Table of Contents

 

Paul “Mitch” Harris and Alfredo E. Guzmán lead the list, but they are just two of the 48 award winners who have been announced by AAPG and who will be recognized at the opening session of the 2015 AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition, set May 31-June 3 In Denver.

American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
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AAPG officer candidates have been announced for the 2015-16 term.

American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
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An aging geoscience workforce coupled with college graduates lacking the requisite field experience to find employment could translate soon to a significant skills gap in the oilfield, according to a recent report from the American Geosciences Institute.

American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
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Advancing computer technology and increasingly sophisticated software packages are inundating the geosciences in exponential numbers – a trend that many say reflects and portends major changes in both the profession and the industry. Simply put, computer programs are quickly chipping away at the risks and costs of exploration, turning the hunt for oil and gas into a more accurate and precise science.

American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
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Like numerous other geologic formations, the allure of the Wilcox has waxed and waned owing to fluctuating commodity prices, among other issues. As hydrocarbon prices recovered and technology applications like hydraulic fracturing became commonplace, the Wilcox beckoned anew, attracting principally the mom-and-pop shops and the small to mid-size independents.

American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
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Stimulating. Inspirational. Fantastic. Unforgettable. Those were the words used to describe the Latin America Region Student Chapter Leadership Summit (LAR-SCLS) held in early November at the Peruvian Geological Society in Lima, Peru.

American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
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Pumps & Pipes brings together the newest technologies from the oil and gas, medical and aerospace professions in Houston to talk about something they all have in common: Problems. More specifically, members talk about problems because someone else in the room – from a completely different discipline and expertise – may already have found an effective solution.

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Emphasis: Downhole Geology

 

After many months of harnessing mind-bending ideas, a Houston-based team of engineers, geologists and geophysicists has developed technology to monitor hydraulic fractures from the surface and wellbore simultaneously. Adding multiple dimensions to the monitoring process, they say, allows operators to more clearly understand drainage patterns of hydrocarbons in shale reservoirs and, more importantly, know with greater certainty where to drill the next well, how to optimize completions and maximize asset value.

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What’s new in downhole geology, you ask? According to the advertising and press releases that are sent throughout the media, there’s a lot that’s new – more, in fact, than we could ever cover. But since this is our annual Downhole Geology issue, we thought we’d take a look at some of the latest advancements in drilling, well-logging and other downhole innovations rolled out in recent months by a few industry heavy-hitters.

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The idea of using lasers for drilling into the earth has long been to the oil and gas industry what flying cars and hoverboards are to the general public – the stuff of science fiction and futuristic fantasy. As 2015 fast approaches (contrary to what we were promised in the “Back to the Future” movies) we haven’t quite cracked the code yet on flying cars and hoverboards, but there might be a consolation prize in the works: Laser drilling may actually become a reality.

American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
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When it comes to downhole geology, little things matter. Those “things” would include the realm of microseismic measurements, because as unconventional plays and hydraulic fracturing become the norm throughout the industry, the need for microseismic imaging grows in importance. Companies large and small are constantly developing, testing and using this technology, hoping to add value to today’s efforts.

American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
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Standing Columns

It’s appropriate in this season of remembering to recognize and celebrate those people who are this year’s “Best of the Best” – the amazing people who have been named the winners of AAPG honors and awards.

American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
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Troubled winds are blowing as this year comes to a close. And our industry is feeling their effects.

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In many environmental areas, it seems the energy industry is often on the defensive and is forced to react to real or perceived environmental issues rather than employ forethought to anticipate the majority of issues that might arise from energy-related activities.

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Three-D seismic surveys always suffer from poor sampling along at least one spatial dimension – that’s why many techniques have been developed over the years to interpolate data, in particular before final migration.

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The need for research to help understand the causes and mitigate induced seismicity was one of several topics at several recent Washington, D.C., workshops that explored what we know about the subsurface and its response to energy extraction technologies – and what research is needed for more efficient and safe energy development.

American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
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A commemorative event was held in October to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the historic Thorla-McKee oil well and salt works of southeastern Ohio. It is an important historical site for the history of North America’s petroleum industry. Much like the 1818 traveler who visited the “natural curiosity” and wrote about the well, the site is still well worth a visit.

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We all know January will arrive far too quickly, so now is the time to start planning to attend the annual Global APPEX Prospect and Property Expo, set March 3-5 at its traditional home in the Business Design Centre in Islington, North London, just a stones’ throw from the center of the city.

American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
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Nominations for the AAPG Foundation Professorial Award, presented annually to a college or university professor who demonstrates outstanding leadership in the field of geoscience education, are now being accepted.

American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
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