Course Description:

Geological factors bear directly on and usually control engineering activities such as drilling, logging, testing, completion, development, and production, as well as all financial decisions associated with development. This Course assumes the participant has some understanding of elementary geology, but it will provide a review of key geological principles and environments of deposition, all keyed to focus on the practical impact of geological models and uncertainty on appraisal and development. Without a common understanding between geologists and engineers, there can be no real interdisciplinary communication or teamwork in reservoir development and production activities. Engineering, financial, and geological coordination and understanding are the objectives of this course.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, the participant will be able to:

1. Understand the sources of geological data and the interpretation of that data, including maps, cross-sections, electric logs, and seismic sections
2. Recognize the relationships between paleo-environmental interpretations and the practical application of these interpretations to field development
3. Recognize, and appreciate uncertainty in geological and geophysical data/interpretation
4. Understand the uncertainty surrounding the geologist’s interpretation…. “Why won’t they give me a straight answer?”
5. Recognize ways in which geological data is presented for evaluation in integrated asset teams
6. Understand and more realistically evaluate geological data and interpretation
7. Understand geological interpretation impact on production and development

Course Outlines:

1. Correlation and stratigraphy
2. Structural interpretation
3. Seismology
4. Clastic/carbonate deposition including an introduction to Unconventional Reservoirs
5. Reservoir geology
6. Reservoir characterization and modeling
7. Volumetrics
8. Well planning
9. Reservoir appraisal
10. Field development
11. Uncertainty Analysis

Who Can Benefit?

Production/Completion/Reservoir Engineers, and Managers involved with reservoir management, and development/production, who might require an understanding of geological data, its variability, and the effects of the data, and its’ interpretation, on their projects and jobs.