Introduction

This course provides an in-depth understanding of the geological concepts and processes involved in petroleum formation, exploration, and production. It covers the essential principles of petroleum geology, focusing on how hydrocarbons are generated, migrated, and trapped, equipping participants with the geological knowledge required in the oil and gas industry.

Objectives

• Understand the geological origins of petroleum and natural gas.
• Learn about the rock types, structures, and basins relevant to petroleum geology.
• Identify the processes of hydrocarbon generation, migration, and accumulation.
• Develop skills in reservoir characterization and geological mapping.
• Gain foundational knowledge of exploration techniques in petroleum geology.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Geologists, engineers, and scientists new to the petroleum field.
• Oil and gas professionals interested in geological fundamentals.
• Students and recent graduates in geology or earth sciences.
• Individuals interested in exploring careers in petroleum geology.

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Petroleum Geology

• What is Petroleum Geology?
  • Definition, importance, and scope of petroleum geology
  • Key roles of geologists in the oil and gas industry
• Basic Geological Concepts
  • Overview of plate tectonics, sedimentary basins, and rock cycle
  • Rock types and their significance in petroleum geology (sedimentary, igneous, metamorphic)
• The Petroleum System
  • Components of a petroleum system: source, reservoir, seal, and trap

Day 2: Formation and Accumulation of Hydrocarbons

• Origin of Hydrocarbons
  • Organic matter and its transformation into oil and gas
  • Geological conditions required for hydrocarbon formation
• Source Rocks and Maturation
  • Identifying source rocks and kerogen types
  • Thermal maturity and hydrocarbon generation processes
• Migration and Accumulation
  • Primary and secondary migration mechanisms
  • Key factors influencing hydrocarbon accumulation in reservoirs

Day 3: Reservoir Rocks and Traps

• Reservoir Rock Characteristics
  • Properties of reservoir rocks: porosity, permeability, and fluid saturation
  • Common reservoir rock types: sandstone, limestone, and dolomite
• Structural and Stratigraphic Traps
  • Types of geological traps: anticlines, fault traps, salt domes
  • Stratigraphic traps and unconformities
• Seals and Cap Rocks
  • Role of seals in trapping hydrocarbons
  • Types of cap rocks: shale, salt, and tight rocks

Day 4: Exploration Techniques in Petroleum Geology

• Geological Mapping and Basin Analysis
  • Basin types: rift, passive margin, and foreland basins
  • Techniques for identifying potential hydrocarbon basins
• Geophysical Exploration Methods
  • Seismic surveys: 2D, 3D, and 4D techniques
  • Magnetic, gravity, and electrical surveys for subsurface mapping
• Well Logging and Core Analysis
  • Introduction to well logging techniques: gamma ray, resistivity, sonic logs
  • Core analysis for reservoir evaluation

Day 5: Petroleum Reservoir Characterization and Future Trends

• Reservoir Characterization Techniques
  • Techniques for evaluating reservoir quality and productivity
  • Geological modeling and computer simulations
• Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) Methods
  • Overview of EOR techniques: thermal, chemical, and gas injection
  • Role of EOR in maximizing reservoir potential
• Future Trends in Petroleum Geology
  • Emerging technologies: digital oilfield, artificial intelligence in geology
  • Impact of renewable energy on petroleum exploration and production
• Final Project: Basin Analysis and Mapping Exercise
  • Participants analyze a sample basin, identify key geological features, and present a basic petroleum geology report