Home

July 2006

Lee T. Billingsley, vice president of exploration for Abraxas Petroleum Corp. in San Antonio, on July 1 assumed the leadership of the Association’s Executive Committee as president for 2006-07. Billingsley, a native of Spokane, Wash., holds a master’s in geology from Colorado School of Mines and earned bachelor’s and doctorate degrees from Texas A&M.

Afghan Study Boosts Resource View

A March announcement that the U.S. Geological Survey had identified undiscovered oil reserves 18 times the amount originally thought in a certain location and three times the amount of natural gas there likely caused many a Pavlovian response. Whetted appetites may have dried a bit with the realization of the potentially lucrative site’s location: northern Afghanistan.

Peak Oil Doesn't Mean No Oil

Some people who believe in Peak Oil look very worried. They say that society, governments, nations have to act today to avoid an economic disaster in the future. But they have a problem. How do you sound an alarm without sounding alarming?

Science Center Has Policy Goals

Perhaps nothing offers politicians in the nation’s capitol a better opportunity to grandstand than rising energy prices, particularly gasoline. Political posturing can reach absurd levels. A price-gouging investigation? A $100 gasoline rebate? Really?

Turbidite Outcrops Get Attention

If you’ve never had a close-up encounter with a deepwater turbidite, perhaps it’s time. In fact, you may be surprised at the ready accessibility of some really fine outcrops of these type of rocks.

Java Provides Complex Classroom

Geologists know that the East Java Basin in Indonesia is a region affected by the intersecting Indo-Australian and Pacific plates that produce complex faulting and rotation -- in short, a good geological possibility in a country filled with good geological possibilities.

Java Temblor Devastating

The AAPG student chapters, coordinated by the student chapter of UGM, have done as much as possible within its capacity to help the earthquake victims since the day following the earthquake. Since the day after the earthquake, the UGM chapter, assisted by volunteers from other AAPG student chapters in Indonesia, have been surveying the locations that were damaged or destroyed, and sent student chapter volunteers to the damage area for distribution of emergency supplies and assist the victims, including evacuation.

Paleo Markers Can Be Deceiving

Geology 101 teaches that the past is the key to the present. This premise, however, depends on accurate interpretation of the past.

Standing Columns

President’s Column

Execution Tops List of Broad Goals

First, I want to thank the membership for electing me president effective July 1. I will try to live up to the trust and confidence you have shown in me. By way of introduction, even though I now have a new title with AAPG, I am keeping my “day job.” I have worked the past 28 years as a prospector and developer of (sometimes-elusive) hydrocarbons. I am an end-user of many of the products and services offered by AAPG.

Director’s Corner

It's a Happy New Fiscal Year!

AAPG just had its fiscal year’s end and we are happy to report that we had a good year financially. Fiscal year 2005-06 was very productive and we had numerous milestones. I thank Pete Rose and his Executive Committee for their support and leadership.

Division Column DPA

DPA Adds Reasons to Be Certified

The Division of Professional Affairs (DPA) represents Certified Petroleum Geologists and is involved with professionalism, leadership, ethics, education and current political matters. DPA has over 3,100 members and is a leader in many AAPG efforts, including our new office in Washington, D.C. (GEO-DC), and many other initiatives.

Geophysical Corner

Technique Improves Deep Imaging

Multicomponent seismic data have unique value for studying near-seafloor geology in deepwater environments. When properly processed, P-P (compressional) and P-SV (converted-shear) images made from 4-C seismic data acquired in deep water with seafloor sensors show near-seafloor geology with amazing detail. This article is the first of two that describe how improved imaging of near-seafloor, deepwater strata can be achieved with conventional multicomponent seismic data.

Policy Watch

Mood 'Hostile' In Nation's Capitol

As many members already are aware, the U.S. House of Representatives during consideration of the federal government’s 2007 budget has appropriated approximately 25 percent of its 2006 budget for oil and natural gas R&D. While few of us, as taxpayers, believe that growing the deficit is good for tomorrow’s taxpayers, the climate in which the House actions has proceeded reflects both the unpopularity of the oil and gas industry in Washington and the tendency of elected officials to play to popular themes in the eyes of their constituents.

Regions and Sections

Region/Section Presidents

AAPG’s six U.S. Sections and six international Regions are self-governing entities of the Association. Each AAPG member is assigned to one of these according to your mailing address, the country you live in or by individual choice. Election of House of Delegates and Advisory Council representatives is based on Active member population either in an affiliated society or in a Section/Region.

July 2006

Table of Contents

Standing Columns

News & Features

Download July 2006 Explorer PDF

STAY CONNECTED: