GeoConvention & Core Conference
In This Issue... Technical Abstract Sneak Peek Session Highlights Core Conference & The Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin
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CSPG OFFICE PRESIDENT PRESIDENT ELECT #150, 540 - 5th Ave SW Mark Cooper Clint Tippett Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 0M2 Tel: 403-264-5610 Sherwood Geoconsulting Inc. [email protected] Web: www.cspg.org Please visit our website for all tickets sales and event/course registrations [email protected] Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:00pm The CSPG Office is Closed the 1st and 3rd Friday of every month. OFFICE CONTACTS Membership Inquiries PAST PRESIDENT FINANCE DIRECTOR Tel: 403-264-5610 Email: [email protected] Greg Lynch Shelley Leggitt Advertising Inquiries: Emma MacPherson Tel: 403-513-1230 Email: [email protected] Shell Canada Ltd. NAL Resources Ltd. Sponsorship Opportunities: Lis Bjeld Tel: 403-513-1235 Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Conference Inquiries: Kristy Casebeer Tel: 403-513-1233 Email: [email protected] Accounting Inquiries: Nancy Mosher Tel: 403-513-1232 Email: [email protected] FINANCE DIRECTOR Executive Director: Lis Bjeld Tel: 403-513-1235, Email: [email protected] DIRECTOR ELECT Mark Caplan Jim Barclay EDITORS/AUTHORS Please submit RESERVOIR articles to the CSPG office. [email protected] Submission deadline is the 23rd day of the month, two months prior [email protected] to issue date. (e.g. January 23 for the March/April issue) To publish an article, the CSPG requires digital copies of the document. Text should be in Microsoft Word format and illustrations should be in TIFF format at 300 dpi., at final size. DIRECTOR DIRECTOR CSPG COORDINATING EDITOR John Cody Alex MacNeil Emma MacPherson, Programs Coordinator, Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists Tel: 403-513-1230, Statoil Canada Ltd. Osum Oil Sands Corp. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] The RESERVOIR is published 6 times per year by the Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists. The purpose of the RESERVOIR is to publicize the Society’s many activities and to promote the geosciences. We look for both technical and non-technical material to publish. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced either in part or in full without the consent of the publisher. Additional copies of the RESERVOIR are available DIRECTOR DIRECTOR at the CSPG office. Kevin Parks Michael Webb No official endorsement or sponsorship by the CSPG is implied for any advertisement, insert, or article that appears in the Reservoir unless otherwise noted. All submitted materials are reviewed by the editor. We reserve the right to edit all submissions, Alberta Energy Regulator Suncor Energy including letters to the Editor. Submissions must include your name, address, and membership number (if applicable).The material contained in this publication is [email protected] [email protected] intended for informational use only. While reasonable care has been taken, authors and the CSPG make no guarantees that any of the equations, schematics, or devices discussed will perform as expected or that they will give the desired results. Some information contained herein may be inaccurate or may vary from standard measurements. The CSPG expressly disclaims EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR any and all liability for the acts, omissions, or conduct of any third-party user of information contained in this publication. Under no circumstances shall the CSPG and Lis Bjeld its officers, directors, employees, and agents be liable for any injury, loss, damage, or expense arising in any manner whatsoever from the acts, omissions, or conduct of any third-party user. CSPG Printed by CBN Commercial Services, Calgary, Alberta. [email protected]
RESERVOIR ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 2017 3 CORPORATE SPONSORS/SUPPORTERS
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MAY/JUNE 2017 – VOLUME 44, ISSUE 3
MONTHLY SPONSORS...... 2 MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD...... 6 MESSAGE FROM THE EDITORS...... 7 TALKING WITH ARCHITECTS...... 9 GEOCONVENTION & CORE CONFERENCE THEME ARTICLES
A History of GeoConvention...... 14
Three Year GeoConvention Strategy...... 16
GeoConvention Board...... 17
Committee Bios...... 18
FRONT COVER Palaeogeographic evolution of the Montney in the Western Canada Virginia Falls, Northwest Territories. Sedimentary Basin...... 21 This spectacular vista is seen on the South Nahanni River in the Northwest Territories A Virtual Mcmurray Formation Outcrop Tour – An Evolving Tool For at the junction of the Selwyn Fold Belt and the Mackenzie Fold Belt. The river hurtles Characterizing Oil Sands Reservoirs And Creating Realistic Geomodels...... 24 through a section of rapids known as the Sluice Box before tumbling over limestone Caribou: The Next Montney Oil Sweet-Spot...... 25 and recessive shales of the Middle Ordovician Sunblood Formation and into the Fourth Session Highlights...... 26 Canyon of the South Nahanni. A spire of limestone, known as Mason's Rock, survived as the falls migrated up-river and splits the Core Conference 2017: Grand Tour of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin...... 33 flow. With a vertical drop of 96m, Virginia Falls almost doubles the 51m cascade of Core Conference Technical Program...... 35 Niagara Falls (Horseshoe Falls). Wes Waddell UPCOMING EVENTS
Division Talks...... 37 SOCIETY NEWS
Medal of Merit 2016...... 42
RJW Douglas Medal 2016...... 44
Link Award – Best Oral Presentation...... 45
University Outreach...... 46
FROM THE ARCHIVES...... 47
RESERVOIR ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 2017 5 MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD
A MESSAGE FROM KEVIN PARKS By Kevin Parks, CSPG Director for Publications
eoConvention and Core Conference science out after the conference events. One emerging areas of study. Our editors in chief, are here again. The annual is by publication of articles in the Reservoir, Dr. Bernard Guest and Dr. Hairuo Qing, as Ggatherings are always a great time and the other is by publication of peer- well as myself, are available to answer your to hear new ideas, discover opportunities, reviewed papers in the Bulletin of Canadian questions on the Bulletin process. and network with old friends. The Petroleum Geology. informal nature of our conferences creates The barriers to publication are not as high as tremendous value for our Canadian energy- Reservoir articles can be topical, technical, one may think, however. More work is done geoscience community, which is why the personal, and even controversial. They are in industry, consulting, and government CSPG and the GeoConvention partners put relatively quick to produce. Our technical that is worthy of publication than we often on a great show year after year. I’d like to call co-editors, Jason Frank and Travis Hobbs, give credit for. We also fully appreciate attention as well to another purpose of the are at your service to welcome your ideas how commercial concerns may delay your GeoConvention and the Core Conference, and contributions. The benefit to you is very uptake of these opportunities for formal which is to drive our science forward. The timely recognition and discussion of your publication. But if the contribution is novel presentations and posters and discussions work by your peers in the Canadian energy- and important, we can wait for the time to be are great opportunities to test and challenge geoscience community. right for you. But please don’t wait too long. ourselves, but we need to remember that these activities are often just the first steps The other route is publication of a robust The CSPG Presidents, Editors, and Directors in the creation of new and lasting scientific technical paper or note in the Bulletin of and Staff, including myself, will be at knowledge. The comments and questions Canadian Petroleum Geology. Our Bulletin GeoConvention and the Core Conference on the GeoConvention floor and at the AER is recognized as the permanent record of this year as always. Don’t be surprised if we Core Research Centre are really informal our community’s contribution to Canadian take a minute of your time after your talk or tests of peer acceptance and topicality. geoscience. Bulletin papers and notes take poster and ask you to consider publication The presenters work very hard pulling their more time to prepare, but the audience is in the Reservoir or the Bulletin. Take it as a ideas and presentations together, and the global and includes all our descendants in complement from your peers and then give it audiences do a lot of work reading and geoscience. That doesn’t mean things have some serious thought. Your work is valuable processing the work on display. But we to be perfect and final to be published, but and we want to see it captured as a lasting can’t let it end there. We need to accept we do insist on scientific validity, formal peer contribution in one of our publications. the criticism of our work and make it better, review, and editorial oversight. Technical learn from our peers in real time, and then case studies and reviews of geological units You know more than you think. I challenge take the best to the next level, which is found in Tables of Formations for Canadian you to dare to share. formal publication. sedimentary basins also find a wide audience in the Bulletin. The Bulletin also accepts Have a great GeoConvention and Core CSPG offers two distinct streams to get our technical notes on new methods, ideas, and Conference 2017.
6 RESERVOIR ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 2017 MESSAGE FROM THE EDITORS
GEOCONVENTION & CORE CONFERENCE ISSUE
hope that everyone is enjoying the addition to his contributions to Conventions first few weeks of spring after a long in the past, is also a longstanding volunteer Iwinter. With Spring comes growth and for many other roles and responsibilities what better way to kick off this dynamic with the CSPG. Personally, I find the season than with some knowledge sharing opportunities to get some perspective from Jason Frank at GeoConvention and the CSPG Core these individuals one of the best parts of Technical Editor for the CSPG Reservoir Conference. Firstly, a big thanks to the being an editor. I hope you enjoy reading Sr. Geologist at Athabasca Oil Corporation Convention Committees and Board as much as I enjoyed talking with Paul. It Members for agreeing to provide some is people like Paul who help shape the Jason Frank is a Professional Geologist who holds technical sneak peaks, highlights and conventions for the CSPG as you will see in a B.Sc. and M.Sc. from the University of Alberta. a look at the dedicated people behind the “History of GeoConvention” article and He has over 16 years of experience in oil and these conventions. A heartfelt thanks to from the current GeoConvention Board’s gas including technical and leadership positions Dustin Menger, GeoConvention Executive vision and strategies for the future. in exploration and development both on and Director. Dustin was instrumental in offshore. Past experience includes Shell Canada working with the session chairs and The CSPG Core Conference, organized by Ltd., Burlington Resources Ltd., ConocoPhillips committee members to generate the several individuals from ConocoPhillips, Canada Ltd., and Talisman Energy Inc. Jason content of this Reservoir issue; I would showcases some very robust plays in the has volunteered for the Society in the past, most like to add to his title: Honorary Reservoir WCSB that have been active during this recently chairing the Duvernay session at the Editor. latest downturn. A big thank you to Ketly Society’s annual convention (2014) and the Latos for some highlights and a sneak peak Honourary Address Committee. I hope this Convention themed Reservoir in to this year’s core displays. will spark reader’s excitement for GeoConvention and the CSPG Core Last issue of the Reservoir “Challenging Conference. We highlight just some of the Docterine”, aired some different takes on exceptional sessions and offer a few teasers some very well studied formations, namely from what I am sure will be some very well the Cardium and the Fort MacMurray. I attended technical talks. would encourage readers who want to continue the healthy debate to reach out. I I start this issue with a look at some of find the Reservoir a very good venue for this the exceptional individuals who have written debate and would like to continue been working for the past year to bring with a series of “Challenge” and “Rebuttal”. the GeoConvention together. This issue’s interview in the “Talking with Architects” – Travis Travis Hobbs series is with Dr. Paul MacKay who, in Technical Editor for the Reservoir Professional Geologist at Encana
Travis Hobbs is an undergraduate from University of Calgary with a graduates degree from Simon Fraser University in Geology. Professionally has worked both domestically and internationally for 19 years in the Oil & Gas industry, and is currently celebrating 15 years with Encana. Industry roles have included development, exploration, management and business development. Prior to the Reservoir, Travis has held previous roles on convention committees and six years as the Chair of Continuing Education. As free time permits Travis enjoys cycling, cross-country skiing and teaching his two daughters violin.
RESERVOIR ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 2017 7 56th ANNUAL CSPG CLASSIC Elbow Springs Golf Club • Thursday June 22, 2017
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TALKING WITH ARCHITECTS Interview with Paul MacKay By Travis Hobbs
Paul MacKay is a long-time CSPG member I was part of a Field Party measuring and volunteer, he has served on many Devonian Sections in the Rocky Mountains, CSPG committees and initiatives, such I worked in the Northern Territory of roles include: Structural Geology Technical Australia sampling Proterozoic source Division, twice on the Board of Directors, rock, and I was mapping a Thrust Fault in Trustee of the CSPG Foundation, CSPG the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. I President, General Chair for the AAPG ACE think for a person to gain confidence as a 2016 and fostering the CSPG Ambassador scientist they must work for a portion as a program. Paul received a B.Sc. (honours) basic observer and these four experiences in geology from Queen’s University in allowed me to do this. I also found myself 1980 and a Ph.D. from the University of fairly adept at geometry and less suited to Calgary in 1991. He has worked for Amoco memory work so structural geology seemed Canada, Morrison Petroleum, Northstar to be a natural fit. Energy and Devon Canada before starting an international consulting practice, and 2) What is your best field memory (hike/ is currently President of Shale Petroleum field work/looking at rocks)? Ltd. Paul is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Geoscience and teaches field a. There was one occasion that stands out courses in Structural Geology/Geophysics for me when I was mapping in the Turner in the Canadian Rockies and field seminars Valley area at the edge of the Thrust belts during the conversation and consider the on Fractured Reservoirs in Wyoming. of the Southern Canadian Cordillera. The discussion as a whole. I don’t think I have only way I could link one fault I observed ever been out with other geologists in the Questions on your technical back on the Highwood River to another fault field and come away with dissatisfied other ground: observed on the Sheep River to the north than it ending to soon. 1) Who were the influences on your work was to fold the fault. That was an “Ah ha” during your early education/training? moment for me and essentially answered 3) How much have you worked in western Is there a seminal experience you feel the questions for my doctoral thesis. I don’t Canada vs. other geographic areas? every Geologist should have to call know why it came to me at that time but I And how has this influenced you as a themselves a “Geologist?” think there is something in the way we think Scientist? that requires us to have pauses and not be a. In my early career I was fortunate to inundated with data. I think that any time a. I have been fortunate to get my early be exposed to field work. I had four when we are discussing geology in the field training in western Canada but did have memorable field jobs late in my university there is magic happening. In the field the minor assignments in eastern Canada, career and early in my career with Amoco. I discussions tend to be protracted, probably Australia, and New Guinea. By the time worked for the Geological Survey of Canada due to the hiking and physical expenditure. I left Amoco I had completed a study in the Barren Lands along the Arctic Coast, This gives time for the participants to reflect (Continued on page 10...)
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RESERVOIR ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 2017 9 TALKING WITH ARCHITECTS
(Continued from page 9...) Leave of Absence to get my Ph.D. from U into our understanding of the reservoir to could not understand anyone wanting to of C, and was working in the Foothills of reflect the ultimate production. We had be in first year biology that did not want western Canada. I switched to Morrison, to be dealing with larger drainage radius to go into Medical School. The labs were at that point I worked about one third than we could calculate. Also, I did not a series of memory work and I was bored. international and the rest in the Canadian truly appreciate the role of Big Data or Fortunately I took first year Geology because Foothills. The pace at that time was fast as how the thinking had to adjust to these my older brother said it might be interesting. Morrison wanted to drill, and dominated large data volumes. I was ready for the The geology Prof (Al Gorman) was fun, as much as possible. Although busy it was drilling machine and I was ready for the motivating, and anxious to communicate his great fun as the leadership of the company disagreements that would surely pop up passion for geology, it stuck for me. wanted activity and was generally disposed as people get stressed by the pace. I was to drill. This had a great influence on me not ready for the fact that the answers were When I went back to grad school I wanted as I was inundated with data and the only not always apparent. It is hard to look for to combine geophysics with field mapping. constraint placed on me was how much answers when questions can’t be agreed A Senior Geophysicists (Andy Papp) found work and data we could get through. upon. I thought the fundamental question data for me in Turner Valley and I thought would be how do we get more oil out of the that it might work. This turned out to be After Morrison I went to NorthStar and ground but many of the colleagues were the first detailed integrated study of the though they were not as aggressive they were only dimly aware that hydrocarbons came Triangle Zone. Quite simply I was lucky still pro drilling. This caused me to refine out of the ground. Their interest was how to to be at the right place at the right time. my thinking better and soon I found that we keep the machine running smoothly. I Geometry was my favourite subject in I could probably open my own consulting saw this with a few clients and realized that High School and suddenly I was doing 3D service. Once NorthStar sold to Devon my temperament was not suited to this type analytical geometry, working outside, given Energy I launched my own consulting of work. seismic data to tie into, and trusted by my services and Devon was supportive and supervisors. It was magic. hired me to continue providing technical It was at this point that we formed Shale services to them. I also picked up several Petroleum and started developing plays and The structural geology community in clients and soon found that my practice was buying land that would eventually be bought Calgary had declined significantly but as mostly international with clients in Africa, from us by bigger groups that wanted to open a new graduate students came out of the the Middle East, the North Sea, western US, new front. We were having good success then universities into industry there was a surge the East Coast of Canada, and a bit in South the oil price collapsed and the only thing that in interest and an explosion of new ideas, America. This broad experience helped me dropped faster than the price of oil was the techniques, and mostly discussion. Within to develop as a scientist. One particular price of land needed to find that oil. At that a year the Structural Group went from a few trip for Western Zargros to Kurdistan gave time we held 100% working interest in 400 students to a room full of interested young me the opportunity to observe mountain sections of land (a quarter million acres). The scientists. There were some crazy ideas building in the Zargros Mountains. This good news is that we did not hold debt and but it was a time where everyone wanted really helped me to think in how various we all continued to get along. The bad news to share and the senior members had the pressure systems develop as a result of was the land became a rental liability and was wisdom to let the younger workers discuss these mountain building processes. worthless. I think we will find that eventually ideas. Oil companies began to encourage geology will become more important than field work and the structural community 4) What were the biggest changes/ ever but I think we will also find that the had the good sense to know how to share challenges you personally noticed industry will become more volatile and that to without giving up secrets. transitioning from a conventional oil be a technical expert in a volatile work place and gas focus to an unconventional will have a new set of pressures. 2) As industry moves from conventional one? Perhaps a few comments on the to an unconventional exploration/ state of basin, the evolution which it Questions focused on career exploitation what are some key has gone through, and the future that development: structural geology applications you it might hold. Working for a company 1) What attracted you to the Earth have noticed of critical importance? that has operations throughout the Science discipline, and when did you What are some triumphs and pitfalls world, wondering if you could share realize you wanted to focus on the field you have observed? some of your perspectives. of Geology? Why did structural geology become such a focus for you? a. I think the industry is more aware of the a. The challenge going from conventional fluid / rock interaction and the importance to resource was not apparent to me at a. I was originally attracted to Biology and of trying to understand systems that are first. I thought it would be a bit faster but wanted to do research in fresh water lakes. dynamic. We are now dealing with rates maybe no more or less technical than what We had a High School trip that visited a rather than volumes. Our engineering I was used to. It was probably around the research centre on Lake Ontario and I colleagues are aware of this but they still mid 90’s when I was working foothills that found it fascinating. I went to Queen’s seem to want to translate a rate into a I started to notice that when it came to with the hope to be a biologist but the first volume. Practically this means that the reserves we could never put enough gas year Biology professor was uninspiring and assumptions in reserve analysis become
10 RESERVOIR ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 2017 TALKING WITH ARCHITECTS
more opaque. This means that we have 4) Starting your own consulting practice I am constantly trying to make sure that I developed this concept of Fracture porosity can be challenging. If any of our understand the issues around the business without understanding how fractures work. I readers have similar aspirations, do side of the industry. The reality is that one think one of the great advances in petroleum you have any advice? What qualities cannot be good at everything. The other geology to come will be how we deal with / abilities would you suggest honing reality is that you never really should make petroleum generation and migration. We / mastering? Or if you’d like to share an important decision quickly. If someone recognize that fluid migration has little some pearls of wisdom on how you says they need the answer to an investment to do with bouyancy and more to do with have achieved success in the oil and gas decision immediately it is probably time geopressure, hydrocarbon generation, industry (i.e. what skill-sets would you to walk away. We run our company as a geomechanics as well as other factors. recommend having). collaboration. This does not mean that we always agree but we do know that if we sit Structural geology will have to not only look a. Get a good accountant first. In the down and talk things through we rarely go at specific features but also discuss the basin consulting world one needs a marketable too wrong. I am not the business expert or as a whole. It should be tremendous fun. skill otherwise you are competing on the technical expert. My job is to make sure price and there are more and more people one does not get too far ahead of the other. 3) What were the biggest changes willing to work for less. Consulting can be and/or challenges you were faced challenging as you are in constant marketing 6) What are some key messages you with transitioning from a large (sales) and also delivering a confidential would like to share with the industry international company to smaller product. The consultant is under pressure professional just starting their careers? E&Ps. How can students/professionals always to deliver. The important soft skill is to (Starting to collect, analyze and apply today best prepare for this? be a good communicator, which means the geologic/structural data)? ability to listen to the client and understand a. I was lucky to start my career with a both the problem but also the scope. a. Learn to become impartial but at the company that was dedicated to training. same time develop a hypothesis that you Due to the downturn the training budget for When I first stated I was comfortable in the are constantly developing. Essentially the companies has become near non-existent. geology of thrust belts and had some ability scientific method. Geologists that fall in I am sure there are some companies that in extensional systems. I was given projects love with their interpretation are usually say they train their staff, but my experience that usually involved a sizable amount of wrong. Geologists that refuse to make an is that half of the training is in the softer strike slip. It then hit me that people give interpretation are always wrong. Geologists issues of corporate life and not the hard consultants two types of projects, one with that adapt and remain open minded are sciences of geology, geophysics and a very short time frame that they can’t usually successful. It really is what is the reservoir engineering. This creates an onus manage or difficult problems that they principal motivator, personal advancement on the younger geologist to seek training don’t want. I found that I seemed to do or insights into a fascinating science; rarely and new experiences constantly. The best better when I was the company’s consultant will both of these come at the same time. way to prepare for this is to honestly assess and not an individual’s consultant. In My most beneficial projects were always your development constantly. other words I made sure that I spent the collaborative. I found as we progressed time talking to the entire team and tried to as a group I was able to gather insight but Early in my career I received the advice that address the problem for both the engineers also had fun and growth. It is the classic one should always be on a steep learning as well as the geoscientists. I would also comment; a forest grows best when all the curve. If you found the curve to drop you take time to talk to the manager. This way trees grow together. should find a new job. That was easy advice everyone understood what I was doing and when jobs were abundant but the point similarly I saw the broader problem. Most 7) Can you describe some of your favourite is still valid. When we get comfortable in of the sessions were 15 minutes in an office projects over your industry career? the job we are likely cruising and heading over a cup of coffee. I found this to be an towards redundancy. Our curiosity should effective way to stay out of office politics. a. I was able to work on was a Special Issue be insatiable. Curiosity is one of the traits of the Bulletin of Canadian Geology where that I look for in potential employees. This 5) What were the biggest changes and/ we described the foreland edge of the thrust trait tells me that they are motivated, anxious or challenges you were faced with belt. It was a collaborative effort amongst to learn, and they will ask questions. transitioning from the technical side six of us and I find I have maintained a to a management/business side? How friendship with my co-organizers. This The other important characteristic is a can students/professionals today best was the first detailed account of this willingness to try something new. In a prepare for this? Or would your advice structural feature and seems to generate small company there are very few experts be to “stay technical?” a conversation within the Structural available so one has to expand contacts, Community that still resonates. Again I was network constantly. It is ultimately the a. I had a boss at Amoco (Ken West) lucky to be involved in the right project at individual’s responsibility to market who told me that I should never lose the right time. This also coincided with a themselves, giving talks and publishing in my technical ability. This proved good resurgence in the Structural Division of the the Reservoir are great venues for this. advice to me but I do find that in business CSPG. I find that this is where I like to float (Continued on page 12...)
RESERVOIR ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 2017 11 TALKING WITH ARCHITECTS
(Continued from page 11...) new ideas or take old concepts and put a awards. I have already discussed the role I do understand the amount of work that twist on them. We have an amazing brain as president but I also enjoy helping with goes into it but the benefit is so much trust in geology and in particular structural the convention, especially in 2011 when more. Occasionally I have had a few people geology in the CSPG. Much of it has to we decided that we would do integrated tell me that they didn’t enjoy a particular do with our close proximity to the Rocky session focussed on resource plays. We convention. My advice is that the more Mountains and the relatively easy access. moved the conference back to the Telus you put into the Convention the more you I suspect that there is another project Conventions centre (from the Stampede get out of it. If you want to advance your simmering within that group and it will be Grounds). There was a transition so we did career present at the conference, volunteer, fun to see it develop. not have as much direction as other years judge, or simply attend. I have never been but we also did not have pre-conceived disappointed with the convention and have 8) How has being the President of the idea so we did what seemed to make sense. always found any effort I put into it to be CSPG changed your perspective of The executive of the different societies were well rewarded. the oil and gas industry, especially very supportive and gave us a green light on as a Geologist? I assume that your most of the things we wanted to do so it was 11) Specifically, what was your focus must shift away from the rocks one of those perfect moments when you involvement in the formation of the a little, but are there certain aspects have energy, help, and people removing GeoConvention Partnership? What of this industry that keep you focused barriers. I still have people come up to me was your overall intent and how technically? saying how much they enjoyed it. was the idea of a formal agreement devised? a. The role as President of the CSPG was What I remember most about it was how very rewarding. I think the best part was helpful everyone wanted to be. This was a. I had the good fortune to be the signatory the ability to be welcomed into so many one of those times when I saw the best of on the GeoConvention documents. When different groups and to see the amazing people. It was magic. Rob McGrory and I finished our co-chair cross-section of people who make up responsibilities for the conference in 2011 the CSPG. As in any group there are 10) This edition is dedicated to the 2017 we both thought that it was obvious that personalities and not everyone has the GeoConvention and Core Conference. the conference should always be joint. same motivation but I do not remember Can you comment on the importance The JAC agreement was set to expire and any member who said they were a geologist of these type of knowledge sharing rather than extend it there was a desire to for the glory and fame. What I found was events? Benefits? Amount of work for create a more permanent solution. We that I got to be the cheerleader for a very that goes into organizing them? both felt, as did many others that Calgary large and enthusiastic group. could consistently pull off a meaningful a. The conference is in my opinion the most geoscience conference it only needed a The deeper message was that geologists important part of the society. This is not said gentle push. The purpose of the convention have a deep passion for their science. I to diminish the importance of the division is to be the premier petroleum geology have never come across a geologist that talks, courses, field trips, publications, meeting in North America focused on North hates geology. I suspect that is rare in lunches or the many other things the Society America. We are not in competition with any profession but in geology I get the does. I feel this because the convention the AAPG ACE as that is international in impression that most people are geologists brings together up to 4000 geoscientists scope and we are not trying to dislocate the first and employees second. I noticed that who spend great effort to discuss their other more regional conferences as there when asked what they do many people science. Many important discussions get are important roles for those meetings. say who they work for but geologists seem their start at GeoConvention. It is a meeting GeoConvention is a unique opportunity to to say they are a geologist and then may place for ideas and it is fascinating to listen attend a fully integrated conference mixing mention a company. It is a little things but it to the conversations that occur throughout geology, geophysics and petrophysics. goes to motivation. The role didn’t change the Convention Hall. It is said that advancing any one field is my perspective but it did emphasize to me exceptionally difficult. GeoConvention what an incredible opportunity I was given At one point I had a bit of time and thought does not try to advance any one specific to work with such an enthusiastic group. It I would walk through the exhibit hall slowly field but instead advance the overlap was a very special time in my career and listen to the conversation. There were between fields. It can do this because of people talking about basics principals and the unique opportunity. The conference is 9) You have been such a large part of also very specific techniques. People were held in Calgary amongst a mobile flexible the CSPG and have held many roles discussing all aspects of geology some workforce that is generally supported by and responsibilities. Which roles were cautiously and others with great vigor. I sat their companies and the broader industry. the most impactful for your career/ down and simply watched our members. The volunteer spirit of the population and personal development? Which roles There was engagement, enthusiasm, happy the broad experience it represents gives were the most “fun”? faces, earnest faces, doubtful faces, concerned the conference a strong foundation. If one faces. There were smiles, handshakes and the were to read the agreement they would see a. I held some roles that I was dismal at, odd hug and pat on the back. that GeoConvetion is a partnership. It is but fortunately they do not hand out failure not a separate organization but rather the
12 RESERVOIR ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 2017 TALKING WITH ARCHITECTS
coming together of three strong technical We have started up a geologist hiking group opening for me. societies and thousands of scientists. It is where we try to go out and look at rock on intended to be something that the three a very informal basis. We have had two 3) Are your holidays spent visiting different societies will work together to trips and we emphasize that there is no outcrops or famous geological sites? create. The only way it can fail is if the one in charge, no organization, no fees, no three sponsoring societies decide to not get itinerary. The one thing it seems to deliver a. We were on a family trip when our three along. The best analogy of the strength of are very special days with friends, young children were in their late teens. We were the partnership is a rope. A single strand and old, looking at rock and if possible a waiting at a gas station and what started out rope is only as strong as that single strand bakery along the way. as a two minute stop quickly progressed but a three stranded rope that is wound into a major event that was going to take together is stronger than the sum of its 2) What are your plans/goals for the next much longer than 30 minutes. My daughter parts. This is GeoConvention. There will 3 to 5 years outside of work? and I were both waiting so I stood up and be obvious bumps in the road but the three walked over to an outcrop that happened societies have dealt with many problems a. I built a greenhouse on our land and I to be on the side of the road by the gas and have consistently come out stronger would like to get that fully operational. I station. It had a very interesting growth with greater service to its membership. put a Peach tree in it and have actually fault in the middle of it and I was admiring been getting reasonable peaches. Although it when my daughter came over and asked Questions centered on more general there are more lucrative crops to grow in the what I was looking at. I pointed it out to / personal items: greenhouse, we have stuck with tomatoes, her and she took my arm and looked at 1) Tell us something about the personal and cucumbers. This is starting to become a me and asked very genuinely, “Do you side of Paul Mackay. What are your runaway hobby with the inclusion of two bee ever get bored?” I have never thought of interests outside of work? hives, an outdoor garden, and a fish pond. it before that but I don’t think I have ever been bored looking at rock. There is always a. Between family, work, and volunteering I would like to hike the Alps in the next something to see. ITwo of our children there really isn’t much time. I would like few years. Two close friends took me out went into Geology the third one went into to take time off and write but that does in 2015 and it was a wonderful experience Applied Math (the smart one). Is Geology not seem to be in the picture right now. so that is something I would like to do on a a good career? I don’t really know how it I know my most enjoyable time seems to broader level. will change but when I started 37 years ago be spent with friends and family. I used I was told that geology was fading as the big to woodwork but that is more difficult to I am also involved with the University of resources have all been found. That advice accomplish these days. I always thought Calgary and Queen’s University. At the U was wrong. I suspect that if you enjoy the that music would be fun but my closest of C we are trying to build closer ties with science of Geology then you will be useful friends have suggested that it is not much the Industry, in this way engage the broader to society and it will be a good career. We fun for those around me. One thing I geology community in the advancement of are a long distance from understanding would like to do is make a log cabin. This geology. At Queen’s I am teaching a course the intricacies of the Earth and how it was worries my wife. on the Energy cycle, which has been eye formed.
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A HISTORY OF GEOCONVENTION By Ron Larson, Gord Lee, Robert McGrory, Tony Cadrin, Rob Kendall, Paul MacKay
Formally, GeoConvention began in 2013 with the signing of an agreement that committed the CWLS, the CSEG, and the CSPG to a limited partnership that was designed to provide a showcase technical conference dedicated to the petroleum geoscience of Canada and parts of the United States. The agreement took a dedicated committee of 7 volunteers from the three societies (3 from CSPG, 3 from CSEG and 1 from CWLS) and input from the executives of all three societies almost a year and half to negotiate.
Although the agreement was signed in 2013 the three technical societies had been collaborating for over a decade on joint conventions.
The early roots of the GeoConvention began in the early stages of the Alberta Geological Society (AGS), who would have meetings in Banff to look at rock, socialize, that was peripheral to the main task of JACC started out with a committed group of and have a few days out of the office. finding and producing hydrocarbons. volunteers from each of the three societies These could be raucous affairs and were Service companies began to emerge as that were selected by the executives from generally well attended by the relatively both significant employers and drivers of each of the member societies. These small membership. In the 1970’s and 80’s new technology through their investment volunteers were tasked with identifying: the CSPG Convention grew exponentially, in research and development. Also the General Co-Chairs, technical chairs and however it was not the only party in town service industry became an increasingly the rest of the core set of volunteers to as the CSEG was also established and important employer in the industry. run the joint conventions. The CSPG and growing quickly. At this time there were The service companies needed to show CSEG would each act as an operator on a clear distinctions between Geologists and case their abilities and the individual two year rotating basis. This was critical Geophysicists. In many oil companies, conventions of the three societies became for the Convention Committee’s ability to they kept these two disciplines apart and an important marketing tool for that conduct its business. The infrastructure in some cases they would not cross-train purpose. made available by the societies to the one between the disciplines for fear that Convention Committee such as meeting individual employees would become too Eventually three conventions became rooms, accounting, banking and a valuable and would leave. Once the NEP simply too much and the societies began convention manager were critical to (National Energy Program) hit in 1980, the running joint conventions some years the success of each conventions. Like party died. What followed was a protracted and separate events in other years. The most things the idea was good but one slump in oil prices and deterioration in membership of the societies clearly of the great problems for the operating the employment of new graduates into showed a preference for joint conventions societies was the volunteer nature of the industry. Through this time, the although there were still some that participation and the revolving door of companies learned to do more with fewer preferred isolated conventions. Gradually leadership (convention managers). Some people. This was greatly facilitated with the this opinion became a small minority and years relationships were good and other advent and use of micro-computers in the the membership insisted that in the future years, relationships were sticky. Like office. The labs, research centres, large log the conventions should be joint. A Joint any relationship there are highs and lows. libraries and main frame computers that Annual Committee on Conventions (JACC) Additionally, the JACC model was very each oil company maintained to process was formed, September 2007, and a formal restrictive in the ability to forward plan seismic data became a thing of the past. process was begun to hold an integrated and develop our convention as a brand. Companies began to outsource everything convention.
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The one thing that all three societies Partnership LLP was born. ideas, see what is new, renew friendships, could agree on was that the convention and have a party. GeoConvention is a was one of the most important events of With GeoConvention’s launch in 2015 and strong brand that will recover in the coming the year from a technical and social point subsequent meeting in 2016, it ran into a years. It is a significant scientific meeting, of view, as well as providing significant perfect storm of a severe downturn and an excellent opportunity to showcase funds to support each society. From this, the annual 10 year arrival of the AAPG technology, an efficient method to keep GeoConvention was born. Once again, a Annual Convention and Exposition. The abreast of industry, and one of the best committee of seven volunteers was struck, amount of competition created by this networking opportunities for geoscientists made up of former members of JACC, event at a time of great contraction of the during the year. Future generations will former General Co-Chairs and significant oil industry, created a situation that would find ways to make it better but as long as joint convention volunteers and executive put most new ventures out of business; we meet as one group we will continue to members of all three societies, tasked with however, with careful planning and advance both our science and industry. evaluating JACC and charting a longer term prudent management, GeoConvention course for our beloved convention. There weathered the storm and came out of Historically, our three societies have was some reluctance from a minority of the the last year with great experience and housed many of the greatest pioneers of the membership of all three societies to enter clear commitment from the sponsoring petroleum industry and have contributed into an agreement that had permanence societies that they are committed to the greatly to the global understanding of the to it, but overwhelming the majority of the brand and unified approach. subsurface. Collectively, we can all stand membership was in favour of the formation proud as Canadian geoscientists and the of GeoConvention and the opportunity There will likely be other struggles that foundations set by GeoConvention enable that it brought to each society and their GeoConvention will face but the advantage us to showcase the wisdom, talents and membership. After a year and half of of last year is the realization that the abilities in our profession for many years to planning, negotiating and with both legal community values GeoConvention, and come. and financial advice, GeoConvention that there is a true need to meet, share
DON’T MISS OUT ON THE 2017 CSPG AWARDS LUNCHEON & INDUSTRY SPEAKER LUNCHEON
Tuesday, May 9th 11:45 am - 1:00 pm Fairmont Palliser Calgary, Alberta Room
Following the awards presentation Ted Bogle (2016 Stanley Slipper Winner) will give a presentation
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THREE YEAR GEOCONVENTION STRATEGY By Steven Donaldson & Kathleen Dorey
he first Calgary GeoConvention run identified to enable the GeoConvention past years and steered by the newly formed Partnership and Board to meet these • General Convention Chairs, Technical TGeoConvention entity occurred in shorter term goals. These are outlined Chairs (old and new), GeoConvention 2015. With two geoscience conventions below: Board and Partner Society Presidents will now behind them the Board of Directors be invited of the GeoConvention can now move from Emphasize to Industry Executives the • Best of Sessions of other Societies initiation mode to thinking about longer Value of Training and PDH’s offered by conferences – Virtual or pre-recorded term strategies. GeoConvention: sessions • Reach out to APEGA to publish an article The Board of Directors was formed as a in the PEG Magazine explaining how the Generate a Memorandum of Understanding result of the creation of the GeoConvention GeoConvention can help members earn with Partner Societies: Partnership. The current Board comprises their professional development hours • In an effort to optimize partner society representatives from the three Partner (PDH’s) relations, the GeoConvention Board will societies; the Canadian Society of • Communicate GeoConvention training draft a Memorandum of Understanding Exploration Geophysicists (CSEG), advantages via a letter that will be (MOU) with partners to make the Canadian Society of Petroleum distributed to high profile geoscientists at relationships clear and equitable with the Geologists (CSPG), and the Canadian Well individual companies partner societies. Logging Society (CWLS). There are three representatives each from the CSEG and Diversify GeoConvention Content by Maintaining fiscal responsibility while CSPG, with each member chosen by their Inviting other Organizations to Participate: growing the GeoConvention brand respective societies; the CWLS has selected • The Canadian Society for Unconventional through diversification of programming one representative to serve on the Board. Resources will now be hosting a session at in the short term will be achieved through Representatives typically serve for a 3-year GeoConvention 2017 strategic cost control, vendor relations, term. The current GeoConvention Board • Likewise, the Calgary Mineral Exploration as well as prioritizing the organization's members are listed below, along with their Society will also be hosting a session this efforts on the five initiatives listed above. affiliations: year Once the sustainability of GeoConvention • GeoConvention 2017 will include sessions at low commodity pricing has been Society on financial markets, long term oil and established, the opportunity for geographic Name Representation gas strategies, infrastructure, regulations, diversification can be discussed and safety, and environmental protection explored. Nancy Laing CSEG • It is anticipated that this initiative Jeff Deere CSEG will increase the number of delegates In this rapidly changing oil and gas business Kathleen Dorey CSPG attending GeoConvention and help and economy it is crucial for our industry maximize revenue and professional societies to stay current Steve Donaldson CSPG on technical advancements and business Phil Esslinger CSPG Increase Media Attendance at the developments. As such, the GeoConvention Heather Makowecki CSPG GeoConvention: Board and Executive see an exciting role • A Media Chair is now assigned to handle for this landmark yearly conference and David Brooke CWLS the issue for GeoConvention 2017 look forward to diversifying the content • Will invite media to specific high profile and expanding the experience for all future A Partner society strategy session (CSEG, sessions stakeholders in the coming years. CSPG and CWLS) was organized by • This will have a positive impact on the Board of Directors in November sponsors/exhibitors and potentially 2016 to review and sharpen the increase future attendance at GeoConvention three-year focus in terms GeoConvention of meeting shorter term financial goals, optimizing partner society relations and Initiate a Joint Brain Storming Session in communication, improving operational June 2017: methods, and improving the organization of the GeoConvention Board. As a result • Planned to immediately follow of this meeting, five key action items were GeoConvention this year, earlier than in
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GEOCONVENTION BOARD
David Brooke at an earlier CSPG Convention. He has Nancy is currently Marketing Director David Brooke also been the co-chair of the CSPG Basin at Canadian Discovery Ltd, an oil & gas has extensive Analysis and Sequence Stratigraphy (BASS) products and services company in Calgary. experience within Division for over 13 years. As Marketing Director, Nancy oversees the North American the marketing and strategic planning for petroleum industry Steve is currently working with Partners the company. She worked as an industry with over 20 years Energy Development Corporation in geophysicist for 10 years before pursuing as a Petrophysicist, Calgary, and is a Professional Geologist film and television production. For 17 years, Operations with 15+ years of experience in the oil and Nancy produced award winning feature Manager, Field Engineer and Environmental gas industry. Starting out as a Consultant, films, television movies, documentaries Consultant. David graduated from the he transitioned into full-time roles of and factual series for Canadian and University of Alberta with a Bachelor of increasing responsibility with some of the international markets. She returned to Science in Chemical Engineering in 1991. Job larger oil and gas companies in Calgary. geosciences in 2010 as CEO of Sound responsibilities have included working as a QI, a quantitative seismic interpretation Field Engineer in Alberta and Newfoundland, Kathleen Dorey consulting company, before it was acquired along with several line management positions Kathleen Dorey by Canadian Discovery Ltd. in 2012. in Texas and Oklahoma before returning to is a Professional Alberta in a Business Development role in Geophysicist and Nancy is looking forward to spending time 2010, and Petrophysics and Well Integrity work a present/past on the Exhibit floor to connect with clients, starting in January 2012. David has worked on member of the network with colleagues and catch up on the Technical Committee for the SPE Thermal CSEG, SEG, CSUR, the latest technology and trends at the Well Integrity Conference in 2013. David is a CSPG and APEGA. booths. She’s also excited about the half-day member of APEGGA and SPE, along with the Kathleen has over panel discussion on The Future – How our CWLS. David also volunteers as Vice-President 25 yrs experience as Profession is Advancing and Changing for the Deer Run Community Association. a Geophysicist in major operating companies as well as On the Offensive – Strategic such as Texaco and Conoco, and as an Staffing for a Thriving Post-Recovery. Jeff Deere independent geophysical consultant for many And she’s keen to see the luncheon talks Jeff has been a CSEG representative on the junior oil and gas companies. She has been with Mark LaCour and Jacob Corley GeoConvention Board since June of 2016. Chief Geophysicist for the Petrel Robertson talking about ‘Pulling ahead in the midst He was the CSEG general co-chair for Consulting Ltd for the last 7 years focusing of change’ and Jurgen Kraus’ ‘Geology GeoConvention 2015 and was a member on Canadian and International geoscience of Beer’ as well as Tom Feuchtwanger’s of the technical committee for several past projects. Kathleen has contributed to and Chasing Adventure; Circumnavigating conventions. From 2007 to 2010 he was presented talks for the CSEG, EAGE, CSPG Africa Overland. a member of the editorial board for the and AAPG ICE. She currently serves on the SEG publication The Leading Edge where Geoconvention Board of Directors, is a past Heather he coordinated the monthly Acquisition member of the CSEG Executive, served as Makowecki and Processing section. Jeff has been the Session Chair for the Geoconvention since 2013 Heather Chief Geophysicist at Key Seismic since and is a past SEG Convention Program editor. Makowecki is 2006. Prior to joining Key Seismic, he was a professional at Veritas DGC in Calgary and Shell in Nancy Laing geologist with 14 Calgary and Rijswijk, Netherlands. Nancy Laing years of experience currently in Western Canada. Steve serves on the She has been Donaldson GeoConvention involved with the GeoConvention since Steve Donaldson Board of Directors 2015 in a variety of roles. Heather believes is one of the as the Board Chair in the importance of sharing knowledge three CSPG and as one of and ideas throughout our industry and representatives three CSEG board feels very strongly that the GeoConvention currently serving on representatives. Nancy has been active is a unique event that brings Geoscientists the GeoConvention with GeoConvention since 2013 when together. Board, and has she served as Mobile App Chair for both been in that role since August 2015. Steve the 2013 and 2014 Conventions. Nancy served as a session co-chair at last year's also volunteers with the CSEG on the New GeoConvention, as well as a session chair Initiatives Committee.
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COMMITTEE BIOS
Gary Bugden responsibility at junior as well as integrated or assisting with the penguins on the King General Chair multi-national oil and gas companies in Penguin walk, or inside the Penguin Plunge. of the 2017 Geo Calgary. Convention Tristan Euzen representing the Special interest sessions that she Tristan Euzen is Canadian well is looking forward to include some a geologist with logging Society of the panel discussions such as over 20 years of (CWLS) Global Carbon Capture, Storage, experience as a Utilization and Monitoring, Pipelines researcher and a Gary graduated from Memorial University and Transportation, The Modern consultant, most of Newfoundland in 1997 with a B.Sc. Geoscientist Panel, The Future of of it in relation in Earthscience. His 20th year career the Oil and Gas Industry in Canada: with the petroleum in geology has encompassed hard rock Needs for New Business Strategies and industry. After a exploration, wellsite geology, play geology Technological Innovation, The Value PhD on plutonic rocks, he started working as well as several stints in oilfield sales of Geophysics Panel, Wellbore leakage in the mining industry and switched early and R&D. Gary is currently a partner at and gas sources, Workplace Culture/ in his career to the oil and gas industry. In Cabra Consulting Ltd. where he holds Diversity as well as some of the 100 poster 1996, he joined IFP Energies nouvelles, a the position of Vice President Geological presentations. You will find her networking research, training and information center Operations. on the exhibit floor and at each of the three for sustainable development in the fields luncheons. of energy. During 10 years as a Geoscientist Nanna Eliuk at IFP, his research interest has been on Nanna Eliuk is Lynn Engel; reservoir characterization from outcrop General Chair BSc.; P.Geoph. and subsurface data, and closely related for the CSEG Lynn Engel domains such as sequence stratigraphy, at the 2017 has been the sedimentology, static reservoir modelling GeoConvention GeoConvention and stratigraphic modeling. Tristan Joined in Calgary. Nanna Chairman for IFP-Canada in Calgary 10 years ago, has been an Judging and because he wanted to get closer to the active and tireless Awards for the past industry and get a better understanding volunteer on many 3 years. She also of how research may impact strategic and fronts with the CSEG. She has served as assists with the operational decisions. For the last six years, session chair and co-chair for both the CSEG Lunch Box geophysics talks. his focus has been on unconventional CSEG/CSPG Conventions in the past, resources with a special interest in the has been an integral part of the technical Lynn has 20 years’ experience as a seismic Montney play. With a relatively broad committee for past conventions, written interpreter, and has focused the last 5 years geoscience background and most of book reviews for the RECORDER, reviewed on QI (Quantitative Interpretation). She his career spent at the frontier between abstracts for the SEG Convention, as well won the Best Integrated Oral presentation the academia and the industry, Tristan as helped organize and present at the first at the 2013 GeoConvention for the naturally leans towards multidisciplinary CSEG/EAGE Land Seismic workshop, paper “Case Studies Highlighting Tight integrated projects to improve knowledge which was a financial and technical Sand Reservoir Interpretation of AVO- on and help responsibly develop oil and success. She has also volunteered her Inversion Techniques”. She is currently gas resources. time with the Earth Science for Society, working at Bengal Energy, performing the CSEG Mentorship program, the CSEG QI and traditional seismic interpretation Last year, Tristan Euzen was involved in Outreach program (high school fairs in workflows in the Cooper Basin, onshore the GeoConvention 2016 as a Montney Saskatchewan) and was a key contributor Australia. Session Co-Chair and it made him realize in the early days of the Junior Geophysicists how important it is to design a consistent Forum Committee. Lynn is also an active volunteer around agenda and actively recruit speakers to Calgary. She volunteers for the Calgary build a strong technical session. This Nanna is currently Exploration Manager Wildlife Rehabilitation Society, where session was such a success and his Co- with Alvopetro Energy Ltd. in Calgary and she fed over one hundred orphaned baby Chair Tom Moslow had the brilliant idea to is a professional geophysicist with over hares. She was a member of the Tatawaw make it the starting point of a new Special 20 years’ experience in the oil and gas Committee which sponsored a Syrian Volume on the Montney Play for the industry. Her experience has included refugee family. You might run into her at Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology! geophysical positions with increasing the Calgary Zoo, observing the black bears, For the GeoConvention 2017, Tristan was
18 RESERVOIR ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 2017 GEOCONVENTION ARTICLES
offered a role of General Co-Chair for the includes the Ellerslie, Glauconitic, operations. Volunteering with multiple CSPG, as the position had become vacant. Notikewin, McMurray, Dunvegan, Bluesky different organizations has proven to be This position is a great learning opportunity and Cardium formations. extremely rewarding to Nash, through because this kind of role forces individuals networking and project management to take a step back and look at the bigger Adam graduated from Dalhousie with GeoSkills and GeoConvention, and picture and a longer-term perspective. It University in 2010 with a BSc in Earth the opportunity to learn about micro- also makes it possible to bring new ideas Science (Hons.) and University of Calgary scale reservoir analysis and technological into reality thanks to the enthusiastic and in 2012 with an MSc in Geology. His innovations with Trican. strong involvement of the GeoConvention undergraduate thesis is entitled ‘Trends committee! Among the committee’s and Architecture of Meguma Group Nash had his first industry work experience objectives this year, were building a strong Turbidites in Point Pleasant Park, Halifax, this past summer with Tangle Creek and more diversified technical program, Nova Scotia’ and focused on turbidite Energy Ltd. allowing him to get a taste attract high profile Session-Chairs and sand body geometries and the location of of the business and expand his network, speakers, as well as a broader audience the sands in relation to the seafloor. His gaining valuable mentorship and a love for with more executives and people from the Master’s thesis is entitled ‘Offshore and petroleum geosciences. midstream industry. The technical program transitional Cardium reservoir evaluation that was finally put together this year went for tight oil, West Pembina boundary, Currently, Nash is in his final semester even beyond the committee’s expectations Alberta, Canada’ and focused on the of his BSc. (Hons.) Geology (Petroleum with nearly 60 sessions and panels and deposition and reservoir characterization Concentration) with Geophysics Minor the GeoConvention 2017 is set to be an of lower shoreface sandstones in the program and is looking forward to the excellent vintage! Cardium Formation in relation to a higher prospect of pursuing an International order sequence stratigraphic model. Master’s Program in Petroleum Geology Tristan Euzen will also be co-chairing two beginning in September. technical sessions at the GeoConvention Adam enjoyed volunteering, presenting 2017. The first one co-chaired with Neil and co-chairing at past GeoConventions In addition to networking, Nash is most Watson and entitled “Western Canada and joined the GeoConvention committee looking forward to the opportunity to Petroleum Systems” will cover a variety in 2016. At the 2017 GeoConvention attend technical sessions regarding The of aspects including tectonics, sediment Adam will be co-chairing the ‘Integrating Future of the Oil and Gas Industry in source-to-sink, oil sourcing and fluids Geoscience to Optimize Unconventional Canada, Canadian Frontier Basins, migration. The other one will be the and Oilsand Resource Plays’ session. Optimizing Resource Recovery, Global last of three sessions on the Montney Carbon Capture, Storage, Utilization Play, that will be one of the hot topics Adam is looking forward to this year’s and Monitoring, Emerging Technologies, of the conference again this year! This GeoConvension and excited about the and Integrating Geoscience to Optimize session co-chaired with Brian Zaitlin diverse topics that will be presented Unconventional and Oils and Resource will be entirely devoted to “New Insights covering not only fascinating geoscience Plays at this year’s GeoConvention. on Stratigraphy and Sedimentology”. topics but those related to government The stratigraphic architecture and the and public policy as well as career Jason Hendrick depositional heterogeneity of the Montney development. Jason Hendrick Formation have a fundamental impact is a geophysicist on the distribution of both rock and fluid Adam is looking forward to seeing you this working for properties throughout the basin and there year’s GeoConvention as it is expected to Nexen Energy, will certainly be a lot of useful take away be one of the biggest and most diverse. he is focused on messages out of this session! unconventional Nash Hayward resource Adam Fraser Nash Hayward development. (P.Geo) CSPG is the Exhibits He’s been with Technical Chair for the 2017 Nexen for 10 years, his work experience Co-chair GeoConvention in includes seismic interpretation, innovative A professional Calgary. Nash has geophysical technology application, Geologist and been a persistent designing and implementing seismic independent volunteer in past and microseismic monitoring networks, consultant years, serving as actively contributing to various research with 5 years of part of the Speaker consortiums, and technology development experience in the recruitment team for the student-run efforts dedicated to the advancement of petroleum industry APEGA GeoSkills 2016 conference, as well geophysics. He’s been involved with the having worked for EnCana Corporation, as volunteering with Trican Geological Geoconvention in all capacities over the Talisman Energy Inc., Imperial Oil, and Solutions in their analytical laboratory past decade. Since he was a summer student ConocoPhillips Canada. Experience for nearly two years, assisting with daily in 2005, Geoconvention has provided (Continued on page 20...)
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(Continued from page 19...) opportunities to network and explore the AB, his family enjoyed camping and all Brianna Saxton different facets of the Canadian Oil and Gas outdoor sports year round. When the time industry. The diverse technical content of came to pursue an education, he began Brianna Saxton Geoconvention allows new ideas to flow searching for a career that combined his is the CWLS from presentations of new technologies, passions of the outdoors with science, and Technical Co- tools and case studies. Jason has presented found geology. Since attending school at Chair for this year’s multiple posters and an oral presentation the University of Calgary, his appreciation GeoConvention. at the Geoconvention over the years, for all outdoor pursuits such as hiking, She is a junior contributing to the advancement of seismic canoeing, skiing, and rock climbing petrophysicist for attributes, microseismic monitoring and the have taken on a whole new satisfaction. Apache Canada. She graduated from the research of induced seismicity generated Currently completing his Honours in University of Alberta in May, 2014 with an from hydraulic fracturing. He has acted Petroleum Geology degree this year, Honors Degree in Geology. After finishing as a Geoconvention session chair for the Brendon has been privileged to complete her degree, she was hired on as a GIT at induced seismicity sessions in 2016, helping an undergraduate thesis project under Apache. She has worked with Apache’s to shape the content that was presented. Dr. Federico Krause with a sedimentary exploration group for 1 year, performing Most recently, he has led the geophysical and petrology focus. Using core logging, regional mapping in the WCSB. For the technical content coordination as the CSEG sample collection, optical and scanning last 1.5 years, she has been working with technical chair for Geoconvention 2017. electron microscopy for detailed Apache’s petrophysical group providing Working as part of the Geoconvention petrology analysis has allowed Brendon to technical analyses to the Canadian asset organizing team has allowed Jason to consolidate his geological knowledge. teams. recognize the hard work and hundreds of hours of work needed to produce the Volunteering and seeking ways to involve Brianna likes being part of the Geoconvention each year. He’s proud to himself within communities has always GeoConvention committee because it contribute to his society, the CSEG, and to been important to Brendon; a habit that is nice to help guide and influence the help ensure the best technical program is began as a young boy participating in technical content, sessions, and special brought together. Jason is looking forward to the scouting program and achieving events for the convention. It is a great way the expansive technical content, with nearly their highest awards over the years. Fast to share ideas and interact with fellow 400 abstract submissions! Geoconvention forward to today where Brendon is happy geoscientists. She also likes receiving a 2017 highlights the resiliency shown during to be a part of the 2017 Geoconvention sneak preview of who is presenting, the the industry downturn, as geophysicists, committee working as a team on varying abstracts, and the events ahead of time. geologists and petrophysicists continue to tasks to bring an event that will bring She is excited for GeoConvention because share their ideas and innovate to help shape the geoscience community together to it offers exposure to an immense amount of our future. learn about innovations and research technical content in one location in 3 days. done by fellow peers. He looks forward GeoConvention is unique because it offers Brendon to engaging in the technical talks and sessions for all aspects of the oil and gas Lybbert getting to know more about the methods/ industry and promotes integration among Brendon has technologies that are being incorporated professionals with different specialties. She always found joy in the today's industry. “A great deal of also enjoys the community and networking in exploring the effort has been combined over the past opportunities that GeoConvention offers. great outdoors. year to bring a world class conference, Growing up east and I am excited to see it in motion! I of the Rockies in hope to see you there and wish you all the Spruce Grove, best!”
20 RESERVOIR ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 2017 TECHNICAL ABSTRACTS
PALAEOGEOGRAPHIC EVOLUTION OF THE MONTNEY IN THE WESTERN CANADA SEDIMENTARY BASIN John-Paul Zonneveld1 Thomas F. Moslow2 1Ichnology Research Group, Department of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G2E3 2Moslovian Geological Consulting, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Summary The Lower Triassic Montney Formation was deposited during an interval of transition; transition from carbonate- dominated deposition during the Paleozoic to clastic dominated deposition during the Mesozoic; transition of invertebrate faunas from archaic Palaeozoic forms to Modern forms; and transition from a passive margin setting to a foreland basin setting. These criteria render the Montney unique amongst Phanerozoic sedimentary successions in western Canada.
Extinction considerations.— The Montney Figure 1: Evolving Montney Palaeogeography. Note the occurrence of rare perennial fluvial feeder systems Formation records sediment accumulation (Ring-Pedigree and Dixonville deltas) as well as numerous, seasonally / periodically active ephemeral on the northwestern margin of Pangaea feeder systems. Note the occurrence of the Griesbachian ‘Claraia zone’, the Dienerian-Smithian Coquinal during the first five million years after the Dolomite middle member and the late Smithian ‘Altares’ member. These three units comprise the main Permian-Triassic extinction. In addition to bioclastic horizons in the Montney Formation. Based on numerous source’s cited in text. the demise of ~95% of skeletonized marine taxa, this extinction event had a profound affect on the sedimentary framework of rapidly succumb to hydrolysis and become hundreds of kilometres offshore, however the Montney. Thus, echinoderm detritus, altered to clay minerals, particularly in medium to coarse silt and very fine-grained articulate brachiopods and scattered the presence of plant-derived organic sand (20-125 μ) are transported primarily rugose corals, all of which are important acids (eg. Velbel, 1990; Drever, 1994). In by saltation and are rarely transported more grain constituents in the Upper Permian arid settings (such as the coastal interior than a few 10s of metres in air (Nickling and Belloy Formation, are absent in the adjacent to the Montney coast), rainfall is Neumann, 2009; Bullard, 2009). Water, in Montney Formation. rare, typically catastrophic and short-lived the form of sheet floods and reactivation and the paucity of plants minimizes the of ephemeral streams is the dominant Montney sediment.— The Montney is presence of organic acids in soils. Thus, the sediment transport medium in desert unusual, in that it comprises a thick (>350 affects of hydrolysis were minimal in the systems (Powell, 2009). The Montney was metres in the west) succession dominated Montney interior and mineral breakdown no exception. Montney sediment delivery by dolomitic siltstone and very fine-grained was dominated by mechanical influences to the coast and broad ramp is attributed sandstone with rare fine-grained sandstone (grain-grain interactions). Although clay to numerous ephemeral rivers and a very intervals and even rarer silty shale intervals. minerals do occur in fine-grained Montney few perennial rivers flowing from the The Montney’s unique grain size distribution strata, much of this clay is immobile craton interior to the northwest Pangaean is a function of its palaeogeographic (occurring within individual degraded mica coastline (Zonneveld and Moslow, 2014). occurrence and the palaeoclimatological or feldspar grains). Large quantities of clay conditions under which it was deposited. occur in only a few locations in the basin, Montney beginnings.—The basal Montney Deposition in a shallow clastic ramp such as Pedigree, Ring and Border fields on Formation (Griesbachian / lower Induan) setting on an arid coastal margin severely the Alberta-British Columbia border and comprises an overall retrogradational constrained the nature of sediment Dixonville field in central Alberta. succession deposited as part of a regional delivery and redistribution, and the way in marine transgression. Montney sediment which constituent minerals were altered As with all desert systems, wind plays an accumulation was not uniform across in the sediment source areas. In humid important role in sediment transport, the basin. Depocentres occurred in fault- or temperate settings feldspar, mica and particularly within coast-proximal areas. influenced areas including the Peace River other unstable minerals in soils are in Finer-grained clastics (fine silt; <20 μ) may embayment (Fort St. John Graben, Dawson frequent contact with percolating fluids, have been carried in suspension 10s to (Continued on page 22...)
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(Continued from page 21...) Creek graben, Webster Fault, etc…) and the Hay River Fault Zone (Ring-Pedigree fields with ~100 metres of Griesbachian sediment accumulation). A subaerially exposed ridge (Fig. 1) occurred on the western margin of the basin partially constraining basin circulation and possibly acting as a source of sediment during some intervals.
The basal Montney transgression proceeded from west towards east, onlapping progressively older Paleozoic units towards the Montney subcrop limit. During the Griesbachian the Montney Basin was constrained on the west by a regional high, referred to informally as the Figure 2. Montney Stratigraphy, western Alberta to the subcrop limit, British Columbia. Unconformity 1 Meosin-Muinok high (Fig. 1; Orchard and approximates the Dienerian-Smithian (Induan-Olenekian) boundary and is a major Montney subdivision Zonneveld, 2008; Zonneveld et al., 2015), in Alberta. Unconformity 2 approximates the Smithian-Spathian boundary and is easily recognized which occurred in the same approximate throughout western Alberta and northeastern British Columbia. Unconformity 4 separates the Montney location as the Permian Sukunka Uplift Formation from the Doig Phosphate Zone. Erosional outliers of the “Anisian wedge” erosionally overlie (sensu Henderson et al., 1997). Shallow the Montney Formation (unconformity 3) and are erosionally overlain by the Doig Phosphate Zone marine sandstone units occur in the (unconformity 4). Note the occurrence of the bioclastic packstone and grainstone beds of the ‘Claraia several parts of the basin, including on Zone’ and ‘Altares’ member. the northeast (deltaic units in the Ring- Pedigree area) and east central parts of the a basinward correlative conformity in numerous authors (eg. Golding et al., 2014; basin (Panek, 2000; Zonneveld et al., 2010a; the western subsurface. This boundary Davies and Hume, 2016) to approximate 2010b). The Lower Montney Formation coincides with early collision of Pericratonic the Smithian-Spathian boundary. This includes two lower order sequences, with terranes with the North American boundary has been identified throughout a maximum flooding surface occurring in autochthon (Beranek and Mortensen, the basin, from outcrop in Kananaskis to mid-Griesbachian strata, and another in the 2011). The early Smithian interval (earliest the western subcrop in British Columbia. early Dienerian, after which the Montney Olenekian) was characterized by marine A phosphate pebble lag commonly occurs shoreline started to prograde westwards. A transgression and retrogradation of at the sequence boundary in southern and localized occurrence with abundant thin- Montney shorelines towards the east. eastern sections, typically in association shelled bivalves (the ‘Claraia’ zone) occurs Maximum transgression occurred during with a low-diversity Glossifungites- in west-central British Columbia. The top of the mid-Smithian. The upper Smithian is demarcated discontinuity surface. In the Lower Montney is placed at a regional characterized by strong progradation of western and northern sections, this surface sequence boundary that approximates the the Montney shoreline towards the west. is informally referred to as the ‘Montney Dienerian-Smithian (Induan-Olenekian) Indeed, during this interval the shoreline shoulder’ due to its appearance on well logs. boundary (Fig. 2). prograded further westwards than during It is demarcated in the western subsurface the earlier Dienerian progradation. The by a shift from interbedded bioclastic Mid-Montney sequence boundary I.— upper Smithian also saw the occurrence packstone / grainstone and siltstone in the The late Dienerian heralded the maximum of an interval of abundant sharp-based Middle Montney to laminated phosphate- westward progradation of the lower bioclastic grainstone beds within a rich siltstone in the Upper Montney. Montney shoreline. These shorelines are siltstone matrix. This unit, informally characterized by very fine- to fine-grained referred to as the ‘Altares member’, is Montney endings.— Overlying the sandstone and bioclastic packstone / younger than other bioclastic intervals in laminated siltstone beds in the lower part grainstone (Coquinal dolomite middle the Montney Formation. Taphonomic and of the upper Montney Formation, the unit member) in the southeastern part of the sedimentological criteria indicate some grades upwards to interbedded wave- basin (Markhasin, 1994; Mederos, 1995; degree of transport in the genesis of this rippled and bioturbated siltstone. It is Davies et al., 1997). Maximum progradation, unit. A lack of bioclastic beds in temporally strongly progradational and interpreted and the Lower-Montney - Middle Montney equivalent units in shallower settings to be a low-angle clastic ramp succession. sequence boundary occurred at the suggests that the transport may have been The Upper Montney is erosionally overlain Dienerian-Smithian (Induan-Olenekian) local rather than regional. by younger, dominantly Middle Triassic boundary. This sequence boundary is (Anisian), strata. Commonly, the overlying most easily resolvable in the eastern Mid-Montney sequence boundary strata are phosphate granule and gravel- Alberta subsurface, and in the Peace River II.— A second, major intraformational rich strata of the Doig Phosphate Zone. embayment area where the Montney unconformity has been shown by Recent work has shown that in some Turbidite Zone (occurs). It correlates with
22 RESERVOIR ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 2017 TECHNICAL ABSTRACTS
parts of the basin, a distinctive unit of on reservoir quality: A case study from Gingras, M.K. 2010a. Diverse ichnofossil interbedded highly bioturbated and non- the “Anisian Wedge” of the Lower Triassic assemblages following the P-T mass bioturbated sediment occurs between Montney Formation. British Columbia extinction, Lower Triassic, Alberta and the Montney Formation and the Doig Unconventional Gas Technical Forum. British Columbia, Canada: evidence for Phosphate Zone (Zonneveld and Moslow, shallow marine refugia on the northwestern 2015; Zonneveld et al., 2015; 2016; Furlong Markhasin, B. 1997. Sedimentology and coast of Pangaea. Palaios, 25: 368-392. et al., 2016; Davies and Hume, 2016). This stratigraphy of the Lower Triassic Montney unit, informally referred to as the ‘Anisian Formation, subsurface of northwestern Zonneveld, J.P., MacNaughton, R.B., wedge’ is not allied with either unit but Alberta. Unpublished M.Sc. Thesis, Utting, J., Beaty, T.W., Pemberton, S.G. and comprises a distinct stratigraphic interval University of Calgary, Alberta, 212 p. Henderson, C.M. 2010b. Sedimentology on its own (Zonneveld and Moslow, 2015; and ichnology of the Lower Triassic Zonneveld et al., 2015; 2016; Furlong et al., Mederos, S. 1995. Sedimentology and Montney Formation in the Pedigree-Ring/ 2016). sequence stratigraphy of the Montney Border Kahntah River area, northwestern Formation in the Sturgeon Lake A and B Alberta and northeastern British Columbia. Acknowledgements pool. Unpublished M.Sc. Thesis, University Bulletin of Canadian Pet¬¬roleum Geology, Triassic research at the University of Alberta of Alberta, Edmonton, 229 p. 58: 115-140. over the last 10 years has been supported by NSERC (Discovery grants and a CRD grant), Moslow, T.F. 2000. Reservoir architecture Zonneveld, J. P., Moslow, T.F. 2014. Perennial and a variety of companies including of a fine-grained turbidite system: Lower River Deltas of the Montney Formation: Barrick, Birchcliff Resources, Canbriam Triassic Montney Formation, Western Alberta and British Columbia Subcrop Energy, Cequence Energy, Progress Energy Canada Sedimentary Basin. In: Deep- Edge (Oral Presentation). GeoConvention Canada, Sasol Canada, Shell Canada, water Reservoirs of the World, Conference 2014: May 12 – 16 2014, Calgary, AB. Talisman and Taqa North. Ideas herein Proceedings, Gulf Coast SEPM. (Weimer, P. have involved numerous individuals in et al., eds.). p. 686–713. Zonneveld, J.P., and Moslow, T.F. 2015. The academia and industry. Montney-Doig boundary and the ‘Anisian Nickling, W.G. and Neumann, C.M. Wedge’’ in northeastern British Columbia. References 2009. Aeolian Sediment Transport in British Columbia Unconventional Gas Beranek, L.P., J.K. Mortensen, M.J. Orchard, Geomorphology of desert environments Technical Forum. and T. Ullrich. 2010. Provenance of North (Parsons, A.J and Abrahams, A.D., eds), p. American Triassic strata from west-central 517-555. Zonneveld, J.P., Furlong, C.M., Gegolick, and southeastern Yukon: correlations with A., Gingras, M.K., Golding, M., Moslow, coeval strata in the Western Canadian Panek, R. 2000. The sedimentology and T., Orchard, M., Playter, T., Prenoslo, D. Sedimentary Basin and Canadian Arctic stratigraphy of the Lower Triassic Montney and Sanders, S.C. 2015. Stratigraphic Islands. Canadian Journal of Earth Formation in the subsurface of the Architecture of the Montney Formation, Sciences, 47: 53-73.Bullard, J.E. 2009. Dust. Peace River area, northwestern Alberta. Peace District, Alberta and British in Geomorphology of desert environments Unpublished M.Sc. Thesis, University of Columbia. William C. Gussow Geoscience (Parsons, A.J and Abrahams, A.D., eds) p. Calgary, Alberta, 275 p. Conference. 629-654. Powell, D.M. 2009. Dryland rivers: Zonneveld, J-P., Furlong, C.M., Gegolick, Davies, G.R., Moslow, T.F. and Sherwin, processes and forms. in Geomorphology A., Gingras, M.K., Golding, M., Moslow, M.D. 1997. The Lower Triassic Montney of desert environments (Parsons, A.J and T., Orchard, M., Playter, T., Prenoslo, D. Formation, west central Alberta. Bulletin of Abrahams, A.D., eds) p. 333-373. and Sanders, S.C. 2016. The Montney- Canadian Petroleum Geology, 45: 474-505. Doig Boundary and the “Anisian Wedge”. Velbel, M.A. 1990. Influence of temperature Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists: Davies, G.R. and Hume, D. 2016. Lowstand/ and mineral surface characteristics on International Core Conference. Slope-onlap Wedge in the Montney: feldspar weathering rates in natural and Stratigraphic and Sequence Framework, artificial systems: a first approximation. Reservoir Significance. GeoConvention Water resources research 26: 3049-3053. 2016, Abstract, 4p. Zonneveld, J-P., Golding, M. Moslow, T.F., Drever, J.I. and Vance, G.F. Role of soil Orchard, M.J., Playter, T and Wilson, N. organic acids in mineral weathering 2011. Depositional framework of the Lower processes. In. Organic acids in geological Triassic Montney Formation, West-central processes (Pittman, E.D. and Lewan, M.D., Alberta and Northeastern British Columbia. eds.). Springer. P. 138-161. 2011 CSPG CSEO CWLS Convention: Recovery, p. 1-4. Furlong, C.M., Gingras, M.K., and Zonneveld, J.P. 2016. Bioturbation influence Zonneveld, J-P., Beatty, T.W. and
RESERVOIR ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 2017 23 TECHNICAL ABSTRACTS
A VIRTUAL MCMURRAY FORMATION OUTCROP TOUR – AN EVOLVING TOOL FOR CHARACTERIZING OIL SANDS RESERVOIRS AND CREATING REALISTIC GEOMODELS Rudy Strobl (Executive Director, EnerFox Enterprises) Milovan Fustic (Adjunct Professor, U of Calgary) Rob Davies (Director of Field Operations, Automated Aeronautics)
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV’s) are used to create high-resolution video, orthomosaic images and three-dimensional models for outcrops of any size or location. A virtual tour of the McMurray Formation type section (Figure 1), near the city of Ft. McMurray is presented, to show an example Figure 1. McMurray Formation Type Section photomontage created from river level. This outcrop is of a cost-effective and convenient method approximately 60m high and 1.8 km long. An outcrop study by Fustic et al., in press, subdivides the to characterize oil sands exposures for in- outcrop into individual bowls, each with unique sedimentological characteristics. situ and mining applications, in addition to creating an exciting new approach to creating data sets for sedimentological studies. Although virtual tours cannot replace actually visiting the outcrop in the field, they have the distinct advantage of illustrating and teaching reservoir analogues and depositional models within the safety of the classroom or office setting. High-resolution photographs geo-referenced with appropriate latitude, longitude and elevation are now available the study of the entire outcrop, and are particularly effective for areas that are steep or inaccessible, which often represents most of the outcrop. In many instances, high resolution detailed images could not be obtained before nor could accurate measurements be made before this new Figure 2. Bowls B2 and B3 of the McMurray Formation Type Section, illustrating previous studies of I.H.S., technology became available. regional water/bitumen contacts, lean zones and other important reservoir modeling parameters (Strobl et al., 2014). Field trip leaders will soon be using UAV ‘s simultaneously to complement field visits, following YouTube link: https://youtu. to side canyons where similar quality to illustrate hard to steep or inaccessible be/7cm2INL7HC0 images could be obtained. portions of the reservoir, in addition to providing expanded views of the outcrop Detailed sedimentology, statistics on Integrated detailed studies of bowls B2 and without the distortion associated with bed lengths, measurements of geological B3 of the McMurray Type Section (Figure looking 30 to 60 m upward from the river features and reservoir characterization 2) illustrates how these two sources of data level. These evolving tools help meet new over the length of the outcrop can now can be complementary. In this example, economic realities and safety regulations obtained with UAV derived images and complementary data includes detailed for companies and universities. data. The UAV’s can create detailed, high- measurements made by geologists who resolution images from several elevations describe the sedimentology on a bed-by- The reader is invited to view a “fly-through” at optimal distances from the outcrop face, bed basis (5 to 10 cm scale) for the entire 70- of the McMurray Type Section using with minimal distortion or interference by 85 m thick section. Included in this study UAV derived data by connecting to the vegetation. Previous studies were limited was a simulated gamma ray for comparison
24 RESERVOIR ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 2017 TECHNICAL ABSTRACTS
to offset geophysical log data from core measurements are now possible providing McMurray Formation Type Section, Alberta, holes located approximately in the vicinity statistically valid data for modeling. Specific Canada, in Outcrops that Change the Way of the outcrop. These data can be compared sedimentological data can be utilized by That We Practice Petroleum Geology, to the larger context provided by the virtual reservoir modeling and mapping software American Association of Geologists. tour UAV derived measurements. including familiar packages such as ArcGIS, Petrel, Roxar and GoCad. Strobl, R.S., Milovan Fustic and Daryl UAV’s provide customized geo-referenced Wightman (2015): The Athabasca Oil Sands 3-d point cloud data. Recommended References: Area from Basin to Molecular Scale - 4D measurements for reservoir Fustic, M., Rudy Strobl, Martin Fowler, Observations from Inside the Reservoir, characterization purposes include the Bryce Jablonski, and Allard Martinius, in Fort McMurray, Alberta, June 16 & 17, 2015, length and thickness of I.H.S., incising press, Field Excursion: Impact of Reservoir CSPG Field Guide, 41 pp. channel successions, mudstone-clast Heterogeneity on Oil Migration and the breccias and lean zones. Hundred’s of Origin of Enigmatic Oil-Water Contacts:
CARIBOU: THE NEXT MONTNEY OIL SWEET-SPOT Ian, J. Cockerill, TSV-TMK Montney
Summary of 400 wells, the resource potenial of the the geology in the Caribou area appears A fully integrated resource evaluation of Montney Play in NE British Columbia has extremely prospective for oil in both the the Montney Play in NE British Columbia been evaluated and quantified using a Upper and Lower Montney zones. has identified and high-graded the Caribou process called Common Recovery Segment area (94-G-09) as having particular Mapping. Acknowledgements attributes to suggest significant recoverable TSV-TMK Montney is a Joint Venture oil and liquids potential in the Montney The resultant mapping and resource between TSV Montney and TMK Montney, Play. evaluation has successfully predicted the both Australian based publically unlisted emergance of oil zones in the Montney at companies. This paper is presented with Using zone attribute analysis for 1,400 digital Tower and Inga. By analogy and calibration permission and the support of both wells and a petrophysical interpretation to the proven oil sweet-spots of the play, companies.
Figure 1 – Example of Net Pay calculated from Pickett and Effective Figure 2 – Example of a Common Recovery Segment Map for the Lower Permeability for well 200-B-002-E/94-G-09. Montney together with input mapping on the interpreted geological drivers for recovery, NE British Columbia.
RESERVOIR ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 2017 25 SESSION HIGHLIGHTS
THE LOWER TRIASSIC MONTNEY FORMATION: THE GROWING GIANT Graham R. Davies, Ph.D., P. Geol., Graham Davies Geological Consultants (GDGC) Ltd., Calgary, AB Thomas F. Moslow, Moslow Geoscience Consulting Ltd., Calgary, AB
Introduction et al, 2016), it is clear that there are three at the University of Calgary under the The Lower Triassic Montney Formation major unconformity-bounded sequences direction of Professor Charles Henderson. in the WCSB has emerged within the last or subdivisions in the Montney. These ten years or so as one of North America's now are recognized as the Lower, Middle, Montney Technical Session at CSPG top unconventional resource plays, after and Upper subdivisions. Adding some Conference a long history (60+ years) of exploration complication to this three-fold framework There will be several Montney sessions at and production in generally shallower is the presence of two prominent the 2017 GeoConvention, reflecting the 'conventional' reservoirs. The increasing westward-thickening lowstand wedges, high industry interest in this target. The focus is on areas that are overpressured, at the base of the Middle and Upper session chaired by Graham Davies and sweet, and liquids-rich (Nevokshonoff, divisions, respectively. Although today Tom Moslow is titled" The Montney: the session abstract, 2017), ranging from the of little exploration interest (but a growing giant". It includes presentations Karr-Kakwa area in west-central Alberta, significant target of earlier 'conventional' from leaders in their fields, from to increasingly northward in northeastern exploration), the boundary between the innovative exploration and development, BC (NE BC). The geographic extent of the Lower and Middle subdivisions of the to leading-edge researchers in academia. play is in the order of 130,000 square kms, Montney closer to the eastern subcrop Topics range from new insights on the extending at least 560kms from north to edge of the formation is overlain by a paleogeographic setting of the Montney, south, to ca 220kms east-west (modified thick, extensive and erosionally-based to northern extension of the play in NE from Jarrah, TD Security, Jan. 2017), with dolocoquina (Davies and Sherwin,1997). BC, to the current state of play in the Karr- more than 5600 wells in the Montney in Kakwa area of west-central Alberta, and Alberta and BC as of 2016 (ibid.). With One attempt to resolve regional Montney to presentations on impact of secondary longer horizontals and larger fracs, and stratigraphic correlation issues is in migration of methane on hydrocarbon increasing sophistication of horizontal preparation (Davies et al, in prep.) for fluid distribution, significance of rapid well localization in condensate- the upcoming BSPG Special Volume changes in liquid to gas ratios and rich intervals, the per well costs and on the Montney. This contribution is liquid geochemical signatures, and production economics continue to built around a long log-based but core- elastic anisotropy characteristics of tight improve. grounded NNW-SSE cross-section from Montney siltstones. the Karr-Kakwa area in west-central Regional Montney Stratigraphic Alberta to beyond the northern boundary Conclusion Framework of the Peace River area in NE BC. In the Although it is a world-class unconventional One of the persistent geological issues latter area, the section ties into conodont resource play, the Montney, like many that causes some confusion in assigning dating of the Montney by Progress Energy other units in that category globally, still horizontals in the Montney to specific (Moslow et al, 2016, and in prep.). A contains facies-dependent sweet spots stratigraphic intervals, and in comparing correlative sub-project in planning phase that need to be understood geologically, wells in different field areas, is the lack of aims to date the subdivisions of the geochemically, geomechanically and a consistent terminology for formation Montney in the Karr-Kakwa area, again otherwise, and to be targeted with ever- subdivisions on a regional scale. In one using conodonts. If that objective is met, increasing precision and cost-effective of the earlier contributions to Montney both 'ends' of the regional NNW-SSE engineering design. As long as global stratigraphy (Davies et al, 1997), based section will have a consistent conodont- oil prices retain a degree of stability, or mainly on Alberta well and core control based biostratigraphic framework, increase, the Montney will continue to to about the mid-1990s, only Lower and perhaps allowing it to become an industry grow in economic significance to western 'Upper' Montney subdivisions were reference standard (or at least a basis for Canada, and to Canada as a whole. recognized. Since that time, with an such a standard). Collaborative efforts exponential increase in Montney well to better define the chronostratigraphic penetrations and major extensions into framework and paleogeographic NE BC, and guided by comparisons with evolution of the Montney are currently global Lower Triassic sequences (Embry. underway by teams of researchers at the 1997) and more recently by conodont University of Alberta under the direction dating of the Montney in NE BC (Moslow of Professor John-Paul Zonneveld, and (Continued on page 30...)
26 RESERVOIR ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 2017 SESSION HIGHLIGHTS
“GLOBAL CARBON CAPTURE, STORAGE, UTILIZATION AND MONITORING” By Luc Rock & Kirk Osadetz
Interested in Greenhouse Gas reduction Carbon Process”; and Simon O`Brien Samuel Krevor and Olivia Sloan (Imperial technologies and opportunities? Then the (Shell Canada) will give a presentation on College London) on “Capillary limited flow full-day session on May 16th called “Global ”Overview of Shell CCS projects”. behaviour for subsurface CO2 injection at Carbon Capture, Storage, Utilization and the CMC Field Research Station”.
Monitoring” at this year’s GeoConvention In addition, the topic of CO2 utilization is for you. within the oil industry will be addressed, To round off the afternoon session a series with talks by: of case studies focused on monitoring
Canada is a global leader in the field of will be presented, covering the Plains CO2 Carbon Dioxide Capture, Storage and Kirk Osadetz (Carbon Management Reduction (PCOR) Partnership, Aquistore, Utilization (CCSU). The stratigraphic Canada) et al. on “Opportunities and and Quest: history of the Western Canada Sedimentary Challenges for the use of Improved and Basin is uniquely endowed with the fossil Enhanced Conventional Petroleum Neil Wildgust et al. (Energy & energy resources that motivate the need Recovery in GHG mitigation strategies”, Environmental Research Center) present on for industrial carbon management, and and Murray Reynolds (Ferus Inc.) on “Demonstration of Secure CO2 Geological also provides one of the world’s best “Value Added Usage of Anthropogenic Storage in the PCOR Partnership Region”; opportunities for carbon dioxide storage Carbon Dioxide in Oilfield Operations Erik Nickel (Petroleum Technology in geological media. It also includes – New Applications in Unconventional Research Centre) et al. on “Integrated possible novel storage opportunities for Reservoirs”. monitoring systems at the PTRC’s carbon dioxide as a solid gas hydrate in Aquistore field laboratory: More than just the Athabasca region. Canada is home to Safe storage depends on an effective a CO2 storage project”; and Luc Rock (Shell two of the world’s leading CCSU projects repository and monitoring. Greenhouse Canada) on “Quest CCS project’s MMV including Shell’s fully integrated Quest Gas management projects, such as Carbon program: overview and 1st year review post CCS Project (capture, transport, storage, Management Canada (CMC) Research start of injection”. monitoring), and the combined capture, Institutes’ Field Research Station (FRS) that enhanced recovery and storage project at studies subsurface project conformance Please join us May 16th in Glen Room 205 Boundary Dam, Weyburn and Aquistore and storage complex containment, for the full-day session called “Global in Saskatchewan. These are among the have applications beyond CCSU. This Carbon Capture, Storage, Utilization and earliest, largest and most successful includes steam chamber cap-rock Monitoring”. An opportunity not to be industrial CCSU projects globally. integrity, subsurface disposal, induced missed for learning about Greenhouse Gas hydraulic fracturing, and groundwater reduction technologies and opportunities During the morning session, we are and environmental protection. Hence, with a local and international flavour. delighted to showcase presentations by the during the afternoon session, you will learn International Energy Agency Greenhouse about monitoring technologies relevant In conjunction to the full day session Gas R&D (IEAGHG) Programme, as well as to Greenhouse Gas management from on “Global Carbon Capture, Storage, pioneering industrial scale projects from case studies (including PCOR, Aquistore Utilization and Monitoring”, a field trip around the globe covering Norway, US, and and Quest), and state-of-the art research is being organized on May 11th, called Canada: activities undertaken at CMC Research “Progress and Challenges for CCUS in Institutes’ FRS near Brooks, Alberta. Alberta and Canada”. One of the objectives James Craig (IEAGHG) presents on of this field trip is to introduce participants “Current Status of Carbon Capture and The first part of the afternoon session to recent research and commercial Storage: challenges and future prospects”; includes a series of talks related to FRS by: demonstrations of CCS technology in Britta Paasch (Statoil) et al. present Western Canada, with an emphasis on the on “Industrial-scale CCS in Norway: Don Lawton et al. (CMC) on “Monitoring FRS and Quest projects, but mentioning experience gained and application to future technology innovation at the CaMI Field others. The trip will also discuss aspects, projects“ ; Scott McDonald (Archer Research Station, Brooks, Alberta“; Nicholas indicators and impacts of the changing Daniels Midland Company) presents on Utting (CanmetENERGY Natural Resources climate on the Palliser Triangle, where the “The Illinois Industrial Carbon Capture & Canada) et al. on “Noble Gases as a Tracer FRS is located.
Storage Project: Eliminating CO2 Emissions of Subsurface Processes at CMC Research from the Production of Bio Fuels - A ‘Green’ Institutes Field Research Station”; and
RESERVOIR ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 2017 27 SESSION HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHER LANDING CAREER BRANDING SESSION By Jackie Rafter
ere’s the bottom line: North Discover the secrets to our 80% landing Also, if you think the Dragon’s Den America’s energy sector is in the rate in one of North America’s toughest is entertaining, wait until you see Hmidst of a paradigm shift. Career economies and brand yourself for the 2017 geoscientists pitch themselves to a live management has changed. Job search has job market. panel of influential business leaders to changed. Forever. To thrive in 2017, you land their dream jobs at our live GRIZZLY MUST know how to communicate your At our personal career branding workshop DEN! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to value in a way that truly separates you from we’ll teach geoscience professionals how learn what decision makers are looking for the pack. to: when assessing the unique brand value and marketability of a geoscientist. If you don’t know what makes you • Build their brand for the 2017 job market. exceptional, how can anyone else? This Plus, you can join the fun with interactive important workshop is your essential first • Identify transferrable skills. audience voting! step to prepare yourself to LAND HIGHER. Know who you really are and learn how to • Define their “secret sauce” and how to And we are we are proud to partner with effectively brand yourself and articulate take that to market. SMART Technologies who will take the your value proposition. Find out how to Grizzly Den to whole new level with the start building your brand by knowing, • Understand what sets them apart. latest smartboard technology to involve believing and sharing what makes you YOU – the audience! extraordinary and learn the secrets of • Show them how to test their brand in the standing out to strategic prospects. “Grizzly Den”… and much more.
Subsurface Hydrocarbon Movement: Conventional to Unconventional Banff, Alberta, Canada | October 10-12, 2017
Registration includes This year's Gussow Research Conference aims to address the holy Conference grail of petroleum systems research! Accommodations We welcome a panel of expert speakers covering the physical 2 breakfast, 3 lunches principles of petroleum migration, geochemical (biomarker and Ice Breaker isotope) tools, laboratory experiments, numerical simulation, and Conference Dinner case studies.
Early Bird Ends June 15, 2017 5 diverse sessions of world-class lectures and discussion will address petroleum migration CSPG Members $950 CAD from pore to basin scale, reservoir leakage, Non Members $1250 CAD and entrapment in tight oil plays. To view the technical program and to register go to www.cspg.org/gussow2017
28 RESERVOIR ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 2017 SESSION HIGHLIGHTS
MODERN GEOSCIENCE PANEL Emily Duncan & Karl Mome
he idea of the “Modern Geoscientist” under professors Dr. David Eaton, Dr. Guy very talented geophysicists like Jeremy was first introduced as a discussion Plint and several others, I received my first Gallop, John Parkin, Marc Boulet and Ttopic during the panel session held at experiences with Modern Geoscientists Jessica Galbraith all who were at Cenovus the Junior Geophysicist Forum (JGF) in late as teachers and researchers. I had at the time. I also started participating 2016. As part of that JGF panel, I enjoyed summer work terms with GEDCO and in investigations into survey design and answering questions, sharing stories and PanCanadian, at times when the oil price processing sequences with Ann O’Byrne advice, as well as hearing from the other was $12/bbl, and oil and gas exploration and Jillian Dalsin and several individuals panel members’ perspectives. What I geophysics was advancing through the at CGGVeritas. I had become a Modern more importantly noticed, was what an work of Andreas Cordsen on 3D seismic Geoscientist. Then along came an old incredibly enriching experience it was for survey design and through Bill Goodway’s colleague of mine who had moved to all participants in the audience and on the work on Lambda Mu Rho. During my first Suncor, and he asked me to move over panel. The participants included students, full time position at BP Canada, and then (Literally across the street). I had always junior CSEG members as well as our later at 4th Wave Imaging in California, been interested in the In Situ world, and more experienced members and mentors. I worked Coal Bed Methane, technology now here I am, entering my fourth year with The collective need to share, collaborate, teams, and software development. Suncor’s Emerging Projects team for In investigate, grow, and nurture was evident. Following that, I spent time working with Situ all while surviving the third economic Following the panel’s acclaim, the idea small to intermediate companies as a downturn of my career! Somehow this is was brought forward to hold a panel that geophysical consultant, and then later as the busiest job I have ever had and this is would expand the focus from Geophysicist, a staff member/shareholder. We also were the most engaged I’ve ever been. Part of to the Modern Geoscientist during the forced to comprehend the importance that engagement includes seeing how I 2017 Geoconvention. I am honoured to of communications. Specifically while can pay it forward within our Geoscience have been asked to be part of an event that undertaking merger and acquisition work community. diversifies the content of the convention or presenting to shareholders/potential itself as it is key in securing the success of investors, I quickly understood the impact When I accepted the position of Panel such a dynamic industry, especially during that our words and presentations could Chair, I immediately started to think of a downturn. I believe the strength in our have with particular audiences. Following who I would ask to join the panel. I chose community of Modern Geoscientists is that, I worked internationally in Egypt and people who I thought would contribute built on the personal relationships that experienced the second downturn of my different perspectives and varying life/ we hold with one another, and our ability career: the collapse of the Trusts in 2008 career experiences. to collaborate on issues and/or share our and my first layoff. knowledge with each other, whether it be Karl Mome is our most junior member technical knowledge or the “soft skills”. I decided to re-train as a Master Yoga and is a former geophysical summer Participating in panels such as this one, as a Instructor and follow that passion, which student of mine from Cenovus. He was panel member or as an audience member, required a move to Vancouver. So, I adapted the chair of the CSEG Junior Geophysicist encourages the personal relationships to my environment and was therefore a Forum in 2015 and 2016 and is the reason and knowledge sharing that we need in geoscientist no longer. I returned to Calgary I was involved in that first panel. He has challenging times and in good times so that in early 2011, and was approached by an passion to discuss the issues from a junior we can continue to work together to grow old university friend about a geophysics geoscientist’s perspective as he is currently the geoscience industry in a conscientious position at Cenovus. This would be my a G.I.T. at Cenovus. I especially appreciate and effective manner. third time being recommended for a job his internal drive as an individual to always because of personal relationships, which I be proactive in his career and development. My experience as a geoscientist started still find has a degree of ‘right place at the This includes his huge move north from when I was a child with my incessant need right time’ (a.k.a. luck). This time it was California to pursue his dreams of working to collect rocks. I am certain I am not alone different, technology had changed vastly in the oil industry, and his various volunteer in this one. As a university undergraduate, since I had last paid attention. Inversion activities. Dean Potter is our most senior I originally started off in Kinesiology as I was all the rage, new and sophisticated member of our panel and he caught my hadn’t even heard of geophysics at the time. software had emerged….and all of a sudden attention as a geoscientist that was serving Part way through university, I switched my I became aware of the need and expectation in the investment community. I reached out degree all because of one discussion with to quantify interpretations and change to him for his work with a private equity firm, one Geophysics professor (Gail Atkinson), my outputs to integrate and collaborate and later learned of his diverse background and delved into the Earth Sciences at the with other disciplines. My journey to this University of Western Ontario. Studying awareness is completely attributed to the (Continued on page 30...)
RESERVOIR ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 2017 29 SESSION HIGHLIGHTS
(Continued from page 29...) and long career of over 35 years of experience 5D interpolation when I asked her advice 15 minute presentation on several of in the oil and gas industry. This includes on giving talks as she has such a talent the topics by various panel members. leading three start-up private oil and gas for communication of intricate technical Following each short presentation, there companies, one of which is still on the go. geoscience subjects to non-experts. will be a discussion period. The format of Dean’s background enables him to bring She has recently been celebrated as the the session will enable direct interaction of a historical and a longer-term view of the CSEG Distinguished Lecturer of 2017. the audience with the panel following each industry. Representing the educational side Interestingly, one of the first times I met presentation, via text or live (microphone) is Dr. Paul Durkin. I met Dr. Durkin outside David Gray was at that same workshop on questions. The themes that we are planning of the oil and gas industry through music 5D interpolation. He and Laurie worked to address include: Adaptation, Initiative, and camping as he is well-known for his lead together at Nexen for a while, and I later got Passion, Communications, Demographics, vocals in a local band: Clutch Jennings. Paul to know him through Suncor’s partnership Collaboration and Luck. Each theme is recognized in industry for his research with Nexen on an in situ property as he has multiple possibilities for topics, and on fluvial meander-belt processes with Dr. serves as a Senior Geophysical Advisor the discussions will be influenced by the Stephen Hubbard. As he takes on the next there. David is a prominent member of our presentations and led by the questions part of his career journey as a professor at geophysics community and is very well- from the audience. the University of Manitoba in early 2018, known for several technological advances his passion for utilizing technology such in geophysics in quantitative interpretation, I look forward to sharing this time with as drones to improve on our outputs from seismic fracture identification and seismic the tremendous panel members that have traditional mapping techniques is what geomechanics and was recently recognized volunteered to share their experience and brings him to the panel. He also is no for the tremendous value he has added to perspectives with us. I encourage you to join stranger to traveling/moving for his passions our geoscience community by being the us and participate through offering your and career. Laurie Bellman is renowned for honoree of the 2015 CSEG Symposium. thoughts and experiences and questions for her work in quantitative interpretation in He brings to the panel a desire to address the panel or just holding the space and being the oil and gas industry. Her curiosity and the remarks that are made on our industry present for these important discussions. quest for the most correct representation of from an environmental and sociological Let’s work together to continue to move our the subsurface through data conditioning, perspective. science and community forward so that we seismic inversion techniques, quantitative are the most effect Modern Geoscientists interpretation and software development The panel had its first meeting in mid- that we can be and so that we continue for interactive classification of data is what March where we came up with several to develop that niche for the Future drives her business, Sound QI. Laurie themes for discussion around the Modern Geoscientists. and I met through a CSEG workshop on Geoscientist, there will be a short 10-
(Continued from page 26...) References: Assessment likely to rise. TD Securities Davies, G.R., Moslow, T.F., and Sherwin, Inc., presentation to US investors. Daily Oil M.D., 1997, The Lower Triassic Montney Bulletin, Jan.10, 2017 Formation, west-central Alberta. Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology. v.45. no.4, Moslow, T.F., Haverslew, B. and Henderson, p.474-505. C. M., 2016, Sedimentary facies, conodont biostratigraphy and reservoir quality of a Davies, G.R., and Sherwin, M.D., 1997, continuous (395m) full diameter core of Productive dolomitized coquinal facies of the Lower Triassic Montney Formation, the Lower Triassic Montney Formation, northeastern British Columbia, Western Western Canada Sedimentary Basin. Canada. CSPG International Core CSPG-SEPM Joint Convention, Calgary, Conference Abstract Booklet, p.71-78. Core Conference guidebook, p. 257-276.
Embry, A.F., 1997, Global sequence boundaries of the Triassic. Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology, v. 45, no,4, p.415-433
Jarrah, J., 2017, Montney potential continues to grow: NEB Initial Resource
30 RESERVOIR ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 2017 SESSION HIGHLIGHTS
INTEGRATING GEOSCIENCE TO OPTIMIZE UNCONVENTIONAL AND OILSAND RESOURCE PLAYS SESSION By Allan Turner
hen we think of geoscience, shows how traditional geoscience tools, of rock mechanical properties is shown the oil industry, or even just specifically the interpretation of gamma through integrating sedimentary fabric and Wscience, the word “creativity” ray readings, can be effectively used structural information from outcrop and is not likely the first to come to mind. to observe and optimize enhanced oil core studies. Hill and Pederson from the Creativity, however, is the common recovery (EOR) processes. Department of Geoscience, University of theme in this session, and truly underlies Calgary, present the results of a study that the need for science, in general, and The need to advance fracture prediction assessed the natural fractions identified in geoscience in particular, to keep methods in the Second White Specks 266 cores in “Sedimentary fabric control on advancing into creative areas. We can Formation lead Marion and Cheadle from hydraulic fracture stimulation, tight light think of this session as divided into three the Department of Earth Sciences, Western oil sandstone reservoirs of the Cardium categories: using conventional methods University, to assess the predictive capacity Formation SW Pembina Field, western to develop innovative interpretations; the of using mappable petrophysical attributes Alberta”. The results from this study support repurposing of existing and developing in areas with low quantities of mineralogical that sedimentary fabric has a stronger technologies to answer complex geological core analyses. In their presentation “Solving influence than the interval composition on and geographical environments; and the Second White Specks: Integrating hydraulic fracture stimulation parameters the use of cutting edge technologies petrophysics and allostratigraphy to find in light oil, tight Cardium shoreline to create predictive determinations, sweet spots” they review the development reservoirs. thereby unearthing previously unforeseen of a mineral model, calibrated to core opportunities. control, that approximates the relative How does the adaptation of predicative brittle behavior of the Second White Specks algorithms used by evolutionary biologists Through repurposing hyperspectral and Belle Fourche alloformations. The relate to geoscientific explorations? technology, Rivard et al. from the methods developed in this study may prove Paiement et al. from SGS Canada Inc., Department of Earth and Atmospheric invaluable in identifying naturally fractured discuss the repurposing of these algorithms Sciences, University of Alberta, discuss prospective zones. in “Artificial intelligence for mineral and the multifaceted uses it can provide in chemical stratigraphic correlations” “Characterization of tight shales from Many of us know these tools as drones, into new and innovative usages, thereby hyperspectral imagery of drill core”. The but UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) have showcasing the importance of cross- ability to use this technology in shales more than just military or recreational collaboration between disciplines. The A.I. to perceive sedimentological features uses. Strobl et al. of EnerFox Enterprises, manipulates multiple datasets on a massive that are not visible to the naked eye, view in collaboration with the University of scale, looking for trends, then winnows the boundaries between formations, and Calgary and Automated Aeronautics, data down into a manageable form for the perform geochemical and mineralogical examine the use of UAVs as exploration human user. analysis can rapidly provide critical and training tools in “A Virtual McMurray information that can steer the development Formation Outcrop Tour – An Evolving Tool Technology in and of itself is a powerful of the resource. for Characterizing Oil Sands Reservoirs and tool, and in removing the cone of separation Creating Realistic Geomodels”. In addition between geoscience and other sciences, we Steam chambers in the San Joaquin to using UAVs for mapping remote or have opportunities to share innovations, Valley, California are observed to have difficult to access areas, or as precursors leading all scientific disciplines into high gamma ray values through intervals for exploration of areas that have limited interesting and potentially revolutionary of hot, vapour filled rock, following accessibility, this technology can also directions. The need for creative solutions steam injection at temperatures above be used as an economic, accessible, and within the Unconventional and Oilsand 250°F. In the presentation “High Gamma safety conscious complement to field visits resources has never been more important. Ray in the Steam Chamber: A New for industry, academia, and government This session is a must for those in the Method for Continuous Observation agencies. industry looking for new, exciting of the EOR process”, O’Sullivan from perspectives on traditional resources. Vapor Condensation Technologies LLC, A fresh perspective on the determination
RESERVOIR ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 2017 31 If you haven’t been to a Core Conference before, you are in for a treat! The conference will be held in the world-class AER Core Research Centre. This facility houses 1.55 million boxes of well core. Posters also enhance the Core Conference experience. Exhibitors provide scheduled talks summarizing their displays and remain with their core to discuss concepts and features. Displays will include both conventional and unconventional plays; siliciclastics, carbonates and evaporates, shales, oil sands, as well as some displays relating to carbon capture technology. We hope you will extend your stay in Calgary to attend this two-day post GeoConvention 2017 onMay 18th & 19th, 2017!
Registration Rates:
General Delegate Registration: $175.00 *Core Meltdown ticket included ADVANCED Core Presenter Registration: $150.00 *Core Meltdown ticket included REGISTRATION ENDS In-Transition Registration: $150.00 *Core Meltdown ticket included MAY 5TH* ***You must be a CSPG In-Transition Member to register at this price
Bulk Registration
3 x General Registration $ 375.00 ($50 savings per person) 5 x General Registration $ 500.00 ($75 savings per person)
Core Meltdown Ticket*: $ 25.00
*On-site registration will be available Thank you to our sponsors! CORE CONFERENCE
CORE CONFERENCE 2017: GRAND TOUR OF THE WESTERN CANADA SEDIMENTARY BASIN Kelty Latos, CSPG Core Conference Committee member, ConocoPhillips
Introduction The 2017 CSPG Core Conference has compiled its final abstract list, and the sessions are starting to take shape. Presenters this year include representatives from the best geoscience university programs in Canada as well as industry personnel who have seen the evolution of the basin over decades. The technical program spans the range of activity in Alberta, Saskatchewan, BC, and the Northwest Territories, from prolific unconventional plays such as the Horn River and Montney, to reservoir heterogeneity in the oilsands (pre-and post steam displays), to regional variations in in low permeability sandstone and muddy Oilsands tight sand unconventional plays such as the sandstone. Although many companies have been Viking and Spirit River. Over twenty-five required by SEC rules to write off significant distinct presentations will be on display, Spirit River reserves in the oilsands, with improving oil filling the space generously provided to us With some of the highest IP rates in the price these reserves will return to the books by the AER. basin, exploration and development is in the near future. Geological understanding active in the Spirit River (Wilrich/Falher), of the oilsands has not halted however, and Montney the highest hydrocarbon producing zone this year's core displays will examine both With 4bcfe/d, the hybrid Montney play is the in the WCSB. Two cores will be on display pre and post steam cores of the McMurray most productive gas play in Canada, with one of which will examine the relationship and upper McMurray to understand the 606 Montney wells drilled in 2016 alone. between conventional and unconventional impact of reservoir heterogeneities (such Three Montney core presentations will Spirit River development in the Elmworth as inclined heterolithic stratification) on examine chemostratigraphy of the Anisian field focusing on sequence stratigraphy, steam dynamics. Understanding of various wedge, a detailed petrophysical analysis accommodation, reservoir quality, and Athabasca and McMurray paleovalleys applying rock data to regional mapping, chemostratigraphy. The second core display and parasequences, even ones that are and a live demonstration of portable X-Ray will show contrasting tight sandstone not currently prospective for bitumen, Fluorescence instruments which can be reservoirs in the Wapiti-Kakwa area, the can shed insight into the overall regional used to better evaluate reservoir properties Falher F and the Falher G (Upper Wilrich), depositional and stratigraphic history. to better understand better and worse rock characterized by deltaically influenced quality. progradational shoreface successions. And much more The carbonate legacy of the WCSB will Viking Horn River be represented by four core displays With over 6200 wells, the Viking is one Exploration activity must still take place of Debolt, Slave Point, as well as of the most active plays in the WCSB. even when the industry is in a slump in Ordovician & Mississippian carbonates Shifting relative sea level and decreasing order to create future potential to sustain the from Saskatchewan. Other displays will accommodation to the eastern edge of world's need for hydrocarbons. Although include two Belly River displays, one on the basin leads to much stratigraphic the Horn River Group is significantly CO2 monitoring and one examining the complexity. Three Viking core presentations challenged by lack of infrastructure, there Bearpaw transgression. One of the most will examine this complexity, from a forced is much potential and much geological unique displays will characterize the regressive asymmetric delta in the Kaybob- understanding yet to be achieved. Two overburden in oilsands areas, focusing on Fox Creek Field, as well as two display close Horn River group cores will examine glacially reworked material in shallow in- to the most actively drilled Viking fields, proposals for new lithostratigraphic units situ bitumen areas. the falling stage and lowstand deposits at within the Horn River Group as well as Judy Creek on the Saskatchewan/Alberta continue progressing understanding of the With twenty-six displays, this year's core border, where facies characterization is sequence stratigraphic framework of this conference is poised to fill the space crucial for understanding reservoir quality basin fill succession. (Continued on page 34..)
RESERVOIR ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 2017 33 CORE CONFERENCE
(Continued from page 33...) generously supplied by the AER. Once Each core will be on display for the two Please make the time on your calendar to again, the AER is allowing the CSPG to use days of the Core Conference, during attend this world-class event, where you its entire facility for the Core Conference. which the presenters will be on hand to can see hundreds of meters of core, network The AER Core Labs is a one of a kind, world discuss their core. As well, each presenter and enjoy the company of colleagues, and class facility, the existence of which has will deliver a short presentation outlining celebrate the never-ending puzzles our led to so many innovations in the Western the key features of the core as well as industry gives us to solve. As Wallace Pratt Canada Sedimentary Basin and beyond. their conclusions. The format allows for a wrote: "Gold is where you find it, according Geoscientists in Alberta are very fortunate significant amount of interaction with the to an old adage, but judging from the record to have such a wealth of core data available leading minds of the Canadian petroleum of our experience, oil must be sought first of to us at a reasonable price. geoscience community. all in our minds."
CSPG is a not-for-profit corporation registered under the NFP Act. Our mission is: To advance the professions of the energy geosciences - as it applies to geology; foster the scientific, technical learning and professional development of its members; and promote the awareness of the profession to industry and the public.
Directors hold office for two years; commencing January 2018. Nominations for Directors close September 14th, 2017.
CSPG is calling for nominations for the Executive Committee: President Elect – who will continue to serve a total of three (3) years comprised of the first year as President Elect, the second year as President and the third year as Past President.
Finance Director Elect – who shall serve a two (2) year term comprised of the first year as Finance Director Elect and the second year as Finance Director
Two Directors At Large – each year CSPG elects Directors to fill portfolios. For 2018, CSPG is interested in attracting two new Directors. Please express your interest on the Nomination form.
Please note that only FULL Members of CSPG can be nominated
The Nomination Process: Nomination forms are available on www.cspg.org/Society/Governance
CSPG Nominating Committee recruits for potential directors. You may submit your nomination for their consideration. Alternatively, if you support your nomination with 25 Full Member signatures, you can stand for election. The Nomination form and Nomination Signature form must be submitted by September 14th, 2017 to [email protected] to the attention of Past President.
Please direct any questions to Lis Bjeld, CSPG Executive Director at 403-513-1235
34 RESERVOIR ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 2017 TECHNICAL PROGRAM Theme Presentation Title Author
Estimating the Probability of Encountering Favorable Porosity and Permeability in Devonian Dolostone Reservoirs near the Peace John Dunham RiverArch, Northwestern Alberta
Similarities in Ordovician and Mississippian Carbonate Sedimentation in the Williston Basin of Southeast Saskatchewan John Lake & Arden Marsh
Lodgepole Formation Souris Valley Beds: A New Approach to Carbonates Scott MacKnight & Stephen Bend Describing Fine Grained Sedimentary Rock in Core
The Mississippian Debolt Formation: Carbonate Bitumen Michael Ranger & Hans Machel Reservoirs of the Peace River Deposit
Reef to Off Reef Facies of the Upper Devonian Leduc and Pak Wong, John Weissenberger & Murray Duvernay Formations, Redwater Alberta Gilhooly
Montney From the Rock to the Log Godfried Wasser & Dana Kinnaird
Calciturbidites and Calcitempestities in the Duvernay, Distal Jean Yves Chatellier, Jamil Afzal, Amjed Montney and some Black Shale Analogues Cheema & Carolyn Currie
Sedminentological and Ichnological Analysis of the Montney Carolyn Furlong, Murray Gingras & Formation within the Pouce Coupe Area, Alberta John Paul Zonneveld
Cores from Black Shales Telling Rich Story: Stratigraphic Unconventional Pavel Kabanov, Wing Chuen Chan Framework and Sedimentary Environments of the Horn River & Sofie Gouwy Group of Mackenzie Valley, North West Territories
Framing Mudrocks of the Hare Indian and Canol Formations (Horn Maya LaGrange, Brette Harris, David River Group, Central Mackenzie Valley) in a Sequence Stratigraphic Herbers, Mike Ansell, Kathryn Fiess, Viktor Context using High Resolution Chemostratigraphy Terlaky & Murray Gingras
X Ray Fluorescence and Spectral Image Core Analysis in the Thomas Weedmark, Ronald Spencer & Montney Formation: An Interactive Demonstration Justin Besplug
RESERVOIR ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 2017 35 Theme Presentation Title Author
Post-Steam Core: The Key to Understanding Recovery Mechanisms Rudy Strobl, Milovan Fustic & David Gray for Optimizing Recovery and Enhancing SAGD Performance
Differentiation of Marine Depositional Cycles and Recognition of Jonathan Broadbent, James MacEachern& Autogenic and Allogenic Flooding Surfaces in the Upper Member of Shahin Dashtgard the McMurray Formation
Characterization of Regional Parasequences of the Lower Creta- Chloé Château & Shahin Dashtgard ceous McMurray Formation along the Grosmont Highlands
Pre and Post-steam Chamber Core Analysis to Gain Insights to Pauline Chung, Corina Irvine, Adam Fraser
Oil Sands Steam Dynamics from the Foster Creek SAGD Project, AB, Canada & Travis Shackleton
Identification of Glacially-Reworked Material in Shallow In-Situ Frances Hein & Laurence Andriashek Bitumen Areas, Athabasca Oil Sands, Northeastern Alberta, Canada
Preliminary Facies Characterization and Stratigraphic Architecture of Lowe Cretaceous (Aptian-Albian) Open Cheryl Hodgson, James MacEachern & Embayment to Shoreface Parasequences in the Ells Paleovalley Murray Gingras of the Athabasca Oil Sands, Alberta
Upper McMurray Stratigraphy Greg Hu & Darryl Soderberg
Sedimentology, Ichnology and Stratigraphic Architecture of a Middle Viking, Wave-Dominated, Fluvial-Influenced, Storm-Affected Sean Borchert & James MacEachern Delta Complex, CheddervilleField, Alberta, Canada
Contrasting Between the Upper Belly River to Bearpaw Meagan Gilbert & Jenni Scott Transgression in Saskatchewan and Alberta
A Geostatistical and Upscaling Approach for Modelling Bioturbated Amy Hsieh, Diana Allen & Media, Lower Cretaceous Viking Formation, Provost Field, Alberta James MacEachern
A Forced Regressive Asymmetric Delta of the Lower Cretaceous James MacEachern Viking Formation, Kaybob-FoxCreek Fields, Alberta
Petrographic Assessment of the Upper Cretaceous Foremost Simona Muravieva, Kirk Osadetz & Formation Prior to CO² Injection at Field Research Station, Donald Lawton Tight/ Newell County, Alberta Conventional Subsurface Analysis of Falling Stage and Lowstand Deposits in the Sarah Schultz, James MacEachern & Lower Cretaceous (Albian) Viking Formation at the Judy Creek Octavian Catuneanu Field, Alberta
Variability in Spirit River (Wilrich-Falher) Reservoir Facies Associa- Thomas Moslow, Brian Zaitlain & Gemma tions in the Deep Basin: Sequence Stratigraphy, Accommodation Hildred Space, Reservoir Quality and Chemostratigraphy
Analysis of Contrasting Adjacent TightSand Reservoirs: John Paul Zonneveld, Darren Tisdale & the Falher F and Falher G (Upper Wilrich) Sandstone Successions Francois Legault in the Kakwa Region, Alberta
Jenni Scott, Daniel Chupik, Haris Terriestrial Trace Fossils in Cretaceous Stratigraphy of Alberta: Muhammed, Mitchell Strasser, Rochelle Examples from the Belly River, Cardium, Falher and Wabiskaw Bank & Sarah Meek
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CSPG HEAVY OIL / OIL SANDS TECHNICAL DIVISION TALK
A Virtual tour of the McMurray Formation Type Section
SPEAKER effective for areas that are steep or variable oil water contacts are highlighted Rudy Strobl (Geological Manager, inaccessible, which represents most of from macro and micro perspectives. VGeoTours.Inc) this oil sands outcrop. Previous attempts Hundred’s of measurements are now Milovan Fustic (Adjunct Assistant at creating photomontages and LiDAR possible providing statistically valid data Professor, U of Calgary) imaging from the opposite shore or from for modeling. Specific sedimentological Rob Davies (Director of Field a boat, led mostly to disappointment. data can be utilized by reservoir modeling Operations, VGeoTours.Inc) Basically we were either too close to the and mapping software including familiar outcrop or too far away, and always looking packages such as ArcGIS, Petrel, Roxar and Time: 8:00 am up from river level creating distortion of GoCad. Sit back and enjoy the tour from Date: May 3, 2017 photos and images. the comfort of your seat. Location: Halliburton Training Images obtained from UAV’s from several BIOGRAPHY Centre elevations (15 m, 30m and 45m) above Rudy Strobl earned his B.Sc. (Hon) in (Room 1830, 645 – 7th Ave SW water level are used to ensure good Geology from the University of Manitoba overlap and distortion free views, where and M.Sc. in Geology from the University ABSTRACT the camera is imaging. The photos, high of Alberta. Rudy began his career with A virtual tour of the McMurray resolution videos, and digital elevation research at the Alberta Geological Survey, Formation Type Section, is a cost- models were obtained over a period of focusing on conventional, coal and oil effective method to characterize oil sands less than 3 days making this process cost sands geology. outcrops for in-situ reservoir modeling, and time effective. UAV technology and sedimentological studies and mining imaging provides high resolution with little Following 10 years of research activities, applications. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to no distortion. Recommended statistical Rudy moved to industry, initially working (UAV’s) generate high-resolution videos, data for reservoir characterization such for Newport Petroleum in conventional orthomosaic images, 3-dimensional as representative length and thickness oil and gas exploration. He moved to point cloud data and three-dimensional of I.H.S. is now possible over the entire new positions focusing on heavy oil and representations of an outcrop more than length of the outcrop. These evolving oil sands geology with Alberta Energy 1.6 km long and 70+ m high. Virtual tours tools help meet new economic realities Company, Encana, Enerplus Resources, will replace actual visits to the outcrop, but and safety regulations for companies and Statoil Canada and Nexen CNOOC Oil have a distinct advantage of illustrating universities. Sands Division. and teaching reservoir analogues and depositional models within the safety The 3-dimensional point cloud data plugs Currently Rudy is semi-retired, returning of the classroom or office setting. High- in directly to the 3-d modeling software, to geological research activities, exploring resolution photographs geo-referenced providing a detailed, accurate and direct the use of UAV’s (Unmanned Aerial with appropriate latitude, longitude and representation of the outcrop over 800m Vehicles) to image outcrop for reservoir elevation are now available the study of or more. In this virtual tour, I.H.S., characterization with VGeoTours. the entire outcrop, and are particularly breccias, chute channels, lean zones, and
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PALAEONTOLOGY DIVISION TALK
A wild chase for a giant marine crocodile from the Cretaceous of northern Africa
SPEAKER in its time. This giant thallatosuchian sauropods from China, and his research Tetsuto Miyashita, Ph. D. candidate, was probably an ambush predator in the interests include all of the above, plus Department of Biological Sciences, lagoonal environments that characterized recently cultivated topics such as dinosaur University of Alberta the Tethyan margin of Africa during the remains trapped in Cretaceous ambers earliest Cretaceous. Whether the Jurassic- and developmental genetics of living fish. Time: 7:30 pm Cretaceous mass extinction was real or Tetsuto is a Vanier and Killam scholar, Date: May 12, 2017 artefact continues to be debated. The an alumnus of Embryology at the Marine Location: Mount Royal University, discovery of M. rex supports that the end- Biological Laboratory, and recently a Jurassic crisis affected primarily Laurasian visiting researcher at California Institute Room B108 biota and its purported magnitude is of Technology (2015-2016) and Museum most likely biased by the incomplete national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris (2014- ABSTRACT Gondwanan fossil record. The faunal 2015). In 2014, the Italy-Tunisia Tataouine turnovers during the J-K transition are Project discovered a skull and articulated likely interpreted as local extinction DIVISION INFORMATION skeleton of a large teleosaurid crocodile events, triggered by regional ecological This event is presented jointly by the Alberta from the Lower Cretaceous rocks south of factors, and survival of widely-distributed Palaeontological Society, the Department Tataouine, Tunisia. The new teleosaurid, and eurytypic forms by means of habitat of Earth and Environmental Sciences Machimosaurus rex, validates skepticism tracking. at Mount Royal University, and the toward some aspects of the end-Jurassic Palaeontology Division of the Canadian extinction event: at least these marine BIOGRAPHY Society of Petroleum Geologists. For details crocodiles did not go extinct across that Tetsuto Miyashita is a PhD candidate at or to present a talk in the future, please boundary. Phylogenetic analysis supports the Department of Biological Sciences, contact CSPG Palaeontology Division its placement closer to M. hugii and M. University of Alberta under the supervision Chair Jon Noad at [email protected] mosae than M. buffetauti. With the skull of Richard Palmer and Philip Currie. or APS Coordinator Harold Whittaker length up to 160 cm and an estimated Tetsuto has given talks for APS in the past at 403-286-0349 or contact programs1@ body length of 10 m (or somewhat less), M. on early vertebrate evolution, Devonian albertapaleo.org. Visit the APS website for rex is the largest known thalattosuchian, vertebrate localities of Atlantic Canada, confirmation of event times and upcoming and the largest known crocodylomorph tyrannosaurid systematics, and Jurassic speakers: http://www.albertapaleo.org/.
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GEOMODELING DIVISION TALK
Improved Facies Modeling with Integration of 4D Seismic SPEAKER Mostafa Hadavand, Centre for Computational Geostatistics, University of Alberta
Co-author: Clayton V. Deutsch, Centre for Computational Geostatistics, University of Alberta
Time: 12noon Date: Wednesday, May 31, 2017 Location: Husky Conference 4D seismic data used for reservoir monitoring. Room A, 3rd Floor, +30 level, South Tower, 707 8th Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta
ABSTRACT One objective in petroleum reservoir modeling is to predict the future performance of the reservoir under different recovery methods or production strategies. Facies modeling is of great significance for resource estimation and strongly affects reservoir flow responses. Facies often define the stationary domains for modeling of petrophysical properties. Large-scale flow patterns are mainly controlled by the spatial distribution of facies because the variations of permeability between facies are more dominant compared to those within facies. Time lapse/4D seismic provides important dynamic data for heavy oil reservoir monitoring and management. However, 4D seismic images can be noisy, 4D seismic driven steam chamber, anomaly identification and geostatistical Enforcement. hard to interpret and confounded by production history. This is the main reason information may be best described by 4D seismic results in an improved model that in practice, qualitative assessment anomalies in fluid flow that can be inferred that honors the observed large-large scale of 4D seismic data based on professional from the unusual patterns in variations flow patterns. judgment is preferred over mathematical of a seismic attribute. The proposed methods such as inverse modeling. methodology is based on geostatistical The proposed methodology is designed enforcement of anomalies identified by to respect the geological framework, A practical methodology is proposed to visual inspection of 4D seismic images. input statistical parameters inferred integrate 4D seismic into geostatistical This applies more constraint on the model from well data and conceptual models. facies modeling. 4D seismic data of geological uncertainty represented by This methodology benefits from human contains valuable information about multiple geostatistical realizations of the judgement to identify anomalies in fluid fluid movement, pressure build up and reservoir. Modifying the facies realizations flow with high confidence. The initial large-scale patterns of fluid flow within to enforce the information obtained from facies realizations may be evaluated to the reservoir during recovery. Such (Continued on page 44...)
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DIVISION INFORMATION There is no charge for the division talk and we welcome non-members of the CSPG. Please bring your lunch. For details or to present a talk in the future, please contact Weishan Ren at [email protected] or David Garner at [email protected]
Geostatistical anomaly enforcement improves facies modeling and the fidelity. assess the fidelity of anomalies and identify and a research assistant at the Centre the missing ones in each realization. for Computational Geostatistics (CCG), The fidelity analysis and subsequent University of Alberta. He joined CCG geostatistical enforcement is automated. in January 2014 and is about to finish This methodology is a pre-/post-processing his PhD. His research interests include tool that can be implemented to improve geological uncertainty quantification and different facies modeling techniques. The management, reservoir characterization, concept behind the proposed methodology data assimilation, SAGD proxy modeling and details of its implementation in practice and multivariate data analysis. His are presented in this talk. background is in mechanical engineering and he holds a master degree in mechanical BIOGRAPHY engineering from Sharif University of Mostafa Hadavand is a PhD candidate Technology, Tehran, Iran.
Long-Time Members Reception
Have you been a member of the CSPG for 30+ consecutive years?
If so, watch your email inbox for your invitation to the 16th Annual CSPG Long Time Members Reception. Attendance is by invitation only. Tuesday, May 9, 2017 | 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm The Fairmont Palliser Calgary
Tickets: $25 available to purchase through www.cspg.org
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CSPG HEAVY OIL / OIL SANDS TECHNICAL DIVISION TALK
Predicting heterogeneity in fluvial and tidal-fluvial meander-belt deposits: The point bar to counter point bar transition
SPEAKER meander-belt lithofacies, we document a and siltstone-dominated counter-point Paul R. Durkin, University of Calgary series of modern point bar to counter-point bar deposits are significantly poorer than bar transitions from a range of fluvial to tidal- adjacent sandstone-dominated point bar Time: 8:00 am fluvial environments. A series of vibracore deposits. Impact on reservoir performance Date: Tuesday June 13th and sediment samples were collected along and steam chamber development within Location: Halliburton point bar to counter point bar transitions stacked meander-belt successions is also on the Willapa, Chehalis and Peace Rivers, considered. Training Centre (Room from Washington State and Alberta. Results 1830, 645 – 7th Ave SW) document a significant decrease in net-to- BIOGRAPHY gross from the upstream convex point bar, Dr. Paul Durkin completed his B.Sc. at ABSTRACT to the downstream counter point bar. The McMaster University, before moving to Meander-belt deposits are inherently transition is congruent with an inflection the University of Calgary to undertake complex in terms of stratigraphic point in meander bend morphology from a Ph.D. with Dr. Stephen Hubbard. His architecture and sediment distribution. convex point bar to concave counter-point thesis focused on fluvial meander-belt Recent research on counter-point bar bar. We compare modern examples studied processes, including point bar evolution, deposits specifically, has highlighted to a variety of subsurface and outcrop point sedimentology and stratigraphic their potentially significant differences in bar to counter point bar transitions from architecture, and geocellular modelling. reservoir quality compared to adjacent the Alberta Foreland basin, including the Paul is currently a post-doctoral researcher point bar deposits. However, recognition Cretaceous McMurray and Grand Rapids at the University of Calgary, and has criteria and characteristics of counter- formations. We find that the changes recently accepted a position as an Assistant point bars in the ancient rock record are documented in modern meandering Professor in Geological Sciences at the still relatively under-reported. In order channels are consistent with ancient University of Manitoba starting in January to improve subsurface predictions of examples, and reservoir quality of IHS- 2018. SPRING FORWARD CSPG Education | May 2017
OVER 20 COURSES AND FIELD TRIPS ARE BEING OFFERED BY THE CSPG FOR SPRING FORWARD TOPICS INCLUDE:
Environmental Core Geomechanics Structural Exploration Heavy oil Geomodelling Sedimentology
VISIT WWW.CSPG.ORG/SPRINGFORWARD FOR FULL COURSE DESCRIPTIONS AND TO REGISTER TODAY!
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MEDAL OF MERIT 2016
As specified in CSPG bylaws the Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists Medal of Merit is awarded annually for the “best paper related to Canadian petroleum geology” published during the previous publication year, in this case for peer reviewed papers published in 2015. The medal is important recognition of excellence in Canadian petroleum geoscience research and writing and has been awarded since 1952. The paper chosen this year was written by Denis Lavoie, Nicolas Pinet, Jim (James) Dietrich and Zhuoheng Chen and is entitled “The Paleozoic Hudson Bay Basin in northern Canada: New insights into hydrocarbon potential of a frontier intracratonic basin”. The paper was published in the AAPG Bulletin, Vol. 99, No. 5, p. 859-888 (May 2015).
This paper describes a regional re-evaluation of the petroleum systems potential of the Hudson Bay Basin utilizing updated datasets and analysis. The Hudson Bay Basin is the largest intracratonic basin in North America and has been generally under-explored (nine wells) due to a perception of inadequate charge.
The authors provide a detailed and thorough exploration and geologic history of the basin and systematically investigate each element of the petroleum system, with a focus on the potential source rocks and thermal maturity. Numerous observations including hydrocarbon shows from wells, petrophysical anomalies, seafloor pockmarks, oil slicks, Rock-Eval data, vitrinite reflectance and thermal models support an interpretation of a locally active source system. Additionally, the paper provides a discussion of exploration risk associated with each petroleum system element and describes five potential plays – three of which are untested.
This work is an important contribution as it provides an updated interpretation of the petroleum system potential in the largely unexplored Hudson Bay Basin. Specifically, the authors have addressed the main exploration risk with a thorough analysis of potential source intervals and have concluded hydrocarbon potential in the Hudson Bay Basin is greater than previously thought.
Biographies and Photos
Denis Lavoie obtained a Ph.D. in sedimentary geology and geochemistry from Laval University in 1988 and Geological Survey of Canada in 1989 as a research scientist. His research focuses on sedimentary environments, organic and inorganic geochemistry as they pertain to conventional hydrocarbon systems in the Canadian North and on resource and environmental aspects of unconventional hydrocarbon systems in southern Canada. He has produced over 150 scientific papers and government reports on the geological understanding and hydrocarbon potential Nicolas Pinet obtained a Ph.D. in of Canadian Paleozoic sedimentary basins geodynamics from Nice-Sophia Antipolis and was Editor-in-Chief of the CSPG (France) in 1990. After a post-doctoral Bulletin (2008-2012). fellowship in the INRS-ETE (Quebec), he was
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involved in several mining projects before joining the Geological Survey of Canada in 2005. His main interests are mountain 2017 – 28th Annual CSPG Mixed building and basin formation mechanisms. Golf Tournament 25 August
James Dietrich graduated from the University of Waterloo in 1977 with a BSc in Earth Sciences. His GSC research Mark your calendars, and get ready for the 2017 CSPG Mixed Golf tournament activities have included studies of seismic on 25th August at Lynx Ridge Golf course. The four-golfer, best-ball tourna- data and petroleum resource assessments ment includes a round of golf, meals, plenty of hospitality and good times, and a chance to network with your colleagues and industry sponsors. This year we of sedimentary basins across Canada, trust that we return to the typical August golf, where the course is at its finest, including the Beaufort Sea, Pacific Margin, with the inviting fairways, smooth greens, spectacular mountains and the ever- Gulf of St. Lawrence, Hudson Bay and Arctic beckoning water hazards and sand traps to capture errant golf shots. Canada Basin regions.
This is a fun tournament, with balanced teams that allow all golfers to contrib- ute to the team score, while having a great time enjoying the day and the fel- lowship of golfing as a team, and developing your network of geoscientists.
Please watch for further announcements, registration forms and information in the CSPG Reservoir, and make sure to register on-line at the CSPG website www.cspg.org. Register early to avoid disappointment!
We thank our previous sponsors from 2016 and look forward to the return of members, guests and sponsors to enjoy the event. A big thank you to our continuing committee members, Darin Brazel, Norm Hopkins, Jeff Boissoneault, and co-chair Brenda Pearson.
Zhuoheng Chen obtained his Ph.D. from You can address registration inquiries to David Middleton at 403-296-8844 ([email protected]), or to Kristy Casebeer, CSPG Coordinator at the Norwegian University of Science and 403-513-1233 ([email protected]). Technology in 1993 and held a position as an associate professor at China University of Petroleum (Beijing) before If you are interested in sponsoring the tournament this year, please contact joining the Geological Survey of Canada David at [email protected] or Brenda at bpear- in 1998. His current research interests [email protected]. include petroleum resource assessment for conventional and unconventional David Middleton & Brenda Pearson reservoirs (methods and applications), petroleum system, hydrocarbon generation Co-Chairs CSPG Mixed Golf Tournament kinetics and basin analysis.
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RJW DOUGLAS MEDAL 2016
Dale joined the Geological Survey of and doggedly encouraging his fellow Canada and for the next 14 years, produced geoscientists to present their work to the seminal studies of the Mesozoic strata of geological community. Western Canada from the Liard Basin to south-west Saskatchewan. Many of these For his outstanding contributions to the involved collaboration with industry and understanding of sedimentary geology in academia to align strong fundamental Canada, the CSPG is delighted to present geoscience with petroleum and mineral Dr. Dale Leckie with the 2016 RJW Douglas exploration. Medal.
In 1998, Dale became Chief Geologist at Wascana Energy, later Nexen, where his interests were allowed to expand world- wide. It was at this stage in his career that his recent contributions to unlocking the mysteries of “unconventional resources” began in earnest. Both in the Oil Sands of north-east Alberta and “shale” reservoirs of Western Canada and elsewhere, Dale r. Dale Leckie is being honoured by has and continues to make invaluable CSPG with the 2016 RJW Douglas contributions to our understanding of DMedal that is presented each these challenging deposits. year for “outstanding contributions to the understanding of sedimentary geology in Dale is a true scientist; he works with Canada”. fundamental data to elucidate complex geological problems and then through Dr. Leckie was born and brought up in careful synthesis provides a thoughtful and north-east Alberta and attended the sound interpretation. Not content to just University of Alberta where he received his come up with answers, Dale is a preeminent B.Sc.. Moving on to McMaster University contributor to advancing geological he obtained an M.Sc. and then his Ph.D. interpretation in Canada, particularly in 1983. His doctoral dissertation on the the Cretaceous of the Western Canada Falher Formation of north-west Alberta Sedimentary Basin, as shown by the more and north-east British Columbia led to than 200 technical articles, papers, posters Dale’s life-long interest in the geology of the and oral presentations to his credit. He also Cretaceous of Western Canada, for which contributes to the geological knowledge he has become known as a world expert. base by editing important collections of contributions and technical journals, peer After a couple of years at Petro-Canada, reviewing works by other contributors
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LINK AWARD – BEST ORAL PRESENTATION
SPG’s Link Award is given for the one of the best-selling items in the National best oral presentation at one of the Park visitor centers. During his time at the CSociety's Technical Luncheons. University of Calgary, Dallin’s research on The 2015-16 recipient of Link Award is Dr. mudstone stratigraphy and sedimentology Dallin Laycock for his presentation "Muddy earned him the University of Calgary’s Clinoforms and the Influence of Aggregated Eyes High Research Award in 2012, Best Mud Clasts". Student Oral Presentation at the 2013 CSPG Convention, as well as the 2014 CSPG Dallin received his Bachelor of Science in award for Best Ph.D. Thesis. Geology from Brigham Young University in 2009, and Ph.D. from the University of The award will be presented at the CSPG Calgary in 2014. He currently works for Awards Ceremony held during the CSPG ConocoPhillips in Calgary. Geoscience Conference in May 2017.
While at BYU, he co-authored a book designed to educate the public about the geology of Utah’s national parks. To date this book has sold over 50,000 copies, and is
UNIVERSITY OUTREACH Thank-You from the 2016 Atlantic Universities Geoscience Conference By Erin Anderson
I would like to extend my sincere thanks the opportunity to present their work in to the Canadian Society of Petroleum a formal context. The presentations are Geologists for sponsoring the CSPG well attended by the Atlantic geoscience award at the 2016 Atlantic Universities community and industry representatives, Geoscience Conference (AUGC). I was who provide valuable feedback for these honoured to receive the award this year for early stage research projects. To further a presentation of my undergraduate thesis understanding of local geology, the work titled: “Diagenetic effects and fluid conference hosts field trips and seminars flow along erosional boundaries in the for participants and welcomes a keynote Triassic Wolfville Formation at Rainy Cove, speaker at the final banquet. The CSPG’s Nova Scotia”. I am completing my honours involvement in this conference and thesis this year under the supervision of support of undergraduate students is Dr. Grant Wach at Dalhousie University. exemplary. I am very grateful for the award and look forward to continuing my My work is focused on fluvial sandstones research this year. in the Bay of Fundy. The fluvial sequences make up part of the Wolfville Formation, which is the reservoir component of a potential hydrocarbon system in the Fundy Rift Basin. This work can be applied to studies in the Bay of Fundy and to similar fluvial systems in rift settings.
The AUGC is a student-organized conference that gives undergraduates
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UNIVERSITY OUTREACH CSPG at WIUGC 2017: Students Look for Outlook on Petroleum Industry, Networking, Volunteering Opportunities By Ryan Baker, Crew Energy, University Outreach Committee
his year marked the 53rd for “Sedimentology and Petrology of Many undergraduate and graduate annual Western Inter-University the Cardium “B” Sandstone, Caroline students visiting the booth were keen on TGeosciences Conference (WIUGC) Area, Alberta, Canada”. The top oral volunteering and networking through hosted at the Delta Hotel and Conference presentations were given by Daniel Calvo the CSPG. Many students inquired about Center in Edmonton, Alberta. A total of Gonzalez and Ben Lysak. The recipients the possibility of more opportunities 180 undergraduate and graduate students of the Poster Presentation Awards were arising outside of Calgary. Feedback from attended the four day conference along Daniel Calvo Gonzalez and Jessica Zerb. students attending universities outside of with forty-nine professional volunteers. The The technical talks were well attended Alberta indicated a strong interest in more conference included a number of events and feedback from attendees indicate Oil involvement with the CSPG, however they including short courses and field trips, Sands, Space Geology, Ichnology, and felt the majority of opportunities were in industry talks, student presentations and Renewable Energy were well received, Calgary. awards, and even a dodgeball tournament. popular topics. Overall, there were sixteen technical talks, Another fantastic take-away from one keynote speaker, and one distinguished The CSPG University Outreach Committee interactions at this year’s booth was the lecturer whose talk was open to the public was present at the conference for the number of students educated about on the Friday evening. The conference networking event mixer. As one of eight scholarship opportunities the CSPG has wrapped up with an industry networking booths at the mixer, many students stopped to offer. In addition to inquiries around mixer and keynote banquet. The University by to inquire about the CSPG. A number volunteering, networking, and job Outreach Committee represented the of swag items distributed were extremely prospects, students were very interested CSPG with a booth at this year’s industry popular including the Geologic Roadmap in scholarship information. A number networking event and mixer. of Alberta as well as CSPG branded of visitors to the booth were not familiar T-shirts and measuring tapes. Speaking with the CSPG and the benefits of student During the first two days of the conference with students at the mixer, many were membership. The CSPG presence at the students were able to attend short courses, concerned about scarcity of job prospects conference was well received by students a mentorship panel, and student project in the oil and gas industry as a result of and recent graduates. Hopefully those that presentations. The student presentations the industry downturn. Conversations were previously unaware of the benefits were adjudicated and the winners were with undergraduates nearing program offered by the CSPG left more informed named at the final keynote banquet. The completion revealed many felt the need about the society. recipient of the CSPG Presentation Award to pursue graduate studies in geoscience was Brendon Lybbert (undergraduate) in the face of limited job opportunities.
46 RESERVOIR ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 2017 The below pictures were taken at the "Fluvial Lecture Series" that we arranged for industry people in what is now the Westin Hotel, before the conference itself.
Andrew Miall Norm Smith John Allen Ram Saxena, John Allen, Roger Walker, Andrew Miall, John Horne, David Hobday, John Collinson, Jim Dixon, Norm Smith, from left to right.
2017 Mountjoy Conference – Mountjoy II June 26-29 in Austin, Texas at the UT Learning Commons and Austin Core Research Center, Austin, TX, USA Sponsored by SEPM (Society for Sedimentary Geology) and CSPG (Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists)
Technical Sessions – oral and poster that address the overall theme of the Conference - Carbonate Pore Systems
Sedimentological, Stratigraphic, and Diagenetic Controls on Development of Carbonate Pore Systems Microporosity in Conventional and Unconventional Carbonate Reservoirs Multiscale Prediction and Upscaling of Carbonate Porosity and Permeability Interactions in Multi-Modal Pore Systems Visualization, Quantification, and Modeling of Carbonate Pore Systems and Their Fluid Flow Behavior
Field Trips - Included in the Conference fee is a choice of 1-day field trips - details on the registration website. Participants may choose one from the following four trips until a trip is full:
Albian-Age Pipe Creek Rudist Build-Ups and Impact of Touching and Non-Touching Vugs on Reservoir Characterization — Leader is Laura Zahm | Statoil Fractures and Pores within Evaporite Paleokarst Systems: An Example from the Cretaceous of Texas – Leader is Chris Zahm | BEG University of Texas Fractures, Faults, and Karst Caverns: Architecture of the Non-Matrix Reservoir Elements – Leader is Bob Loucks | BEG University of Texas Fault Zone Deformation and Displacement Partitioning in Mechanically Layered Carbonates: The Hidden Valley Fault, Central Texas – Leaders are David Ferrill, Alan Morris and Ronald McGinnis | Southwest Research Institute
Core Workshop - included in registration fee, at the Austin Core Research Center (CRC) with cores representing a spectrum of geologic time and depositional settings, as well as unique diagenetic environments.
Field Trips - Optional Pre- and post-Conference - at additional cost - details at the registration site.
Pre-conference trip: Upper Cambrian Microbial Mounds in Central Texas – Leaders are Andre Droxler | Rice University, Paul (Mitch) Harris| University of Miami / Rice University, and Bill Morgan | Morgan Consulting Post-conference trip: Classic Outcrop Exposures of the Permian Guadalupe Mountains – Leaders are Charles Kerans | University of Texas, Chris Zahm | BEG University of Texas, and Paul (Mitch) Harris | University of Miami / Rice University
Plan to join us for this timely and substantial Conference. Please contact any of the meeting organizers below with questions.
General Chair - Paul (Mitch) Harris ([email protected]) Oral and Poster Sessions - Don McNeill ([email protected]) and Gene Rankey ([email protected]) Core Workshop - Laura Zahm ([email protected]) Field Trips - Astrid Arts ([email protected]) and Chris Zahm ([email protected]) Social Events - Jean Hsieh ([email protected]) Additional Sponsors
Shell