Vol. 30, No. 1 January 2009

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On the cover: No, those aren’t photos of Australia and Iran you see – but the words capture perfectly this month’s EXPLORER theme: World Developments. Check out the stories dealing with the significant discoveries of 2008 (that’s where you’ll find Australia and Iran), or specific stories dealing with places like offshore Brazil, the East Georges Bank Basin or British Columbia. Incidentally, the main Discussion Needs photo is from the Ootla shale play in northeast British Columbia (see related story, page 10) and the inset photo was snapped in the active and successful arena that is Egypt. Both photos courtesy of Apache Corp. Climate Change

By SCOTT W.TINKER warming in the second half of the 20th The new year offers an opportunity to century to be greater than it would have AAPG President Scott Tinker sends a letter to U.S. President- 4 face new challenges. Because I did not been without anthropogenic CO2? elect Barack Obama calling for a coordinated approach to receive enough holiday greeting cards, I Again, a question for science. It is . decided to write about climate. That tougher to prove energy, economic and environmental policies should fill the “in box!” causation, but many Recently I was confronted by a friend agree the data, to the What in the world just happened? When it comes to global 8 regarding my “ignorant” views on global extent and quality that , it turns out a lot happened in 2008 – and a warming – seemingly because I am they exist, indicate oil discoveries president of the AAPG. I don’t think the “yes.” However, we are lot of it happened in Latin America. friend knows much about my political dealing with a highly views, much less my understanding – or complex, nonlinear Two unconventional gas plays with superstar appeal lack thereof – of climate science, system that is extremely 10 paleoclimate, carbon sequestration or difficult to model. similar to the Haynesville and Marcellus shales are making other areas of salient research. But she Tinker this winter a hot season for British Columbia. knows I am president of the AAPG and  Is global warming thus may be “climate challenged.” “bad,” or is it possible warming could also Past, but not forgotten: For more than 20 years the untapped Welcome to the global warming be “good?” In other words, could there be 14 debate, where science, politics and geographic winners and losers as the potential of Canada’s East Georges Bank Basin has passion have become so entwined that earth warms? tantalized explorationists – and its day of truth is getting closer. they may be impossible to separate, and These are questions for science, otherwise reasonable people on both economics and politics. The answers may “sides” of the issue can become ardently be more complex than generally thought. All in the family: The three top field discoveries worldwide 20 irrational. last year share a common “home” – all are located offshore Are you a believer or a denier? What Can be Done? southeastern Brazil in the Santos Basin. Friends, these are not scientific terms.  If warm is more bad than good, is there something that can be done *** technologically to mitigate (slow/reverse) Tough times in the industry? Perhaps. But that’s SO last 24 the anthropogenic component of year’s thinking. From a hiring standpoint, it may be a lot I’ll begin with a few contextual warming? better than you think – especially for those just starting their disclosures. A question for science. Many, including I view science, crudely, in terms of members of AAPG, are working on this careers. questions of curiosity: Why? How? challenging problem, including carbon Questions can lead to hypotheses capture and storage , measuring, (“theories” in the vernacular), which can monitoring and verifying , and Meet an AAPG award-winning couple that’s about to take 40 lead to experimentation, data collection, compression, transport and injection their geologic expertise to students in Bahrain – and who, reduction, interpretation and conclusion. infrastructure. like many couples involved in the same profession, has a Interpretations and conclusions are then challenged, tested, repeated and, What Should be Done? marriage that is as much defined by their work as their work perhaps, result in scientific theories, which  If there are technological solutions, is by their marriage. are fact-based bodies of evidence that are what is the probability of success – and substantiated and made robust by can the solutions be accomplished in time additional data and testing, such as the to mitigate the anthropogenic component theory of plate tectonics or the theory of of warming? evolution. A question for science and economics. I view politics in terms of questions of Many are beginning to work on this Professional News Briefs 33 Membership and Certification 49 economics and people. Who? What? problem. Geophysical Corner 34 Readers’ Forum 50 Well-intended to be sure, but at the end Washington Watch 36 Spotlight On … 50 of the day, if you follow the money and  If there are technological solutions to opinion polls, you usually can sift through mitigate warming, can we afford to Regions and Sections 38 Classified Ads 52 much of the hyperbole, passion and implement those solutions? www.Update 44 Director’s Corner 54 philosophy to unravel the underpinnings of A question for economics and politics. political discourse. Some are discussing this problem. Foundation Update 46 DPA Column 54 Passion involves powerful emotions, In Memory 47 boundless enthusiasm and, taken to the  Rather than mitigating warming, extreme, zeal. When passion becomes would investments be better used to zeal, reasoned arguments are often prepare and adapt? What is the proper difficult. Zeal and objectivity do not often balance between mitigation/adaptation? AAPG Headquarters – 1-800-364-2274 (U.S. & Canada only), others 1-918-584-2555 good bedfellows make. Questions for science, Within this context, is it possible to economics/politics and philosophy. Communications Director Correspondents Advertising Coordinator Larry Nation David Brown Brenda Merideth deconvolve science, politics and passion Not many are discussing this critical e-mail: [email protected] Louise S. Durham P.O. Box 979 in the global-warming conversation? issue openly yet. Susan Eaton Tulsa, Okla. 74101 At this point, I am doubtful. Managing Editor Barry Friedman telephone: (918) 560-2647 However, in the spirit of giving it a try,  Given that both mitigation and Vern Stefanic (U.S. and Canada only: 1- let me pose some questions intended adaptation will be expensive – and at the e-mail: [email protected] Graphics/Production 800-288-7636) simply to help frame the conversation and same time will create new economic move a tad closer to a set of policy opportunities – how should costs be Rusty Johnson (Note: The above number is for Communications Project e-mail: [email protected] advertising purposes only.) decisions that make scientific and borne? Coordinator fax: (918) 560-2636 economic sense. Colleagues with a wide A question for economics and politics. Susie Moore e-mail: [email protected] array of backgrounds and expertise are Cap and trade is the popular mantra, e-mail: [email protected] doing similar things as we all work to but this solution struggles to be develop tangible, realistic actions. transparent, avoid waste, be predictable, Vol. 30, No. 1 The AAPG EXPLORER (ISSN 0195-2986) is published monthly for members. Published at AAPG headquarters, 1444 S. use revenues wisely, permeate the Boulder Ave., P.O. Box 979, Tulsa, Okla. 74101, (918) 584-2555. e-mail address: [email protected] Is It Happening? Is It Bad? economy and be reasonably stable. Periodicals postage paid at Tulsa, Okla., and at additional mailing offices. Printed in the U.S.A. Note to members: $6 of annual dues pays for one year’s subscription to the EXPLORER. Airmail service for members: $55.  Is the earth warming? If so, how fast? A carbon tax comes closer, but Subscription rates for non-members: $75 for 12 issues; add $72 for airmail service. Advertising rates: Contact Brenda This is a question for science. Most politicians to date have not shown the Merideth, AAPG headquarters. Subscriptions: Contact Veta McCoy, AAPG headquarters. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and videos must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope to ensure return. agree that the data, in the aggregate, fortitude to tax, and industry leaders are indicate an overall warming trend. We all mostly keeping mum, although some are The American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) does not endorse or recommend any products or services that may be cited, used or discussed in AAPG publications or in presentations at events associated with AAPG. know that the earth has warmed many, beginning to speak up about their many times in the past and, as in the past, preference for a tax. Copyright 2009 by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to AAPG EXPLORER, P.O. Box 979, Tulsa, Okla. 74101. it will likely cool again. This is not the major Canada Publication Number 40046336. issue. Return undeliverable Canadian address to: P.O. Box 503, RPO West Beaver Creek, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 4R6  Has anthropogenic CO2 caused See President, next page

JANUARY 2009 4 Tinker Letter Suggests Bridge to Future A coordinated approach to energy, interesting paradox: A healthy environment advocate energy security,” which would energy and environmental policies to economic and environmental policies was requires a healthy economy, that economy emphasize: deliberately and progressively achieve this called for in a letter delivered to U.S. requires energy, and today that energy is  Enhanced energy efficiency. shift to a new energy future. President-elect Barack Obama and his largely fossil fuels.  Broad diversification of the energy “If we do not lead with a steady and well- transition team by AAPG President Scott Ideas offered for the president-elect’s portfolio. considered approach, the world will either Tinker. consideration were:  A global carbon price that is continue to use fossil fuels almost Tinker said it is important to “build a fossil  An abrupt, unilateral shift of our energy transparent, stable, economy-wide, uses exclusively or make abrupt unilateral leaps energy bridge to an alternative energy portfolio is both unwise and unnecessary, revenues wisely and coordinated globally. into an alternative future, either of which future,” and he offered some facts and ideas especially when we can leverage the fuels (Does cap and trade satisfy these criteria?) would have unintended and severe to approach the challenges. that we have to expand alternatives – a fossil  Advancing global energy trade and consequences. In addressing these challenges, Tinker fuel bridge to an alternate energy future. investment, such as LNG, clean coal, “In 2008 my energy-related travels have noted:  It won’t happen in four or even eight advanced nuclear and scalable renewables. taken me to four continents to interact with  Global energy demand continues to years – not because of entrenched interests  Dialog between developing and governments, industry and academe,” he rise, reflecting growth in population and or a lack of will, but rather because of the developed nations. continued. “Your election has created a industrialization. Fossil fuels, such as oil, size and scale of global energy markets and  Balanced education, training and R&D global buzz unlike anything I’ve seen before. natural gas and coal supply 87 percent of infrastructure. policies. It is an exciting opportunity for the U.S. to global energy needs.  The term “energy independence” fails “Energy security is an achievable goal, provide global leadership.”  The global economy is fueled by to recognize that in a globalized world, we both here in the U.S. and across the globe,” The letter is available at: affordable, reliable energy. If the economy is are interdependent. Tinker wrote, “but the U.S. must lead by http://www.aapg.org/geoDC/recent_ not healthy, the environment suffers. An Tinker said it would be “far better to balancing and integrating its economic, events/0812dec_ObamaLetter.cfm. President from previous page efficient formation evaluation. Will It Matter?  Who should be required to Build participate in global carbon-reduction protocols? A question for economics and politics. Kyoto, although well intentioned, had problems. We can do better.

 If major economies, particularly developing nations, do not participate, will partial mitigation have enough impact on atmospheric CO2 to matter? A question for science. Many think it won’t have enough impact.

***

Regrettably, these are not easy questions, because they involve the CompactTM tools deployed Efficient reservoir evaluation means access to the high-quality data you difficult challenge of building bridges between science, industry and politics by coiled tubing successfully need without compromising your operational and budgetary objectives. amid a sea of passion. Even if science and model forecasts acquired data in memory mode That’s why Weatherford developed the CompactTM suite of tools and are 100 percent certain, which my climate modeling friends assure is not the case, in a difficult to access, horizontal, services. In addition to being ideal for all logging operations, including remote resultant mitigation/adaptation options and decisions are not necessarily clear. underbalanced exploration land and offshore, the system’s compact size and versatility of conveyance The atmosphere needs to change in well. This was a case where the climate change discussion if we are to helps reduce rig personnel, equipment requirements and operating costs. And determine and implement well-considered conventional wireline operations solutions. It is a massively complicated it does so while acquiring a wide range of measurements, regardless of well issue. To oversimplify is to underestimate. were not feasible and It will take everyone working together with condition or geometry. More options. More service. That’s Weatherford. open minds, an interest in hearing pipe-conveyed logging opposing views and a willingness to compromise. posed a safety hazard. It will take leadership. AAPG members – scientists, engineers, business leaders, politicians, economists and lawyers from around the world – your voices are critical as the TM The Compact suite offers a wide global dialog evolves from “Is it variety of resistivity, porosity and happening?” to “What can be done?” and lithology, natural gamma ray, “What should be done?” acoustic, imaging and formation AAPG’s Global Climate Change pressure measurements – regardless Committee convened forums in San of hole condition or well geometry. Antonio (April 2008) and Cape Town (November 2008), with various climate experts discussing the state of the science regarding the question, “Is it happening?” The GCCC is now moving toward forums that address “What can be done?” Image data obtained in a horizontal CBM (Coal Bed and “What should be done?” in Denver Methane) well with CMI on Well Shuttle. (this June) and New Orleans (2010). AAPG members have a strong role to play in these areas. Let’s help lead.

© 2008 Weatherford International Ltd. All rights reserved. Incorporates proprietary and patented Weatherford technology.

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TOP 10 DISCOVERIES OF 2008 Rank Region Country Basin Field HC Type Prod. Status Current Operators Disc Date 1 Latin America Brazil Sao Paulo Plateau Sub-basin (Santos Basin) Iara Oil,gas Appraising Petroleo Brasileiro SA (Petrobras) Sept. 2 Latin America Brazil Sao Paulo Plateau Sub-basin (Santos Basin) Jupiter (1-RJS-652-RJS) Gas, condensate, oil Appraising Petroleo Brasileiro SA (Petrobras) Jan. 3 Latin America Brazil Sao Paulo Plateau Sub-basin (Santos Basin) Guara Oil, gas Appraising Petroleo Brasileiro SA (Petrobras) Aug. 4 Latin America Peru Urubamba Sub-basin (Ucayali Basin) Kinteroni 1X Gas, condensate Discovery Repsol Exploracion Peru SA Jan. 5 Latin America Bolivia Chaco Sub-Andean Zone (Chaco Basin) Huacaya Gas, condensate Producing Repsol YPF E&P Bolivia SA Jan. 6 Latin America Brazil Sao Paulo Plateau Sub-basin (Santos Basin) Bem-Te-Vi Oil, gas Discovery Petroleo Brasileiro SA (Petrobras) May 7 Middle East Iran Zagros Fold Belt (Zagros Province) Balaroud 1 Oil Discovery National Iranian Oil Co. (NIOC) July 8 Australasia Australia Sahul Platform (Bonaparte Basin) Blackwood (MEO) 1 Gas Appraising TSP Arafura Petroleum Pty. Ltd. Feb. 9 Africa Egypt Nile Coastal/Deep Water Sub-basin (Nile Delta Bsn) Satis 1 Gas Discovery BP Egypt Oil Co. Feb. 10 Latin America Brazil East Campos Sub-basin (Campos Basin) Wahoo Oil, gas Discovery Anadarko Petroleom Ltd. Sept.

4 9 7 8 5 1 2 10 3 6

Provided by IHS Energy (as of Nov. 30) Latin America tops discoveries list ’08 a Year of Ecstasies and Agonies

By LARRY NATION AAPG Communications Director Northwest Australia provided some success stories for 2008 – especially its On the opening day of trading in northwest offshore region. Shown here, 2007’s Brunello-1 in the Carnarvon Basin. 2008 oil hit $100 a barrel for the first time. On July 7 West Texas Intermediate hit over $150 and settled at $145.29. At that time there was much talk of “peak oil,” and speculation by huge banks and hedge funds that were blamed with inflating the price of a an outstanding year crude by as much as 60 percent. recording five of the But by the end of 2008 oil had hit top 10 hydrocarbon five-year lows, shedding over $100 a discoveries of 2008 barrel, as the global economy ran out of according to the IHS gas – figuratively, of course. listing (see chart).” Companies that had budgeted on At the top of the $80 oil were at mid-fiscal year cutting listings is the Iara way back on capital expenditures, discovery drilled by shutting down projects and stacking Petrobras in the rigs. White Santos Basin with In December, Merrill Lynch predicted reserve estimates of that oil prices are likely to keep falling 3.5 billion boe, prompting comments until well into 2009 and could reach $25 last May by the president of Brazil about a barrel before recovering. possibly joining OPEC. Its research report also said oil White also noted that national oil prices should begin to rally in the companies operated 50 percent of the second half of 2009. top 10 discoveries based on reserves. But Merrill Lynch, one of the best- As for 2009, White said the major known securities houses in the world, players “have found themselves with was itself a casualty of the economic large cash assets, while smaller meltdown of 2008. The forecast was exploration companies are finding it issued just one hour before it was almost impossible to raise necessary announced that its shareholders voted funding to complete desired work to be acquired by Bank of America. programs. (We’re pretty sure they didn’t predict “There is growing evidence of that this time last year.) shrinking capital expenditure budgets With a backdrop of dramatic global going into 2009, a year that seems likely change in ’08 that recorded both thrills to see the market in predatory mood.” and agonies, there were some historic Predatory is a good description, discoveries. 2008: A Volatile Year since the global economy has become “Amidst the demands of a deepening What a difference a year makes. barrel of oil was $72.32. more of a jungle than a marketplace. global economic recession the oil In May, the charge was made: On July 7, the price of a barrel of But in the rarified atmosphere of industry also faced dwindling access to As much as 60 percent of today’s oil was $145.29. triple-digit oil with (at one time) no end supplies and slowing production,” said crude oil price is pure speculation The 2008 projected average to the price trajectory in sight, 2008 was Ken White, senior editor at IHS Energy driven by large trader banks and price: over $101. undeniably a watershed year of change, International Oil Letter. “Yet against the hedge funds. The 2009 projected price of a one that definitely will be remembered in odds, the industry managed to achieve In 2007, the average price of a barrel of oil: $63.40. history. significant levels of success. J An extensive country-by-country “This is particularly true of Latin listing can be accessed on the AAPG America,” he added, “where Brazil had Photo courtesy of Apache Corp. Web site in the EXPLORER area. J

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JANUARY 2009 10 Extensive acreage has potential Shale Plays Make BC Feel Cozy

By DAVID BROWN opened up low-perm formations for and organic content, it’s pretty similar in EXPLORER Correspondent exploration. those parameters.” It might be winter in Canada right now, The Horn River Muskwa shale Gas content substantially favors the but British Columbia couldn’t be hotter. resembles the North Texas Barnett Shale, Muskwa, although it’s too early in the play Recent drilling there has revealed two according to Levson. to predict likely recovery percentages. unconventional gas plays in the province “It’s similar to the Barnett in many “In comparison between the Muskwa with superstar appeal similar to the ways,” he said. “If you look at the and Barnett, the gas content at the end of Haynesville and Marcellus shales in the thickness, quartz content, permeability the day is higher in the Muskwa,” Levson

United States. 123°0'0"W 122°0'0"W 121°0'0"W said. “But recoverability is still up in the The first play targets the Devonian air.” N.W.T Cordova

Muskwa and Evie shale formations of the 60°0'0"N Embayment Companies working the area include Horn River Basin, in British Columbia’s Apache, Devon, EnCana, EOG Shale Gas Activity in the far northeast corner. It’s a remote and Horn River Basin Resources, Nexen and others. largely undeveloped area where natural In December an EOG executive said Legend gas leasing has taken off astronomically. prospects in the Horn River Basin shales Experimental Scheme The second involves the Lower Paved Road look “better than the Barnett” based on Gravel Road Triassic, siliciclastic Montney formation Winter Road early drilling results. just to the south of the Muskwa play in Railroad The company has estimated its own Active Tenure Liard the Fort St. John-Dawson Creek area. Pipeline recoverable gas resource in the play at BasinB asin Park or Protected Area Production extends eastward across the Community six trillion cubic feet, and Devon Energy 0 94P border into Alberta. Land Sales said it could have 5-8 Tcf. 0 94O Recent Together these plays cover hundreds 2008 2007 of square kilometers – most of it largely SlaveS lave Point 2006 We’re Talking Big untapped for unconventional potential. PPlatformlatform 2005 Upcoming (Tentative) “We’ll probably be producing out of Horn December 2008 What could set the Muskwa, Evie and that area 40 years from now, because it’s RRiveriver related plays apart is the size of the Basin such a huge area and these shales prospective area and the possibility of produce for years and years,” said Vic Yukon N.W.T. establishing a larger high-production core Levson, executive director of resource than in the Barnett. British Alberta development and geoscience for the Columbia The total play area extends to a

British Columbia Ministry of Energy, 59°0'0"N carbonate bank edge on the southern Mines and Petroleum Resources (EMPR). and eastern margins and to the Bovie

N U.S.A.

59°0'0"N Fault to the west. Projection: BC Albers, NAD 83 Barnett Similarities 010205 “We’ve done work in mapping it out, Kilometers and it’s an extensive shale,” Levson said.

BovieBovie Fault Fault System System 46 094I Ministry of Energy, Mines and In many ways, the Canadian plays are Petroleum Resources More drilling and testing will be 094J Fort Nelson 094J Resource Development and similar to unconventional resource plays Geoscience Branch needed to define the play, however. And Compiled by Warren Walsh, Sara McPhail & Cassandra Lee in the United States. They’re driven by (Updated January 2008) b a y m e n t b a y me de gn et n advances in horizontal drilling and KK l l u u a a Eu Eu mt mt h h e e r r n e d g e ssoo fracture stimulation techniques that have See British Columbia, page 12 123°0'0"W 122°0'0"W 121°0'0"W Brasil Santos & Campos 2D Long Offset Data Brasil Deep Focus and SPP99

32,000 km

Evando Bartholazzi +55 21 3219-8503 [email protected]

Laura McAllan 713-369-5869 [email protected]

Mike Whitehead 713-369-5862 [email protected]

Kenneth Mohn 713-369-5859 [email protected]

JANUARY 2009 11

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more winter activity,” Levson said. showing high liquids production. Explorers in the play area also have British Columbia Just to the south, the Montney shows a “Recently people have been putting eyed the Middle Triassic Doig formation, different character with a different set of horizontals into the Montney and that’s another silty-shaly prospect. from page 10 challenges for explorers. It can be sandy, changed the whole picture,” Levson said. “One zone is quite phosphatic. They silty or shaly, based on geographic “It’s resulted in an order of magnitude call it the ‘Doig Phosphate.’ So that’s unlike the Barnett, the Horn River play location and position within the formation. increase in production.” another area of interest. When you region is sparsely populated with little “It’s a siltstone that becomes more of a The play extends from the foothills and actually look at the rocks, though, they’re development, and lacks supporting shale as you move west toward the trends northwesterly, he noted. Leasing not that much different,” Levson observed. infrastructure. mountains. Some people are calling it a for the Montney has picked up in both “In the core area of the basin there’s hybrid play,” Levson said. British Columbia and Alberta. Potential and Concerns not a lot of roads – they’re putting roads in He termed it a combination of a shale “The Montney thickens and deepens now,” Levson noted. “It’s quite remote.” play and a tight sands play, or more substantially to the southwest – the An earlier study by the ministry’s EMPR Also, additional gathering systems will precisely, a “tight silt.” western edge has a depth constraint,” group identified a number of potential have to be built for new production. “There’s been a lot of activity in that Levson said. “On the east side, by shale gas formations in northeastern Thanks to earlier drilling in other area for a long time, but not specifically in contrast, it’s shallower. British Columbia: formations, primarily in carbonate reefs the Montney. People would drill through “Companies have been primarily  Lower Cretaceous: Wilrich and banks, there are pipelines around the it,” Levson said. working in the southern part of the play, Moosebar, Buckinghorse. basin, he said. “It’s probably a good five years ago where the infrastructure is located,” he  Jurassic: Fernie Shale, Nordegg. With a combination of soggy, semi-bog that companies first started to take a hard added.  Upper Triassic: Pardonnet. conditions and little access structure, look at the formation,” he added. Recent successes have drawn a long  Middle Triassic: Doig Phosphate. winter has become prime development Despite promising potential, the play list of players to the area.  Lower Triassic: Montney. time for the play. slumbered until horizontal drilling was “You name it – just about everybody  Lower Carboniferous/Upper “It’s very boggy, and of course it applied. Now wells have tested up to 6.4 who can get in is working there,” Levson Devonian: Exshaw, Besa River, Muskwa, freezes solid in the winter, so there’s been million cubic feet a day, with some wells said. Fort Simpson. Gas-in-place for Devonian shales was estimated at 500 Tcf, highlighting the appeal of the 1.28-million-hectare – about 3.16-million-acre – Horn River Basin. The full Montney-Doig play extent could be 7I =EE: 7I EKH MEH: more than twice as large, over seven million acres or 2.8 million hectares. Taken together, the Devonian and Triassic plays provide a huge area for drilling, which is still in the early stages. All resource and production estimates are likely to change as exploration and development continue. Environmental considerations in the M; :;B?L;H ED area include sourcing water for drilling and for anticipated high-flow fracturing needs. “The supply of water is an issue,” Levson said. “Where’s the water going to EKH FHEC?I;I JE come from? We’ve got a pretty good handle on that, but we’re still working on it.” A likely solution to water supply is :;B?L;H IK99;II$ locating subsurface aquifers, although “they aren’t always where you need them,” he noted. The remoteness of the plays brings less worry about potential disruption of inhabited areas. Also, shale-gas players already have developed a small-footprint drilling approach. “Because you can drill so many wells from one pad, that (disruption) might be less than the drilling we have now in some areas,” Levson said.

Let’s Make a Deal

With so much interest in northeastern British Columbia, some government issued land rights have gone for more than $10,000 an acre. “The land sales have been just phenomenal. This year in B.C. we are over $2.5 billion,” Levson said. Lower natural gas prices and constrained capital might slow the pace of drilling in the province, but won’t stop it. Short-term fluctuations have a limited influence on play areas that will take decades to develop. “So far, we haven’t seen much impact. These are longer-term prospects – a lot of the capital was already committed,” Levson noted. “In relation to other areas, B.C. is still seen quite favorably as a place for the industry to invest its money,” he said. Since our founding in 1952, we’ve come through for our clients, delivering the reliable imaging Conceptually, the idea of gas-rich they require on schedule, as promised. Our proven 2-D, 3-D and multi-component land seismic resource plays in northeastern British Columbia isn’t new. acquisition and data processing capabilities, together with the highest quality crews in the Lower With just the right combination of 48, provide the trust and confi dence clients need to make the most productive drilling decisions geological understanding, horizontal drilling advances, new completion possible. You have our word on it. LLL#96LHDC(9#8DB techniques and industry interest, those plays are finally reaching full launch. “It’s exciting, and it means a fair EA6CC>CC< ™ ™ 9:H>H>I>DC ™ EGD8:HH>C< ™ ™ G:HJAIH G:HJAIH amount of work for us,” Levson said. -%%"9"96LHDC-%%"9"96LHDC ™ ™ B>9A6C9 B>9A6C9 )('"+-)"(%%% ™ =DJHIDC ,&(".&,"+,,' ™ 9:CK:G (%(",'("%))%(%(")%.",,-, ™ D@A6=DB6 8>IN )%*"-)-",*&' ™ B>8=><6C B>8=><6C ')-"))+".*(( ')-"))+".*(( “It’s really neat to see these things take off,” he added, “because we’ve been encouraging them for years.” J

JANUARY 2009 13

JANUARY 2009 14 Georges Bank holds promise Basin Awaits Lifting of Moratorium

By SUSAN R. EATON hen you put it all together EXPLORER Correspondent Twenty years ago, AAPG member “W– the seismic and the Tako Koning was the exploration manager for Texaco Canada Resources, and Texaco was poised to drill two structures – this is the kind of exploratory wells on the Canadian side of Georges Bank, known as the East basin that you’d drill anywhere in Scotia – What the Explorationists Saw Georges Bank Basin. Two Decades Ago.” He has presented The well locations were selected and Koning the world.” this paper (with Texaco’s approval) in the site specific geophysical surveys various forms at international conferences were completed when the Canadian and nine times since 1988. Nova Scotian governments jointly invoked “There aren’t many undrilled basins in a drilling moratorium – due to the world, and especially very few basins environmental issues – that would remain in the world – in such proximity to a large in effect until Dec. 31, 2012. market – that have never been explored Koning has never forgotten this by a drill bit,” Koning said of Texaco’s lost unexplored basin that got away – a basin opportunity. that has remained in force majeure time “When you put it all together – the warp with no industry activity for 20 seismic and the structures – this is the years. kind of basin that you’d drill anywhere in “I’m quite passionate about the world.” information sharing,” Koning said, “and rather than letting that information die, I Chances for Success want to give back the East Georges Banks information (to industry, academia Koning assigned a 10 percent chance and to the public-at-large).” of success to the first series of Koning, who was part of the program exploratory wells that will test the play advisory committee for a recent Halifax concepts developed in the 1980s by conjugate margins conference (see Texaco, based upon using the existing November 2008 EXPLORER), retired from grid of vintage 2-D seismic data. ChevronTexaco in 2002 and now works in He acknowledged that the exploratory Angola as a consultant with Tullow Oil risks to success include the existence of PLC. source and reservoir rocks. These The East Georges Bank Basin, exploratory risks, however, may be however, still captivates his interest. Koning presented a paper at the Halifax conference titled “Revisiting the Graphic courtesy of Tako Koning See Georges Bank, page 16 East Georges Bank Basin, Offshore Nova Geoscience Subsurface Interpretation & Mapping Certification Program

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JANUARY 2009 16 Georges Bank from page 14

reduced due to the existence of several new and significant discoveries in the adjacent Scotian Shelf, and technological breakthroughs in seismic data imaging, processing and mapping methods. Georges Bank straddles the American-Canadian border. On the boundary’s American side, the West Georges Bank Basin has been under drilling moratorium since 1982. However, given recent political events in Washington, the West Georges Bank Basin may be reopened for oil and gas exploration. Photos courtesy of David E. Brown Prior to 1982 American companies Clues to offshore potential are typically found in scenic outcrops, such as this spectacular view of the famous Triassic-Jurassic drilled eight dry holes in the West boundary at Five Island, Nova Scotia, Canada (left), or the Middle Jurassic pinnacle reef comprising coralgal reef builders (right). Georges Bank Basin, a minimally deformed basin – these wells tested stratigraphic targets exhibiting high amplitude reflectors. With the exception of one well, the wells failed to encounter source rocks, Coring Performance for the Ages. and were deemed to be “organically lean.” “We (Texaco) never lost any sleep over those wells on the U.S. side,” Koning explained, “because there are two distinct sub-basins in Georges Objective: Unprecedented ultra-long coring runs to recover highest quality, best preserved Banks.” cores at higher ROP without tripping, delivering significant time and cost A prominent Paleozoic basement savings. feature called the Yarmouth Arch separates the West and East Georges Environment: Khuff gas formation, Qatar, 9,200 ft. Bank basins. The basin geometry – and the oil and Technology: INTEQ HT Series™ ultra-long core barrels. QuickCore™ core bits. Reliable gas potential, according to Koning – is aluminum inner barrels. Non-rotating inner tube stabilizers. distinctly different on the Canadian side, where there’s a lot of structural “action” in Answers: Reduced full coring program of 1,500 ft of Khuff formation from 20 days to nine. the form of large, down-to-the-basement World-record single core run of 622 ft at an average ROP of 15 ft/hr. listric faults, salt diapiric structures and a significant reef trend that’s correlated to the Late Jurassic age Abenaki hydrothermal dolomite reservoirs on the Scotian Shelf at Deep Panuke.

What’s Next?

According to Koning, geological curiosity has inspired his 37-year-long career in the oil and gas industry. In 1992 he attended an AAPG- sponsored geology field trip led by John Warme to the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, to lay his hands on the prospective reservoirs in the conjugate margin – interpreted reef and clastic plays from 2-D seismic – of East Georges Bank Basin in outcrop. He saw spectacular outcrops of the equivalent rocks that Texaco’s geophysicists had interpreted on the opposite side of the Atlantic Ocean, some 6,000 kilometers westward, offshore Nova Scotia. In a 1983 report by the Geological Survey of Canada, the seismically defined prospects of the East Georges Bank Basin were estimated to contain mean recoverable gas reserves of 5.3 Tcf and 1.1 billion barrels of oil, with a high side figure of 10.8 Tcf and 2.1 billion barrels of oil. Through historical mergers, the Texaco leases now belong to Chevron. In fact, almost close to 100 percent of the Canadian Georges Bank is currently held under exploration licenses that have remained in effect despite the force majeure conditions. Koning is optimistic that the 622 feet of perfect core in a single run. The cost savings alone are monumental. moratorium on Canada’s Georges Bank Get rock-solid coring answers all at once at AnswersWhileDrilling.com/coring will be rescinded in 2013. “It will be up to the people of Nova Scotia and the politicians to decide if the potential of the East Georges Bank Basin will be evaluated,” he said. “Certainly my view is that oil and gas activities and fishing can co-exist successfully, as we see in many parts of

HT Series and QuickCore and© marks 2008 of Baker Baker Hughes Hughes Incorporated. Incorporated. All rights reserved. the world such as the North Sea, Gulf of Mexico and the Grand Banks of Newfoundland.” J

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JANUARY 2009 20 A prelude to more deepwater prospects Pre-Salt Has Brazil in Salsa Mood

By LOUISE S. DURHAM EXPLORER Correspondent Commodity prices may have taken a nosedive, at least for the time being, but industry happenings offshore Brazil give reason for the locals – and plenty of other folks – to pop open the bubbly. The top three field discoveries worldwide for 2008 – Iara, Jupiter and Guara – are all located offshore southeastern Brazil in the Santos Basin in the vicinity of other intriguing E&P real estate, e.g., the Campos and Espirito Santo basins. BRAZIL (See related story, page 8.) Santos is the locale of the much- ESPIRTO publicized Tupi Field discovery SANTO CAMPOS announced in 2007 by Brazil’s state- BASIN SANTOS owned Petrobras. Petrobras’ partners in BASIN ENLARGED the field include Britain’s BG Group and AREA Portugal’s Galp Energy. Tupi is estimated to harbor eight billion barrels of recoverable reserves and represents the largest find since the 13- billion-barrel Kashagan Field in Kazakhstan was discovered in 2000. Kashagan, in turn, was the largest field discovery since Prudhoe Bay in Alaska 7,000 feet of water, and the field resides based IHS Energy. The light oil needs success in this deepwater sub-salt basin more than 30 years ago. another 17,000 feet subsea under a less processing and therefore is less since the state-owned oil company and massive salt sheet, which is known to expensive to produce. its partners began their drilling program The Streak Continues wreak havoc with seismic imaging quality The Iara discovery in August could in 2005, according to Petrobras. using traditional technology. Extreme hold between three and four billion The Santos Basin is proving to be a pressures and temperatures can be barrels of oil and is on the same BM-S-11 Jupiter’s Potential motherlode of big fields, yet it will be a daunting for the drillers. block as Tupi. In fact, Iara is more than major challenge to comprehensively The good news is that the subsalt three times as big as anticipated, The Jupiter well drilled by Petrobras evaluate and ultimately produce the crude is generally high quality, i.e., about according to BG Group, which holds east of Tupi in Block BM-S-24 confirmed hydrocarbons. 30 degrees API, as opposed to Brazil’s seven licenses with partners in the the existence of a large natural gas and This is a deepwater subsalt usually heavy oil, which averages about Santos Basin. All of the consortia include environment. 21 degrees, according to AAPG member Petrobras. Tupi, for instance, was drilled in about Bob Fryklund, vice president at Houston- Iara was the sixth consecutive drilling See Brazil, page 22

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There appears to be no lack of Brazil confidence that the play will progress given that Petrobras is poised to invest from page 20 $400 billion over the next 10 years to develop its new offshore fields, according to the National Petroleum Agency. light-oil sub-salt field. There also is a growing number of The Jupiter reservoir has a higher CO2 outsiders knocking on the door with huge content than expected, according to sums of money to contribute in return for Galp, which holds a 20 percent stake in a piece of the action. the block. The company noted this gas China, for instance, reportedly wants will be re-injected to improve the to chip in $10 billion to help develop the recovery factor. new deepwater finds. Even the United Regarding the size of Jupiter, Arab Emirates are said to want to Petrobras reported the structure’s establish a presence in the play. dimensions could be similar to Tupi. In the past, these financial dealings The Guara discovery well drilled by might not have been an option as Petrobras with partners BG and Repsol in Petrobras wouldn’t have been interested the BM-S-9 concession area is also set to in money – but that’s changed in today’s figure prominently in extending the potential of this significant hydrocarbon province. The well is in the same block here appears as the Carioca discovery that reportedly may contain as much as 33 MMbo. In Tto be no lack fact, Guara and Carioca conceivably could be the same structure. A comment by BG chief executive of confidence Frank Chapman suggests discoveries reported thus far in the Santos Basin that the play will could be only a prelude to what’s to come. progress given “There remain in BG Group’s portfolio a number of significant untested that Petrobras is exploration prospects in the Santos pre- salt play,” Chapman said, “as well as poised to invest potential upside from appraisal of existing discoveries.” $400 billion over An Expensive Proposition the next 10 years It’s been said this entire region could contain a humongous 70 Bboe – but to develop its don’t look for production to come online with any sense of speed. new fields. A couple of months ago, the BG Group stated that output from Tupi, Guara and Iara should hit 300,000 boe/d by 2012. playing field, Fryklund noted. However, the impact of the ongoing “With the huge success and potential near-breathtaking decline in oil prices (of these discoveries), they do need along with cratering demand worldwide help,” he said. “With the credit markets remains to be seen. Earlier-established the way they are, they need to look for timetables for E&P projects far and wide alternate financing, so the Chinese and are being altered these days. other NOCs with lots of cash can come in Santos Basin sub-salt wells will not through that back door.” only be tough drilling, they’re expensive – This is a far cry from chasing money and the end product needs a market. “hat in hand,” which is rapidly becoming Fryklund said the initial well at Tupi a kind of lifestyle for companies of cost about $240 million and required a various kinds these days. year to drill – not an appealing scenario if “These huge finds are a good reason commodity prices are in the tank. to need money,” Fryklund emphasized. Still, development of such enormous It is noteworthy that U.S.-based reserves is a forward-looking endeavor, companies also are playing a role in and if anyone can make it work, it should Brazil’s deepwater subsalt action. be Petrobras. Fryklund noted the A recent Anadarko-operated company historically has done most of discovery well in the Campos Basin the deepwater drilling in this entire region included Devon and other partners, and as compared to the Gulf of Mexico where Fryklund noted ExxonMobil is drilling a several companies are experienced in well in the Santos Basin that currently is the deepwater, including the subsalt designated a tight-hole. Hess also has environment. interests in the play. J S&D Adds Articles It was a very good year, indeed. include: Thanks to contributors from around Reducing the Structural the world, Search and Discovery, Uncertainty in Poor 2-D Seismic Data, AAPG’s free electronic journal, posted Gambier Embayment, Otway Basin, a record 366 articles during 2008. Australia – A Minimum Strain And the coming year may be even Approach, by Peter Boult, Brett bigger. Freeman and Graham Yielding. Already, permission requests have  Unconventional Seismic – Hazard been sent to more than 300 oral Mapping for Shale Gas Plays, by Larry presenters from the recent AAPG Lunardi. International Convention and  Understanding Deepwater Exposition held in Cape Town, South Architecture from Process Africa. Work also continues on 2008 Interpretation at Outcrop: An (Ancient poster sessions from the AAPG Annual to Modern)2 Perspective, by Ole J. Convention and Exhibition held in San Martinsen and John B. Thurmond. Antonio.  Applications of Sedimentary A sampling of articles Record of Astronomically Driven demonstrating diversity of subject Paleoclimate Oscillations and Trends, matter published during November by Linda A. Hinnov and James G. Ogg.

JANUARY 2009 23

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JANUARY 2009 24 Industry appears to be banking on rebound Most Companies Still in Hiring Mood

By DAVID BROWN The AAPG Career Center, launched Included in the Career Center is a Worldwideworker.com EXPLORER Correspondent in July, is getting a lot of attention, Member Registry, where AAPG in Houston. Oh ... My ... Gosh! The center is an online service for job members record their areas of “I don’t see any Everybody panic!!! seekers and employers within the professional expertise and the years of problems in the U.S.,” The world economy is in a mess and industry who are looking for manpower experience within them, enabling she added. oil prices have dropped more than $100 opportunities, and includes a resume- companies and members to search for Worldwideworker a barrel – $100, can you believe it?! – posting service. other members with similar experience calls itself the “world and jobs are disappearing everywhere. As of early December there were six and interests. experts in energy Houston economist Barton Smith said searchable jobs posted, 318 searchable See the Career Center at jobs.” Shchelokova that city alone could lose 37,500 jobs. said energy- resumes and 77 registered employers. www.aapg.org. J But if oil and gas prices fall even Ayling employment demand further the job losses will be worse, said is holding steady in Smith, director of the University of EXPLORER for nearly 25 years, including he said. “That means there’s a huge void North and South America and Africa, off Houston’s Institute for Regional the annual salary survey. at the bottom that has to be filled.” a little for Europe, Asia and the Middle Forecasting. His view of today’s industry: We’ve With extremely high oil and gas East. And some predictions say oil prices gone from a situation with a huge deficit prices, the industry was struggling to find Drilling engineers and reservoir will fall another 40 percent! of technical professionals to one where or train qualified personnel for current engineers also continue to be in demand, It’s the end of the world!!! expertise and job openings are more in openings. she said. balance. There was no way to cope with a tidal “People probably won’t get the job of Okay – now everybody calm down. “What I have seen, and it’s really wave of retirements that will produce their dreams right now, but they will varied, is that a couple of companies thousands and thousands of additional definitely get something,” Shchelokova Take a deep breath and think about have told me they wouldn’t be hiring until job openings. noted. this: after the first of the year,” Ayling said. Not to mention the competition for Ayling said the momentum built up by From a hiring standpoint, the industry “Out of all my clients, only one expertise and experience. E&P technical the industry and its need to continue is actually better off today. company said they aren’t hiring any professionals were in short supply last ongoing projects is helping maintain the For the past year oil companies have technical people right now,” he added. August, and they will be in short supply steady employment demand. been scrambling to find new technical next August. “Some companies have postponed hires, without much luck. Wanted: More “I would be shocked if companies are some discretionary things, but a lot of With oil prices over $100 a barrel, the so foolish as to let many people go into what they’re doing isn’t discretionary,” he industry was running out of recruits. And it’s not just a matter of positions the marketplace,” Ayling said. observed. There just weren’t enough open today. That leaves many oil companies in a experienced, capable people to fill the An entire generation of oil company Demand and Supply hiring mood. The direction of near-term hiring need. technical staff is getting ready to retire. bounces in oil and gas prices, up or “For the most part, what I’ve heard out “The other problem the industry has – So far, recruiters are backing up that down, is anybody’s guess. of companies is that they’re already and we’ve talked about this for years – is viewpoint. Longer term, after prices bottom out, running so lean they can’t afford to lay the demographic problem,” Ayling noted. “Drilling has slowed down but G&G – the industry appears to be banking on a anybody off,” said Mike Ayling of MLA “Probably 60 percent of the technical the geologists and geophysicists, robust rebound. Resources in Tulsa. people within the industry right now are geoscience professionals – is in quite “What I expect you’ll see,” Ayling said, Ayling has provided industry and within 15 years of retirement. And that high demand,” said Anna Shchelokova, “is a slow, gradual recovery over the next employment data to AAPG and the may be low – it may be within 10 years,” senior HR consultant for six months.” J

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JANUARY 2009 26 The ‘big crew change’ Actions Tried to Get, Keep Talent

By LARRY NATION countries, differing expectations of the AAPG Communications Director new generation and particular needs for Manpower. It’s been a concern for two females to be attracted to – and retained decades and remains a challenge that by – the industry. gets more critical with no magic bullet in He noted that complex global issues sight. pose technical and social challenges, But a panel of executive-level experts and a volatile price environment requires noted in a special session at the recent an integrated, cooperative approach by AAPG International Convention and industry, government and academe. Exhibition in Cape Town there are Tinker also noted that science, policy strategies being undertaken – and still to and commercialization are critical be launched – that can have an impact. partners for the future, and that each The panel, co-chaired by Pete Stark, sector has different time scales for IHS vice president of industry relations, decision-making and are motivated for and Michael Naylor, vice president different opportunities. technical, global exploration, Shell, “We must bridge across the cycles in included: order to create a stable environment that Ë Mario Carminatti, Petrobras attracts and retains the best talent in the executive manager for exploration. world,” Tinker said. Ë Christian J. Heine, Saudi Aramco Presenters shared strategies that senior geological consultant. included: Ë Rod Nelson, Schlumberger vice  Higher levels of engagement of our president of innovations and industry with schools. collaboration.  Providing materials/programs to Ë Jatinda Peters, manager of The work force must be replenished, good communication skills and cultural, enhance curricula. administration and HR for the India’s Oil but this challenge is exacerbated by an social and religious sensitivities and  More scholarships. and Natural Gas Corp. overall shortage of science and adaptability.  Flexible approaches for work-life Ë Scott Tinker, AAPG president. engineering graduates – particularly She also noted the “huge mismatch” balances, including work-at-home The panel agreed with Nelson that the women and minorities. between the skill set needs of industry opportunities. industry experienced a hiring surge in the But that’s not necessarily the only and output of the universities.  Sabbaticals. late 1970s and early ’80s, followed by an difficulty. Also, national oil companies are  Better defined career ladders. extended period of decline resulting in putting a premium – and in many cases,  Various mentoring programs, the peak evident in this age distribution. Challenges and Strategies requiring – for only nationals to populate including tapping the talents of qualified A recent influx of new talent has not salaried positions. retirees. made up for decades of depressed hiring Peters noted the irony of populous Additional challenges include the  Structured professional and activity. As a result, over half of today’s regions such as India still facing a industry’s image and competition from personal development programs. work force is eligible for retirement within shortage of manpower. other industries. Visual aids presented in the workshop the next 10 years – an anticipated event “Employability is the issue,” Peters Tinker noted that global demographics are available in the Careers area of the often referred to as “the big crew said, also noting skills are needed in are evolving with the realties including a AAPG Web site. J change.” addition to technical expertise, including younger population in developing

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JANUARY 2009 30 Communication, flexibility offer solutions Women Find Their Place in Industry

By LOUISE S. DURHAM EXPLORER Correspondent olutions can be best summed up in two Despite plummeting commodity prices, oil and gas companies in general “S words: communication and flexibility.” have indicated they’ll keep going after new-hires to beef up lean staffs – a hangover-type situation caused in part by the massive layoffs during previous downturns in the industry. The ongoing need for skilled, qualified  Demand for energy versus the working together,” Tinker said, “to bring people appears to be altering the environment. our own strengths and unique talents to makeup of the traditionally male- bear to solve the issues that face the dominated industry – slowly but surely. Let’s Talk Sex planet.” The fourth annual Women’s Global “What worries me is we have over 50 Leadership Conference (WGLC) left no The dearth of new talent coming into percent women in our undergraduate doubt that professional women are the business has been the source of school majoring in geology/ Tinker was a keynote speaker at the finding a place in the business – and much angst industry-wide as many of the geosciences,” Tinker noted, “and it starts recent Women’s Global Leadership making their presence known. remaining longtime stalwarts continue to to decline through graduate school and Conference in Houston. Nearly 1,000 businesswomen, opt for retirement or other pursuits. then through years in industry to the point executives and industry leaders from top It’s perhaps more urgent than ever to where it’s 10 to 15 percent. energy companies worldwide assembled convince women they can play a vital role “I know we’re losing good technical Survey Results at the November confab in Houston, in the energy business. people and managers,” he said, “and according to Maggie Seeliger, vice- “The grand challenge is not energy that’s not acceptable. Companies increasingly are allowing president for strategic business supply but where will the talent come “Still, I’ve seen examples of really flexible work schedules to accommodate development at event-host Gulf from that is required to develop today’s great change and improvement,” Tinker various situations, e.g., dual career Publishing Co. fossil energy so we can afford to added. “It varies by company, sometimes couples with small offspring to care for, Seeliger noted the annual event transition to tomorrow’s energy by country.” spousal transfer situations where the provides a forum for women in the energy alternatives,” said Scott Tinker, president No doubt there are many variables “trailing” spouse is allowed to continue industry to discuss key business and of AAPG, which participated as an event impacting the still-low numbers of women work from out-of-state, etc., etc. economic issues and gather insight from sponsor. in the industry. Tinker appeared to cut to Still flexibility must be managed with world leaders in energy, government, Tinker – who is director of the Bureau the chase when he noted “two of the care lest flexibility dysfunction set in politics and academia. Discussions of Economic Geology, State Geologist of greatest impediments to reasonable where the situation is so flexile the job focused on issues ranging from Texas and the Edwin Allday Chair of parity between men and women are, in does not get done. responsible stewardship to professional Subsurface Geology at the University of no particular order, men and women. Two surveys were conducted in development strategies. Texas at Austin – was a keynote speaker “As I gather data and experiment with conjunction with the WGLC to gather Topics discussed included: at the WGLC event. various employment models,” he said, “I data on professional development  Alternative energy. “I’m convinced that the opportunities have found that solutions can be best  Global energy marketplace. and challenges in energy are of such summed up in two words: communication  Wall Street and the industry. significance that it requires both genders and flexibility.” See WGLC, page 32

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JANUARY 2009 31

JANUARY 2009 32 Ceiling Created Independent Path Professional women are no longer the make it on their own in whatever way, ultimately successful independent E&P rarity they once were at the E&P industry-related niche they determine choosing to companies operating from the Middle companies. best suits their talent, abilities and journey forth on East.” Still, they don’t necessarily settle in interests. what she viewed The entrepreneurial Akbar postponed for the long haul. This was the case with Sara Akbar, as a better path. marriage and children until she was well Like their predecessors who jumped CEO of Kuwait Energy Company, who “I thought, do I along in her career. And when it comes into the fray 20 or more years ago, there presented the closing keynote speech at have to live with a to child care concerns and work-life continues to be a smattering of smart, the recent Women’s Global Leadership glass ceiling – and balance that are weighty issues in savvy women in the E&P corporate Conference in Houston. the answer was today’s workplace, Akbar’s situation is to milieu who ultimately decide the glass Prior to founding Kuwait Energy in no,” Akbar said. be envied by her Western counterparts. ceiling hovering over their collective 2005, Akbar held myriad high-level, Akbar “So I created my “In my part of the world, we have heads just isn’t to their liking. challenging positions for 18 years at own company. extended families,” she said. “I live with So they opt to bail out – but not Kuwait Oil Company, followed by close “I needed huge capital but did it in my three brothers and their families, and necessarily out of the oil and gas to five years at Kuwait Foreign Petroleum sequences,” she said. “It’s worth $750 my husband has been retired for seven business. Exploration Co. million today, so it’s been profitable and years and also helps to look after the Armed with considerable acquired Despite her many successes at these rewarding. children – and there’s also cheap labor industry skills, a number of these two companies, Akbar encountered “The focus is all on exploration,” like maids, cooks, nannies.” independent-oriented folks strike out to various roadblocks/frustrations along the Akbar noted, “and it’s one of the few – LOUISE S. DURHAM WGLC from page 30

obstacles facing women in the industry. Gulf Research implemented a Web survey of female executives in the oil patch. Detailed, open-ended responses were received from 12 qualified participants with five to 25 years of industry experience. The respondents held titles that included CFO, senior marketing manager, regulatory affairs manager, human resources manager, director, geologist and production engineer. Seeligson noted the small sample was intended to provide insight and not generalizations and projections for all female executives. Results from the focus survey included:  Creating and promoting an environment that is aligned with women’s needs will facilitate recruitment and retention in the energy industry.  Both business savvy and interpersonal skills are necessary to be successful in the energy industry.  Overcoming gender bias and balancing family are common obstacles women face.  Despite progress, respondents believe that a glass ceiling still restricts them from advancement in the industry.  Some respondents are happy with their career path, while others believe they had to choose between family and advancement. The second survey, powered by A world of intelligence, WHAMmobile, requested conference attendees to answer five questions delivered. using mobile texting. Key results included:  57 percent of respondents were As the search for energy resources moves to the data acquired and or processed from land, transition interested in staying in the energy world’s less-hospitable regions, one company stands zones or shallow water regions. And bring back the industry for their entire careers. ready to venture forth where few have dared. seismic data that is worth developing.  30 percent have worked in the energy industry less than two years. Geokinetics has blazed new trails into some of the Which is why more and more results-oriented energy  91 percent said they face more career growth obstacles than men in planet’s most extreme environments. Pioneered the companies depend on Geokinetics. We deliver the the energy industry. use of innovative technologies. Adapted to harsh decision-critical intelligence it takes to cut the cost  86 percent said access to conditions. And accepted challenges from which of every barrel of oil you discover. networking opportunities for women others shrink. All to bring you 2D/3D/4D seismic has improved over the last five years.  35 percent said their company doesn’t provide enough opportunity for women to grow in their careers. Ingenuity. Expanding. Worldwide. www.geokinetics.com Tinker noted that AAPG’s committee on Promoting Professional Women in Earth Sciences recently conducted a work force retention survey. Preliminary and incomplete findings were included in the December EXPLORER; final analyzed results also will be published in the EXPLORER and on the AAPG Web site. J

JANUARY 2009 33

Randy J. Bruner, to director of exploration and Production, Thailand/China. manager, Yates Petroleum, Denver. Previously issues. Pickens, chairman of BP Capital and production, Layton Energy, Houston. geologist, Yates Petroleum, Denver. Management in Dallas, is being honored for his Previously geoscience consultant, Marathon Oil, Alexandra “Alex” Herger, to director- public campaign to reduce America’s Houston. worldwide conventional new ventures, Marathon Tim Kustic, to district deputy, California dependence on non-U.S. oil. Oil, Houston. Previously exploration manager- Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources, Phillip E. Byrd, to staff geologist, Questar Gulf of Mexico, Shell Exploration & Production, Sacramento, Calif. Previously associate engineer, Stephen J. Savoie, to senior geologist, Atlas Exploration and Production, Tulsa. Previously Houston. California Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Energy Resources, Traverse City, Mich. senior geologist, PetroQuest Energy, Tulsa. Resources, Sacramento, Calif. Previously senior geologist, Jordan Jesse L. Hunt Jr., has retired after 28 years Development, Traverse City, Mich. Carlos Enrique Cruz, to geosciences with the Minerals Management Service. He will Richard McLean, to U.S. exploration manager, ArPetrol Argentina S.A., Buenos Aires, be consulting in marine hydrates, residing in manager-unconventionals, Marathon Oil, Robert H. Springer, to senior staff geologist, Argentina. Previously Africa project G&G leader, Slidell, La. Houston. Previously international new ventures Encore Acquisition, Fort Worth. Previously Pluspetrol S.A., Buenos Aires, Argentina. manager, Marathon Oil, Houston. independent consulting geologist, Graham, Dewi J. Jones, to exploration manager-Peru, Texas. Dale Fritz, to geological manager-north Fort RepsolYPF, Lima, Peru. Previously exploration Larry Miller, to vice president-exploration and Worth Basin, Devon Energy, Oklahoma City. manager-Trinidad/Guyana/Suriname, RepsolYPF, business development, Peregrine Petroleum, Previously district geological supervisor- The Woodlands, Texas. Houston. Previously area geologist, Hunt (Editor’s note: To be included in “Professional midcontinent, Devon Energy, Oklahoma City. Petroleum, Houston. News Briefs” send information in the above John Jostes, to senior international format to Professional News Briefs, c/o AAPG Kosit Fuangswasdi, to vice president- exploitation geologist, Devon Energy, Houston. T.Boone Pickens has been named Texan of EXPLORER, P.O. Box 979, Tulsa, Okla. 74101; or exploration and production, P3 Global Energy, Previously geologist, Hunt Petroleum, Houston. the Year by the Texas Legislative Conference, a fax, 918-560-2636; or e-mail, [email protected]; Bangkok, Thailand. Previously projects support non-partisan group of Texas business and or submit directly from the AAPG Web site, manager, Chevron Thailand-China Exploration L.M. “Mike” Kozimko, to Rockies geology political leaders who focus on public policy www.aapg.org/explorer/pnb_forms.cfm.)

JANUARY 2009 34

Hey, Who Overturned This Strata?

(The Geophysical Corner is a their equivalents above the fold axis. regular column in the EXPLORER, This apparent thickening of the deeper edited by Bob A. Hardage, senior repeated bedding is caused by the research scientist at the Bureau of borehole-to-formation geometry that Economic Geology, the University of results when a vertical well bore Texas at Austin. This month’s column penetrates an overturned section. deals with interpreting overturned As illustrated on figure 2, log data strata.) from a vertical well measure correct bed thicknesses in undisturbed strata between A and B, where the bedding is By BOB HARDAGE nearly horizontal. However, logs will The methodology described here show exaggerated bed thicknesses in may benefit those who are confronted the overturned section between B and with the problem of interpreting A’, where the beds are slanted at a complex structures from limited-quality high dip angle relative to the borehole. 3-D seismic images. Figure 3 shows a vertical section The objective of this study was to from the 3-D seismic volume that characterize deep (20,000 feet/6,000 passes through well 78. The major meters) Ellenburger gas reservoirs in faults in the well’s vicinity and the West Texas. interpreted geometry of the overturned In addition to the Ellenburger bedding are labeled on the image. reflection signals being weak because of the great depth of the target, the top *** of the Ellenburger across the area was a gentle, ramp-like increase in The principal point is that although impedance that did not produce a overturned strata cannot be interpreted robust reflection event. A further from this limited-quality seismic image, negative influence on data quality was the recognition of overturned beds on that the area was covered by a variable log data allows the proper structure to surface layer of low-velocity Tertiary fill be imposed on the seismic data. that was underlain by a varying Petrophysical analyses and thickness of high-velocity salt/anhydrite Figure 2 – Apparent bed thickening of interpretations of logs can be These complicated near-surface repeated strata measured in a vertical well invaluable when interpreting conditions made static corrections of penetrating overturned bedding. A vertical complicated structure with any seismic the data difficult; in fact, the well will measure true bed thickness when data, regardless of seismic data quality combination of all of these factors has strata are near-horizontal (A to B) but – and particularly so when strata are caused some explorationists to Figure 1 – Example of overturned exaggerated thickness when folded strata overturned in the dramatic manner consider the region to be a no-record Simpson section, well 78. intersect the well at a dip angle (B to A’). illustrated by this example. J seismic area for imaging deep drilling targets.

***

The interpretation of 3-D seismic data across the project area led to the conclusion that the strongest influence on pre-Pennsylvanian reservoir compartmentalization was the numerous fault systems that distort Ordovician and Mississippian rocks. For this reason, a principal focus of the seismic interpretation was to create a correct structural picture of the pre- Pennsylvanian section. The challenge: Produce this accurate structural picture from a 3-D seismic volume that was of limited quality. The overturned Simpson (Ordovician) section documented in study well 78 was particularly important because of its impact on the position of targeted Ellenburger reservoirs in the 3-D seismic volume. Gamma-ray and acoustic logs recorded in well 78 are shown as figure 1. Labeled are:  The interpreted top of the Simpson.  The fold axis about which beds are overturned within the Simpson section.  The three arbitrary stratigraphic intervals (1, 2, 3) that emphasize the bedding symmetry about the fold axis. In this area the Ellenburger is dolomite, not limestone. Cross-plots of neutron and sonic porosities showed that the industry-provided top of Ellenburger was a limestone facies, which led to the conclusion that the unit was incorrectly identified as top of Figure 3 – Seismic section passing through well 78. This seismic profile illustrates the overturned Simpson section that would Ellenburger. have been incorrectly interpreted as Ellenburger if industry-provided formation tops were honored. The original (but incorrect) This conclusion then led to the log-defined top of Ellenburger was the well tic at 2.22 sec. After imposing the overturned geology identified by log analysis, well recognition that overturned bedding 78 did not penetrate the Ellenburger – and the seismic interpretation was modified to emphasize this fact. Each labeled horizon was present in the log responses. identifies the top of the particular unit, regardless of whether the label is above or below the horizon. Phantom horizons must be Note that the log data show units constructed across some image areas. below the fold axis are thicker than

JANUARY 2009 35

JANUARY 2009 36

Energy Likely High on ‘To Do’ List

By DAVID CURTISS en. Bingaman said: “Energy is Durbin (D-Ill.) and Vice Chairman of the GEO-DC Director Democrat Conference Charles Schumer Nobel Prize winning physicist Niels Snot, in my view, an inherently (D-N.Y.) all remain in their posts. Similarly, Bohr once said, “Prediction is very Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), difficult – especially if it is about the Asst. Minority Leader/Whip John Kyl (R- future.” partisan issue.” Ariz.) and Republican Conference Chair The beginning of a new year is the Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) will continue time we traditionally resolve to make the leading Senate Republicans. changes necessary to improve our lives. Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) It is also the time we ponder what Curtiss continues as chair of the Energy and opportunities and challenges the new Natural Resources Committee. Fellow year will bring. with Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.) and Rep. the Oversight and Government Reform, New Mexican Sen. Pete Domenici, the Nowhere is that truer than in Mike Pence (R-Ind.) stepping up as where he has conducted vigorous former ranking Republican on the Washington, D.C., where on Jan. 6 a new minority whip and conference chairman. oversight of government activity. He is committee, retired, and Sen. Lisa Congress convenes and on Jan. 20 the Outgoing Minority Whip Roy Blunt (R- widely regarded as a skilled legislator Murkowski (R-Alaska) takes his place. republic’s 44th president takes charge. Mo.) and Conference Chairman Adam and is expected to play a significant role In a mid-November 2008 speech to Putnam (R-Fla.) left leadership after the in advancing Democrat priorities on the Center for Strategic and International *** Republicans’ election defeat. issues such as energy and climate as Studies, Sen. Bingaman outlined six As House members gathered in chair at Energy and Commerce. energy challenges facing the 111th The 111th Congress – each Congress Washington, D.C., in November to elect Congress: is two years long, divided into two one- their leaders, one bit of drama involved ***  Deploying clean energy technology. year sessions – sees Democrats the battle for chair of the Energy and  Improving energy efficiency. returning with significantly strengthened Commerce Committee. Typically, these In the Senate, Democrats picked up  Maintaining adequate supplies of majorities in both the House of committee chairs are allocated according seven seats, which combined with the conventional fuels as we make the Representatives and the Senate. to seniority, and confirmed by a pro forma two independents that caucus with them transition to new forms of energy. In the House of Representatives, with vote of the majority party. Current chair gives them 58 seats. One Senate race  Increasing energy innovation. four races still undecided at press time, John Dingell is dean of the House, the (Minnesota) was still undecided at press  Making energy markets more Democrats have picked up 22 additional longest-serving member. However, in a time – but even with 58 seats, Democrats transparent. seats, bringing their total to 255 seats. surprising upset, Rep. Henry Waxman (D- can dictate Senate action on most issues.  Maintaining proper balance Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) will continue Calif.) defeated Dingell, stripping him of Senate leadership continues between energy and environment to serve as Speaker of the House, while this post. unchanged: Majority Leader Harry Reid policies – especially as it relates to global Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and Rep. Waxman in turn steps down as chair of (D-Nev.), Asst. Majority Leader/Whip Dick warming. James Clyburn (D-So. Carolina) continue These challenges will be a prime in their respective posts as majority As the inevitable political debates unfold, stay connected by visiting the GEO-DC focus of the Senate Energy and Natural leader and majority whip. blog and signing up for e-mail delivery of our blog posts. Resources Committee. In his remarks, House Republicans currently have a On line now! Check the guest post by Jerry Boak with his analysis and thoughts Sen. Bingaman said: total of 176 seats. Rep. John Boehner (R- on the 67 million acres of non-producing oil and gas acreage. Ohio) retains his post as minority leader, continued on next page Deep East - Offshore Florida

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JANUARY 2009 37 continued from previous page Education Director Named “Energy is not, in my view, an Susan Smith Nash has been named operations analyst for interdisciplinary studies at the College of inherently partisan issue. If we care director of a newly created department Valley Exploration, Liberal Studies. about our nation’s future, we need to of education services for AAPG. Diamond-Shamrock, Her experience includes managing look for the bipartisan, substantive and Nash, an AAPG member who has Kerr-McGee and educational programs, conferences, forward-looking approach to energy that extensive experience in professional Victoria Resources degree and non-degree programs. has marked our successes and continuing education, will take the reins before launching a Creator of an award-winning edublog, progress in the past.” of AAPG’s education program that was career in Nash also has supervised and managed formed from existing programs – interdisciplinary the production of educational materials *** including the Petroleum Technology studies, including used in all phases of distance Transfer Council, which AAPG has science education at education, from textbooks to e-books, As President-elect Barack Obama managed since 2007 through the St. Gregory’s College podcasts, videocasts and open takes the oath of office on Jan. 20 and Geosciences directorate. Nash in Shawnee, Okla., courseware. delivers his inaugural address, he will Nash has served on the AAPG and then in a number Fluent in Spanish, Nash has lay out the priorities for his term. Based Education Committee since 2005. She of positions at OU. managed international educational and on his campaign and subsequent received a bachelor’s degree in geology Activities included course economic development programs. She statements, it’s likely that the economy, from the University of Oklahoma and programming in engineering and also served as associate dean at energy and the environment will be high also earned a master’s degree and a geosciences continuing education, Excelsior College, an accredited on the list. doctorate in English from OU. She distance geosciences education at distance learning university in Albany, These are not a simple set of worked as a geologist and international Sarkeys Energy Center and online N.Y. challenges. J AAPG President Scott Tinker stated in a Dec. 5 letter to the President-elect these three issues are closely interlinked (see page 4). Because of these linkages, policies in one area must be developed in concert with policies for the other areas. Our new president and Congress should bear this in mind as they deal with these issues. AAPG members can help shape the policy discussions we’re embarking on:  Tell the story of how you contribute to the affordable availability of energy that benefits your neighbors and community – and how you do it in an environmentally responsible manner.  Don’t focus on political rhetoric, because it’s always heated and typically uninformed. Instead focus on the details – the parts of legislation that no one is talking about.  If you are a U.S. member, tell your legislators to pursue Bingaman’s goal of a bipartisan, balanced approach to meeting the nation’s energy, environmental and economic needs.  Recognize that achieving bipartisan, balanced solutions necessitates compromise, and that no side is ever entirely satisfied because politics is the art of the possible. As Bohr’s quote suggests, prediction is a foolish game. A far better idea is to shape the future into something worth experiencing. It takes fortitude, stamina and a lot of hard work – kind of like keeping those New Year resolutions. I wish you all the best in 2009. J (Editor’s note: David Curtiss, head of AAPG’s Geoscience and Energy Office in Washington, D.C., can be contacted at [email protected]; or by telephone at 1-202-684-8225.)

JANUARY 2009 38

NAPE Welcomes AAPG President

By CAROL McGOWEN Carleton (1994), Dick Bishop (1998) and Regions and Sections Manager Robbie Gries (2000, 2001), who visited AAPG President Dr. Scott W. Tinker as both president-elect and president. became the fourth Association president Visits by Carleton, Gries and Tinker to visit Nigeria when he attended were hosted by Chevron, and Bishop’s November’s NAPE 2008 conference in visit was hosted by ExxonMobil. Abuja, Nigeria. In October Tinker had met with Africa AAPG President Scott Tinker was on hand for the “changing of the guard” reception The meeting was organized by the Region leaders during the group’s during the recent Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) Nigerian Association of Petroleum leadership meeting in Cape Town, also conference, flanked by NAPE’s new president, Victor Agbe-Davies (left, with his wife), Explorationists. Tinker’s travels to Nigeria attended by NAPE president, Kingsley and the immediate past president, Kingsley Ojoh (with his wife, right). followed visits by AAPG presidents Toby Ojoh. Tinker’s visit to the Africa Region twice in one year was seen as the “icing on the cake” in efforts to strengthen AAPG’s ties with affiliate society NAPE. In fact, a commemorative cake for the occasion was cut by outgoing NAPE President Ojoh and incoming NAPE President Agbe-Davies. A second commemorative cake welcomed Tinker, Define your geological model to Nigeria. “I could not have been welcomed more warmly,” Tinker said. faster than ever before During the first of his two days at the conference Tinker met with all NAPE leadership, had lunch with university faculty and attended the awards dinner NO MORE WAITING! Available today from IHS, easy and affordable and ceremony. During a tour of the access to one of the largest U.S. digital log collections exhibit, Tinker stopped for a photo with no less than every exhibitor. The next U More than 185,000 LAS files with over 1.5 million curves day he participated in a meeting with students and faculty, looked at U Regional subscription packages for today’s active play areas conference facilities with an eye for U Indexed to IHS well and production data future AAPG-NAPE events, toured Abuja’s historical sites and was the first U Linked to the IHS Enerdeq® Browser for quick regional to initiate dancing at the Sundowner event – a lead that the students soon studies and log selection followed! U Available via IHSLogNet.com or on DVD Tinker said the current business climate in Nigeria is favorable for the U Ready to use in PETRA and other log packages industry and for AAPG. Adding to the business climate are strong corporate Request a free 2’ x 3’ IHS digital log coverage interest to develop partnerships in Nigeria among U.S. and expatriate map at ihs.com/energy/DigitalLogs corporations such as ExxonMobil, Shell and Chevron and vendors including Schlumberger and Halliburton, among many others. The Nigerian business climate is further enhanced by a growing independent oil and gas community. A recent law requiring reinvestment in Nigerian businesses promotes growth among local Nigerian entrepreneurs. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), based in Abuja, rounds out the strong industry presence in the country. Tinker’s personal visit to the country already has yielded a better understanding of the professional development interests of the Nigerian geoscience community. In response to the keen interest for AAPG products and services in Nigeria, AAPG Distinguished Lecturer John Kaldi, Australian School of Use PETRA® to integrate digital log, well, production, perf, Petroleum, University of Adelaide, is now scheduled to tour the country during the seismic and tops data. IHS is the only company to provide third quarter of 2009 (see related story, page 48). you with the complete picture. Over 70 percent of AAPG Africa Region’s members are located in Nigeria. “NAPE and its leaders represent an Why wait? Subscribe today! Call 888.OIL.DATA (645.3282) outstanding partner for AAPG in the or e-mail [email protected] Region,” Tinker said. 20 H n.Alrgt reserved. rights All Inc. IHS ©2009 In fact, with leadership from current AAPG Africa Region President James Agbenorto, the Region is committed to AAPG’s increased support and involvement in the planning and operation of the NAPE 2010 conference. J

JANUARY 2009 39

AAPG 2008 International Conference&Exhibition Thank you to the following companies for their generous contributions and support of the AAPG 2008 International Conference & Exhibition

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Thank you for you support. See you in Rio 15-18 November 2009.

JANUARY 2009 40 Communication comes naturally Scholles Capture Carbonate Appeal

By BARRY FRIEDMAN EXPLORER Correspondent Dana S. Ulmer-Scholle, co-instructor along with husband, Peter, of the first- ever short course to be offered through AAPG’s new office in Bahrain, remembers the first time she knew she wanted to be a geologist. Actually, her mother remembers. “My mother always claimed my first word was rock,” she said. “The second was pretty rock.” The Scholles, award-winning co- authors of AAPG’s popular Memoir 77, A Color Guide to the Petrography of things that I do not have the patience Carbonate Rocks, will be talking a lot for,” Peter said, “especially fluid about rocks in Bahrain; in fact, their inclusion studies.” short course, “Integrated Petrography Dana amplifies her husband’s take and Geochemistry of Carbonate Rocks on the dynamic. and its Application to Reservoir “We respect each other’s opinions, Studies,” will be based on the book but we do argue about interpretations itself. since we don’t always agree,” she said. “Having Memoir 77 available is a “I think most people are bemused or huge help in teaching the course,” said amused by our squabbling over things Peter Scholle, who is the director and Photos courtesy of Peter Scholle like what fossil is in a rock, or ‘What state geologist with the New Mexico fabric is that?’” Bureau of Geology and Mineral Award-winning AAPG authors Dana Ulmer-Scholle and Peter Scholle: Their marriage is Fluid inclusion studies … squabbles Resources. as much defined by their work as their work is by their marriage. over rocks, fossils and fabrics! That’s it? “It took years to put the book “The fact that AAPG is providing a “Lots of photographs and figures!” All marriages should have such together,” he explained, “and getting setting with microscopes will give the she said. “If you show nothing but text I problems. the information packed into a single students a chance to practice and learn think people get lost – especially if Peter says having a spouse in the volume gave us a chance to make the to fly on their own,” he added, which is English is not their first language.” classroom with you is both natural and value judgments of what is most “a great help in a course like this.” competitive. important to the majority of end Dana, associate research professor The Tie That Binds “Geology is such a huge component users. So the class is mainly about of geology in the Department of Earth of our life and has provided us with the getting students to do the needed and Environmental Sciences at Like many couples involved in the ability to work together, travel together observations, teaching them the little University of New Mexico, says the same profession, the Scholles’ marriage (and) share insights together that I think tricks that will guide them into efficiently secret of the book’s success, which is is as much defined by their work as using the resources available in the subtitled “Grains, Textures, Porosity, their work is by their marriage. book and in other reference works. Diagenesis,” is clear and obvious. “Dana does especially well the See Scholle, page 42

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The Call for Bids consists of two Board nominated deepwater parcels located southwest of the Sable Subbasin where 23 discoveries have been made.

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JANUARY 2009 41

The January 2009 cover of the AAPG Bulletin More science than you can shake a pick at.

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2ULJLQ RI RYHUSUHVVXUHDQG SRUHSUHVVXUHSUHGLFWLRQ LQ WKH %DUDP SURYLQFH %UXQHL Mark R. P. Tingay, Richard R. Hillis, Richard E. Swarbrick, Chris K. Morley, and Abdul Razak Damit Overpressures in inner shelf deltaic sediments are transferred via faults from underlying prodelta shales. Sonic and density log data can be used to distinguish vertically transferred and disequilibrium-compaction overpressures, which require different pore-pressure prediction strategies.

3UHVHQWGD\ VWUHVVDQG QHRWHFWRQLFV RI %UXQHL LPSOLFDWLRQV IRU SHWUROHXP H[SORUDWLRQ DQGSURGXFWLRQ Mark R. P. Tingay, Richard R. Hillis, Chris K. Morley, Rosalind C. King, Richard E. Swarbrick, and Abdul Razak Damit Variation in contemporary stress across the Baram Delta, Brunei reveals a delta system that is inverting and self-cannibalizing as the delta system rapidly progrades across the margin. Orientation of maximum horizontal stress rotates across the basin, with implications for fault reactivation and optimal directional drilling.

4XDQWLWDWLYH VHLVPLF JHRPRUSKRORJ\ RI D TXDWHUQDU\ OHYHHGFKDQQHO V\VWHP RIIVKRUH HDVWHUQ 7ULQLGDG DQG 7REDJR QRUWKHDVWHUQ 6RXWK $PHULFD Lesli J. Wood and Kristine L. Mize-Spansky $ VWXG\ RI D PV LQWHUYDO RI D GHHSPDULQH OHYHHGFKDQQHO V\VWHP LPPHGLDWHO\ EHORZWKHPRGHUQ VHD ÀRRU RIIVKRUH 7ULQLGDG VXJJHVWV WKDW ORFDO VWUXFWXUDO IHDWXUHV DQG VHDÀRRU VORSHV H[HUW PRUH LQÀXHQFH RQ FKDQQHO PRUSKRORJ\ DQG RFFXUUHQFH WKDQ GR HXVWDWLF VHD OHYHO IDFWRUV 7KLVFRXOG DLG LQ GHYHORSPHQW RI SUHGLFWLYH PRGHOV RI UHVHUYRLUGLVWULEXWLRQ DQG FKDQQHOV\VWHP PRUSKRORJ\ LQ VLPLODU settings around the world.

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Members may access the AAPG Bulletin online at http://www.aapg.org/January_Bulletin/

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JANUARY 2009 42 Scholle Course Offered in Bahrain from page 40

The first short course presented  Classification of carbonate rocks. through AAPG’s new Middle East office  Recognition of types of diagenetic it inseparable from a ‘personal’ image of will be offered Jan. 18-22, taught by two alteration (replacement, inversion, each other,” Peter said. successful and popular AAPG authors. dissolution, cementation, etc.) and “Dana is wife, colleague, “Integrated Petrography and interpretation of their origin and timing. accomplished scientist and friend all Geochemistry of Carbonate Rocks and Its  Recognition of basic porosity types rolled together,” he added. “Perhaps Application to Reservoir Studies” will be and their origin. ‘codependent’ is the clinical word, but it presented at the Sheraton Hotel and  Fundamentals of geochemical works for us.” Towers in Manama, Bahrain, taught by analysis (mainly cathodoluminescence, Dana, too, sees the dynamic as Peter Scholle and Dana Ulmer-Scholle. discussion class, with practical thin fluid inclusion microscopy and collaboration. The two are authors of AAPG Memoir section laboratory exercises. Course carbon/oxygen and strontium isotopic “We both have careers we really 77, A Color Guide to the Petrography of specifics include: analysis) and discussion of their love.” Carbonate Rocks, which was designed to  Recognition of constituent biotic and application to the interpretation of Peter believes it was this kind of aid geologists’ understanding of the non-biotic grains and diagnostic carbonate rock diagenesis. cooperation and interest that made the importance and value of petrography (see sedimentary fabrics to establish or refine  Discussion of time- and cost- course possible. accompanying story.) interpretations of depositional effective integration of petrography and “What got this started was a comment The course will be a lecture and environments. geochemistry. J by AAPG folks about the high sales of Memoir 77 at a meeting in the Middle East,” Peter said, adding that he and Dana suggested that perhaps it would be a good idea to follow up with a REGISTER EARLY AND SAVE! hands-on course. “Having worked on-and-off over the years in the U.A.E. and Qatar (and having filmed a movie with AAPG in those countries in 1985) made it seem even more right,“ he added.

If you’re looking for global Masters of Space and Time Even though they are based in New Mexico, the Scholles have done E&P opportunities or JV partners research or consulting projects in many countries around the world, which is reflected in the diversity of those you’ll find them here. pictures featured in Memoir 77. When Peter is in New Mexico, though, his work isn’t just geologic; it’s also political. “I find teaching and the detective work of research very rewarding, although I get to do it far less today than in the past,” he said. “But I also enjoy what I am doing in my current job, which largely is trying to translate what geologists do into words understandable by the general public and legislators. “As geologists, I think we all feel that what we do is important, whether it is APPEX 2009  3-5 March  London finding energy, mineral or water resources, working to predict or mitigate geologic hazards, or fundamentally understanding how our planet works, u t s • N e w Ve n now and in the past and future,” he said. a r m - O t u r e s • N a p s “Explaining any of those things to F e w R e g i o n s • A s s e t S w legislators and getting funding for geosciences that is proportionate to its societal importance, however, remains a considerable challenge.” Dana suggests the ability to communicate about such things comes Mark your calendar to attend the 8th annual APPEX London Prospect and Property Expo, 3-5 March 2009, at the Business Design first from the love of the material. Centre in London. APPEX is the perfect place to meet and network with a truly international audience of key industry senior managers “In sedimentology we so often use and government representatives. APPEX brings together a who’s who of host governments, NOCs and independent oil companies to the phrase the present is the key to the past,” she said. “In clastics this may be speak and exhibit, so why make cold calls when you can network in person to form mutually beneficial business relationships? mostly true, but in carbonates the variables of evolving faunas, extinction events, environmental conditions and 1 diagenesis make this much more difficult The revised 2 /2-day program includes: to directly apply.” She says getting students to More Prospect Forum sessions More networking opportunities with longer breaks understand how space and time relate New themed speaker sessions to complement focused regional sessions  to each other in carbonates is extremely important to understanding possible reservoir conditions/potential. “I like to tell them that carbonates can be a lot like a detective story where you Day One: 3 March2009 Day Two: 4 March2009 Day Three: 5 March 2009 are trying to figure out who did what and Regional: NW European Session Theme: Unconventionals Session Theme: Global Carbonate Potential where as well as why and how the Prospect Forum Prospect Forum Regional: Africa/Middle East Session diagenetic changes affect the rock as a Lunch Lunch Lunch whole. Prospect Forum Prospect Forum Short Courses/Seminars “I guess it is the detective story lover Finance Forum Regional: Far East Session Farmout Presentation in me,” she added. “I really enjoy Sponsored Reception Sponsored Reception Conference Closes unraveling the history of a sample and Exhibition Closes trying out new analytical techniques to see if we can get a more complete picture of what a sample went through during deposition and diagenesis.” www.APPEXLondon.com That … and all those pretty rocks. J

JANUARY 2009 43 AAPG FOUNDATION

We Need You! Our “Meeting Challenges... Assuring Success” campaign is two-thirds of the way to its goal of $35 million, but we need your help to reach it. Campaign funds support all of the worthy programs of the Foundation, such as: • Distinguished Lecturer/ Distinguished Instructor • Digital Products – University Subscription • K-12 Education • Grants-in-Aid • Teacher of the Year Help us in supporting geosciences around the world.

For program details or to provide your support for the “Meeting Challenges...Assuring Success” campaign contact Rebecca Griffin, Foundation Manager at [email protected], or phone 918.560.2644; or Alison Robbins, Corporate Relations Development Coordinator at [email protected], or phone 918.560.2674. 2008 year-end gifts will be included in the February update.

JANUARY 2009 44

Internet World Can Get Murky By JANET BRISTER With the world economy facing AAPG Web Editor The AAPG Blog Zone is a great way to stay on top of the latest news from AAPG major downturns it seems to be time to Have you ever noticed how similar regarding GEO-DC activities, student chapters and new additions to the AAPG Web re-visit this topic – again. “spam,” “scam” and “scum” are? I love site. It seems an e-mail with an urgent those word ladder games, but in this Simply go to blog.aapg.org and see what’s up. request for funds has begun to hit e- case the changing of one letter each Once there you may as well take a moment to subscribe to any or each of the mail boxes again. (There always seems time brings up a four-letter word that blogs that interest you. to be someone who wants to prey on has tainted the cyberworld. the unaware.) What’s a person to do? filter set on high AND all those e-mails Scam! Recently AAPG member Jeannie in that folder were truly junk. Mallick, a past-secretary of the House Spam! The best news is I could right-click In May 2001 the EXPLORER of Delegates, forwarded an e-mail to on the folder and empty it without reported on an old scam resurfacing: AAPG that included solicitation for I just trashed 10,430 e-mails from my weighing down my trash. (I love new An e-mail/letter soliciting funds and funds that seemed to have AAPG’s junk folder, all of which accumulated software!) getting the recipient to transfer money implied endorsement. She wanted to over a five-day period. Maybe your e-mail client has that to unknown accounts – and ultimately know, rightly, what this was all about. The good news is I have my junk capability, too. losing their funds or identity. Here’s the scary part: The e-mail seemed legitimate because it was seemingly sent by a member – indeed, an officer – of AAPG. In fact, it was all an attempted scam. The e-mail was false. James Agbenorto, newly elected president of the AAPG Africa region, was shocked and upset to learn that his name and e-mail address had been used in this manner. Agbenorto, of Ghana National Petroleum, did NOT send this e-mail – despite what the letter said. An unknown sender stole Agbenorto’s e- mail and name from an unknown source and sent his urgent spam, placing Agbenorto’s e-mail address in the “Reply-to” line. Agbenorto, unfortunately, was the random person chosen by this scammer to attempt to legitimize his spam. In a matter of minutes this scammer robbed enough of Agbenorto’s identity to force him to begin the daunting task of restoring his personal information.

Scum!

Again, the above incident most likely BECAUSE YOUR happened through a random selection, and while it’s extremely unfortunate for Agbenorto, AAPG wants our LITTLE STAR membership aware this activity is surfacing again. There are people preparing to prey upon the uninformed, the trusting, the SHOULD NEVER caring and the gullible. And they’ll prey on everyone else, too. They are “phishing” – a label used HAVE TO WORRY. for soliciting bank account and credit card information – and they could be anywhere. So what can you do? The U.S. Department of Justice offers this acronym: S – Be Stingy with your personal information, giving it only to those you trust. THE GEOCARE BENEFITS DISABILITY INCOME PLAN. IF YOU CAN’T WORK, YOU CAN STILL PROTECT YOUR C – Check your financial information FAMILY’S FUTURE. Studies show 7 out of 10 Americans will suffer a disabling illness or injury during regularly and look for discrepancies. A – Ask periodically for your credit their working life.* If you couldn’t work, would your family be impacted? That's why GeoCare Benefits report Disability Income coverage is so important. It can pay you a monthly benefit—up to $7,500—if you can’t M – Maintain careful records of your accounts and transactions. work due to a covered accident or illness. That benefit could make all the difference—it could even prevent Ignorance is not bliss – take some you from losing your home. time to do some research on identity theft prevention and how you can fight back against spam. A simple search on HELP PROTECT YOUR LITTLE STAR’S FUTURE WITH THE GEOCARE BENEFITS DISABILITY INCOME PLAN. Google of “identity theft” offered an CALL 1-800-337-3140 OR VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.GEOCAREBENEFITS.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION, enormous number of possibilities. We encourage you to look into sites INCLUDING ELIGIBILITY AND RENEWAL PROVISIONS, EXCLUSIONS, LIMITATIONS AND RATES. for reporting and avoiding e-mail scams. The U.S. government has GeoCare Benefits Disability Income Insurance Plans, P.O. Box 9006, provided ftc.gov/spam and Phoenix, AZ 85068, Email: [email protected]. The Disability ftc.gov/idtheft. Income Plan is underwritten by New York Life Insurance Co. (51 Your greatest defense is knowledge Madison Ave., New York, NY 10010). All coverage is subject to and awareness. approval by New York Life. Good browsing! J *Commissioners Disability Table 2003 ©

JANUARY 2009 45

JANUARY 2009 46

Grants-in-Aid Deadline Draws Near

Applications are now being Grants are based on merit and, in and related environmental geology. of the Grants-in-Aid program, and accepted for the AAPG Foundation’s part, on financial need. Although the The GIA program has become students should look online Grants-in-Aid program, awarded to program’s focus on master’s or increasingly international in scope, with http://foundation.aapg.org/gia/ foster research in the geosciences. equivalent degrees, qualified doctoral recent awards going to students from names.cfm for Named Grants restricted This year the AAPG Foundation will candidates also are encouraged to Africa, Australia, Cameroon, Canada, to their specific university or area of be providing $206,000 through the apply. China, France, Germany, Italy, research to increase their chance of program. Factors weighed in selecting Lithuania, Netherlands, New Zealand, receiving an AAPG Foundation Grants- Grants are made annually to successful applicants include: the Nigeria, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia in-Aid. graduate students around the world to qualifications of an applicant as and the United Kingdom. provide financial assistance to those indicated by past performance; Students are encouraged to apply *** whose thesis research has application originality and imagination of the online at http://foundation.aapg.org/ to the search for and development of proposed project; support of the gia/index.cfm. The Foundation’s financial campaign, petroleum and energy-mineral department in which the work is being The application deadline is Jan. 31. “Meeting Challenges ... Assuring resources, and/or to related done; and perceived significance of the In addition, the Named Grants Success” received several new environmental geology issues. project to petroleum, energy minerals program is a special endowed segment generous gifts recently. They include:

 Lynn Pettijohn Wisda of Houston provided funding to establish an endowment for a Digital Products subscription to Johns Hopkins University. Wisda’s gift is designated in memory of Frances J. Wisda Pettijohn, and will provide online access to the entire AAPG Data Pages Library in perpetuity to students and faculty at Johns Hopkins.

 Trustee Associates Jon R. Withrow and David Worthington have provided funding for the AAPG Grants-in- Aid Program. Withrow provided funding to establish the Jon R. Withrow Withrow Named Grant in the amount of $500 for a graduate student at the University of Oklahoma; Worthington contributed additional funding to the David Worthington Named Grant, which will support a $2,000 annual grant Worthington designated to a graduate student at Rice University.

 Campaign co- chair Jack C. Threet provided additional funding to the Jack C. and Catherine I. Threet Endowed Fund for the Advancement of Petroleum Geology.

All members are encouraged to Threet support the Foundation and join the campaign today. For information contact Rebecca Griffin, Foundation manager, at 918-560-2644 or [email protected].

***

Finally, two new members joined the Foundation Trustee Associates. They are: Ë John Kimberly, Midland, Texas. Ë William Watson, Midland, Texas. J

Foundation contributions on next page

JANUARY 2009 47

Foundation (General) Public Service Fund Rick Black Hugh Looney Excellence Fund Louis Bortz Tillie Looney In memory of Lawrence Bob Lysinger In memory of Hugh Looney Rodney A. Bernasek, 69 George D. Springer, 90 Dale Bowering Lakewood, Colo., Oct. 1, 2007 Calgary, Canada, Nov. 15, 2008 Michael D. Brondos E.F. Reid Scouting Fund Robert H. Breitenwischer, 79 John G. Stout, 82 James G. Buchanan Jeff Rayner Houston, Sept. 10, 2008 Calgary, Canada, May 16, 2008 John D. Bukry Gerald W. Flocks (EM ’54) Glen C. Thrasher, 94 Susanna Sofia Calvo Eugene F. Reid Dibblee Fund Gainesville, Fla. Cheverly, Md., March 23, 2008 Jeff Rayner Jonathan R. Childs Gilbert N. Freeman (EM ’52) Albert M. Tolbert, 85 Kirby Lee Cockerham Jr. Scottsdale, Ariz. Salado, Texas, March 10, 2008 In memory of Roy M. Huffington Jack C. and Catherine I. Threet Harry Hadler, 88 and Robert H. Breitenwischer Endowed Fund Edmond, Okla., Aug. 28, 2008 Ali Dalir Abdinia Jack C. Threet Robert A. Harris, 87 (Editor’s note: “In Memory” Clayton Y. Davis Houston, Oct. 22, 2008 listings are based on information Dalvaro De Santana Mello L. Austin Weeks Memorial (EM ’54) received from the AAPG Ralph Charles Duchin George L. Keprta Undergraduate Grant Fund Plano, Texas membership department. Age at In memory of Robert A. Anderson Helen St. Martin , 75 time of death, when known, is Thomas Glenn Fails Jr. In memory of Bevian C. St. Martin John A. Levorsen Boise, Idaho, Aug. 7, 2008 listed. When the member’s date of Kenneth W. Germond , 78 death is unavailable, the person’s Edward J. Graham Visiting Geoscientist Fund David H. Rathjen Wayland E. Gray Tako Koning Midland, Texas, May 30, 2008 membership classification and Randolph Arden Hoover In memory of K.K. Landes Donald D. Reitz (AC ’70), Denver anniversary date are listed.) Jack P. Martin Paul F. Ozanich Jason R. McKenna Joseph B. Schindler Michael S. Shearn In memory of George McBride Jeffry A. Smith Helen St. Martin Edward A. Steiner Maurizio M. Torrente Frank G. Weimer Trust

Daniel A. Busch Library Fund Anthony Reso

Digital Products Fund Southern Methodist University Jason R. McKenna

Virginia Tech Randolph A. Hoover

Distinguished Lecture Fund Dalvaro De Santana Mello Donald L. Zieglar

Roy M. Huffington Distinguished Lecture Fund Paul H. Dudley Jr. In honor of Russell Simonson

Glenn Pool Museum Fund Society of Exploration Geophysicists

Grants-in-Aid Richard E. Lownes In memory of John Hazzard George R. White

Fred A. and Jean C. Dix Named Grant Jack C. Threet In memory of James E. Wilson and Lewis Burleson

Frank E. Kottlowski Memorial Grant Brenda L. Kirkland

R.E. McAdams Memorial Grant Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Donor advised by Cullen R. Thompson In memory of James E. Wilson

Jay M. McMurray Memorial Grant Thomas S. Groves

Jon R.Withrow Named Grant Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Donor advised from Jon R. Withrow

Halbouty Fund Tomas L. Loftin

K-12 Education Fund David E. Lange Paul F. Ozanich Gene E. Richards In memory of E.T. Hill Maurizio Maria Torrente

Pratt BULLETIN Fund Dalvaro De Santana Mello Thomas Glenn Fails Jr. Neil Wallace Hamilton In memory of William T. Stoeckinger

JANUARY 2009 48 Largest DL program ever Lecturers to Travel Global Trails

By VERN STEFANIC Europe Region EXPLORER Managing Editor Ë John G. Kaldi, Australian School of An ongoing aggressive and focused Petroleum, University of Adelaide, effort to provide AAPG’s popular Australia. He’ll offer five lecture options: Distinguished Lecture program to all  “Carbon Capture and Geological parts of the planet is taking a giant step Storage: What are the Big Issues and forward this year. Opportunities?” This year’s DL international effort,  “CO2 Storage Capacity Estimation funded largely by the AAPG Foundation, and Site Selection.” will offer six lecturers and one new  “Evaluating Seal Potential for Distinguished Instructor who together will Heine Issler Kaldi Martinsen Peters Rowan Hydrocarbon Accumulations. be covering 17 different talks, spread out  “Pore-level Reservoir over almost every Region under the Characterization. AAPG banner. Ë The Roy M. Huffington Distinguished Doha, Qatar. He’ll be touring the Middle  “Geological Applications of Only Latin America is unrepresented Lecturer – An international tour provided East Region, offering two talks: Capillary Pressure: Taking the Mystery at this time – and officials say that’s just a by contributions from the Huffington  “Barremian/Aptian Carbonate out of Basic Rock Properties.” temporary status. family in honor of the oilman-geologist. Systems of the Eastern Arabian Plate – A The seven new names, when added to This year’s Huffington Lecturer is Ole J. Global Sequence Stratigraphic Reference  Kenneth E. Peters, Schlumberger the 10 domestic speakers who began Martinsen, with Statoil Hydro Research in Model.” and Stanford University, California. He’ll their season last fall, makes this year’s DL Bergen, Norway. He’s one of two lecturers  “Stratigraphic Patterns in Carbonate offer two lectures: program the largest in Association set for the Asia-Pacific Region, and he’ll Source Rock Distribution – With Special  “Establishing Petroleum Systems: history. be offering two talks: Attention to Cretaceous Intrashelf Basins Biomarkers, Isotopes and It’s all part of a concentrated effort to  “Deepwater Sedimentary Processes of the Southern Arabian Plate.” Chemometrics.” make information and expertise available and Systems: The Role of Internal vs.  “Exploration Paradigm Shift: The to as many geoscience groups as External Controls on Lithology Distribution The remaining lecturers, by the Region Dynamic Petroleum System Concept.” possible. and Stratigraphy.” they’ll be touring, are: AAPG’s DL program was developed to  “Sequence Stratigraphy 25 Years Middle East Region expose students, young geologists, Down-the-Road: Technology Asia-Pacific Region Ë Christian J. Heine, Saudi Aramco, college faculty members and members of Dependencies, Current Practices and Ë Dale R. Issler, Geological Survey of Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. He’ll offer two geological societies to current Evolving Methods for Prediction of Canada, Calgary, Canada, who offers two lectures: information, research and thinking. Petroleum Systems.” talks:  “The Unayzah Reservoirs: A Post This year’s program, as in past years,  “Integrated Thermal History Analysis Glacial Sea-Level Rise Preserves in Rock offers speakers from both industry and Ë The Dean A. McGee International of Sedimentary Basins Using Multi-Kinetic the Northward Movement of the Arabian academia, all offering topics that are Distinguished Lecturer – Provided by Apatite Fission Track Thermochronology: Plate from Glacially Incised Valleys targeted specifically for their Region. contributions from Kerr-McGee, which Examples from Northern Canada.” Through an Early Permian, Mid-Latitude Also, support for some tours comes annually supports international speaking  “Quantitative Analysis of Petroleum Desert.” directly from specifically designated tours. Systems of the Beaufort-Mackenzie  “Where Does Up-Scaling Begin? funds from the AAPG Foundation. This This year’s McGee Lecturer is Frans S. Basin, Arctic Canada: A Multi-Parameter year they are: Van Buchem, with Maersk Oil Qatar AS in Investigation.” continued on next page

JANUARY 2009 49

The following candidates have submitted Production, Jane Lew (R.E. Goings, C.A. (O. Olagundoye, J. Redfern, J.H. Nigeria applications for membership in the Edmonds, L.M. Knox) Macquaker) Abba, Alhaji Sanda, NNPC-NAPIMS, Lagos Association and, below, certification by the (A.O. Akinpelu, M.N. Bushara, O.O. Adeniyi); Division of Professional Affairs. This does not France Adesida, Adelola, Federal University of constitute election nor certification, but places Bailly, Philippe Pierre, GDF SUEZ, Saint- Technology, Akure (A.A. Adesida, V.F. Agbe- the names before the membership at large. Australia Denis La Plaine (J. Barde, E. du Fornel, G.R. Davies, J.S. Ojo) Any information bearing on the Diamond, Brian, RPS Energy, West Perth Santouil); Escare, Laurent, GDF SUEZ, Saint- qualifications of these candidates should be (G.S. Simpson, J.H. Brown, C. Azalgara) Denis La Plaine (J. Barde, G.R. Santouil, E.P. People’s Republic of China sent promptly to the Executive Committee, Poitevin) Zhao, Jingzhou, Xi’an Shiyou University, Xi’an P.O. Box 979, Tulsa, Okla. 74101. Barbados (J. Dai, I.S. Al-Aasm, X. Luo) Information included here comes from the Brathwaite, Andre Haver, Ministry of Energy Hungary AAPG membership department. and the Environment, St. George (J.R.V. Nemeth, Andras, MOL Hungarian Oil and Saudi Arabia (Names of sponsors are placed in Brooks, K. Latter, J.M. Green) Gas, Budapest (I. Berczi, D.R. Cook, J.R.V. Al-Arakzeh, Mohammed Soud, Rawabi- parentheses. Reinstatements indicated do not Brooks) Geoservices, Dhahran (J.W. Tucker, M.A. require sponsors.) Canada Hezam, H.A. Al-Hendi); Bridle, Ralph M., Membership applications are available at Copp, Gordon Joseph, EnCana, Calgary Japan (Saudi Aramco), Dhahran (C.J. Heine, G.W. www.aapg.org, or by contacting (I.D.V. Young, C. May, P.A. Esslinger); McIlroy, Naito, Shinjiro, Mitsui Oil Exploration, Tokyo Hughes, J.W. Tucker) headquarters in Tulsa. Duncan, Memorial University of (M. Fujiwara, Y. Yaguchi, K. Moriyama) Newfoundland, St. John’s (J.H. Macquaker, Spain For Active Membership E.T. Burden, J.A. Howell) Myanmar Gomez Ballesteros, Ramon Felix, CEPSA, Hlaing, Nyunt, Schlumberger Logelco, Madrid, (S.Y. Larsson, J.A. Botillo Perez, J. Alaska England Yangon (Z. Wynn, H.H. Aung, J. Lingley) Navarro Comet) J Flight, Jennifer N., BP, Anchorage (S. Phillips, Okere, Alozie Davies, CGGVeritas, Crawley J.D. Copen Jr., R.A. Sels)

Alabama Haywick, Douglas Wayne, University of South Alabama, Mobile (D.A. Leckie, C.E. Savrda, D.T. King Jr.)

California Magdaleno, Edward F., DCOR LLC, Ventura (T.E. Hopps, G.J. Cavette, D.F. Lockman)

Colorado Morgan, Paul James, Hawkley Oil & Gas, Littleton (C.P. Moyes, I. Cross, F.R. Johnson) Yaxley, Keith Edward, Petro-Canada Resources USA, Denver (M.T. Hocker, K.T. Dean, K.Y. Macaluso)

Florida Cox, Denise M., Storm Energy, Panama City (P.F. McKenzie, R.R. Gries, B.J. Fossum)

Mississippi Johnson, James Clark, Energy Resources, Ridgeland (reinstate)

Oklahoma Lains, Thomas Edward, Oklahoma Corporation Commission, Oklahoma City (reinstate)

Texas Denne, Richard Allen, self-employed (ABX), The Woodlands, (M.J. Nault, A.E. D’Agostino, N.L. Engelhardt-Moore); Preece, Rachel, Chevron, Houston (S.K. Shepherd, J.C. Hsieh, M.L. Gerdes); Tavernier, Deanna Caroline, ExxonMobil, Houston (G.R. Bole, K.S. Tillman, M.L. Broussard); Welch, Peter W., SAIC, Houston (R.A. Welch, J. Yun, J.M. Francis); Yahi, Noureddine, Shell Oil, Houston (P.J. Brown, J.G. Stainforth, N.M. Rodriguez)

Virginia Haynes, John T., James Madison University, Harrisonburg (P. MacKenzie, W.C. Riese, W.S. Houston); Leslie, Stephen Andrew, James Madison University, Harrisonburg (P. MacKenzie, W.S. Houston, W.C. Riese)

West Virginia Lucas, Ian M., Dominion Exploration & continued from previous page

Facies-Based Object Modeling and Externally Derived Attribute Histograms Put Geology Back into Geostatistics.”

This year’s International Distinguished Instructor is Mark G. Rowan, of Rowan Consulting Inc., in Boulder, Colo. He’ll offer two course options:  A one-day course on “Salt Tectonics of Passive Margins.”  A two-day course titled “Global Salt Tectonics.”

Tour details will be announced as they become available in future EXPLORERs and on the AAPG Web site. For more information contact the AAPG education department. J

JANUARY 2009 50

Climate Change Forum Editor’s note: Letters to the editor should include your name and address and as clean coal, coal-to-liquid, nuclear and I was very disturbed by the letter of should be mailed to Readers’ Forum, c/o AAPG EXPLORER, P.O. Box 979, Tulsa, hydrogen. Along with these alternatives, Bob Shoup in the December EXPLORER, Okla. 74101, or fax (918) 560-2636; or e-mail to [email protected]. Letters may be conversion of our land-based which was critical of the Climate Change edited or held due to space restrictions. transportation (i.e. cars, buses, trucks) to Forum held in Cape Town at the recent compressed natural gas usage is quickly AAPG International Conference and and economically doable, reducing our Exhibition. know humans exist, let alone allow them to Over 75 percent of global oil reserves dependency on imported oil by The AAPG Executive Committee, in my even mess in its affairs. are controlled by foreign government- approximately 20 percent. opinion, is now in the precarious position Toby Elster owned oil companies, many of which are Coupling this with our existing of either accepting the Climate Change Wichita, Kan. not friendly toward the United States. We infrastructure (designed to accommodate panel’s results as AAPG’s position or come have become entirely too dependent on oil and gas delivery and usage) avoids the out vociferously condemning the panel. this source of oil. huge expense of subsidies and In today’s economic crises the panel’s Get Busy! This dependency can be greatly construction of new infrastructure to vote is disastrous – already in California We need to get off this fast track mitigated, if not eliminated, by allowing our accommodate alternative energy they are instituting new rules that will developing alternative energy, such as oil and gas industry freedom to explore, generated by wind, solar, biofuels, etc. substantially raise the cost of living. wind, solar and biofuels, none of which develop and produce oil from the above Finally, the issue of global warming: The Most AAPG geologists I have talked to can compete with oil and gas at current mentioned areas – particularly ANWR. key word is cause. No doubt we are do not believe that humans are the major prices unless heavily subsidized by the Reliable estimates suggest the potential of experiencing change, but the cause may factor in global warming. government (i.e. the tax payers). 90 billion barrels of oil and 1,600 trillion cu. be more nature at work and less man- George Pichel The solution? Develop North American ft. of natural gas are yet to be discovered made. This negates man’s ability to Oceanside, Calif. oil and gas reserves thought to be in in the Arctic Circle and its adjacent land reverse, or end, global climate change. abundance. Where? Deep water in the areas. With improved techniques our oil Hence, even more reason to pursue the Bob Shoup is right about a committee Gulf of Mexico, east and west U.S. and gas industry has demonstrated above solution (i.e. develop our own oil that won’t allow any opposition. What it offshore, ANWR, Alaska offshore, Canada capability to safely drill and produce oil and gas). most likely has to hide is the truths. So it is (particularly the McKenzie Delta, which and gas in environmentally sensitive areas. Time is of the essence! with climate change, the arrogance of the borders Alaska’s ANWR) and the Arctic Developing these reserves will provide Dick Baille sun’s exclusive domain. It doesn’t even Circle. time to develop sensible alternatives such Houston Winter Conference

Coming to Houston An aggressive outreach effort by the The effort’s centerpiece was a Leighton Steward’s book Fire, Ice and AAPG’s popular Winter Education Roswell Geological Society, supported presentation by AAPG member Lee Paradise (October EXPLORER). Local Conference, offering five days of quality in part by the AAPG Foundation, Gerhard on the “Geological libraries and teachers were given a geosciences training, will be held reached over 350 persons and resulted Perspective of Global Climate copy of AAPG Studies #47 Geological Feb. 9-13 at the Norris Conference in the raising of over $56,000 to fund Change,” which attracted over 230 Perspectives of Global Climate Center in Houston. scholarships and further education persons to a dinner and about 100 Change, edited by Gerhard. Registration fees – reduced if enrolled efforts. students and teachers from five area Past AAPG president Edward K. by Jan. 12 – cover all four concurrent With a theme of “Educating Today’s high schools to an afternoon David, of Roswell, said the funds sessions, lunches and course notes. Youth and Tomorrow’s Leaders,” the presentation. raised by the effort were shared To register, or for more information, go Roswell Society partnered with the The AAPG Foundation provided equally for the scholarship funds of the to http://www.aapg.org/education/wec.cfm, New Mexico Landmen’s Association funds to present students with two sponsors, plus two non-profit education or contact the AAPG education and the Desk and Derrick Club to booklets and a wall chart related to organizations that operate statewide. department at [email protected]. sponsor several activities. Gerhard’s presentation, as well as H.

JANUARY 2009 51

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2009 Open Enrollment Course Schedule Risk Analysis, Prospect Evaluation & Expl. Economics seismic data and theoretical analysis to improve POSITION AVAILABLE understanding of reservoir systems or Houston, Texas January 12 - 16 sedimentary basins and their hydrocarbon systems. Houston, Texas March 30 – April 3 Hires in Energy Geoscience Jackson School of Geosciences Appointments include both faculty and research Aberdeen, Scotland April 20 - 24 The University of Texas at Austin scientists. However, we are particularly interested in those seeking research scientist positions in either Calgary, Alberta April 27 – May 1 The Jackson School of Geosciences is the Bureau of Economic Geology or the Institute for expanding its program in Energy Geoscience by Geophysics. For more information on the school and Denver, Colorado* August 17 - 21 seeking outstanding scientists able to collaborate its hiring program, visit us online at across disciplines and having expertise in one of www.jsg.utexas.edu/hiring. Calgary, Alberta September 28 – October 2 the two following fields: A Ph.D. is required at the time of appointment. An Houston, Texas October 19 – 23 application should note the title of the advertisement • Rock mechanics or rock physics. This research you are responding to and include a cover letter, CV, could be applied to exploration and development list of publications, list of references, statements of An Overview of Exploration Play Analysis of unconventional hydrocarbons, the role of fluids research and/or teaching interests, sent to Randal in natural rock deformation, or improving seismic Okumura, Office of the Dean / Jackson School of Houston, Texas* May 4 – 5 modeling. Approaches include experimental Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin / PO determination of stress-strain relations, Box B, University Station / Austin, TX78713 or DHI Interpretation and Risking microacoustic properties of stressed rocks, or the [email protected]. Houston, Texas May 7–8 relationship of rock properties to their seismic P- THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN IS AN and S-wave response. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL OPPORTUNITY * includes material on unconventional resource assessment • Interpretive reflection seismology. This research EMPLOYER. Register at: www.roseassoc.com/instruction Questions: [email protected] Ph: 713/528-8422 on sedimentary basins at either basin-scale or reservoir-scale would use industry or academic ****************** 2D and 3D seismic data. We seek individuals to span the gap between detailed mapping of GRADUATE STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

Chevron Center of Research Excellence (CoRE) Department of Geology and Geological Engineering Colorado School of Mines Golden, CO CoRE is seeking applications from graduate students in Geology (MS and PhD) interested in outcrop-based stratigraphic research. CoRE research projects include intensive field studies in:

• Outcrops of several deepwater systems around the world, and • Reservoir analogs of fluvial and shallow marine systems.

Funding package includes tuition, fees, insurance, and field expenses. Please contact Charlie Rourke ([email protected]) or David Pyles ([email protected]) for more information regarding potential research projects and application process for this program.

*******************

The Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (WOGCC) is recruiting for a State Oil and Gas Supervisor. This is an at-will position that serves as the Executive Head of WOGCC, in Casper, WY. Incumbent will direct all work activities that regulate the petroleum industry and its operations within the State and confers with the Commission and Governor on recommended policy changes and plans. This individual must be a Registered Petroleum Engineer or a Petroleum Geologist. The hiring range is $130,000 - $150,000 per year dependent upon qualifications. For more information visit: http://statejobs.state.wy.us/JobSearchDetail.aspx?ID =14775 or call (307) 777-7188. To apply: email a cover letter, resume and references to Oil and Gas Supervisor Search Committee at [email protected] or fax (307) 777-6562 along with transcripts of any relevant course work. Please be sure to reference Class Code D000-14775. Open Until Filled. EEO/ADA Employer.

IDEAS PEOPLE WANTED ********************

Geochemistry ENGINEERS / US LOCATIONS The University of Tulsa The Department of Geosciences invites Funny thing, inspiration. It sneaks up on you when you least expect it. One of our engineers was in a toy shop when applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the he saw a rubber dinosaur swell up in water. Suddenly he realized the same technology could be used to make Assistant or Associate Professor level. A Ph.D. degree in geosciences or related field with watertight seals for pipes in our wells. demonstrated experience in geochemistry is required. We seek an individual who shows the potential for outstanding achievement in research Fresh thinking, innovation, even leaps of imagination are part of our daily lives at Shell. Right now we’re looking for and teaching. The successful candidate will be more people to join us including: expected to teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and establish an externally funded research program. Preference will be given s #OLUMBIA %XPLORATION 'EOSCIENTIST (OUSTON 48 (U14520) to candidates with experience in petroleum systems s 2ESEARCH 'EOPHYSICIST (OUSTON 48 (U17633) science, and/or basin modeling and modeling of rock fluid interaction associated with basin s 'EOLOGIST (OUSTON 48 (U13991) evolution, although other specialties will be considered. Interdisciplinary research with existing s '/- %XPLORATION 'EOLOGIST (OUSTON 48 (U15543) Petroleum Engineering, Petroleum Geoscience and s '/- %XPLORATION 'EOLOGIST 0ALEOGENE (OUSTON 48 (U15520) Environmental Science programs is encouraged. The University of Tulsa is a private, comprehensive s 3ENIOR 'EOSCIENTIST 3UBSALT )NTERPRETER (OUSTON 48 (U14063) university, and is a premier doctoral granting s /NSHORE 53 'EOSCIENTIST 3HALE 'AS (OUSTON 48 (U15519) research institution committed to excellence in teaching, creative scholarship, and service to the University and community. The University is located within 100 miles of two major industry research labs. Can you apply a creative mind to some of the world’s biggest energy challenges? The city of Tulsa has a vibrant geological and geophysical community, and is home to the For career opportunities with Shell, visit www.shell.com/careers/us international headquarters of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, Society of Exploration Geophysicists, and the Society for Shell is an Equal Opportunity Employer Sedimentary Geology. The Department of Geosciences hosts an array of analytical equipment, and has strong computing capability with all of the major, industry standard software packages. The University offers competitive salary and benefits packages. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply. Send a letter of application stating research and teaching interests; curriculum vita, and name and

continued on next page

JANUARY 2009 53

Assistant or Associate Professor in Hydrocarbon Geoscience

GEOLOGY & GEOPHYSICS DEPARTMENT AND ENERGY & GEOSCIENCE INSTITUTE, EGI UNIVERSITY OF UTAH

The Geology and Geophysics (GG) Department and the Energy & Geoscience Institute (EGI) at the University of Utah invite applications for a tenure-track faculty position in GG at the Assistant or Associate Professor level, beginning July 1, 2009. The successful candidate will bring expertise in hydrocarbon energy research and will develop a strong, externally funded and internationally recognized research program involving students and industry. Teaching responsibilities will include development of new undergraduate- and graduate-level courses and integration with existing courses in GG’s Petroleum Industry Career Path. The appointee will participate in collaborative efforts between GG and EGI. The GG Department and EGI share thriving research and academic programs in petroleum geology and geophysics and allied areas of the geosciences, including EGI’s Corporate Associate program. The position will have offices at both organizations, and communication and leadership skills as well as teamwork experience are important. We also offer state-of-the-art facilities including the new Frederick A. Sutton Building. More information can be found online at www.earth.utah.edu and www.egi.utah.edu. The area of specialization is open but possibilities include geologic interpretation of Correction: The above photo, which originally ran on page 14 of the December geophysical data, new methodologies for subsurface imaging, petrophysics, rock fracture EXPLORER, was the right image for the story but the wrong photo information. The mechanics, reservoir characterization and engineering, multiphase fluid flow, and correct caption should read: geostatistical modeling. Multiple opportunities for collaboration and funding exist, Highly fractured interval interpreted as a fault zone extending from 5603 to 5613. including capitalizing on emerging interest in unconventional resources. Note the offsets visible at 5608.5 and 5610.5. Dips on these surfaces are 25-30 Candidates must have a completed Ph.D. at the time of appointment and a strong degrees; strikes are about N70E. record of research and publication. Applications are being accepted now; review of applications will begin on January 15, 2009, and will continue until the position is filled. APPALACHIAN BASIN DATABASE: 47,000+ Applicants should submit an application letter indicating research, teaching and continued from previous page wells reserve: prod. Decline, state: PA. programmatic interests and agenda, curriculum vitae, and names and contact information [email protected] (412) 389-0789 contact information for three references to Dr. Peter of three professional references to: Michael, Department of Geosciences, The University Chairs of the Hydrocarbon Geoscience Search Committee of Tulsa, 800 South Tucker Drive, Tulsa, OK 74104- 3189. Please direct inquiries to: [email protected]. Geology and Geophysics Dept., University of Utah Application review will begin immediately and MISCELLANEOUS 135 South 1460 East, WBB 719 continue until the position is filled. The University of Salt Lake City, UT 84112 Tulsa does not discriminate on the basis of personal Want to purchase minerals and other oil/gas status or group characteristics including but not interests. Send details to: P.O. Box 13557, Denver, Complete applications may also be sent in PDF format by email to [email protected]. limited to the classes protected under federal and CO 80201. Questions can be addressed to Cari Johnson ([email protected]) or Ray Levey state law. The University of Tulsa is an EEO/AA ([email protected]). employer. ******************** The University of Utah is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, encourages SAMPLES TO RENT applications from women and minorities, and provides reasonable accommodation to the FOR SALE known disabilities of applicants and employees. International Sample Library @ Midland – Formerly Midland Sample Library. Established in The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with Mudlogging units with easy to learn software. Very 1947. Have 164,000 wells with 1,183,000,000 well students from diverse backgrounds, and possess a strong commitment to improving reliable, full featured, portable units. Contact samples and cores stored in 17 buildings from 26 access to higher education for historically underrepresented students. Automated Mudlogging Systems states, Mexico, Canada and offshore Australia. We also have a geological supply inventory. (303) 794-7470 www.mudlogger.com www.earth.utah.edu www.egi.utah.edu ******************** Phone: (432) 682-2682 Fax: (432) 682-2718

Shaped by the past, creating the future

D EPARTMENT OF E ARTH S CIENCES PROFESSOR IN CCS AND GEO-ENERGY The Department of Earth Sciences and the Centre for Research into Earth Energy Systems (CeREES) seek a Geoscientist with an international reputation, proven leadership skills and vision to lead a research group in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), with a focus on storage. The individual will direct research efforts in this and other non-petroleum energy themes and thereby become a leader within CeREES. CCS is a new research initiative and the individual will be expected to coordinate research, set the vision and inspire fellow researchers. A proven track record in attracting funding from the private sector, research councils and from the EU are essential. Strengths in reservoir engineering, subsurface geoscience, low temperature geochemistry, seismic interpretation and other areas of Geo- energy research would be advantageous. You will be expected to undertake research of the highest international quality and to initiate and lead interdisciplinary research collaborations across Durham and external to the University. Furthermore you would be expected to contribute to the strategic vision for energy research within the university. You will also be expected to teach on undergraduate courses and be involved in the supervision and training of postgraduate students. Closing date: 25th February 2009 Ref: 2783/AAPG Further details of the post and an application form are available on our website (http://jobs.dur.ac.uk) or telephone 0191 334 6501; fax 0191 334 6504

JANUARY 2009 54

Why Do We Do Things That Way?

By RICK FRITZ make the meat taste better?” their mother Last year was an amazing year in many The AAPG Foundation Trustees and members of the Financial Campaign who replied, “I don’t know, go ask your ways – from the economy to the price of oil led the way in 2008 with their generous pledges were: grandmother.” to security issues around the world. I am Ë Trustees Bill Fisher, John Amoruso, Jim Gibbs, Bill Gipson, Bill Barrett and When the child asked the grandmother beginning to agree Marlan Downey. she replied, “I do because my mother did it with George Bernard Ë Campaign co-chairs Larry Funkhouser and Jack Threet. that way, so go ask your great- Shaw’s saying that Ë Campaign team leaders Bob Ardell, Bill Crain, Mike Party, Ed Picou and grandmother.” “everything happens Marta Weeks. When the child asked the great- to everyone sooner or grandmother why she cut off each end of later if there is time accompanying box). around the world now have access to the the meat, she replied, “I do it because my enough.” Other highlights of the year include: entire Datapages library through this pot is too small.” Along those lines it  The lead gift from Austin and Marta program. In any case, we are examining our past has been a very busy Weeks, which along with other generous processes – good and bad – and future and productive year contributions has allowed the AAPG *** needs in developing this new corporate for AAPG: Foundation to increase grants-in-aid to structure. Fritz  We have had students and help build our student The end of a year always marks a time This new year it will be deliberated by great success with our Foundation programs. for reflection and change, and the just- the AAPG Executive Committee, the House fundraising campaign.  Thanks to generous donations from ended December was no different. We are of Delegates, the Advisory Council and the  The AAPG leadership is making John Bookout, Bill Barrett and other Trustee currently considering a new corporate membership at large before it is brought to successful strides into globalization. Associates we have increased our support structure for AAPG that will develop a the annual meeting for consideration.  AAPG’s membership is growing – of providing instruction to K-12 teachers on better worldwide business model with a We believe it will be a key item this year along with our products and services. geoscience through the Rocks in Your stronger liability shield. in improving and making a stronger Head programs and other venues. In addition, the new structure will allow Association. ***  The Boone Pickens’ donation has the leadership and staff to work more started a new Geoscience GIS Consortium efficiently with both the Sections and the *** One of the brightest spots for AAPG has at Oklahoma State University, and we will Regions. been the Foundation financial campaign. start seeing products from this consortium Anytime you are considering change, Finally, thanks again for your continued Thanks to the hard work of the Foundation this year. We are in discussion with other you always have to ask yourself “why do support of the Foundation programs and leadership and staff we are now schools about starting similar programs we do things that way?” the many hours of labor you give in approaching $25 million in actual and through the Foundation. Sometimes the answer reminds me of a building AAPG’s services worldwide. pledged donations.  Promoting professional development story I heard about a child who was I wish all of you a very happy New Year! I wish to thank all of you who have and enrichment, Trustee Associate David watching the mother cook a roast. The participated with pledges – and thank all of “Scotty” Holland established the AAPG- mom cut off both ends of the meat and you in advance for considering a pledge to Holland Award of Excellence at Hardin placed it in a big pot for cooking. campaign. Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. When the child asked, “Why, do you cut I especially thank the Foundation  One of our most successful programs off each end?” the mother replied, “I do it Trustees and the members of the is providing digital geology to students and because my mother did it that way, so it Financial Campaign who led the way with faculty through the Foundation Digital must make the meat taste better.” their generous pledges (see Products Fund. Nearly 50 universities When the child asked, “Why does it DPA certification It’s All About Professionalism

By RICK L. ERICKSEN participating in and with Perhaps that’s a high bar ethically DPA President professional speaking, but it’s one that each of us What does the DPA stand for? organizations nor should carefully consider before entering In one word – professionalism! otherwise rest on your into any professional endeavor. Since 1965, when the Division of laurels. Also critical to the professional practice Professional Affairs was formed, the term of the geosciences is to know when an professionalism equates to membership in *** issue is beyond our expertise or when a the Division and strict adherence to the particular issue or activity may be in an AAPG’s Code of Ethics as found in Article Another critically area of professional practice that we may IV of the AAPG’s Constitution. important aspect be minimally qualified to address. The DPA is the only professional Ericksen associated with When those circumstances arise the organization – at least in the United States competent professional geoscientist should either not accept the – that specifically certifies petroleum practice and certification is ethics. assignment, or inform the client/employer geologists and geophysicists and coal Over the past several years we all have misconstrued by anyone. that s/he (the geoscientist) is minimally geologists, i.e. energy resource seen and read about deviations from Echoing other DPA presidents, I must qualified prior to accepting that work. geoscientists. With regard to its ethical thinking and ethical practices – I note that it also is important and essential: In other words, when we professionals certification charge, to be a certified need not mention the names or unethical  To maintain our confidences with reach such a juncture the red flags should professional geologist, geophysicist or activities, we all know who, where and employers/clients. go up, both internally and externally. coal geologist, the DPA (through its when they occurred.  To respect the work of other Certification Committee, chaired by Royce The topic of ethics has become more geoscientists, even though you may not *** Carr) verifies an applicant’s credentials for and more of an issue, especially now with personally agree with them. CPG that provides assurances to the meltdown of the worldwide economies  To avoid any potential of conflict of With that said, consider certification and employers, clients, governmental entities and the questionable financial practices interest. membership in the DPA – besides being a and the general public that those who that have led up to the meltdown. We On a personal note, I am primarily resume builder, belonging to DPA provides profess to be energy resource geoscientists need only look around and employed by an agency of state you with: geoscientists are so qualified based on see the dismal ethical performance of government where, believe it or not, the  A voice in government affairs. documented verification of educational other professions and the individuals who bar of conflict of interest may be  Membership benefits that include a credentials, work history/experience and call themselves “professionals” in those considered to be somewhat higher than legislative tracking service. character references provided from sectors. other business sectors based on the  Networking with your peers. multiple sources. With that said, it is now more important continued demand by the public for  Accessibility to short courses at But even with that certification there are than ever to produce geoscience reports, transparency. Per some state-based discounted prices. ongoing responsibilities that go along with maps and other work products that meet conflict of interest laws, an individual shall  Online ethics courses. being a CPG. the highest standards of competency. not be involved in matters that are in black  Access to the DPA’s excellent Sure, you have jumped through the Further, it is important to note that where and white shades of conflict of interest – quarterly newsletter, which contains hoops to get your university education in those work products contain varied but some of these laws go a step further. articles covering a wide spectrum of topics the geosciences and you have obtained degrees of interpretational conclusions or Specifically, some state laws specify from current geoscience and related area the requisite geoscience work experience inferences that they be explicitly noted – that the individual (government employee) hot button issues to hands on to become a certified energy geoscientist – and perhaps even further grounded with shall not be involved in activities that even mapping/interpretational problem solving. but just reaching those plateaus doesn’t some type of limitations – to ensure that “give the appearance of a conflict of mean that you can stop learning, stop those interpretations cannot be interest.” Until next time. J

JANUARY 2009 55

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JANUARY 2009