Course Overview
This 5-day course introduces participants to the fundamental principles of petroleum geology, focusing on the origin, accumulation, and exploration of oil and gas resources. The course covers geological time, rock types, basin formation, source rock evaluation, reservoir properties, and hydrocarbon migration. It is designed to build a solid foundation for professionals working in exploration, production, and related fields by linking basic geologic concepts with petroleum system elements and exploration techniques.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the basic principles of geology as they apply to petroleum exploration
- Describe the processes of sedimentation, rock formation, and tectonics
- Identify key elements of a petroleum system: source, reservoir, seal, and trap
- Explain hydrocarbon generation, migration, and entrapment
- Recognize different types of reservoirs and trapping mechanisms
- Interpret basic geological maps and cross sections
- Apply geological concepts to oil and gas field development and exploration
Who Should Attend
- Geologists and Geophysicists new to the petroleum industry
- Petroleum Engineers and Technologists
- Exploration and Production Staff
- Technical Professionals in Drilling, Reservoir, or Production Engineering
- Managers or non-technical personnel seeking a better understanding of subsurface operations
Course Outline
Introduction to Petroleum Geology
- What is Petroleum Geology?
- The Importance of Geology in the Oil and Gas Industry
- Overview of the Earth’s Structure and Geological Time Scale
- Plate Tectonics and Basin Formation
Rocks, Minerals, and Sedimentary Processes
- Types of Rocks: Igneous, Metamorphic, and Sedimentary
- Rock Cycle and Classification
- Sediment Transport and Deposition
- Stratigraphy and Correlation Techniques
Petroleum Systems and Hydrocarbon Generation
- Elements of a Petroleum System: Source, Reservoir, Seal, and Trap
- Kerogen Types and Hydrocarbon Generation Windows
- Migration Pathways and Trapping Mechanisms
- Seal Integrity and Capillary Pressure
Reservoirs, Traps, and Structural Geology
- Reservoir Rock Properties: Porosity, Permeability, and Saturation
- Structural vs. Stratigraphic Traps
- Folds, Faults, and Fractures in Hydrocarbon Accumulation
- Subsurface Mapping and Cross-Section Interpretation
Exploration Methods and Applications
- Geological Mapping and Remote Sensing
- Seismic and Well Log Interpretation Basics
- Basin Modeling and Risk Assessment
- Case Studies: Exploration Successes and Lessons Learned
- Course Wrap-up, Q&A, and Feedback