfalls, rules
  • Practical: prospect interpretation exercises

Instructors

Dr. Gary Couples, Dr. Dirk Nieuwland

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.

Valid HTML 4.01 Transitional