Reports by LOUISE S. DURHAM
EXPLORER Correspondent

'Geology 101' Gets New Applications

The Tried and True Still Works

Old, but still valuable:

Can new applications of old technology lead to a pot of gold?

Small companies are betting yes.

Photo courtesy of Dale Kleppen

Increasingly sophisticated E&P tools have proven to work near-miracles in much of the oil patch -- but high-tech applications usually carry a correspondingly high price tag that would break the budget of the increasing numbers of small companies dotting the landscape.

This doesn't have to be a "bad thing."

In fact, some of the bigger entities with deeper pockets purposely eschew the glitzy hydrocarbon-finding tools in certain instances, instead using old-style, tried and true methods.

Such an approach is people intensive, but the payoff can be substantial.

Here are two examples of how old technology is succeeding via new applications.

'Old-Timey' Geology Pays Off

Cecil's Log Plainly Is Gassy