Online Live Streaming Course

5 sessions ( approx. 4 hours each) , November 4 to 8, 2024

Duration : 20 hours

The aim of this course is to consider how the interpretation of seismic reflection data can be used within hydrocarbon exploration of complex sedimentary basins with a focus on the interaction of sedimentary and structural evolution and the impact on hydrocarbon systems. It will provide an overview of the fundamentals of geophysical data interpretation and then consider the application in a suite of sedimentary basin settings. It will then consider fault geometry, basin fill and implications for reservoir distribution and deformation. The class is taught through integrating recent advances in understanding of structural geology in the context of Basin Analysis, the integration of Sedimentary deposition and structural geology and can be applied to both exploration and production settings.

This current offering is delivered over 5 days with significant practical activities to ensure participants have the opportunity to apply their new knowledge. It is also possible to provide an additional sessions to participants to bring in their own data for discussion or to provide the additional optional topics presented below.

Using a combination of group exercises and individual exerises we consider how a key component of mapping is an appreciation of the uncertainty inherent in the data. Throughout the course participants will be encouraged to present their osbervations and interpretations to illustrate the variability that arises in data interpretation and to discuss its implications.

Who should attend?

Although the focus of the course is structural geology, the topics covered are essential to understanding the inter-dependency across Geophysics, Geology, Resevoir Engineering and the economics that underlies the decision making process throughout the petroleum exploration lifecycle. It is therefore recommended for any practictioner involved in the lifecycle including managers.
The course is devised to be flexible around the experience of the participants. It can therefore be tailored to either entry level or advanced as required.

Content

• Introduction to the use of seismic reflection studies in structural analysis of basins
• Introduction to Petroleum systems and the nature of reservoir distribution in different tectonic settings and plate settings
• Importance of structural mapping in trap identification and reservoir modelling
• Applying fundamental restoration techniques to constrain seismic interpretation
• Definition of mega-sequences in unconstrained basin settings
• Evoution of normal faults and importance of developing a conceptual model for interpreration
• Interaction of normal faults and basin fill
• Constraining reverse fault geometry from fold identification – impact on resource distribution
• Salt tectonics – spatial and temporal evolution
• Strike slip tectonics in 3D
• Inversion tectonics – unravelling multi-phase fault evolution

Optional topics

• Structural traps and fault mapping
• Extensional faulting, lithospheric stretching, geodynamics and petroleum systems
• Orogenic deformation