Explorer Emphasis Article
By Barry Friedman
“Geologists and geophysicists work well together.” That’s Stephen A. Sonnenberg on why AAPG and the Society of Exploration Geophysicists will be coming together for the International Meeting for Applied Geoscience and Energy at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver and online, Sept. 26 through Oct. 1. This year’s inaugural hybrid event will include nearly 200 technical presentations, 14 workshops, 10 special sessions, five field trips, numerous networking opportunities and a joint exhibition showcasing the latest geoscience products and technologies will be on hand.
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American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
Added on 01 September, 2021
Explorer Article
By David Brown
Can the oil and gas industry ever speak with one voice on climate action? Can majors, national oil companies, leading independents and energy trade associations ever get on the same page when it comes to climate change? And critically, is climate policy turning into a no-win exercise for the oil industry? The American Petroleum Institute and other industry associations are now adopting a revised climate policy approach, partly based on growing public pressure in support of climate action.
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American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
Added on 01 September, 2021
Explorer Regions and Sections
By Linda Sternbach
The Southwest Section Convention sizzled in the Fort Worth heat in late June, marking the first in-person section convention since the pandemic, and attracting a larger than anticipated number of geologists and geophysicists. Southwest Section organizers were thrilled with the large number of on-site registrations resulting in sellout ticketed events at the Radisson Fort Worth meeting site.
American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
Added on 01 August, 2021
Explorer Article
By Heather Saucier
The future for a petroleum geoscientist might seem more uncertain these days as the transition to cleaner energy begins. Fewer students have their ambitions set on oil and gas careers and industry professionals are beginning to question how their knowledge and skills will fit into a world of new energies. But, as many observers have noted, oil and gas will continue to play a key role in fueling the energy system for decades to come. As well as being needed to explore, geoscientists will be the bedrock for many emerging roles prompted by the transition because of their expertise in the subsurface.
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American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
Added on 01 August, 2021
Explorer Article
By David Brown
OPEC+ and the United Arab Emirates appear to have settled their spat over production levels for now, but the “prisoner’s dilemma” of the current oil market remains, and that could have long- term ramifications for the industry.
American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
Added on 01 August, 2021
Explorer Article
By Barry Friedman
“The beauty of the unconventionals is, while they’re expensive, we know where they are.” That’s Carlos Torres-Verdin, Brian James Jennings memorial endowed chair and Zarrow centennial professor of petroleum engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, talking about the promise of unconventional energy production in the United States, both from an industry standpoint and with a view to its position in the country’s future energy mix. According to a study by the Harvard University Business School, by 2030, 3.8 million jobs, half of which would be accessible to middle-skilled workers, could potentially be supported by the development of unconventional resources.
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American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
Added on 01 July, 2021
Explorer Division Column DPA
By Don Burdick
It is a fair question, right? We have all thought about it. If I think back to that “Intro to Geology” course in college, it seemed “easy” at the beginning, probably because it was so much fun! It was an intoxicating course for an outdoor/nature-minded science student. The professor showing us a wide range of Earth landforms and processes with slides of beautiful places, teasing out the idea of a career with outdoor travels around the globe. Plus, hanging out with other geology students was a blast, whether after class drinking a beer or hiking over a pile of rocks. Who knew those were the early days of “networking”? As with any discipline however, the more you advance, the more you must work at it. Those advanced classes and degrees were not easy, but the value and enjoyment were worth it.
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American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
Added on 01 July, 2021
Explorer Historical Highlights
By Leaman D. Harris
Petroleum exploration on the United States’ Outer Continental Shelf has a colorful history, punctuated by the interplay between private enterprise and government oversight. Except for a thin strip near the coast controlled by the adjacent coastal state, the entire area is under federal government jurisdiction. As of 2020, the OCS provides about 15 percent of U.S. domestic oil production and 2 percent of natural gas. The following is a brief history of that government oversight and how the author’s involvement may have saved the industry’s activity in the OCS from being nationalized.
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American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
Added on 01 July, 2021