Applied Subsurface Geological Mapping: With Structural Methods - Hardcover

Daniel J. Tearpock,Richard E. Bischke

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0130919489 ISBN 13: 9780130919489

Publisher: Prentice Hall, 1994

Synopsis

This is a complete, practical, up-to-the-minute guide to the use of subsurface mapping and cross-section techniques in the search for oil and gas deposits. Daniel Tearpock -- one of the field's leading consultants -- offers systematic coverage of the field's key principles and newest advances. The book will be invaluable to every engineer involved in exploration and exploitation -- and will be especially useful in the "detailed second look" applications that can identify large new reserves in areas that are maturely developed.KEY TOPICS:This thoroughly updated and expanded Second Edition brings together a wealth of information from the published literature, as well as significant material never before published. Tearpock introduces key subsurface mapping and cross section techniques applicable to all four major petroleum-related tectonic settings: extensional, compressional, diapiric salt, and strike-slip tectonics. He also reflects significant improvements in the understanding and use of computer-based log correlation, cross section construction, and 3D seismic interpretation. The book's techniques for correctly mapping well data and structural balancing are exceptionally well suited for "detailed second looks" at fields that have already been exploited.MARKET:For all geologists, geophysicists, petroleum engineers, and chemical engineers who prepare subsurface geological maps in connection with oil and gas exploration; and for supervisors, managers, technical assistants, and others who rely on those maps.

About this title

About the Author

DANIEL J. TEARPOCK is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Subsurface Consultants & Associates, LLC. (SCA), the industry leader in worldwide upstream petroleum consultancy and training. As a working geoscientist, he has generated numerous exploration and exploitation prospects, either on his own or as part of an organized team. As a company, SCA has helped clients find or develop billions of barrels of oil equivalent. He is the co-author of Quick Look Techniques for Prospect Evaluation.

RICHARD E. BISCHKE, Ph.D., Chief Structural Geophysicist of SCA, has conducted a wide range of structural geology projects, seismic interpretation, and balancing studies in extensional, compressional, and strike-slip environments. He specializes in the interpretation of complex structures, with recent studies in South America, the deepwater Gulf of Mexico, Alaska, Southeast Asia, and the North American Rocky Mountains.

From the Back Cover

Applied Subsurface Geological Mapping, With Structural Methods, 2nd Edition is the practical, up-to-the-minute guide to the use of subsurface interpretation, mapping, and structural techniques in the search for oil and gas resources. Two of the industry's leading consultants present systematic coverage of the field's key principles and newest advances, offering guidance that is valuable for both exploration and development activities, as well as for "detailed" projects in maturely developed areas.

Fully updated and expanded, this edition combines extensive information from the published literature with significant material never before published. The authors introduce superior techniques for every major petroleum-related tectonic setting in the world.

Coverage includes:

• A systematic, ten-step philosophy for subsurface interpretation and mapping
• The latest computer-based contouring concepts and applications
• Advanced manual and computer-based log correlation
• Integration of geophysical data into subsurface interpretations and mapping
• Cross-section construction: structural, stratigraphic, and problem-solving
• Interpretation and generation of valid fault, structure, and isochore maps
• New coverage of 3D seismic interpretation, from project setup through documentation
• Compressional and extensional structures: balancing and interpretation
• In-depth new coverage of strike-slip faulting and related structures
• Growth and correlation consistency techniques: expansion indices, Multiple Bischke Plot Analysis, vertical separation versus depth, and more
• Numerous field examples from around the world

Whatever your role in the adventure of finding and developing oil or gas resources—as a geologist, geophysicist, engineer, technologist, manager or investor—the tools presented in this book can make you significantly more effective in your daily technical or decision-oriented activities.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Preface

Many textbooks cover numerous geologic subjects; however, since Margaret S. Bishop's classic textbook (1960), and the first edition of this textbook, no complete and detailed book on the subject of subsurface mapping and structural methods has been published.

Subsurface geological maps are the most important and widely used vehicle to explore for and develop hydrocarbon reserves. Geologists, geophysicists, and engineers are expected to understand the many aspects of subsurface mapping and to be capable of preparing accurate subsurface maps. Yet, the subject of subsurface mapping is probably the least taught of all petroleum-related subjects. Many colleges and universities do not teach applied subsurface mapping courses, and over the past decade, many company-sponsored training programs have been curtailed or eliminated.

As we enter the new millennium, we must become more aware of our limitations. This involves questioning our methods and thinking more about our interpretation techniques. We need to consider the tools we have at our disposal to support our interpretations and to generate a better quality product. Inaccurate procedures, unjustified shortcuts, and limited mapping and structural skills will result in a poor product. During the past decade, the petroleum industry has experienced sweeping changes; new technologies have emerged requiring new skills.

In today's petroleum exploration and development activities, a geoscientist spends a great deal of his or her time in front of a workstation or computer correlating, interpreting and mapping with the ultimate goal of generating viable interpretations resulting in economic prospects. The computers provide increased speed and efficiency in nearly every aspect of exploration and development. However, problems have developed with the computer-based activities. What we often see today is the computers, not the interpreters, driving interpretations and maps, with blind acceptance of the results. Too often, this procedure results in contour maps that violate geologic principles, interpretations that are unlikely in three dimensions, and prospects that depict subsurface geology and geometry that are outright impossible.

We cannot accept computers driving interpretations, nor can we blindly accept the resultant maps (Tearpock and Brenneke 2001a, 2001b). In the hands of geoscientists properly educated in the basics and fundamentals of geology, including field experience, the workstations and personal computers are powerful tools. This text contains many of the techniques and methods required to generate sound geologic interpretations and prospects. It can help you become a more productive and successful geoscientist or engineer.

It has been estimated that 30 percent or more of future reserve additions will be found in areas that are maturely developed. These reserves will come from redeveloping older oil and gas fields. This future potential is to be found in proved producing reservoirs, reservoirs with proved reserves behind pipe, various types of accumulations (attic, infill, and untested fault blocks), and wildcatting in and around the fields and in deeper stratigraphic sections than the current limit within the area.

The techniques presented in this book, from correctly mapping well data to structural balancing, are ideally suited for both exploration and development activities, but especially valuable when conducting detailed geoscience projects involving the development or redevelopment of a mature area.

We have expanded this second edition to include new methods or techniques developed during the last 10 years, the understanding and applications of computer-based log correlation, cross section construction and 3D seismic interpretation. We have organized a wealth of information that exists in the literature, in addition to material that has never been published. This second edition builds on the new advances and our experience in petroleum exploration and exploitation, as well as our extensive experience in teaching subsurface exploration and development mapping and structural geology courses to geologists, geophysicists, and engineers in the energy industry (worldwide), and at the college and university level.

We present a variety of subsurface mapping and structural techniques applicable in the four major petroleum-related tectonic settings: extensional, compressional, strike-slip, and diapiric. The detailed techniques presented throughout the book are intended to expand your knowledge and improve your skills in preparing geologic interpretations. The knowledge of the principles and techniques presented, plus a burning desire to explore the unknown, will ensure your success.

This textbook is specifically designed for geologists, geophysicists, and engineers who prepare subsurface geological interpretations with accompanying maps. This book should also be beneficial to supervisors, managers, technical assistants, investors, and other persons who have a requirement for the use, preparation, or evaluation of subsurface interpretations and maps.

Good luck and good prospecting.

Daniel J. Tearpock
Richard E. Bischke

Edition details

• Publisher: Prentice Hall
• Publication date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0130919489
• ISBN 13: 9780130919489
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 822