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Oil Prices Steady as Russia Eases Fuel Export Ban - 25 September, 2023 07:30 AM

Harold Hamm Calls for Consistency In U.S. Oil and Gas Regulation - 25 September, 2023 07:30 AM

Biden Handed Major Legal Defeat in Attempt to Restrict Oil, Gas Drilling in Gulf of Mexico - 25 September, 2023 07:30 AM

New Oil and Gas Rule Would Provide Pathway for CO2 Utilization - 25 September, 2023 07:30 AM

Macron Says France to Ask Oil Industry to Sell Fuels at Cost - 25 September, 2023 07:30 AM

News in Review ...

12 Oct

Siliciclastic Reservoirs of the Middle East Call for Posters Expires in 15 days

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04 Feb

4th Edition: Stratigraphic Traps of the Middle East Call for Posters Expires in 130 days

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29 Apr

2nd Edition: Geological Process-Based Forward Modeling AAPG Call For Abstracts Expires in 215 days

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Explorer Division Column DEG By Don Clarke

Prioritizing Environmental Awareness and Scientific Accuracy

Many new scientific discoveries are reported daily by the news media. These are evaluated and discussed in detail by scientific cable shows like you see on the Smithsonian Channel. These shows mix science and pseudo-science. I’m still waiting for the Loch Ness monster to show up at the pyramids in Egypt. I ask that you critically evaluate what you hear in the news media and from special interest groups. The facts might be distorted to make it more interesting. Try to make sure the environmental person is reputable. A good scientist will challenge what is presented. The goal is to find out the truth.

Added on 01 September, 2020

Explorer Geophysical Corner By Ritesh Sharma,Satinder Chopra

Using Shale Capacity to Predict Well Performance Variability: Part 2

As discussed in part 1 of this article, when it comes to the attributes used in equation 1 for seismically determining shale capacity, it is difficult to make a manual choice for the cut off values. To alleviate such a problem, application of machine learning techniques could be useful and thus worth exploring.

Added on 01 September, 2020

Explorer Historical Highlights By Rasoul Sorkhabi

OPEC at 60

Sixty years ago this month, on Sept. 14, 1960, representatives from five oil producing gathered at the Al-Shaab Hall in Baghdad to form the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. OPEC was formally dedicated to “the coordination and unification of the petroleum policies of the member countries and the determination of the best means of safeguarding their interests, individually and collectively.” Public perceptions in the West about OPEC are usually negative. OPEC is viewed as an oil cartel, or even a monopoly, whose sole purpose is to control the oil market. The 60th anniversary of OPEC is an appropriate opportunity to review its formation.

Added on 01 September, 2020

Explorer Article By David Brown

It's All About the Future with the Santos Basin

It’s natural to think of super basins as highly developed, mature play areas. When a basin has already produced more than 5 billion barrels of oil equivalent, there’s an established history of exploration and production. The Santos Basin, especially the basin’s pre-salt play offshore Brazil, is one of the more notable exceptions to that idea. This super basin area is almost all about the future. “There is so much running room, so much remaining potential. We’re going to see new reservoirs developed, new plays developed,” said James Deckelman, vice president of investment and program assurance for ION Geophysical in Houston.

Added on 01 September, 2020

Explorer Article By Ken Milam

AAPG Launches New Salt Basins TIG

A new AAPG technical interest group is attracting international attention, and the founders hope to continue expanding the group’s influence. The Salt Basins TIG began in May 2020 as a way for geoscientists in industry and academia working on or interested in salt basins to connect, collaborate and share ideas, according to one of the co-founders, Rachelle Kernen of the AAPG Women’s Network.

Added on 01 September, 2020

Explorer Emphasis Article By Heather Saucier

Rapidly Evolving Industry Requires New Skills for Aspiring Geoscientists

There is no question that sweeping technical advancements have pushed the petroleum industry into a new world – one of tremendous data and unimaginable efficiency in exploration and production. Geoscientists who began their careers decades ago hand-drawing maps and relying on hazy 2-D seismic data now plow through piles of detailed digital information, inching closer to the day when dry holes could become the exception rather than the norm. Are upcoming geoscience graduates prepared to enter this rapidly evolving industry? The American Geosciences Institute has reported a significant disparity between the skills of newly graduated geoscience students and their preparedness for the workplace.

Added on 01 September, 2020

Explorer Emphasis Article By Barry Friedman

The Evolving Role of Geoscientists

“The public view of the oil industry and geoscience in general is on the low at the moment,” said Mukul R. Bhatia, executive professor and director of the Berg-Hughes Center for Petroleum and Sedimentary Systems, who added that even some who want to enter the industry have this view. “Enrollment in the geosciences and petroleum engineering courses has declined in most education institutes. The oil and gas development industry is seen as shrinking rather than growing,” he said. Bhatia, a Dan A. Hughes ’51 chair at Texas A&M University, said the challenge of attracting students back to the geosciences is compounded by the challenge of attracting them to the industry’s new frontier, both internally and externally.

Added on 01 September, 2020

Explorer Emphasis Article By David Brown

A 'Leaner, Cleaner, Greener' Oil and Gas Industry

The good news is that for oil and gas jobs, it’s about to get better. The bad news, of course, is that much of that is because there’s so little room for things to get any worse. And even then, don’t expect a quick bounce-back. With expectations properly managed, though, there is good reason for hope for those who adapt to the ongoing changes within the industry. The industry’s jobs outlook evolved as companies struggled through the 2015-17 downturn and then faced a new challenge from the COVID-19 pandemic this year. Fundamentally, the industry is getting: Leaner. Cleaner. Greener.

Added on 01 September, 2020

Events Blog By Grant Smith

Solve Oil and Gas Challenges Using Python

Learn from your home or office by attending AAPG Online Short Course, Python Coding and Petroleum, 25–27 August 2020, 8:00 am–11:00 am (CDT). This hands-on coding and app course will feature programming in Python and use the platforms and software packages that are available either open-source, or free (or almost free), along with possible trial licenses.

Added on 12 August, 2020

Explorer President’s Column By Rick Fritz

Our Suspicions, Mathematically Confirmed

A few members ask me, “Why does the Executive Committee worry so much about money all the time?” Well, actually we prefer to focus on science and members’ needs, but as Woody Allen once said about the importance of money, “It is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons.” The primary reason I am discussing money in this column is to let you know changes are coming. We cannot afford to do everything we have done in the past. Some programs will be reduced or cut. We will let you know as this happens.

Added on 01 August, 2020

Workshop

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Monday, 27 May – Wednesday, 29 May 2024, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

2nd Edition: Geological Process-Based Forward Modeling

In order to support the energy transition, optimizing exploration and production from complex stratigraphic-diagenetic conventional and unconventional plays remains highly important. At the same time, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) poses new technological challenges that will impact both the industry and academia for decades to come. This 2nd edition will present reviews and discuss technology developments in geological process-based forward modeling achieved during the last 2 years. New perspectives for future technology developments and implementation in industry workflows will be discussed and with the additional focus on CO₂ storage and other sustainability-related applications, the scope of the workshop will be considerably extended.

Added on 05 September, 2023

Workshop

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Tuesday, 30 January – Wednesday, 31 January 2024, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

AAPG/EAGE New Discoveries in Mature Basins

AAPG and EAGE have teamed up to deliver the upcoming New Discoveries in Mature Basins workshop to be held from 30-31 January, 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Save the date! Registration to open soon.

Added on 28 November, 2022

Workshop

Khobar, Saudi Arabia

Monday, 4 December – Wednesday, 6 December 2023, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

5th Edition: Siliciclastic Reservoirs of the Middle East

The fifth annual AAPG Siliciclastic Reservoirs of the Middle East Workshop will take place in Al Khobar in Saudi Arabia from 4-6 December 2023. This workshop will bring together professionals from the region to share their knowledge and experience related to siliciclastic reservoirs and showcase the best success stories in the industry on understanding and utilizing oil and gas siliciclastic reservoirs in the region.

Added on 16 November, 2022

Workshop

Khobar, Saudi Arabia

Monday, 4 March – Wednesday, 6 March 2024, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

4th Edition: Stratigraphic Traps of the Middle East

Join us for the 4th Edition of: "Stratigraphic Traps of the Middle East" workshop. The workshop will be hosted by AAPG in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia 4-6 March 2024.

Added on 16 November, 2022

Workshop

Paramaribo, Suriname

Wednesday, 17 January – Thursday, 18 January 2024, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Maturing Sustainable Solutions to, Explore, Develop and Produce Oil and Gas Across the Guyana Suriname Basin

Plan now to attend an interactive in-person workshop with industry leaders, government representatives and technical experts working in the Guyana-Suriname Basin.

Added on 02 November, 2022

DL Abstract By Kurt W. Rudolph

Tectonic Controls on Source Rock Deposition

While there are many habitats that are associated with the deposition of organic-rich marine and lacustrine source rocks, one important pathway is linked to the onset of increased basin subsidence associated with major tectonic events. A key aspect is that this subsidence is spatially variable, with the uplift of basin flanks contemporaneous with the foundering of the basin center, resulting in a steeper basin profile.

Request a visit from Kurt W. Rudolph!

Added on 14 September, 2023

DL Abstract By Kurt W. Rudolph

The Assembly of Pangea, a View from Laurentia: Paleozoic Orogenies and their Impact on Basin Evolution and Petroleum Systems

Paleozoic North America has experienced multiple mountain building events, from Ordovician to Permian, on all margins of the continent. These have had a profound effect on the resulting complex basins and their associated petroleum systems. Subsequent uplift, erosion and overprinting of these ancient systems impedes the direct observation of their tectonic history. However, the basin sedimentary records are more complete, and provide additional insights into the timing and style of the mountain building events. In this study, we employ ~90 1D basin models, ~30 inverse flexural models, isopachs, and paleogeographic maps to better understand the Paleozoic history of North America.

Request a visit from Kurt W. Rudolph!

Added on 14 September, 2023

VG Abstract By Juan I. Soto

Salt versus Shales in Continental Margins and Orogens

In comparison with the known boundary conditions that promote salt deformation and flow in sedimentary basins, the processes involved with the mobilization of clay-rich detrital sediments are far less well established. This talk will use seismic examples in different tectonic settings to document the variety of shale geometries that can be formed under brittle and ductile deformations.

Request a visit from Juan I. Soto!

Added on 26 June, 2019

DL Abstract By John Suppe

Probing What Makes the Crust Strong (or Weak): Insight from Boreholes, Earthquakes, Active Fault Systems, and Toy Models

For well over a century there have been conflicting indications of the strength of the crust and of faults and what controls them. Much of our ignorance comes quite naturally from the general inaccessibility of the crust to measurement--in contrast with our understanding of the atmosphere, which is much more accessible to observation as well as more rapidly changing. Crustal strength is best understood in deforming sedimentary basins where the petroleum industry has made great contributions, particularly in deforming petroleum basins because of the practical need to predict. In this talk we take a broad look at key issues in crustal strength and deformation and what we can learn from boreholes, earthquakes, active fault systems, and toy models.

Request a visit from John Suppe!

Added on 14 September, 2023

DL Abstract By Isabelle Moretti

The Natural H₂ Exploration Started: Why, Where and by Who?

Why H₂ is generated in subsurface? Which are the reactions and the promising geological setting? Example in countries where H₂ have already been found: Australia, Brazil. Kinetic reactions: i.e., Is the natural H₂ renewable? What we don't know yet about this resource and about the H₂ systems (generation/transport/accumulation). Overview of the current landscape (subsurface law, permitting, E&P activity)

Request a visit from Isabelle Moretti!

Added on 13 September, 2023

DL Abstract By Jacob Covault

Submarine-Channel Evolution From Seismic Stratigraphy & Numerical Models: Patterns and Predictions Revisited

Three-dimensional (3D) seismic-reflection surveys provide one of the most important data types for understanding subsurface depositional systems. Quantitative analysis is commonly restricted to geophysical interpretation of elastic properties of rocks in the subsurface. Wide availability of 3D seismic-reflection data and integration provide opportunities for quantitative analysis of subsurface stratigraphic sequences. Here, we integrate traditional seismic-stratigraphic interpretation with quantitative geomorphologic analysis and numerical modeling to explore new insights into submarine-channel evolution.

Request a visit from Jacob Covault!

Added on 20 July, 2022

DL Abstract By Tao Sun

Integrated Reservoir Characterization and Modeling with Computational Stratigraphy

As oil and gas exploration and production occur in deeper basins and more complex geologic settings, accurate characterization and modeling of reservoirs to improve estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) prediction, optimize well placement and maximize recovery become paramount. Existing technologies for reservoir characterization and modeling have proven inadequate for delivering detailed 3D predictions of reservoir architecture, connectivity and rock quality at scales that impact subsurface flow patterns and reservoir performance. Because of the gap between the geophysical and geologic data available (seismic, well logs, cores) and the data needed to model rock heterogeneities at the reservoir scale, constraints from external analog systems are needed. Existing stratigraphic concepts and deposition models are mostly empirical and seldom provide quantitative constraints on fine-scale reservoir heterogeneity. Current reservoir modeling tools are challenged to accurately replicate complex, nonstationary, rock heterogeneity patterns that control connectivity, such as shale layers that serve as flow baffles and barriers.

Request a visit from Tao Sun!

Added on 20 July, 2022

DL Abstract By Sherilyn Williams-Stroud

Climate Change, Atmospheric and Social: Implications for the Future Geoscience Workforce

Climate change is not only happening in the atmosphere but also in the anthroposphere; in some ways the former could drive or exacerbate the latter, with extreme weather excursions and extreme excursions from societal norms occurring all over the earth. Accomplishing geoscience for a common goal – whether that is for successful business activities, resource assessment for public planning, mitigating the impacts of geological hazards, or for the sheer love of furthering knowledge and understanding – can and should be done by a workforce that is equitably developed and supported. Difficulty arises when the value of institutional programs to increase equity and diversity is not realized.

Request a visit from Sherilyn Williams-Stroud!

Added on 14 September, 2023

DL Abstract By Alex Simms

Interactions Between Ice Sheets and Relative Sea Levels: Lessons From Antarctica and NW Scotland

Local sea-level changes are not simply a function of global ocean volumes but also the interactions between the solid Earth, the Earth’s gravitational field and the loading and unloading of ice sheets. Contrasting behaviors between Antarctica and Scotland highlight how important the geologic structure beneath the former ice sheets is in determining the interactions between ice sheets and relative sea levels.

Request a visit from Alex Simms!

Added on 21 July, 2022

DL Abstract By Shane Prochnow

Subsurface Machine Learning Approaches at Hydrocarbon Recover and Resource Forecasting for Unconventional Reservoir Systems

This presentation is a survey of subsurface machine learning concepts that have been formulated for unconventional asset development, described in the literature, and subsequently patented. Operators that utilize similar subsurface machine learning workflows and other data modelling techniques enjoy a competitive advantage at optimizing the development of unconventional plays.

Request a visit from Shane Prochnow!

Added on 14 September, 2023

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