Deforming the Depths: Structural Geology for Oil and Gas Training Course

Introduction

Structural geology is the study of rock deformation, focusing on the forces and processes that create folds, faults, fractures, and other geological structures within the Earth's crust. In the oil and gas industry, these structures are paramount, as they often form the traps that accumulate hydrocarbons, influence fluid migration pathways, and impact reservoir quality and producibility. A deep understanding of structural geology is therefore critical for successful exploration, accurate reservoir characterization, and optimized field development.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip participants with a comprehensive and practical understanding of structural geology as applied to oil and gas exploration and production. From exploring the fundamental principles of stress and strain to mastering the interpretation of various structural features from seismic data and well logs, you will gain the expertise to identify and analyze hydrocarbon traps. This empowers you to de-risk exploration, optimize well placement, predict reservoir behavior, and contribute significantly to the efficient and safe extraction of energy resources.

Target Audience

  • Geologists and Geophysicists in Exploration and Development.
  • Reservoir Engineers and Production Engineers.
  • Drilling Engineers and Well Planners.
  • Exploration Managers and Technical Leads.
  • Academics and Students in Earth Sciences and Petroleum Geology.
  • Data Scientists working with Geospatial Data.
  • Anyone involved in subsurface interpretation for hydrocarbon projects.
  • Technical Staff in Oil & Gas Companies.

Duration: 10 days

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this training course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the fundamental principles of stress, strain, and rock deformation.
  • Grasp the formation mechanisms and characteristics of various geological structures (folds, faults, fractures).
  • Analyze the role of structural geology in hydrocarbon trap formation and fluid migration.
  • Comprehend the interpretation of structural features from seismic data, well logs, and core samples.
  • Evaluate the impact of structural geology on reservoir quality and fluid flow.
  • Develop practical skills in constructing structural maps and cross-sections.
  • Navigate the complexities of balancing geological cross-sections and structural restoration.
  • Formulate robust strategies for integrating structural geological concepts into exploration and development workflows.

Course Content

  1. Introduction to Structural Geology and Its Relevance to Oil & Gas
  • Defining Structural Geology Module: study of rock deformation and structures
  • Importance in Petroleum Industry Module: hydrocarbon traps, migration pathways, reservoir compartmentalization
  • Stress and Strain Module: fundamental concepts of forces and deformation
  • Deformation Mechanisms Module: brittle vs. ductile deformation
  • The critical role of structural geology in hydrocarbon exploration and production
  1. Faults and Fault Systems
  • Defining Faults Module: fractures with measurable displacement
  • Types of Faults Module: normal, reverse (thrust), strike-slip, oblique-slip
  • Fault Geometry and Kinematics Module: fault dip, strike, throw, heave, slip
  • Fault Interpretation from Seismic Data Module: identifying fault planes, fault polygons, fault throws
  • Fault Interpretation from Well Logs Module: missing or repeated sections, dipmeter logs
  • The role of faults as seals or conduits for hydrocarbon migration
  1. Folds and Folding Mechanisms
  • Defining Folds Module: ductile deformation of rock layers
  • Types of Folds Module: anticlines, synclines, monoclines, domes, basins
  • Fold Geometry Module: fold axis, axial plane, limb, plunge
  • Fold Interpretation from Seismic Data Module: identifying fold structures, closures
  • Folding Mechanisms Module: buckling, bending, passive folding
  • Folds as primary hydrocarbon traps
  1. Fractures and Joints
  • Defining Fractures and Joints Module: brittle breaks without significant displacement
  • Types of Fractures Module: extensional (joints), shear (faults), hybrid
  • Fracture Characterization Module: orientation, density, aperture, length
  • Interpretation of Fractures Module: from core, image logs, seismic attributes
  • Impact of fractures on reservoir permeability and fluid flow (naturally fractured reservoirs)
  1. Salt Tectonics and Diapirism
  • Properties of Salt Module: low density, ductility, flow behavior
  • Salt Structures Module: salt domes, diapirs, canopies, salt walls
  • Associated Structures Module: minibasins, faulting around salt bodies, overhangs
  • Hydrocarbon Traps Associated with Salt Module: sub-salt, supra-salt traps
  • Interpreting complex structures related to salt movement
  1. Regional Tectonics and Basin Formation
  • Plate Tectonics Review Module: convergent, divergent, transform plate boundaries
  • Basin Classification based on Tectonics Module: rift basins, foreland basins, passive margins
  • Structural Styles in Different Tectonic Settings Module: extensional, compressional, strike-slip regimes
  • Impact of Regional Tectonics on Hydrocarbon Systems Module: source rock maturation, migration pathways, trap formation
  • Understanding the large-scale forces shaping hydrocarbon provinces
  1. Structural Interpretation from Seismic Data
  • Seismic Data Quality and Resolution Module: impact on structural interpretation
  • Horizon Picking and Fault Mapping Module: systematic approach to structural interpretation
  1. Time Slices and Attribute Analysis Module: using seismic attributes to highlight structures (coherence, dip, azimuth)
  • 3D Visualization and Interpretation Module: building geological models in 3D software
  • Practical exercises in interpreting seismic data for structural features
  1. Well Log and Core Data for Structural Interpretation
  • Dipmeter and Image Logs Module: interpreting dips, fractures, and structural features from borehole images
  • Core Analysis for Structures Module: identifying faults, fractures, folds in core samples
  • Well Correlation and Cross-Sections Module: building geological cross-sections from well data
  • Integration of Well Data with Seismic Module: tying well tops and structural features to seismic
  • Using borehole data to constrain and validate seismic interpretations
  1. Structural Restoration and Balancing
  • Principles of Structural Restoration Module: unfolding and un-faulting geological sections
  • Balanced Cross-Sections Module: ensuring geometric and kinematic consistency
  • Applications of Restoration Module: validating interpretations, predicting subsurface geometry, understanding burial history
  • Software for Structural Restoration Module: industry tools for forward and reverse modeling
  • Validating structural interpretations and understanding deformation history
  1. Structural Controls on Reservoir and Production
  • Compartmentalization by Faults Module: impact on fluid flow, pressure regimes
  • Fracture Networks and Permeability Module: enhancing or hindering flow in fractured reservoirs
  • Structural Traps and Seal Integrity Module: assessing trap effectiveness
  • Geomechanics and Drilling Module: wellbore stability, induced fracturing
  • Production Optimization in Structurally Complex Fields Module: infill drilling, waterflooding strategies
  • The direct influence of structural geology on hydrocarbon recovery.

CERTIFICATION

  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

  • Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

  • Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com

For More Details call: +254-114-087-180

 

Deforming The Depths: Structural Geology For Oil And Gas Training Course in Holy See
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