Structural Geology (GEO63)
Description
Structural analysis is a key part of risk assessment in subsurface valuations. This course is intended to provide participants with the skills to optimize both exploration lead evaluation and reservoir development with respect to structural complexities in hydrocarbon reservoirs such as structural geometries, conduits and seals.
Participants will be introduced to the main elements of geomechanics, which then serve as a basis to understand structural geometries and kinematics. Examples can never provide the complete picture, whereas a generic geo-mechanical approach is universally applicable. Case histories still provide good illustration materials as it helps understanding mechanics and tectonics.
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 elements will be discussed for each tectonic regime.
Course Level: Foundation / Skill
Duration: 5 days
Instructor: Evert Uitentuis
Participants will be introduced to the main elements of geomechanics, which then serve as a basis to understand structural geometries and kinematics. Examples can never provide the complete picture, whereas a generic geo-mechanical approach is universally applicable. Case histories still provide good illustration materials as it helps understanding mechanics and tectonics.
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 elements will be discussed for each tectonic regime.
Course Level: Foundation / Skill
Duration: 5 days
Instructor: Evert Uitentuis
Designed for you, if you are...
- An exploration or development geologist, geophysicist, or petroleum engineer working on the development of hydrocarbons in areas with (complex) tectonic regimes
How we build your confidence
Exercises and case histories presented throughout the week provide a strong link between theory and application. Relevant examples presented by participants can be treated as part of the course if presented in advance, including some example material.The benefits from attending
This course program is centred around structural geometries and geo-mechanical principles behind the development of structural features such as folds, faults and fractures.By the end of this course, you will feel confident in your understanding of:
- The roles of structural geology in E&P
- Basic geo-mechanics theory, Mohr circle analysis
- Analogue modelling of structural processes
- Tectonic regimes (e.g. Extensional, Compressional, Strike-Slip)
- Fault generation, reactivation, sealing and analysis
- Salt tectonics and diapirism, inversion
- Subsurface Pressures
- Impact of rock deformation on hydrocarbon generation and development
Topics
Introduction to Structural Geology and Geo-Mechanics- Introduction and overview
- General aspects of the application of structural geology and geo-mechanics in the E&P business
- Introduction to stress and strain, rock mechanics and the application of this subject to geological phenomena as encountered in the oil and gas business
- The concept (and limitations) of analogue modelling
Origin of Structural Deformation; Folding, Tectonic Regimes
- Folding: Slow deformation may lead to folding. Types, nomenclature and the relationship with hydrocarbon occurrences
- Tectonic regimes
- Regimes according to Anderson classification
- Extensional tectonics
- Hydrocarbon occurrence in extensional basins (with case histories structural)
- Geometries and fault properties characteristic for extensional tectonic regimes such as rifts, deltas
- Strike-slip tectonics: Structural geometries and fault properties that are characteristic for strike-slip tectonic regimes treated by 3D nature of tectonic setting including pitfalls and traps in structural interpretation
- Compressional tectonics: fold-and-thrust belts
- Structural geometries and fault properties that are characteristic for compressional tectonic regimes - Salt-tectonics (halokinesis), occurrence, process, drilling issues
- The mechanics of fault reactivation - multi-phase tectonics (inversion tectonics)
Conduits and Seals: Faults and Fractures
- Fracture mechanics, fracture types, natural fracture systems and their impact on reservoir characteristics and production strategies, hydrocarbon entrapment and fluid flow
- Fracture systems: fracture mechanics, reservoir examples and outcrop examples
- Analysis of fault and fracture systems, including integrating faults on a map, fractal properties of fault and fractures and prediction of sub-seismic faults
- Subsurface pressures; the origin and effects of normal and abnormal subsurface pressure
- Borehole-stability: the effect of subsurface pressures on the drilling process for a safe and efficient field development
- Fault sealing mechanisms and approaches to evaluate seal integrity in exploration and in production scenarios with case examples and exercises
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