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April 2015

Geologists Clamor for Freedom in the Field

In February, geologists Karina Banquéz, Andrés Mauricio Botero, John Elber Ríos and Germán Ayala set out to do geochemical testing for the Colombian Geological Survey in Norte de Santander, in northeastern Colombia. Little did they know their time in the field would last much longer than planned.

GeoLegends Theater, Presented by the 100th Anniversary Committee

Coming soon to an AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition near you– a chance to hear stories, insights and historical accounts directly from some of the greatest geologists to ever hunt for oil and gas.

'World-Class Exposures' Offered in ACE Field Trips

It’s good to be reminded of this one simple industry fact: “As a rule, geologists love to get out in the field to see classic and interesting outcrops that provide a better understanding of depositional facies, hydrocarbon reservoir systems, and anything related to geology.” That’s AAPG member Mark Longman, this year’s field trip chair for the upcoming AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition, set May 31-June 3 in Denver.

A Course in 'Childlike Wonderment'

If geology is boring, you’re teaching it wrong, according to one of this year’s Grover E. Murray Award winners, AAPG member Victor Paul Wright.

Elected or Appointed Editor?

A proposal to change the AAPG elected editor’s position to an appointive will be among the items considered when the House of Delegates gathers for its annual meeting May 31 in Denver.

AAPG: Your ‘Career Partner for Life’

Present conditions in the industry are resulting in increasing competition for jobs and consulting opportunities. Geoscientists are facing career hurdles that are reminiscent for some and new for others. At times like these, even a small advantage can assist their career future. AAPG is ready to assist its members by offering the exclusive Member Registry Service.

Emphasis: Offshore Developments

Deepwater Is the Future of Exploration

Most of the recent success in global exploration has been driven by deepwater finds, said AAPG member Bob Fryklund, chief upstream strategist for IHS in Houston.

Making the Impossible Possible

Page through the 11,481 technical papers presented at each Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) since its 1969 inception, and the history of exploration and development primarily in the Gulf of Mexico unfolds in one long narrative – replete with human ingenuity, perseverance and accomplishment.

AAPG Brings Cross-Discipline Appeal to OTC

With technical sessions designed to have cross-discipline appeal across the industry, Buford Pollett, chairman of the AAPG technical subcommittee for OTC, said this year’s topics were specifically chosen to attract a broad spectrum of professionals.

Shining the Spotlight on Oil Spill Prevention

Oil spills get a lot of media attention, but the best stories are about the disasters that didn’t happen.

Governors Confer on Coastal Exploration

Several governors and elected officials will be on hand to discuss the future of coastal energy exploration during a panel discussion at the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston next month. Speakers will include North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory, chairman of the Outer Continental Shelf Governors Coalition.

Changes on the Horizon

Petroleum industry players expend considerable energy, money and time adhering to federal government dictates. Additionally, they are constantly on the alert for newer policies and restrictions that might affect them– particularly in the U.S. offshore environment.

Standing Columns

President’s Column

During Good Times and Bad

Providing opportunities for interaction and engagement across energy industry professionals might expand employment opportunities for all our members – especially during downturns like this.

Director’s Corner

Putting Petroleum Geology in Layman's Terms

We sprinkle a remarkable amount of jargon into our conversations about energy and geoscience. And we take for granted that our neighbor has ever really thought about the ground under his or her feet. It’s dirt and rock, right?

Division Column DPA

DPA Offers Professional Support, Long and Short-Term

It’s not surprising that the price of oil and gas has a direct effect on attendance to AAPG and DPA programs. Like you, I hope this downturn is not too deep or too wide, and we can make adjustments and continue to grow.

Geophysical Corner

Attribute Analysis of Mid-Continent Washes

The Anadarko Basin granite wash play has been considered difficult to interpret both geologically and geophysically. Consequently, the application of seismic attribute analysis to mid-continent washes has not been widely published.

Policy Watch

New Federal Energy Policies in the Works

Is 2015 the year for comprehensive energy legislation? Many in Congress are considering new, comprehensive energy legislation, which would be the first such measures since the 2005 Energy Policy Act and the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act.

Historical Highlights

Yemen: The Final Frontier

Although Yemen is a single country today, it once consisted of three separate political entities. The territory’s first geological survey took place aboard the HMS Palinurus in 1862, when Henry Carter of the Geological Survey of India made a series of observations of the coastline; but the region was rarely visited and was considered as a poor oil prospect in the first decades of the twentieth century.

Regions and Sections

A Petroleum Geology Powerhouse

Petroleum geology’s advancement as a source of prosperity and a driver of human industry and progress around the world is the essence of AAPG’s mission – and nowhere is the ground more fertile for that mission to bear fruit than in the Middle East.

Foundation Update

Build a Better Foundation for the Geosciences

Join your fellow AAPG Members in building a better Foundation for the geosciences. It’s easy to do by making a contribution to the AAPG Foundation when you pay your dues in 2015.

April 2015

Table of Contents

Emphasis: Offshore Developments

Standing Columns

News & Features

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