An AAPG Hedberg Research Conference organized through the AAPG Research Committee
Critical Assessment of Shale Resource Plays
December 5-10, 2010
Austin, Texas USA
Conference Conveners:
- Dan Jarvie
- Worldwide Geochemistry (AAPG)
- Mike Miller
- BP (SPWLA)
- Creties Jenkins
- DeGolyer MacNaughton (SPE)
- Lee Matthews
- Cornerstone Eng. (SPE)
- Bill Keller
- Chesapeake (SEG)
- Jean-Yves Chatellier
- Talisman (AAPG, SEG, SPE)
- Keith Shanley
- The Discovery Group (AAPG)
- Ron Hill
- Marathon (AAPG)
- Richard Moorman
- Southwestern (SPE)
- Gary Schein
- Dale Operating (SPE)
- Galen Treadgold
- Weinman Geoscience (SEG)
- Randall Miller
- Core Labs (AAPG)
View Abstracts
As a cutting-edge research conference (not a shale symposium!), not only results and interpretations are solicited, but also open-ended questions, case studies, and theoretical issues for discussion among the participants from various professional groups and specialties with the following goals:
- Discussed and delineated the current state of knowledge in unconventional shale resource systems
- Discussed current research, work, or tests in progress that have the potential to advance both knowledge and productivity of these systems
- Identified and framed those aspects that are not well understood and in need of further research and development
- Fostered dynamic interaction among the scientists, engineers, and other professionals as well as companies and institutions that have and advance our understanding of these systems
Format
The meeting was comprised of five days of interactive oral and poster sessions with all attendees required to contribute actively with ideas, research questions, and current knowledge. Conveners and attendees participated in select sessions as panel members to elicit discussion among the various disciplines represented at the conference. Two evening sessions were included in the conference. Core was on display with presentations and open discussion.
Topics
- Shale resource systems and their characteristics
- Key shale-gas resource plays: recap, results, and issues
- Key shale-oil resource plays: recap, results and issues
- Integrated study results including models, mapping, log and core correlations, and productivity
- Sedimentology and stratigraphy of shales and implications for reservoir development
- Shale classification: Textures and mineralogy – calibration to wireline data
- Geomechanical, rock matrix, fracture characterization of shales and productivity, well log characterization, calibration, and resolution
- Components and processes of generation, expulsion/retention, and migration
- Storage and fluid flow in shales; porosity and permeability of shale, well log and seismic deduced rock properties – calibrated examples
- Seismic attribute analysis – calibrated to wireline and performance
- Role of structure and fractures in production – calibrated, specific examples
- Optimized approaches for horizontal well landing: case studies, comparisons
- Environmental issues requiring further research
- Core workshop presentations: detailed discussion of cores on display