Explorer Director’s Corner

Notwithstanding the increases in oil prices we’ve seen in recent years, the cost controls put in place in response to the downturn persist. And it’s not just E&P companies looking to the future and tightening their belts. The major oil and gas producing economies are, too.

American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
Explorer Historical Highlights

Looking at the ruins of the Parthenon today, perched high on the Acropolis of Athens, it is difficult to imagine that those pollution-tainted marbles were once the pinnacle of a civilization that gave us the principles of philosophy, mathematics, logic and democracy. Looking at the ruins of what is left today of Petroleos de Venezuela S.A., it is difficult to imagine that, like the Parthenon, it once stood proudly as Venezuela’s beacon of modernity.

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American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
Explorer Article

There are approximately 90.55 billion barrels of undiscovered technically recoverable oil and a mean of 327.58 trillion cubic feet of undiscovered technically recoverable natural gas in the federal outer continental shelf of the United States. That’s according to a report issued by the United States Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. The exploration possibilities of all that, if not endless, are pretty encouraging.

American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
Explorer Article

Is the United States about to get a tax on carbon emissions? Advocates of carbon pricing seem optimistic, even confident, that the U.S. Congress will legislate a carbon fee or some other form of emissions restriction. And this comes with surprisingly little public discussion of the issue.

American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
Explorer Emphasis Article

A strategy gaining force to reduce risk and improve decision-making in recent years is “integration,” the practice of combining disparate teams to complete single projects. Integrated teams are increasingly common in the energy sector, where single business units include geologists, geophysicists, petrophysicists, engineers and other professionals who work on a common project.

American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
Explorer Emphasis Article

The world is awash in oil at the moment, but with chronic underinvestment in exploration coupled with global energy demand steadily rising, the stage may be set for an oil price spike in the years to come, according to some analysts. Others, on the other hand, predict that improved production methods and project efficiency will go a long way toward meeting supply demands with existing reserves.

American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
Explorer Division Column DPA

In early August, we learned that a Texas Sunset Review Board had recommended the elimination of the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists. Our local AAPG-affiliated societies quickly organized an information campaign and defense for the TBPG. This shows the importance of strong, well organized local affiliates. This situation also raises several questions about the professional status of geologists in our society and how we view ourselves.

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American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
Explorer Director’s Corner

The continent of Africa has beguiled geologists for centuries. Its varied and beautiful landforms and geological features, its mineral and energy resources, its cultural heritage – it’s the birthplace of our species – all combine to form a rich experience of sights and sounds, aromas and flavors. Once you’ve been to Africa, you want to go back. And that’s why, after 10 years, we’re heading back to Africa next month – back to Cape Town, for the 2018 AAPG International Conference and Exhibition.

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American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
Explorer Emphasis Article

Bolivia’s role as a South American gas market supplier was a key theme at the Geosciences Technology Workshop Bolivia 2018, AAPG’s first technical workshop in the country. High-profile guests drew national attention, and local media outlets covering the GTW described Bolivia as “playing in the big leagues.”

American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
Explorer Emphasis Article

The date is important – Aug. 11, 2014. That was the day Mexican President Peña Nieto signed a package of laws designed to attract and encourage foreign investment into the country’s oil, gas and electrical grids. With the reform codified, the country was open for business and companies like Shell, Total, BP, Petronas Repsol and BHP rushed in.

American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)

Hot Items

Explorer Article

Carbon capture and sequestration reduces emissions, but it cannot work past cost barriers without the revenue opportunities provided by utilization and storage. 

American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
Explorer Article

Nihal Darraj, carbon capture and storage researcher at Imperial College, London shares barriers to CCUS commercialization, including costs, technology, permitting and more. 

American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
Explorer Historical Highlights

The Paris Basin offers times of both discoveries and failures, from its first well drilled near Normandy in the 1920s to today. 

American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
Explorer Director’s Corner

Perhaps you did a double take pulling the April issue of EXPLORER from the mailbox. What is this? If you joined AAPG in the last 40 years, you’ve only known EXPLORER in its long-standing tabloid format. It worked well for many years as our advertisers – particularly seismic companies – loved the large format and the ability to display their data on a sweeping canvas. For readers, it was a little more awkward.

American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)

Headquarters Contacts

Susan Nash
Susan Nash Director, Innovation and Emerging Science and Technology, AAPG +1 405 314 7730