Extensional terranes are responsible for hosting some of the world's largest and most productive oil reserves, serving as the fundamental framework for continental and Deepwater margins. Representing a prevalent structural style, they can be found on all continents and form the majority of continental shelves. The introduction of 3D seismic technologies has revolutionized the mapping of these structures. However, the accuracy of our geological interpretations relies on our proficiency in identifying and effectively utilizing the fundamental attributes of these structural forms. This course aims to fulfill that objective by enhancing participants' understanding of extensional terranes and enabling them to recognize and exploit their essential characteristics.

Course Objectives:

Recognize the characteristics of extensional and trans-tensional deformation for both basement-involved and thin-skinned styles
Apply mechanical stratigraphic principles and restoration/balance thinking in the interpretation of seismic and other data for extensional structures
Predict structural geometry from sparse or inconsistent data using kinematic principles
Critically evaluate interpretations and cross-sections for extensional structural environments
Develop prospects from trapping geometries in extensional structures

Who Should Attend?

Exploration and development geologists, geophysicists, engineers, and managers responsible for the interpretation and drilling of extensional environments.

Course Outlines:

Variety of extensional structural styles and their habitats of development; relationships to other structural styles
Fundamental processes of the growth and coalescence of extensional structures, the evolution of a rift basin to a passive margin
Elements of extensional systems in both 2D and 3D views: fault linkage, relay ramps, highs, and lows in basins, etc.
Relationships of full and half grabens and their associated features
Relief in extensional systems, e.g. footwall uplifts, and their relationships to depositional systems, terrestrial and marine systems
Basics of restoration and validation; restoration algorithms for extensional systems
Basics of fracture mechanics in connection with rifts and fracture systems in extensional environments
Examples and expression of these features in the sample Fields

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