Conventional Hydrocarbon Exploration – Methods, Mapping and Risking

Instructor: Brian Ruskin, Ph.D., Sr. Exploration Advisor, Applied Stratigraphix

Abstract: To acquire the best acreage in a hydrocarbon play, drill profitable wells, and focus/justify data acquisition efforts, explorers must holistically understand the petroleum system at the regional, play and prospect scales. Explorers should also be consistent in how they define subsurface risk and address uncertainty.  This short course introduces and applies datasets and consistent workflows for map-based assessment and risking of conventional hydrocarbon opportunities.  We will first address how to appropriately characterize each petroleum systems element to define the play, delineate geologically similar play segments, and support drilling prospects.  The utilities and caveats of multiple subsurface datasets will be discussed. We will practice how to generate and composite maps of each petroleum systems element, and how to denote risk and uncertainty qualitatively and quantitatively.  Collaborative mapping exercises and discussion will demonstrate the methodology and concerns hydrocarbon explorers face when defining play segments and assigning play and prospect probability of success. Participants will learn about the implications of their subsurface interpretations on volumetric estimation and economic development. We will also consider how to evaluate data confidence, assess uncertainty with probabilistic estimates, and utilize strategies to mitigate common cognitive biases that can impact explorers’ interpretations.

This course needs a minimum of 14 registrants and has a maximum of 100.  Don’t delay and register today.

Course materials including presentation and mapping exercise will be provided via Dropbox.  Registrants will be sent a link to the Dropbox 1 – 2 days prior to the date of the course (check your Junk/Spam folder).  Please download the materials prior to class beginning.

DGS or AAPG SWS affiliated society Member: $65

Non Member: $100

REGISTER HERE