The majority of oil and gas reservoirs, as well as mature source rocks, exhibit identifiable surface geochemical characteristics. While the oil and gas industry invests considerable time and resources in locating and defining traps, little attention is given to establishing the probable presence of hydrocarbons within those traps, particularly in older onshore basins.

This program aims to address the detection of oil and gas through surface geochemical and non-seismic methods. It explores the diverse range of surface and near-surface techniques employed in evaluating high-quality basins and plays, as well as predicting hydrocarbon charge prior to drilling. Exploration professionals will acquire knowledge of techniques and methodologies that contribute to refining the economic evaluation of reservoirs before committing to new plays. Additionally, participants will understand how surface geochemical exploration methods can complement existing seismic and geological approaches. These topics will be discussed extensively in sections covering survey design, evaluation of frontier basins, lead and prospect prioritization, field development applications, data interpretation and integration, and numerous exploration case studies. The course draws examples from international basins and plays, encompassing structural and stratigraphic case studies, both onshore and offshore locations, and includes the application of methods to shale-chalk plays. The methods covered in this course have been found to reliably predict 70% to 80% of subsequent commercial discoveries and around 90% of eventual dry holes.

Course Objectives:

INTEGRATE the surface geochemical data from hydrocarbon detection surveys to value add to geologic and seismic exploration methods
APPLY surface geochemical data to identify traps most likely to be charged with hydrocarbons
GAIN understanding of hydrocarbon seepage and microseepage, as well as seepage characteristics, mechanisms, and rates
APPLY direct and indirect geochemical, remote sensing, and non-seismic geophysical methods available for hydrocarbon detection
ANALYZE varied surface and near-surface expressions of hydrocarbon seepage and microseepage - geochemical, mineralogic, and geophysical
EXECUTE proper survey design and survey method selection
AVOID pitfalls in acquisition and interpretation of geochemical and non-seismic data

Who Should Attend?

This course is specially designed for exploration and development geoscientists, E&P managers, and those who are in need of a comprehensive overview of these highly effective but underutilized technologies.

Geochemists / Geologists / Geoscientists
Exploration Geologists / Geophysicists/ Geoscientists
Development Geologists / Geophysicists/ Geoscientists
E&P Managers, Exploration Advisors, Technology Specialists

Course Outlines:

Session 1: Hydrocarbon Seepage and Geochemical Exploration
Session 2: Overview of Hydrocarbon Detection Methods
Session 3: Geochemical Survey Objectives & Design
Session 4: Exploration Case Histories
Session 5: Exploration Case Histories

Session 6: Exploration Case Histories
Session 7: Exploration Case Histories
Session 8: Interpretation Guidelines
Session 9: Integrating Geological, Geochemical, and Geophysical Data for Maximum Value
Session 10: Introduction to Class Mapping

Session11: A Closer Look at Hydrocarbon Detection Methods
Session 12 : Hydrocarbon Seepage Mechanisms, Models, and Rates
Session 13: Corporate Exploration Strategies
Session 14: Discussion of Class Mapping Project
Session15: Unconventional Exploration

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