Structural Geology Archives

Structural Styles and Tectonics: Advanced Interpretation and Evaluation Workshop (G118)

Tutor(s)

Douglas Paton: Director, TectoKnow.

Overview

The workshop is a follow on from the introductory course G111 and will focus on developing the concepts and skills presented therein. It will go into more detail on the structural styles for each tectonic setting and outline the uncertainty in sub-surface data that has to be considered.

Duration and Logistics

Classroom version: A 4-day course comprising a mix of lectures and exercises. The manual will be provided in digital form and participants will be required to bring a laptop or tablet computer to follow the lectures.

Level and Audience

Intermediate. The course is aimed at more experienced subsurface geoscientists who want to focus on the structural uncertainties in data, at all scales.

Objectives

You will learn to:

Appraise the impact of normal fault identification and fault mapping on reservoir understanding.
Gauge the limitations of seismic imaging for reverse faults, their temporal variation and impact on reservoir presence and distribution.
Validate strike-slip deformation on seismic sections and reconstruct the 3D and 4D evolution of strike-slip systems.
Evaluate negative and positive structural inversion and its impact on hydrocarbon systems and basin fill.
Manage the impact of deformation close to or beyond seismic resolution with respect to subsurface prediction and modeling.

Structural Geology: Key Concepts for Exploration and Production (G111)

Tutor(s)

Douglas Paton: Director, TectoKnow.

Overview

The workshop will be practically based, supplemented by a number of group thought experiments. It will cover an introduction to the fundamentals of structural geology and its impact on hydrocarbon distribution and prediction. It will then outline, with examples, the essential geometric components expected in normal faults / rift basins, reverse faults / contractional environments, inversion / multi-phase settings, and salt and strike-slip influenced systems.

Duration and Logistics

Classroom version. A 4-day course comprising a mix of lectures, case studies and exercises. The manual will be provided in digital format and participants will be required to bring a laptop or tablet computer to follow the lectures and exercises.

Level and Audience

Fundamental. The course is aimed at new hires who need a thorough introduction to the fundamentals of structural geology.

Objectives

You will learn to:

Understand the fundamental importance of structural geology in modelling the subsurface.
Appreciate the concept of structural styles and why it is essential to aid the interpretation of subsurface and outcrop data.
Assess input data required for resource modelling and appreciate its limitations.
Apply relevant and appropriate models to areas of limited data or zones of complexity and capture the implications of the inherent uncertainty.
Apply relevant techniques and understanding to enhance resource prediction in extensional, compressional and multi-phase settings, including salt.
Appreciate the importance of developing a structural robust understanding for any energy transition resource model.

The Geology of the Paradox Basin and Implications for Deepwater Gulf of Mexico Exploration, Moab, Utah (G095)

Tutor(s)

Kate Giles: Lloyd A. Nelson Professor, University of Texas at El Paso; Consulting Geologist.

Overview

The primary technical goal is to provide a widely applicable introduction to the interrelationship between sedimentation and structural geology with a particular focus on salt tectonics and salt-sediment interaction. The geology is examined with reference to deepwater exploration themes with the Gulf of Mexico.

Duration and Logistics

A 4-day field course starting and finishing in Grand Junction, Colorado, comprising a mixture of lectures, field work and exercises.

Level and Audience

Intermediate. This course requires a basic understanding of geoscience and will suit those working in the geoscience, geotechnical and engineering fields. The aim is to facilitate knowledge and experience exchange among the participants, so is open to those from a very wide range of experience levels.

Exertion Level

This course requires a MODERATE exertion level. There will be hikes to outcrops of up to 6.5km (4 miles) round trip. Some of these will encounter uneven and rocky ground with some short, steep inclines. The climate in southern Utah is typically warm to hot and dry with temperatures up to 37.5°C (100°F) and the elevation is between 1,250–1,500m (4,000–5,000 ft).

Objectives

You will learn to:

Describe the regional stratigraphy and principal structural features of the Paradox Basin, Utah.
Characterize and interpret controls on Paradox Basin salt-related structures and key features of passive diapiric systems, including halokinetic sequences, caprock development, non-evaporite stringers / inclusions, welds, megaflaps, counter-regional faults, radial faults and burial wedges.
Examine stratal geometries and halokinetic sequences and how these relate to intervals of salt inflation / evacuation and sediment flux.
Assess the controls on basin fill architecture, fluid flow and deformation within the Paradox Basin and compare this to analogous salt basins worldwide.
Understand the importance of salt basins to the energy industry for hydrocarbon production.

Applied Concepts in Fractured Reservoirs with Discussions on Production, EOR, CO2 Sequestration and Geothermal Energy (G039)

Tutor(s)

John Lorenz: Co-founder and Partner, FractureStudies LLC.

Scott Cooper: Co-founder and Partner, FractureStudies LLC.

Overview

This course explores the wide range of structures that fall under the term ‘fracture’ and examines the effects of different fracture types on permeability in conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs, and for EOR, CO2 sequestration and geothermal energy applications. The course establishes an understanding of natural fractures by explaining fracture mechanics and the origins of fractures, and then presents practical approaches to analyzing and working with fractures. Topics will include: collecting fracture data; measuring fracture attributes; differentiating natural from induced fractures; calibrating fracture data (from core, CT scans, outcrops, image logs and seismic); and determining in situ stresses. The course also describes how to predict fracture types in different structural domains and in different types of reservoirs, how the differences between extension and shear fractures control both individual fracture permeability and fracture network interconnectedness, and how to assess the interaction between natural and hydraulic stimulation fractures. Discussions of the applications to CO2 sequestration, geothermal energy, hydrocarbon reservoirs and enhanced recovery are included.

Duration and Logistics

Classroom version: A 3-day classroom course comprising a mix of lectures (80%) and hands-on exercises (20%). The manual will be provided in digital format and participants should bring a laptop or tablet computer to follow the lectures and exercises. A highlight of the classroom version is the inclusion of a hands-on, 65-plus piece teaching collection of natural and induced fractures in core.

Virtual version: Five 4-hour interactive online sessions presented over 5 days. A digital manual and exercise materials will be distributed to participants before the course. Some reading and exercises are to be completed by participants off-line.

Level and Audience

Advanced. Intended for geoscientists, reservoir and completion engineers, and petrophysicists, who wish to characterize and understand fracture systems and their effects on reservoir permeability and fluid flow. The class includes assessing how fracture permeability is affected by the in-situ stress system, and the interaction of natural fractures with hydraulic stimulation fractures.

Objectives

You will learn to:

Appreciate how different fracture types have different effects on reservoir permeability and fluid flow.
Assess how fracture types can vary by lithology within the same structural setting.
Establish how fracture types can vary by structural setting within the same lithology.
Assess fracture permeability and how it can be sensitive to changes in the in-situ stress during production and injection.
Recognize fracture type using the small sampling of a reservoir offered by core and how this can provide a conceptual model for differentiating radial from anisotropic drainage, or flow away from the well during injection.
Appreciate the interaction of natural fractures with hydraulic stimulation fractures as utilized in hydrocarbon, sequestration and geothermal industries, depending on fracture type and orientation relative to the in-situ stresses.
Use insights into fracture mechanics and the origins of fractures, and gain an understanding of natural fractures and their potential effects on fluid flow.

Salt Tectonics of the Gulf of Mexico (G092)

Tutor(s)

Mark Rowan: President, Rowan Consulting, Inc.

Overview

The objective of this 3-day course is to provide geoscientists with a detailed explanation of those aspects of salt tectonics applicable to the northern and southern Gulf of Mexico (GoM) salt basins. It consists primarily of lectures, with examples from the GoM and other basins, that are supplemented by practical exercises. The emphasis is on fundamental mechanics and processes, structural geometries and evolution, salt-sediment interaction and the implications for hydrocarbon exploration and production.

Duration and Logistics

A 3-day in-person classroom course, comprising a mix of lectures (75%) and seismic exercises (25%). The manual will be provided in digital format and participants will be required to bring a laptop or tablet computer to follow the lectures and exercises.

Level and Audience

Intermediate. The course is intended for geoscientists working the Gulf of Mexico and is also applicable to salt basins around the world.

Objectives

You will learn to:

Understand the implications of layered-evaporite sequences for velocity-model building and seismic interpretation.
Describe how halite differs from other lithologies and how that impacts deformation in salt basins.
Characterize the ways in which extension, contraction and differential loading trigger salt flow and diapir initiation / growth.
Interpret typical salt and stratal geometries associated with salt evacuation and diapirism.
Predict how drape folding around passive diapirs impacts stratal geometries, faulting and reservoir distribution in diapir-flank traps.
Understand why and how allochthonous salt forms and how salt sheets / canopies evolve.
Assess the effects of salt on various aspects of the petroleum system, including trap formation, reservoir presence, hydrocarbon maturation and migration and seal.

Trap and Seal Analysis: Theory and Application (G090)

Tutor(s)

Russell Davies: Director, Redlands Fault Geological Consulting LLC.

Overview

This course introduces the concepts and methods in trap and seal analysis, particularly in relation to fault characterization, including fault mapping and fault seal, as applied to cross-fault flow resistance in traps for hydrocarbons and carbon containment in subsurface reservoirs. The course additionally includes the analysis of caprock (top seal) for predicting seal capacity and evaluating risks associated with capillary and mechanical controls. Overall, the course emphasizes the importance of an integrated approach to trap and seal analysis in subsurface reservoirs. The lectures introduce fundamentals and advanced concepts for faulting and flow for the prediction of fault behavior in subsurface traps and the concepts discussed are applied in simple exercises to reinforce learning.

Duration and Logistics

Classroom version: A 4-day classroom course, comprising a mix of lectures (65%) and hands-on exercises (35%). The manual will be provided in digital format and participants will be required to bring a laptop or tablet computer to follow the lectures and exercises.

Virtual version: Five 4-hour interactive online sessions presented over five days. Digital course notes and exercise materials will be distributed to participants before the course. Some exercises may be completed by participants off-line.

Level and Audience

Intermediate. The course is intended for geoscientists (geologists and geophysicists) and petroleum engineers, so they can apply these principles in their subsurface projects.

Objectives

You will learn to:

Analyze fault geometries and architecture, apply this knowledge to make robust fault interpretations.
Assess fault rock types and properties and likely impacts on fluid flow across and along faults.
Conduct juxtaposition seal analysis and employ triangle diagrams.
Apply algorithms, such as SGR and CSF, for predicting clay contents across faults.
Assess the relationship between threshold pressure and fault seal capacity against the clay content predicted across fault surfaces.
Characterize faults as potential migration and leakage pathways.
Evaluate the geomechanical and capillary properties of top seal units.

Salt Tectonics – From Concepts to Application (G020)

Tutor(s)

Mark Rowan: President, Rowan Consulting, Inc.

Overview

This course covers all aspects of global salt tectonics. It discusses the origin and nature of evaporite basins and provides instruction on the essential elements of salt mechanics, diapirism, salt-related structural styles and salt-sediment interaction. Covered material ranges from fundamental concepts and practical application, to the influence of salt on petroleum systems. Lectures are complemented by exercises interpreting a variety of seismic data, illustrating characteristic structural styles and evolutionary development of salt basins.

Duration and Logistics

Classroom version: A 4-day classroom course comprising a mix of lectures (75%) and seismic exercises (25%). The manual will be provided in digital format and participants will be required to bring a laptop or tablet computer to follow the lectures and exercises.

Virtual version: Eight 3-hour interactive online sessions presented over 8 days. A digital manual and exercise materials will be distributed to participants before the course. Some reading and several exercises are to be completed by participants off-line.

Level and Audience

Advanced. The course is intended for geoscientists who wish to strengthen their skills in evaluating salt basins around the world.

Objectives

You will learn to:

Understand the implications of layered-evaporite sequences for velocity-model building and seismic interpretation.
Describe how halite differs from other lithologies and how that impacts deformation in salt basins.
Characterize the ways in which extension, contraction and differential loading trigger salt flow and diapir initiation / growth.
Evaluate how salt impacts deformation in different tectonic environments, including rift basins, divergent margins and convergent-margin fold-and-thrust belts.
Interpret typical salt and stratal geometries associated with salt evacuation and diapirism.
Predict how drape folding around passive diapirs impacts stratal geometries, faulting and reservoir distribution in diapir-flank traps.
Understand why and how allochthonous salt forms and how salt sheets / canopies evolve.
Assess the effects of salt on various aspects of the petroleum system, including trap formation, reservoir presence and quality, hydrocarbon maturation and migration, and weld seal.

Seismic Structural Interpretation and Analysis Workshop (G005)

Tutor(s)

Peter Hennings: Consulting Geologist and Research Scientist and Lecturer, UT Austin, Texas.

Overview

The course addresses interpretation of 2-D and 3-D seismic reflection data for unraveling the geometry and kinematic evolution of crustal structures, principally in sedimentary rocks. Topics include understanding how structures manifest themselves in seismic data and approaches to effective interpretation and kinematic analysis. Structural systems addressed include extensional, fold and thrust belts, salt tectonics and inversion. Applied topics include interpretation and analysis approaches, determination of geologic and basin history, fault system analysis, fault permeability structure and geomechanical evaluations, such as in situ stress determination and application to induced seismicity risking. Practical exercises are based on global seismic datasets and are reinforced by active in-class discussion.

Duration and Logistics

Classroom version: A 5-day classroom course, comprising a mix of lectures (40%), analysis of case studies (30%) and integrated exercises (30%). The manual will be provided in digital format and participants will be required to bring a laptop or tablet computer to follow the lectures and exercises.

Virtual version: Ten 3.5-hour interactive online sessions presented over 10 days. A digital manual and exercise materials will be distributed to participants before the course. Some reading and several exercises are to be completed by participants off-line.

Level and Audience

Fundamental. The course is intended for geoscientists who wish to strengthen their seismic interpretation and analysis skills by applying key interpretation techniques and strategies to a wide range of structural types and application goals.

Objectives

You will learn to:

Understand the manifestation of 3-D structures in reflection seismic data.
Develop effective structural interpretation perception – learning to think ‘kinemechanically’.
Generate interpretations with geometric admissibility and kinematic compatibility.
Understand imaging scale, artefacts and interpretation pitfalls.
Gain experience in interpretation and analysis in all structural regimes.
Understand how faults form, grow, interact, reactivate and impact fluid flow.
Gain an introductory understanding of geomechanics as applied to interpretation.
Become acquainted with fault stress analysis and fault seal risking.

Natural Fractures (Faults and Joints): Quantification and Analysis, Somerset, UK (G033)

Tutor(s)

Mark Bentley: TRACS International Consultancy and Langdale Geoscience.

Overview

This course will explore superb exposures of fault and joint systems within the Triassic/Lower Jurassic of the East Bristol Channel and Central Somerset Basins, focusing on 3-D seismic scale fault systems, including a variety of fracture geometries, fabrics and networks. Field analysis will be supported by materials on stress, strain and fracture development, as well as an analysis of both seal potential and flow potential. Key challenges regarding predicting fracture volumetrics and the challenges of fault seal will be addressed, including how to bridge the gap between outcrop detail and seismic structures and how to represent fractures in reservoir models, whether they be sealing or conductive to flow.

Duration and Logistics

5 days; a mix of field visits (50%) and classroom lectures with exercises (50%).

Exertion Level

This class requires an EASY exertion level. Somerset is quite comfortable in the spring and early summer, with temperatures of 5–20°C (40–65°F) and occasional rain showers. Field stops require short walks along coastal paths, beaches and wave cut platforms. The longest walk is <4km (2.5 miles). Field stops are all at approximately sea level and some are tide dependent. Transport will be by coach.

Level and Audience

Fundamental. The course is designed for geoscientists, petrophysicists, reservoir engineers and well engineers. Ideally structured for groups working in multi-discipline, asset-based teams with structurally complex reservoirs wishing to understand fracture properties and their impact on fluid flow.

Objectives

You will learn to:

Characterize fracture systems and geometries in the subsurface.
Quantify fault properties, including sealing capacity and threshold pressure.
Quantify open natural fracture properties.
Address modeling challenges for fracture type and fracture property distribution.
Represent fractures (both faults and joints) in reservoir simulations.
Evaluate risk and uncertainty associated with fracture modeling.
Evaluate the impact of fractures on well planning and seal integrity.

Women in Energy Field Experience: The Role of Salt in Hydrocarbon Exploitation, Energy Storage and Carbon-reduction Mechanisms, Paradox Basin, Utah and Colorado (G084)

Tutor(s)

Kate Giles: Lloyd A. Nelson Professor, University of Texas at El Paso; Consulting Geologist.

Cindy Yeilding: NE Director, Denbury Inc.

Overview

This course is aimed exclusively at women working in the energy industry, particularly in the geoscience, geotechnical and engineering fields. The primary technical goal is to provide a widely applicable introduction to the interrelationship between sedimentation and structural geology with a particular focus on salt tectonics and salt-sediment interaction. The geology is examined with reference to energy production, including hydrocarbon exploration and production, along with discussions around energy transition topics (CCUS, geothermal, hydrogen and energy storage). While the technical aspects are paramount, the course is also designed to provide networking and professional development opportunities. Evening discussions and activities will allow for exchange of ideas and experiences in a supportive and open atmosphere.

Duration and Logistics

A 5-day field course starting and finishing in Grand Junction, Colorado, comprising a mixture of field exercises, activities and networking.

Level and Audience

Fundamental. This course requires a basic understanding of geoscience and will suit those working in the geoscience, geotechnical and engineering fields. The aim is to facilitate knowledge and experience exchange among the participants, so is open to women from a very wide range of experience levels.

Exertion Level

Objectives

You will learn to:

Describe the regional stratigraphy and principal structural features of the Paradox Basin, Utah.
Characterize and interpret controls on Paradox Basin salt-related structures and key features of passive diapiric systems, including halokinetic sequences, caprock development, non-evaporite stringers / inclusions, welds, megaflaps, counter-regional faults, radial faults and burial wedges.
Examine stratal geometries and halokinetic sequences and how these relate to intervals of salt inflation / evacuation and sediment flux.
Assess the controls on basin fill architecture, fluid flow and deformation within the Paradox Basin and compare this to analogous salt basins worldwide.
Understand the importance of salt basins to the energy industry for hydrocarbon production.