January 12/14/05 12:35 PM Page 1
Canadian Publication Mail Contract - 40070050 $3.00 VOLUME 33, ISSUE 1 JANUARY 2006
■ Drilling Techniques
■ Cooperative Geological Mapping Strategies
■ 2006 CSPG CSEG CWLS Joint Convention January 12/14/05 12:35 PM Page 2 January 12/14/05 12:35 PM Page 3
CSPG OFFICE #160, 540 - 5th Avenue SW Calgary,Alberta, Canada T2P 0M2 Tel:403-264-5610 Fax: 403-264-5898 Web: www.cspg.org Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:00pm CONTENTS Business Manager:Tim Howard Email: [email protected] Office Manager: Deanna Watkins Email: [email protected] Communications Manager: Jaimè Croft Larsen Email: [email protected] Conventions Manager: Lori Humphrey-Clements ARTICLES Email: [email protected] Corporate Relations Manager: Kim MacLean Email: [email protected] DRILLING TECHNIQUES ...... 26 EDITORS/AUTHORS COOPERATIVE GEOLOGICAL MAPPING STRATEGIES ...... 33 Please submit RESERVOIR articles to the CSPG office. Submission deadline is the 23rd day of the month, two months prior to issue date. 2006 CSPG CSEG CWLS JOINT CONVENTION ...... 37 (e.g., January 23 for the March issue).
To publish an article, the CSPG requires digital copies of the document. Text should be in Microsoft Word format and illustrations should be in TIFF format at 300 dpi. For additional DEPARTMENTS information on manuscript preparation, refer to the Guidelines for Authors published in the CSPG EXECUTIVE COMMENT ...... 5 Bulletin or contact the editor.
COORDINATING EDITOR & OPERATIONS TECHNICAL LUNCHEONS ...... 9 Jaimè Croft Larsen CSPG DIVISION TALKS ...... 15 Tel:403-264-5610 Fax: 403-264-5898 Email: [email protected] JACK PORTER: VIGNETTES OF CANADIAN PETROLEUM GEOLOGY ...... 22 TECHNICAL EDITOR Ben McKenzie ROCK SHOP ...... 32 Tarheel Exploration Tel:403-277-4496 Email: [email protected]
ADVERTISING Kim MacLean Corporate Relations, CSPG Tel:403-264-5610, Ext 205 Email: [email protected]
Advertising inquiries should be directed to Kim MacLean. The deadline to reserve advertising space is the 23rd day of the month, two months prior to issue date. All advertising artwork should be sent directly to Kim MacLean.
The RESERVOIR is published 11 times per year by the Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists. This includes a combined issue for the months of July/August.
Advertisements, as well as inserts, mailed with the publication are paid advertisements. No endorsement or sponsorship by the Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists is implied.
The CSPG Rock Shop is an attractive and affordable way to target the CSPG readership. Spaces are sold at business card sizes (3.5” wide by 2” high). To reserve space or for more information, please contact Kim MacLean at 403-264-5610, ext. 205.
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Design & Layout by Sundog Printing. FRONT COVER Printed in Canada by Sundog Printing. Canmore, Alberta. EEOR (East End of Rundle), above Canmore, Alberta – a famous locality for rock-climbing enthusiasts. Bedded, Upper Devonian Fairholme Group carbonates at the base (partially treed and snow-covered), Additional copies of the RESERVOIR are available overlain by massive, cliff-forming Palliser Group limestones, with Carboniferous Banff Formation calcareous shales at the CSPG office for $3.00. forming the peak.Viewed from the Bow River Valley, looking west. Photo by Jason Sullivan. Caption by Grant Mossop. 3 January 12/14/05 12:35 PM Page 4 January 12/14/05 12:35 PM Page 5
EXECUTIVE COMMENT
A MESSAGE FROM THE PAST PRESIDENT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PRESIDENT # of Yearly Capital Jim Reimer geoscientists expended ($B) Result Energy Energy 5,000 6.00 Tel:539-5207 Fax: 234-7116 [email protected] Minerals 4,000 0.50 University2 450 0.10 VICE PRESIDENT Government Colin Yeo Agencies 1,200 0.13 Encana Tel:645-7724 Environmental 1,500 0.20 [email protected] Surficial Geology 100 ? Total 12,250 PAST PRESIDENT Jeff Packard Burlington Canada has had a national umbrella Tel:260-8041 Fax: 269-8285 THE ROLE OF THE CSPG ON THE NATIONAL organization for the earth sciences since 1972. [email protected] GEOSCIENCE STAGE The Canadian Geoscience Council (CGC) FINANCE DIRECTOR When I first came on to the executive in was created by an order-in-council as a follow- Marty Hewitt January of 2004, someone inquired of me what up to recommendations from a report written Encana issue I was going to make my own – in short, by Dr. R.A. Blais, then affiliated with the Tel:645-2544 Fax: 290-6668 what achievement would mark my presidential Science Council of Canada. The CGC is the [email protected] term. I must say the question completely sum of its parts, that is, the constituent ASSISTANT FINANCE DIRECTOR caught me off guard. After mumbling some geoscience societies and/or organizations and Peter Harrington gibberish and quickly changing topics – I found their collective will and effort (i.e., CSPG, Rudyard Oil & Gas myself reflecting further on the question. I had CSEG, GAC, CWLS, PDAC, GSC, etc.). The Tel:234-7622 Fax: 237-8837 [email protected] no master plan, no great agenda. All I really 33-year history of the CGC is far from wanted to provide, with the help from the monochromatic, both good years and bad PROGRAM DIRECTOR more experienced members of the executive, years, successes and failures have marked its Memory Marshall was solid stewardship of the Society – actually existence. More recently, despite successful Husky Energy Tel:270-1869 mere survival without impeachment didn’t outreach and international coordination [email protected] strike me as setting the bar too high. But alas, efforts, the CGC as a whole has been slowly nature, as they say, abhors a vacuum. If I was sliding into irrelevance.The CSPG has had an ACTING PROGRAM DIRECTOR unwilling to seek out a mission, then apparently ambivalent relationship to the CGC. We first Doug Hamilton Encana a mission would come looking for me. But I joined in 1973, withdrew our membership Tel:290-3193 Fax: 290-3129 digress... let me start at the beginning. from 1995 to 2002, and tentatively joined up [email protected] again in 2003. From our society’s perspective, The non-renewable minerals and petroleum the CGC was generally viewed as neither ASSISTANT PROGRAM DIRECTOR Nadya Slemko resource sectors in Canada spend effective, nor representative. Esso approximately $6.5B in capital on an annual Tel:237-3925 Fax: 290-6668 basis.Approximately 9,000 geoscientists (with It seems almost unthinkable that a country [email protected] a minimum of a B.Sc.) are employed in these such as Canada, with an economy critically SERVICE DIRECTOR industries, without whom, to state it bluntly linked to the non-renewable resource sector, Shannon Nelson Evers but accurately, these industries could not would not have a vibrant and effective national ConocoPhillips exist. We are absolutely critical cogs in the (and international) voice for the geosciences. Tel:233-3113 Fax: 233-5374 [email protected] upstream resource industry. We have found, So, what to do - give up, or be part of the mapped, then guided the development of, solution? The CSPG has decided on the latter, ASSISTANT SERVICE DIRECTOR mineral, uranium, hydrocarbon, and coal indeed we are now playing a pivotal leadership Dave Newman resources whose cumulative production value role in trying to effect positive and truly McDaniel & Associates 1 Tel:218-1392 Fax: 233-2744 has reached some $1.1T . – and on annual substantial change. John Hogg and Craig Lamb [email protected] basis represents 3.5% of Canada’s GDP. We initially and cautiously brought us back to the are, as a profession, charged with exploring for table and Gerry Reinson in 2004 agreed to COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR and developing the resources that will sustain serve as a director on the CGC during this Ashton Embry GSC - Calgary Canada’s economy and standard of living into transition/renewal period. Tel:292-7125 Fax: 292-4961 the 21st century and beyond – a heady [email protected] mandate! For all that, we virtually have no It is probably premature to state with voice on the national stage. Our confidence what will ultimately emerge OUTREACH DIRECTOR David Middleton profession is literally “not on the radar screen (phoenix-like!), but I would like to share with Petro-Canada of decision makers in Canada” (to quote a you what is on the table at present.We have Tel:296-4604 Fax: 296-5176 highly-placed bureaucrat in Ottawa – but the proposed a structural/organizational model [email protected] same is probably true for Edmonton). that was “agreed to in principle” CORPORATE RELATIONS by key representatives of nearly all the major Jim Reimer In very approximate terms, the breakdown of earth science-related societies in Canada at a Result Energy geoscientists in Canada are shown in the meeting in Calgary this past June (Figure 1). Tel:539-5207 Fax: 234-7116 following table: (Continued on Page 7...) [email protected] 5 January 12/14/05 12:35 PM Page 6 January 12/14/05 12:35 PM Page 7
THE CSPG GRATEFULLY (...Continued from Page 5) reports to the Directorate. Its role is primarily ACKNOWLEDGES ITS The new organization has to be relevant, one of advocacy and advice (directed toward, CORPORATE MEMBERS: effective, representative, accountable, and or in response to, government and public “owned,” and the structure is designed to policy), but it will also be the principal facilitate such an outcome. interface of the new organization with industry, special interest groups, and the ABU DHABI OIL CO., LTD. (JAPAN) The “Canadian Geoscience Institute” is merely general public.The Board will be composed of BAKER ATLAS a placeholder name for the new organization. a blue-ribbon panel of distinguished and The spokes on the wheel are the major widely-respected geoscientists, one volunteer BG CANADA EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION, INC. standing committees (e.g., Outreach, from each of the five sectors, coordinated by a BP CANADA ENERGY COMPANY Communications), of which the most paid executive-director. important is the one entitled National BURLINGTON RESOURCES CANADA LTD. Geoscience Collaboration and Coordination. To be sure there is much more hard work that CALPINE CANADA In all likelihood, the Geological Association of needs to be done. Finding satisfactory funding Canada will be given the key responsibility to mechanisms remains a major hurdle, but CANADIAN FOREST OIL LTD. staff and oversee this standing committee. All progress is being made. In short, there is a CONOCOPHILLIPS CANADA standing committees report to a Directorate mood of optimism in the air and CSPG can be (executive) that manages the overall business proud of the part it has played so far in CORE LABORATORIES CANADA LTD. and programs of the organization. bringing together (“de-fragmenting” is the DEVON CANADA CORPORATION buzz word), our rather disparate Canadian The position of chairman/president of the geoscience communities. DOMINION EXPLORATION CANADA LTD. Directorate will rotate between the five key DUVERNAY OIL CORP. sectors (see foregoing Table) every year. Each The CSPG is the largest geoscience technical sector in turn will thus be responsible for society in Canada.As such, I firmly believe we ECL CANADA nominating a president. For example, the have a responsibility, if not a moral obligation, geoLOGIC systems ltd. Energy Sector would choose a candidate by to support and help nurture an effective means of consensus between the major national umbrella organization. This is a GRIZZLY RESOURCES LTD. Energy-related societies (CSPG, CSEG, “mission” worth undertaking. HUNT OIL COMPANY OF CANADA, INC. CWLS) in consultation with CAPP and GSC Calgary. This nominee would then be ratified HUSKY ENERGY INC. by a vote of the Canadian Council of IHS ENERGY Geoscience Organizations, which acts as the (Footnotes) representative assembly of the new 1. Data from 1886 to 2002 from Natural Resources IMPERIAL OIL RESOURCES LIMITED organization and meets approximately twice a Canada. This number is extremely misleading, as it LARIO OIL & GAS COMPANY year. In this way no one sector has undue does not take into account inflation. In terms of influence. constant dollars and if today’s commodity prices were MJ SYSTEMS employed, the total would be truly staggering. MURPHY OIL COMPANY LTD. The Canadian Geoscience Board is a semi- 2. Numbers include faculty and post-doctoral fellows. autonomous arm of the new organization that They do not include undergrads or graduate students. NCE RESOURCES GROUP INC.
NEXEN INC.
NORTHROCK RESOURCES LTD.
PENN WEST PETROLEUM LTD.
PETRO-CANADA OIL AND GAS
PETROCRAFT PRODUCTS LTD.
PRECISION ENERGY SERVICES
PRIMEWEST ENERGY INC.
SAMSON CANADA
SHELL CANADA LIMITED
SPROULE ASSOCIATES LIMITED
STARPOINT ENERGY LTD.
SUNCOR ENERGY INC.
TALISMAN ENERGY INC.
TOTAL E&P CANADA LIMITED
CORPORATE MEMBERS AS OF
NOVEMBER 24, 2005 Figure 1. Schematic of proposed new national umbrella organization for the earth sciences. 7 January 12/14/05 12:35 PM Page 8
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CSI: Dinosaur Provincial Park monodominant bonebeds, consisting mostly in 1977, an M.A. in paleontology from the of bones from ceratopsian (horned) University of California, Berkeley, in 1981, and a SPEAKER dinosaurs, have been documented at the Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Toronto David A. Eberth Park. Intensive study has shown that they in 1987. His primary research interests include Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology are derived from herds of ceratopsians that the study of dinosaur paleoenvironments and were episodically overcome by floods. vertebrate taphonomy (the influences on 11:30 am vertebrate fossil preservation). He has Tuesday, January 10, 2006 Catastrophic coastal plain flooding is the conducted field research in Canada, Argentina, most parsimonious explanation for the Germany, China, Mexico, and the USA, and is Annual General Meeting taphonomic patterns observed at Dinosaur currently engaged in three multi-year studies: Park, and is also the best explanation for the TELUS CONVENTION CENTRE cause of death for many of the Park’s (1) the paleoenvironments and faunal changes CALGARY, ALBERTA dinosaurs. Under the influence of severe in the Edmonton Group of southern Alberta, coastal tropical storms and associated (2) the stratigraphy and paleoenvironments of Please note: storm surges, southern Alberta’s very-low- middle and upper Jurassic strata in the The cut-off date for ticket sales is gradient coastal plain was episodically Junggar Basin of northwestern China, and 1:00 pm,Thursday, January 5th. submerged by fresh water 200 km up-dip (3) the stratigraphy and paleoenvironments of Ticket price is $28.00 + GST. from the coastline. These regional floods upper Cretaceous non-marine strata in episodically annihilated the dinosaurs, but Coahuila, Mexico. Since the onset of the Great Dinosaur Rush probably spared many smaller aquatic, in 1910, the strata exposed at Dinosaur volant, and arboreal vertebrates. As water He is currently enjoying the ongoing interest in Provincial Park (upper Belly River Group, receded, significant numbers of bloated Alberta’s dinosaurs and upper Cretaceous Upper Cretaceous) have yielded tens of dinosaur carcasses were either swept into gas-bearing formations. thousands of vertebrate fossils, including channels or stranded on the flood plain. hundreds of complete-to-partial articulated Over a period of days to weeks, high rates dinosaur skeletons. By any measure, of decomposition and sedimentation Dinosaur Provincial Park is one of the favored the rapid burial of many of the richest Mesozoic dinosaur ‘graveyards’ in channel-hosted carcasses. the world! Why such fossil abundance HUGH REID’S and species richness? Multidisciplinary Across the coastal plain, carcasses of taphonomic and geologic studies conducted solitary dinosaurs littered the landscape. 2006 during the past 20 years by paleontological Sparse groups of carcasses from dinosaur COURSES and geological ‘CSIs’ can now answer this “family” groups were also present, and, very question. occasionally, football-field size death assemblages of migrating centrosaurs were Skeletons of large dinosaurs are common, present. In the warm temperate to whereas those of small dinosaurs and other subtropical Campanian climate, a few vertebrates are rare. Dinosaur skeletons are seasons of scavenging, trampling, and rotting overwhelmingly associated with on the coastal plain resulted in the nearly paleochannel facies and, thus, represent complete disarticulation of carcasses. Over animals that probably died in, or were many years, meandering channels and quickly washed into paleochannels following channel avulsions reworked large areas of death. The frequent presence of skin the floodplain, dumping partial skeletons and impressions suggests significant numbers of isolated bones into the channels, creating geologically instantaneous, meter-thick channel-lag bonebeds. burial events. Isolated bones are orders of magnitude more abundant than articulated Crime scene evidence from the Park’s or associated skeletons.They occur in both dinosaur victims is critical in unraveling the overbank and paleochannel facies, but are mystery of ‘who done it’ at the Park. most common in paleochannel lags. Accordingly, it probably pays to think like a CSI when interpreting the depositional Two kinds of bonebeds are present at the history of any vertebrate-fossil-rich unit. Park: multitaxic and monodominant. More than 200 multitaxic bonebeds are known BIOGRAPHY and consist largely of poorly sorted channel- David A. Eberth is a Research Scientist and the hosted bone assemblages. Bonebed Curator of Geology at the Royal Tyrrell Museum assemblages are interpreted as having been in Drumheller,Alberta, where he has worked for ‘dumped’ and buried in paleochannels during the past 20 years. He received a B.Sc. in meandering or avulsion. At least 20 Zoology from the University of Massachusetts 9 January 12/14/05 12:36 PM Page 10
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Real-time drilling, horizontal geo-model provide the context for pre- time and facilitate geologically focused well well geo-navigation: drill planning and real-time geo-navigation placement. The impact of the frequency of a planning, monitoring, and of drilling horizontal wells. Real-time WD real-time geo-model updates will be geo-steering road map data from systems such as Pason Data discussed. Concerns of collision avoidance Hub’s WITSML is incorporated to the geo- are addressed with incorporation of cones SPEAKER model at required frequencies. When of uncertainty around the horizontal wells. Rocky Mottahedeh structure deviation from the expected An economic case for the geo-navigation United Oil and Gas Consulting Ltd. horizontal well prognosis is detected, a process and its impact will be reviewed geo-model can be updated within minutes with emphasis on operational 11:30 am to provide a forward-looking window of improvements, collision avoidance, and Tuesday, January 24, 2006 the drilling process in a geologic context. mitigation of gas and water in oil Fast updates to the geo-model can facilitate reservoirs. The paper will demonstrate TELUS CONVENTION CENTRE focused geologic placement of horizontal how geo-navigation can improve the drilling CALGARY, ALBERTA wells within a short stratigraphic target success of a range of resource types such reservoir window. as gas, tight gas, oil, and heavy oil in Please note: horizontal well placement applications. The cut-off date for ticket sales is Minimums of three components are 1:00 pm,Thursday, January 19th. required for success of the process: BIOGRAPHY Ticket price is $28.00 + GST. Rocky Mottahedeh, P. Eng., P.Geol., is the • An agile geo-model to keep up with President of United Oil & Gas Consulting Ltd. Convergence of improved directional changes in the structure while drilling, He graduated University of Toronto, 1981 with drilling technology and advanced a B.Sc. in Geological Engineering. Rocky has communication systems with real-time • Location of the bit at any time using the 23 years of oil and gas experience with geo-model mapping tools has made WD survey and stratigraphic positioning emphasis on new technology and integrated geo-navigation while drilling possible. of the bit using the Gamma Ray and reservoir studies in gas, CBM, oil sands, and Geo-navigation and geo-steering while other rock property MWD logs. heavy oil at E&P companies in Canada and drilling have the potential to increase internationally. In the past eight years, Rocky focused geologic placement of horizontal • Real-time communication technology has been involved in technology development wells and lead to improved production such as WITSML and advanced focused on geo-modeling and geo-navigation recoveries with reduced operating cost directional drilling through his company, United Oil and Gas per BOE. Consulting Ltd. Project wells will illustrate how data can be A pre-drill/static geo-model framework brought into a geo-model while drilling to and dynamic updates while drilling to the update a geo-navigation roadmap in real
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Modern and ancient methane clathrate hydrates are inherently successful, occupying almost every possible methane clathrate hydrate unstable, the prevailing historical consensus marine seafloor environment known, as accumulations: comparative maintains that these materials lack a they are capable of living under anaerobic sedimentology of stratigraphic record. This presentation will conditions. In contrast to other Mesozoic deposits from the illustrate that a variety of biological, chemosymbiotic organisms, lucinids are Western Interior Seaway of chemical, and physical features have indeed mixotrophic opportunists. Modern lucinids North America been preserved. combine siphonate filter feeding and chemosymbiosis with sulfate oxidizing SPEAKER Geophysical studies along modern bacteria, a behaviour that allows them to Federico Krause continental margins and interior basins exploit sediment zones of anaerobic University of Calgary have identified vast tracts of sediments that methane oxidation and sulfate reduction. contain clathrated hydrate gases, and 11:30 am columnar zones where gas evolution is The sparry nodular vugs consist of three Tuesday, February 7, 2006 active and ongoing. In some cases, the primary calcite cement phases that in sediment interval containing clathrated gas paragenetic order are high-magnesium, TELUS CONVENTION CENTRE hydrates can exceed 400 meters in botryoidal fibrous; ferroan “dendrolublinite;” CALGARY, ALBERTA thickness, and can extend laterally for many and ferroan blocky. The botryoidal fibrous 13 kilometers, well beyond zones of focused cements have CPDB ratios that range Please note: cold seepage. The volume of sediment from -41.5‰ to -46.3‰, a signal that is The cut-off date for ticket sales is below the seafloor that is saturated with strongly indicative of a methanogenic 13 1:00 pm,Thursday, February 2nd. variable quantities of gas and gas clathrate carbon source for these cements. CPDB Ticket price is $28.00 + GST. hydrates is therefore immense. ratios of dendrolublinite and blocky calcites have greater separation, ranging Below modern seafloors, at water depths At the sites of active methane gas evolution from -12.6‰ to -40.8‰ and -15.1‰ to exceeding both storm wave-base and and clathration, conditions near and below -44.5‰, respectively. These cements also photic basement, methane clathrate the seafloor typically are anaerobic and/or originate from the diagenesis of methane, hydrates are widespread. However, because hypoxic, and nearby fluids are sulfidic and but followed a geochemical path that methanic. Significantly, underwater incorporated the reduction of iron. All investigations conducted with human and three sparry cements grew from “free remotely operated submersibles have surfaces” into open space. The confirmed that numerous benthic, petrographic pattern observed points to chemosynthetic, and chemosymbiotic the presence of a precursor material that organisms live at these locations. displaced the encasing shales and pelletal Furthermore, the clathration of methane and nymphalucinid carbonates, and which hydrates also results in the precipitation of subsequently “disappeared” in stages. In a variety carbonate minerals that often are modern marine shales the clathration of strongly depleted in 13C. This signal arises methane gas is often nodular and from the diagenesis of carbon in methane displacive, and is also accompanied by and is based on the fractionation between carbonate mineral precipitation. 12C and 13C isotopes. In conclusion, Teepee Butte Member In the Mesozoic Western Interior Seaway, limestone nodules preserve biological, calcite that is strongly depleted in 13C has chemical, and physical evidence indicative been identified in limestone nodules of the of active methane gas diagenesis Jump In Teepee Buttes Member of the Pierre Shale and clathrate hydrate consolidation and Formation of South Central Colorado.This dissociation during sedimentation in the ... and get involved. formation is marine in origin and late Mesozoic foreland basin of North accumulated during the Campanian Stage America. Check out a new CSPG initiative.... (approximately 70 to 80 Ma ago). The limestone nodules are encased in shale and BIOGRAPHY Volunteer Source consist of an immense number of Federico (Fed) Krause is a professor in the @ www.cspg.org coquinoid, infaunal, nymphalucinid bivalves; Department of Geology and Geophysics at the pellet grainstones, packstones, wackestones University of Calgary who worked in the An EASY way to and mudstones; and centimeter-sized, petroleum industry and government prior to irregularly nodular spar-filled vugs. joining the university. He is working with a slide on in! great group of students on a number of The coquinoid nymphalucinid bivalves projects, including carbonate mud-mounds and Vo l u nt e e r found in the Teepee Buttes Member belong petrifactions from gas clathrate hydrates. To day ! to a well-known group of chemosymbiotic, infaunal pelecypods, the Lucinidae. In modern oceans this bivalve group is very 12 January 12/14/05 12:36 PM Page 13
PROUD SPONSORS FEBRUARY LUNCHEON
Collisional fold-and-thrust folds, strike-slip faults, and even in Geology from the University of Colorado at belts detached on salt extensional structures that typically Boulder in 1991.While persuing his academic intersect at, and plunge away from, the career Mark gained industry-related SPEAKER diapirs. experience with Sohio Petroleum Co. (1982- Mark G. Rowan 85), Geo-Logic Systems (1985-89), and Rowan Consulting Inc. If early salt withdrawal and diapirism lead Alastair Beach Associates, Glasgow Scotland instead to linear salt walls and elongate (1989-92). After successfully defending his 11:30 am withdrawal basins, later shortening Ph.D., Mark joined the University of Colorado Tuesday, February 21, 2006 structures have the same preferred as a research associate and professor from orientation. Moreover, strong strata 1992-1998. He is presently President of his TELUS CONVENTION CENTRE around the tips of salt walls result in a own company, Rowan Consulting Inc., in CALGARY, ALBERTA strike-parallel strain gradient in which the Boulder Colorado. centers of the walls shorten more than Please note: the ends. With enough shortening, steep Mark’s professional interests include styles The cut-off date for ticket sales is salt welds form that link two remnant and processes of salt tectonics, salt-sediment 1:00 pm,Thursday, February 16th. diapirs at the tips of the walls. Further interaction, geometry and kinematics of Ticket price is $28.00 + GST. shortening leads to folding above the fold-and-thrust belts, and applications to welds, producing geometries where petroleum exploration. He is currently a Collisional fold-and-thrust belts detached diapirs are located at fold terminations member of the American Association of on salt can be divided into two subsets: rather than culminations. Petroleum Geologists, Geological Society those where the pre-kinematic section is of America, and International Association of undeformed, and those where diapirs and BIOGRAPHY Structural/ Tectonic Geologists. minibasins were established prior to the Mark received his B.S. Biology from the onset of shortening. Examples from the California Institute of Technology in 1976, his Sierra Madre Oriental of Mexico, the M.Sc. in Geology from the University of Flinders Ranges of South Australia, and the California at Berkeley in 1982, and his Ph.D. Zagros Mountains of Iran are used to illustrate the very different geometries that result.
In cases where pre-shortening deformation is absent, structural styles are relatively simple, characterized by regular wavetrains of parallel, elongate detachment folds that are broadly symmetrical. Individual folds are typically cylindrical over much of their lengths and then conical and more open where they plunge gently toward their terminations. Thrust development, variations in fold orientation, and anomalously steep plunges on some folds are attributed to the spatial and thickness distribution of the décollement layer.
In fold-and-thrust belts where salt withdrawal and diapirism predated the shortening, the pre-existing structural architecture and the consequent variable strength of the overburden control the deformation and yield much more complex geometries. Modelling by B. Vendeville of circular minibasins separated by a polygonal pattern of salt ridges, with diapirs at the ridge intersections, shows that the weak diapirs are squeezed, the intermediate-strength ridges form a complex pattern of contractional structures, and the strong minibasins simply translate and may rotate.The result is a polygonal array of folds, thrusted 13 January 12/15/05 5:39 PM Page 14 January 12/14/05 12:36 PM Page 15
DIVISION TALKS PROUD SPONSORS INTERNATIONAL DIVISION
Petroleum geology of the unique geological models that may have again. David has been consulting for the past Kutei Basin, Indonesia application in other areas of the world. For four years, providing both geophysical and example, what are the kinematics when geological interpretation services on projects SPEAKER regional contraction inverts the syn-rift in North Africa, Brazil, Colombia, David Paterson grabens lying below a detached deltaic Turkmenistan, Pakistan, Malaysia, and the Consultant growth fault and toe thrust section? Or, U.K. For the past two years he has been based what are the source rock properties of the in Calgary. 12:00 Noon Miocene deltaic coals and carbonaceous Monday, January 16, 2006 shales, and what changes when this The material for this presentation comes from material is reworked during lowstands and his five years as Exploration Manager of VICO Encana Amphitheatre is deposited with deepwater sands as an and LASMO operations on Borneo. He has 2nd floor, east end of the imbedded source rock – a model recently published several papers on the Kutei Basin, Calgary Tower Complex proven successful from deepwater Sabah covering such diverse topics as petroleum 1 Street and 9th Avenue S.E. to the Tarakan. Or what is the sandstone systems, sand provenance, biostrat pitfalls, Calgary, Alberta reservoir facies distribution in a delta carbonate reservoirs, and structure. system where tidal influence is the The Kutei Basin, located onshore and principal factor? INFORMATION offshore eastern Borneo, is the most There is no charge. Please bring your lunch. productive basin in Indonesia with BIOGRAPHY Refreshments are provided by Encana and discovered volumes of 15.5 bboe. There David Paterson has a Combined Honours Glendower International Limited. For more have been four phases of petroleum Degree in Geology and Geophysics from UBC. information or to give a talk in the future, exploration, beginning in 1897 with the His career began 30 years ago with HBOG in please contact Ken Jones at 532-1883 or successful drilling of oil seeps located Calgary and continued with LASMO in [email protected]. along onshore anticlines. London, Calgary, Halifax, Jakarta, and London
The start of the PSC system in the late 1960s saw the discovery of two giant oil fields and three giant gas/condensate fields along two outboard subsurface fold trends, Your parallel to the onshore productive anticlines. These large structures have primary multiple stacked Miocene deltaic channel sands with gross hydrocarbon columns of provider of 10,000 ft. earth resources Further offshore, application of sequence information stratigraphy concepts and 3-D seismic data imaging in the early 1990s led to the discovery of two giant gas/condensate fields in combination structural/stratigraphic traps. A further phase of onshore exploration at this same time was only marginally successful.
Over the past seven years, UNOCAL has had a series of deepwater discoveries drilled on a low-cost basis using their SX engineering/ geology methodology. They are bringing into production the first of their deepwater oil fields this year and have found 15 TCF of gas reserves to feed the eight LNG trains at Bontang terminal in the future.
The aim of this presentation will be to provide a stratigraphic, structural, and petroleum system framework of Kutei Basin Tertiary geology from central Borneo 780.422.3767 www.ags.gov.ab.ca to the deepwater.The basin provides many 15 January 12/15/05 4:58 PM Page 16
PROUD SPONSORS SEDIMENTOLOGY DIVISION
Simple modeling of depends on the length of time of exposure to Calgary and in tectonics in Paris, Jean-Yves quartz cement can lead to temperature above 80 degrees celsius and on Chatellier worked around the world for exploration success the grain size and composition of the Petroconsultants and Shell International before considered sandstone. Timing of the accepting a job as senior research geology advisor SPEAKER hydrocarbon migration is a crucial parameter for Petroleos de Venezuela. His first and main task Jean-Yves Chatellier (Consultant) as hydrocarbon emplacement stops the was to address the problem of reservoir prediction diagenetic process and preserves the in deep basin and develop methods to predict 12:00 Noon remaining porosity from further deterioration. quartz cement distribution and diagenesis. The Wednesday, January 18, 2006 work resulted in the discovery of the giant The best results are obtained after calibrating Tomoporo Field in the Zulia oriental region. The Nexen Annex Theatre the following four essential input parameters: latter part of his seven years in Venezuela was +15 Level, North of C-Train Platform quartz cement quantitatively estimated by associated with solving complex thrust belt 801 - 7th Avenue SW cathodoluminescence, thin-section-based problems. Calgary, Alberta mineralogical composition, expected grain size and vitrinite-based burial history. Predictions Jean-Yves is a presently a Calgary-based geological Deep clastic plays are commonly associated can be made on a formation basis and can consultant working mostly on the WCSB and with quartz cement precipitation. incorporate lateral facies variations. Forward focusing on plays that integrate sedimentation, Understanding the quartz cement distribution modeling through time allows the ability to diagenesis, and tectonics. can lead to successful drilling in difficult but combine porosity evolution, tectonic sometimes rewarding areas. Whereas deformation, trap emplacement, and INFORMATION diagenetic modeling is often associated with hydrocarbon migration. Talks are free – don’t forget to bring your lunch! complex fluid flow equations, a simpler Coffee and donuts will be provided. If you are modeling approach has proven to be very Such modeling has led to significant oil interested in joining the Sedimentology Division reliable in many basins around the world.The discoveries in other parts of the world. The e-mail listing which currently provides luncheon main difference with traditional diagenetic method described has direct applicability to reminders, or if you care to suggest a technical modeling is that we assume the amount of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin. topic or present a talk to the division, please silica in the system to be sufficient to produce contact Scott Rose at (403) 875-7673 or quartz precipitation with no outside sourcing. BIOGRAPHY [email protected]. Essentially, the amount of quartz cement Following postgraduate studies in sedimentology in
16 January 12/14/05 12:36 PM Page 17
PROUD SPONSORS ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY DIVISION
The City of Calgary - an with the City’s rapid growth has presented contaminated sites. Since 2001, Mr. Bobyn has overview of environmental major challenges for City of Calgary staff. A been with the City of Calgary where he has been issues significant environmental issue consists of part of a multi-disciplinary team involved with the impacts to the City’s soil and groundwater investigation, assessment and remediation of SPEAKERS regime from current and/or historical land contamination on City lands. Mr. Bobyn holds Marty Bobyn and Rey Calosing use activities including oil refineries, pipelines, Bachelor of Science degrees in Geology and Utilities and Environmental Protection landfills, railways, and other industrial and Geography from the University of Saskatchewan. Department,The City of Calgary commercial operations.This presentation will provide an overview of environmental Mr. Rey Calosing is an Environmental Specialist 12:00 Noon impacts within the City of Calgary and will with nine years of experience in the management Friday, January 27, 2006 describe how City staff identify and mitigate of contaminated sites and with regulatory these issues to ensure the environmental compliance. Currently, Mr. Calosing is responsible Aquitaine Building condition of land is suitable for the intended for reviewing development applications 2nd Floor Conference Room (+15 Level) use. Specific focus will be on environmental and resolving any outstanding associated 540 – 5th Avenue SW issues associated with land development environmental issues. Mr. Calosing is a registered Calgary, Alberta proximal to active and abandoned oil and gas Professional Engineer with APEGGA and facilities and on recent environmental graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in In recent years, the City of Calgary has initiatives undertaken by the City to address Environmental Engineering from Montana Tech. experienced rapid population growth. The these issues. Case studies, where applicable, magnitude and scale of growth has resulted in will also be presented. INFORMATION an increased demand for the development of All lunch talks are free and open to the public. residential, commercial, industrial, and BIOGRAPHY Please bring your lunch. For information or to recreational land use along with supporting Marty Bobyn is an Environmental Specialist with present a future talk for the Environment utility servicing and roadway infrastructure. over 15 years of experience in managing Division contact Andrew Fox at andrew.fox@ Managing environmental issues associated environmental issues associated with megenergy.com.
PROUD SPONSORS STRUCTURAL DIVISION
Fracture characterization in should help the user with some basics of types of low permeability reservoirs and how low permeability reservoirs fracture analysis using geoscientific data. It to describe them in the subsurface using high- should also help in differentiating natural resolution borehole images, logging while SPEAKER from induced fractures. drilling, outcrops, sonics, and seismics.The aim Satyaki Ray is to demonstrate global and local examples of Schlumberger Data and Consulting Services Natural fractures are significant contributors analysis and visualization of fractures using to oil and gas production from both electrical and acoustic images in the 12:00 Noon conventional and non-conventional geological subsurface. This information could be Thursday, January 12, 2006 strata.The reservoirs in these geological strata integrated with other reservoir engineering could have moderate to high porosity and information to accurately model the reservoir. Petro-Canada permeability as well as low porosity and West Tower, room 17B/C (17th floor) permeability. Open natural fractures in all BIOGRAPHY 150 6th Ave SW reservoirs may act as boons to producibility. Satyaki Ray, P.Geol., works as a Senior Calgary,Alberta Sometimes they may act as risks causing early Geologist for Schlumberger Data and water breakthrough in hydrocarbon- Consulting Services (DCS) in Calgary,Alberta, Fracture classification and characterization producing wells.This is particularly critical for Canada. He has 16 years industry experience, is becoming increasingly important – low permeability sandy and shaly reservoirs with 8 years in oil and gas E&P and 8 years particularly from a hydrocarbon reservoir when primary porosity is either obliterated by with Schlumberger (conventional, heavy oil, economics and permeability point of view. diagenesis or reduced by stresses. The and CBM analysis). Author of several However, there still exists a host of permeability in such cases is driven mostly by international papers, Satyaki specializes in terminology related to fractures which are natural fractures. Coals often have genetic Geosteering, Logging while drilling, fracture, geometric, descriptive, genetic or hybrid. fractures called cleats which contribute to structure, and sedimentary analysis of rocks Some terms originate in engineering and producibility of methane gas. The challenge is using outcrops, borehole FMI / OBMI images some in geology.The abundance of terms can often manifested in the form of lack of and advanced well log data. He is a be daunting for relatively less experienced resolution in formation evaluation tools for professional geologist with APEGGA and is analysts. In this talk, an attempt has been the subsurface and the scale of these features. also active in geological and petrophysical made to categorize fracture terms based on consulting for shallow gas, CBM, and heavy oil their origin, and references have been made In this talk, a brief discussion covers the scale in Canada and worldwide. to old and new work done in this area. This and relative occurrence of fractures in various (Continued on page 38...) 17 January 12/14/05 12:36 PM Page 18
PROUD SPONSORS GEOMODELING DIVISION
Bridging the missing-scales: New developments in small-scale heterogeneity modeling
SPEAKER Renjun Wen Geomodeling Technology Corp.
12:00 Noon Wednesday, January 25, 2006
ConocoPhillips Auditorium 3rd Floor- above Plus 15+ level 401 9th Avenue SW Calgary, Alberta
Reservoir heterogeneity exists at multiple scales, from pore structures, bedding structures, internal stratification, litho-facies, to fault blocks. Conventional reservoir modeling workflows do not consider multi- scale heterogeneity in an integrated manner, which results in unrealistic and inaccurate reservoir models. Applying such models in reservoir simulations increases the uncertainty in history matching and reserve predictions.
The original small-scale modeling approach was developed in order to model the heterogeneity at bedding structure scales (Wen et al., 1998), which bridge the scale gaps in core data and well log data. The near wellbore models (e.g., Figure 1) simulated from the process-oriented modeling method can be used to improve the estimation of petrophysical properties from well log data and core data. Case studies demonstrate that this geological modeling approach can be used to estimate Figure 1.A near-wellbore model generated with bedding structure modeling software, SBEDTM. Such models have facies-dependent permeability anisotropy, successfully been used to estimate kv/kh from very heterolithic reservoirs. such as kv/kh in heterolithic reservoirs (Elfenbein et al., 2005; Nordhal et al., 2005, scales, i.e. < ~ 30 m, (Figure 2) can also be REFERENCES Ringrose et al., 2003; Ringrose et al., 2005; applied to the interpretation of seismic Barton, M., Van der Vlugt, F., and Slik, P. 2003: Ruvo et al., 2005). attributes (Wen, 2004). Modeling Uncertainty in Discount Factors for Turbidite Channel Reservoirs (abs.). Presented Recent developments have extended the Another new development in the process- at the AAPG Annual Meeting 2003, Salt Lake original process-oriented method to oriented modeling approach is the direct City, Utah, USA, May 11-14, 2003. simulate larger scale geological models, such upscaling of reservoir properties as channel infill architectures, depositional (saturation, porosity, and absolute and Elfenbein, C., Husby, Ø., and Ringrose, P.S. 2005: lobes, and bar forms. The resulting models relative permeability) from both bedding Geologically-based estimation of kv/kh ratios: an more realistically represent reservoir structure models and sub-seismic example from the Garn Formation, Tyrihans heterogeneity in terms of fluid flow stratigraphic models. This allows geologists Field, Mid-Norway. In A.G. Doré and B.A.Vining, properties. These new developments and reservoir engineers to evaluate (eds.): Petroleum Geology: Northwest Europe provide the modeling methodology to distribution of flow properties from all and Global Perspectives, Proceedings of the 6th bridge the scale gaps between well log data possible geological scenarios by considering Petroleum Geology Conference, Geological and seismic data. More realistic uncertainty multi-scale heterogeneity, thereby improving Society, London, 537-544. estimates can be obtained from this type of the prediction of reserve volumes and modeling (Barton et al., 2003). Simulations production profiles. Nordhal, K., Ringrose, P. S., Wen, R. 2005: of stratigraphic features at sub-seismic (Continued on page 20...) 18 January 12/14/05 12:36 PM Page 19
6-96–96-9 March MARCHMARCH 2006 • http://appex.aapg.org 20062006
AA WORLDWORLD OF OF OPPORTUNITIESOPPORTUNITIES
For attendee, sponsorship and exhibitor information, go to http://appex.aapg.org or contact the AAPG Convention Department. Fax: 1 918 560 2684 • E-mail: [email protected] An American Association of Petroleum Geologists event
Endorsed by: Energy Institute, The Geological Society of London, The UK Department of Trade and Industry and International Association of Oil & Gas Producers
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ENDORSED BY: T Geological Q
• • 1 7 The UK Dept. of 8 0 Society Trade and Industry http://appex.aapg.org January 12/14/05 12:36 PM Page 20
Figure 2.A reservoir-scale geological model that includes sub-seismic-scale stratigraphic surfaces generated with SBED StudioTM. Channel infills are not represented by objects, but by stratigraphic layering, thus making it possible to represent important flow barriers, such as shale drapes.
(...Continued from page 20) the EAGE 67th Conference & Exhibition, and Technology in 1995 and a B.Sc. from Petrophysical characterization of a heterolithic Madrid, Spain, June 13-16, 2005. Yanzhe University in China in 1983. He has tidal reservoir interval using a process-based published over 30 research papers in the fields modelling tool. Petroleum Geoscience, v. 11, Wen, R., Martinius,A.W., Næss,A. and Ringrose, of reservoir modeling, mathematical geology, 17-28. P. S. 1998: Three-Dimensional Simulation of and seismic interpretation. Dr. Wen has Small-Scale Heterogeneity in Tidal Deposits – A collaborated with major international oil Ringrose, P. S., Skjetne, E., and Elfenbein, C. Process-Based Stochastic Simulation Method. In companies to develop new reservoir modeling 2003: Permeability Estimation Functions Based A. Buccianti, G. Nardi, and R. Potenza, (eds.): methodology and software since he move to on Forward Modeling of Sedimentary Proceedings of the 4th Annual Conference of Calgary from Norway in late 1996. Heterogeneity. SPE paper 84275. Presented the International Association of Mathematical at the SPE Annual Technical Conference Geology, Ischia, De Frede, Naples, 129-134. INFORMATION and Exhibition, Denver, Colorado, USA, There is no charge. Non-members of the October 5-8, 2003. Wen, R., 2004: 3D Modeling of Stratigraphic CSPG are also welcome. Please bring your lunch. Heterogeneity in Channelized Reservoirs: For details or to present a talk in Ringrose, P. S., Nordahl, K., and Wen, R. 2005: Methods and Applications in Seismic the future, please contact David Garner at Vertical permeability in heterolithic tidal deltaic Attribute Facies Classification. CSEG Recorder, 403-233-3126, e-mail: David.Garner@Conoco sandstones. Petroleum Geoscience, v. 11, 29-36. March, 38-45. Phillips.com or Peter Dankers at 403-770-0350, e-mail [email protected] Ruvo, L., Scaglioni, P., Cozzi, M. 2005: A new BIOGRAPHY approach to the petrophysical characterization Renjun Wen obtained a Ph.D. in Petroleum of thin layered reservoirs (abs.). Presented at Geology from Norwegian University of Science 20 January 12/14/05 12:36 PM Page 21
PROUD SPONSORS EMERGING PETROLEUM RESOURCES DIVISION
Valuing information in value of information workshops and courses, economics. He holds a B.A.Sc. in Mechanical unconventional reservoirs covering a wide range of topics including Engineering,is a professional engineer and member exploration, appraisal, and development strategy; or the Society of Petroleum Engineers. SPEAKER refinery expansion; and new technology research M. Kent Burkholder and application decisions. His industry experience INFORMATION Decision Frameworks in the oil and gas sector allows him to provide a EPRD noon-hour talks are free and do not high level of support to executive and business unit require registration. Non-CSPG members are also 12:00 Noon decision-makers. welcome to attend. Please bring your lunch. If you Wednesday, January 18, 2006 would like to join our email distribution list, Mr. Burkholder has worked in the petroleum suggest a topic, or volunteer to present a talk, ConocoPhillips Auditorium industry for over twenty years been with a strong please send a message to Michelle.Hawke@ (3rd Floor – west side of building) history in both reservoir engineering and petroleum bp.com or [email protected] 401-9th Avenue SW Gulf Canada Square Calgary, Alberta
In order for information to add value to a project, it must have the potential to change a future decision. Unlike traditional hydrocarbon plays, the big uncertainty we are often evaluating in unconventional reservoirs is not whether hydrocarbons exist but rather whether we can develop them economically. The decisions that might change with new information are most often optimization decisions, like well spacing and well positioning to maximize productivity.These “How do we develop?” problems can be difficult to evaluate correctly for unconventional reservoirs.
This presentation will review how to value information and how to recognize the basic patterns involved in doing so in unconventional plays.Two case studies will be included: • Valuing a cased-hole pressure test to decide whether to downspace a tight gas development, and • Valuing an expansive seismic program to better design a complex, tight gas field development.
Both examples underscore the difficult task of valuing information in unconventional reservoirs and highlight the nuances involved in doing so correctly.
BIOGRAPHY Kent Burkholder is a Director of Decision Frameworks - a unique decision analysis training, consulting and software firm with offices in Houston, USA and Calgary, Canada. Founded in 1999, Decision Frameworks uses a team-based, functional approach in bringing practical decision analysis to the petroleum industry.
Mr. Burkholder is an advisor and consultant with broad experience in petroleum economics, decision analysis framing, economic modeling, and implementation. He is highly skilled in decision facilitation and has developed and conducted many decision analysis, economic modeling, and 21 January 12/14/05 12:36 PM Page 22
JACK PORTER- VIGNETTES OF CANADIAN PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
J.B. TYRRELL’S AND The American-derived terminology, as exploratory drilling in the Western Canada DONALDSON DOWLING’S JOINT depicted on their forementioned map, sedimentary basin following the discovery of INVESTIGATION OF THE includes, as well, a qualifying alphabetical/ the Leduc oil field in February, 1947 as well MESOZOIC AND PALEOZOIC numerical symbolic designation, namely in as subsequent discoveries of Jurassic oil STRATIGRAPHY OF MANITOBA ascending order: K2C (Dakota), K3a fields in southwestern Saskatchewan; this 1887-1891 (Benton), K3b (Niobrara), and K3c (Pierre). symbolical designation was applied to Such symbolic naming was borrowed from subsurface strata. Invariably, the affiliated Joseph Tyrrell’s and Donaldson Dowling’s George M. Dawson’s and R.G. McConnell’s system of the stratigraphic units described Geological Map of North Western Manitoba Geological Map of the Region in the vicinity were prefaced with a capitalized letter, i.e., and portions of the District of Assiniboia and of the Bow and Belly Rivers, North West “D” for Devonian, “J” for Jurassic, etc. The Saskatchewan, dated 1891, illustrates, not Territory, dated 1884 by the Geological and qualifying formational names were given a only the surface expression of the pre- Natural History Survey of Canada. Their numerical designation in reversed Pleistocene distribution of undifferentiated legend, in respect to Cretaceous strata, list chronological order to those devised by Silurian and Devonian strata, designated F and the names of the following sequences with Dawson and McConnell (1884) and Tyrrell E respectively, but as well, a stratigraphic a corresponding symbolic designation and Dowling (1891). Notable was Imperial differentiation of the Cretaceous sequencies. which, in ascending order, are: Lower Dark Oil’s initial numerical naming of some Upper The terminologies applied to their Shales (K3a), Belly River Series (K3b), and Devonian formations, in descending order, subdivision of this system, as portrayed on Pierre, including Fox Hill (sic) (K3c). namely: DI (Wabamun), D2 (Nisku) and their map, are the same formational names Dawson’s and McConnell’s Lower Dark D3 (Leduc). Again, in southwestern introduced by Meek and Hayden (1862), Shales (K3a) would appear to include both Saskatchewan, following the early oil namely: Dakota, Benton, Niobrara, and Pierre, the Benton and Niobrara formations; their discoveries from Jurassic reservoirs, the whose type sections are located in Nebraska, Belly River Series (K3b), suggests the lower subdivision for formations and their Montana, and South Dakota in proximity to Pierre and their Pierre (K3c) being the associated members were tentatively the Missouri River. upper Pierre (Bearpaw formation, Hatcher approved by the Nomenclature Committee and Stanton, 1903). of the Saskatchewan Geological Society in The basal Lower Cretaceous Swan River the following descending order: J1a, J1b, and Group (Kirk, 1930), a predominately sand Tyrrell (1892) had introduced the terms J1c (Vanguard formation in upper,middle, and facies, exposed along the Swan River, was Millwood and Odanah formations for Upper lower members); J2a and J2b (Shaunavon identified by Tyrrell as the Dakota Cretaceous shale beds, both of which he Formation, upper and lower members); J3 Formation, although its type section, near inferred are stratigraphically related to his (Gravelbourg Formation) and J4 (Watrous the town of Dakota, Nebraska was dated as Pierre (K3c) subdivision. His Millwood Formation). The formal names were Upper Cretaceous. He classified the formation has proven to be difficult in tracing, subsequently introduced by Milner and overlying black marine shale sequence of apparently incorporating strata ranging from Thomas (1954). the Ashville Formation (Kirk, 1930) as within the Vermilion River Formation into the Benton. Immediately above the Ashville Riding Mountain Formation. His overlying Interestingly, the first subdivision of Formation are two speckled shale zones; Odanah Formation, a hard siliceous shale, is Cretaceous strata in the north-central region the lower being the Favel Formation associated with the Riding Mountain of the American Plains, was undertaken by F. (Wickenden, 1945) and the upper known as Formation and appears to represent an V. Hayden in 1853 along the Upper Missouri the Boyne Member (Kirk, 1930) of the erratic lithologic phase (Kirk, 1930). For River and adjoining badlands, in what is now Vermilion River Formation (Kirk, 1930). these reasons, the two names have become western North Dakota and northeastern These two biostratigraphic zones are obsolete (Wickenden, R.T.D.; Mesozoic Montana.The region, at that time, was part of recognized in the subsurface as the “first Stratigraphy of the Eastern Plains, Manitoba Nebraska Territory. He continued his speckled shale” and the “second speckled and Saskatchewan, Memoir 239, Geological reconnaissance survey the following two field shale.” The white calcareous “specks” are Survey of Canada, pub. Edmund Cloutier, seasons, relying on Missouri River paddle due to the flocculation of foraminifera.The Ottawa, pp. 2, 6 and 48). steamers and keelboats as well as John Jacob Favel Formation exhibits, in outcrop, thin Astor’s American Fur Company for beds of fossiliferous limestone, which The stratigraphic identification of exposed transportation and protection. Hayden made, Tyrrell identified as the Niobrara bedrock described by pioneer geologists in apart from his stratigraphic descriptions, Formation. He omitted to include the regions, where little if any geologic extensive collections of fossils, for the most upper Boyne Member. He further assigned investigation had been undertaken, required part obtained from the banks of the Missouri the Upper Cretaceous marine shale formal names, usually taken from geographic River.This combined data became, initially, the sequence of the Riding Mountain entities or physiographic features associated basis for his five-fold numerical terminology, Formation to the Pierre Formation. Coarse with or in proximity to the outcrops which was subsequently replaced with formal clastics, sourced by the Laramide orogeny described. However, to assign a temporary stratigraphic names.They, in ascending order, and associated with the Pierre (Belly River nomenclature, utilizing a combination of an are as follows: Dakota (No. 1), Fort Benton Group of Dawson and McConnell, 1884) alphabetic symbol and number, afforded (No. 2), Niobrara (No. 3), Fort Pierre (No. 4), were gradually replaced eastward by some flexibility for future revision, pending and Fox Hills (No. 5) (1945, Fenton, C. L. and marine shale over a distance of some 500 eventual formal naming and approval by a Fenton, M. A.: Giants of Geology, Doubleday miles from their provenance. stratigraphic committee. With the surge in and Co., New York, p. 229). 22 January 12/14/05 12:36 PM Page 23
Tyrrell’s and Dowling’s, 1891 geological map contains at its base a combined topographic and stratigraphic cross-section entitled A – B whose horizontal scale of eight miles to the inch conforms with the map’s scale. The section is based on a sea level datum having a vertical scale of 2,000 feet to the inch. Its orientation is southwest – northeast and is titled: Section from Porcupine Mountain to the mouth of the Saskatchewan River. Topographically, it exhibits a profile of the bedrock surface of the Cretaceous expressed Porcupine Mountain with its east-facing 1,500 foot escarpment across a six-mile slope.This incline is an expression of the fairly abrupt erosional edges of successively older Cretaceous formations, whose disappearance marks the relatively flat surface of the Interlake area. Here, the exposed lower Paleozoic rocks occur at surface elevations averaging 850 feet above sea level. The gradual erosional attenuation, eastward, of the exposed Devonian (F) and Silurian (E) strata is apparent in the cross- section. The top of the buried Cambro- Silurian (Ordovician) strata represents the oldest stratigraphic boundary shown on the section.
During Joseph Tyrrell’s investigation of exposures of Devonian strata along the south shore and islands of Dawson Bay, Lake Winnipegosis in July, 1889; he was able to ascertain the stratigraphic boundary separating the Middle Devonian assemblage from its overlying Upper Devonian counterpart. It was his discovery of a genus of a large brachiopod known as Stringocephalus burtini, which dated its host rock as Middle Devonian age.This key index fossil was found, in association with varieties of many other fossils, described by Tyrrell as being imbedded in a matrix of “saccharine” (granular) and “vesicular” (vuggy) dolomite (reef facies). Tyrrell named this Middle Devonian section the Winnipegosan Formation. Baillie’s (1953) Winnipegosis Formation incorporates Tyrrell’s Winnipegosan with the underlying Elm Point Formation (Kindle, 1914), the latter being the platform for the reef or inter-reef facies. Tyrrell (1889) named his Upper Devonian the Manitoban Formation, describing it as a “basal red and grey shale (“Second Red Beds”), overlain by “hard limestone” and capped by “red argillites” (First Red Beds), which in turn, is overlain by “light grey brittle limestone.” Baillie’s Dawson Bay Formation (1953) is restricted to Tyrrell’s “basal red and & grey shale” (“Second Red Beds”) and overlying “hard limestone” bed. Notwithstanding, Warren and Stelck (1950) “tentatively include the Dawson Bay in the Stringocephalus zone, the presence of this (Continued on page 25...) 23 January 12/14/05 12:36 PM Page 24
Short Courses Field Seminars
E&P Methods and Technologies: Selection and Modern Terrigenous Clastic Depositional Systems Applications Leader: Walter J. Sexton, Athena Technologies, Inc., Columbia, Date: April 7-9, 2006 South Carolina Location: Houston, Texas, with AAPG Annual Meeting Dates: April 23-30; May 22-29; September 18-25, 2006 Tuition: $995 (increases to $1095 after 3/10/06), includes course Location: Begins in Columbia and ends in Charleston, South notes and refreshments Carolina Content: 2.3 CEU Tuition: $2,400 (increases to $2500 one month prior to each start Instructors: Alistair R. Brown, Rich Chambers, Fred Hilterman, date), includes ground transportation to Charleston, water Michael Hudec, John Johnson, James A. MacKay, Dave Marschall, transportation, guidebook, beach cookout, modern core workshop, Randall S. Miller, Henry Posamentier, Rawdon Seager, and David A. lunch on the fluvial day, and CD-ROM Wavrek Limit: 27 Content: 5.6 CEU Who Should Attend This is a broad spectrum course that targets members of Who Should Attend integrated teams through middle managers, up to and including Geoscientists and engineers who need to understand the business unit leaders. Anyone who must design and select sedimentology, facies architecture, and sequence stratigraphy of exploration and development teams will benefit from this course. The modern terrigenous clastic depositional systems in tidal estuarine, course will have value not only to geoscience professionals, but also incised valley, shelf, shoreface barrier island, fluvial and alluvial to reservoir engineers and managers of all disciplines who supervise environments. oil-finding teams.
Clastic Reservoir Facies and Sequence Stratigraphic Strategic Play Analysis Analysis of Alluvial Plain, Shoreface, Deltaic, and Shelf Depositional Systems Date: April 8-9, 2006 Location: Houston, Texas, with AAPG Annual Meeting Leader: Thomas A. Ryer, The ARIES Group, LLC, Katy, TX Tuition: $600 (increases to $700 after 3/10/06), includes course notes and refreshments Date: April 23-29, 2006 Content: 1.5 CEU Location: Begins and ends in Salt Lake City, Utah Instructors: P. Jeffrey Brown, Decision Strategies, Inc., Houston, Tuition: $1,800 (increases to $1900 after 3/24/06), includes field TX; Marshall W. Titus, Platte River Associates, Inc., Houston, TX transportation, lunches in the field, guidebook Limit: 15 Who Should Attend Content: 5.0 CEU This course is designed to provide a succinct review of petroleum system and geologic play elements and processes, as well Who Should Attend as all the information necessary to conduct a strategic play analysis, Exploration and development geologists, geophysicists, based upon an admixture of geologic and strategic variables. This reservoir engineers, log analysts, and managers of exploration and course is suitable for geoscientists, engineers, planners, and managers. The math is algebraic and should pose no major hurdles development programs who want a better understanding of the facies to participation. variations that control the distribution of clastic reservoirs. Plan Now for April Education with AAPG!!
NEW GeoTour!! Geologic Field Trip to Trinidad & Tobago
Leader: Patrick J. Gooding, Kentucky Geologic Survey, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY Dates: April 26 – May 2, 2006 Location: Begins in Port of Spain, Trinidad on April 27th at 7:00am and ends in Scarborough, Tobago on May 1st Tuition: $2,000 (increases to $2100 after 3/15/06), includes field trip transportation, 5 lunches, 1 dinner, entry fees, welcome reception, field trip guidebook and boat travel to Tobago for the group Limit: 30
Who Should Attend Like other AAPG GeoTours, the trip will integrate geology, culture, history, and social activities for the geologists, spouses/partners and children (12 years or older) interested in an overview rather than detailed learning. The trip will be entertaining, recreational as well as learning experience about the islands of Trinidad and Tobago.
For further information, please contact the AAPG Education Department Phone: 918-560-2650; Fax: 918-560-2678; e-mail: [email protected] Or log on to www.aapg.org/education/index.cfm
24 January 12/14/05 12:36 PM Page 25
(...Continued from page 23) genus has been verified in at least one locality An anecdote relating to one of Joseph Langenburg (Assiniboia) (a distance of 110 in the Dawson Bay of the Saskatchewan Tyrrell’s lengthy traverses not on foot, miles) and the material (cuttings) thrown out subsurface” (Ibid., 1960, Workman, L.E.: horseback, buckboard, boat, or canoe, but by of the wells at and between the different Lexicon of Geologic Names --- p.95). a railway velocipede; a foot-pedaled rail stations.” vehicle, amusingly know by rail maintenance During the field season of 1888 Tyrrell and crews of the day as a “bone-shaker.” Such a The occurrence of immature, asphaltic-type Dowling examined the “Cambro-silurian” on vehicle was placed at his disposal by W.R. petroleum, associated with dark grey to black the bank of the Red River at Lower Fort Baker, General Superintendent of the marine shales of the Vermilion River Garry, as well as the Garson and Tyndall Manitoba and North-Western Railway on formation, exposed in the Vermilion River quarries located near East Selkirk.Across the June 13, 1887. He secured the contrivance in valley, may have been the incentive for Red River, at West Selkirk, they took delivery Minnedosa, as well as a man to do the the incorporation of an entrepreneurial of their sailboat, which had been freighted by pedaling, following the arrival of his party exploration company, known as the Manitoba Canadian Pacific Railway from Collingwood, from Portage la Prairie. To quote Tyrrell: he Oil Company. In the spring of 1887, they Ontario.The boat, a fishing smack, was to be “examined all the cuttings on the railway spudded an exploration well on the west bank utilized by the two geologists for accessing (line) between Minnedosa (Manitoba) and (Continued on page 38...) bedrock exposures along the shore and islands of Lake Winnipeg. Sailing north, some 16 miles, Tyrrell and Dowling arrived at the mouth of the Red River. Proceeding north, for 56 miles, they reached an Icelandic settlement, located on Black Island. It was here, on the south shore of the northeast end of the island, that they examined a Precambrian iron ore deposit, consisting of red oolitic hematite. At the time, the claims to the property were held by International Smelting and Mining Company of Winnipeg. From here they sailed northward 10 miles to Deer (Punk) Island and Grindstone Point, where they found an exposure of Trenton (Red River) limestone Senior Research Petroleum Geologist underlain conformably by “white, (MCP07) interstratified sandstone.” Tyrrell postulated that this Paleozoic sandstone, later named Saskatchewan Industry and Resources is seeking a senior research geologist to join the Petroleum Geology Branch. As the successful candidate, you will join a Winnipeg Formation (Dowling, 1895), was small team of geoscientists who, based at the core storage and examination facility representative of the Chazyan stage, or basal in Regina, encourage and support the exploration, development and effective Middle Ordovician, it being coeval with the St. management of Saskatchewan's petroleum and natural gas resources by Peter Sandstone of Minnesota. assembling, analyzing and reporting on geological and geophysical well log data submitted to government through regulation. You will provide consultative services The absence of strata of Carboniferous age, to the hydrocarbon industry when called upon. You will undertake your own research projects which will focus on the province's sedimentary strata, particularly lying between the Devonian and Cretaceous siliciclastic rocks of Mesozoic age, commonly making results available in digital systems, as evident from Tyrrell’s and format, and will keep abreast of related geoscience and GIS activities elsewhere. Dowling’s regional surface geological mapping of Manitoba, resulted in Tyrrell’s hypothesis for To qualify for this position you will require a Masters of Science degree in Geology and be registered (or eligible for registration) in the Association of Professional what he believed to support its absence. His Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan. explanation in 1888 is as follows:“At the south end of Swan Lake (Sec. 20, Twp. 39, Rge. 22 The successful candidate will be a self-motivated individual capable of working both independently and in a team environment and will be thorough, conscientious WPM) a small brine spring is flowing on the and attentive to detail. shallow, muddy beach, while a short distance back in the woods a hill rises to a height of GEO000124, Regina, Industry and Resources between 200 and 300 feet. On its terraced sides thick deposits of white sandstone of the CLOSING DATE: JANUARY 22, 2006 Dakota group” and “it has been thought that the bitumen-bearing sands on the Athabasca Please apply online at www.careers.gov.sk.ca or contact the Public Service Commission with any questions at 1-866-319-5999 or 787-7575 if calling from Regina. River are also of the same age.” Further,“The We appreciate your interest in a career with the public service. sandstones are here found not to be bituminiferous, however, and no bitumen is Deaf or Hard of Hearing TTY: (306) 787-7576 Visually Impaired Info: (306) 933-7079 seen in the underlying limestones, as there is said to be in the limestones on the Athabasca. www.careers.gov.sk.ca Their position, immediately overlying the horizontal Devonian limestone, also for this district practically settles in the negative the question of the existence or non-existence of intermediate Carboniferous rocks” (Geological and Natural History Survey of We are committed to workplace diversity. Canada, vol, IV, 1888-1889, pp. 22A, 23A). January 12/14/05 12:36 PM Page 26
DRILLING TECHNIQUES BY WASIM PARACHA On August 27, 1859 at 12 o’clock noon, drilling finished on a well at Titusville, Pennsylvania. The depth reached by the borehole was 69.5 feet.This was the first well in the world to have been specifically and successfully drilled for oil production.
As drilling techniques and materials improved since that initial well, the depths reached by the bit have progressively increased. The currently deepest productive (gas) well is in Texas (Pecos County) and reached a total depth of 21,793 feet. Another well reached 31, 441 feet depth, but was abandoned as dry.
The early wells were drilled by the “Cable Tool” or “Percussion System” in which a chisel-shaped tool, heavily weighted, was raised and dropped so that it punched a hole into the earth. This was a cheap, simple, and effective method for sinking shallow boreholes, but progress was slow and there Figure 1.Typical drill-rig set-up. was no provision for controlling the flow of oil or gas when encountered under pressure. string (drillstem) and casing. The hoisting another three hours to run it back. The Consequently, many wells blew out of control equipment is powered by the drawworks. longer time taken for pulling-out is due to the and sprayed a cascade of petroleum over the great weight of the combined sections of drill surrounding area. Such gushers were The drilling string can be subdivided into four pipe, which can total well over a 100 tons. extremely dangerous and led to numerous sections as: fires and injuries. 1) Kelly, The Drill Collar is the section of the drilling 2) Drill pipe, string immediately above the bit. These are Today, the “Rotary System method” is most 3) Drill collar, and strong, heavier lengths of pipe as compared commonly used. The bit is not used as a 4) Drilling Bit. to rest of the string. They give weight and punch but is revolved at the end of the rigidity to the whole string. Only a small drill pipe. The Kelly is a 40-foot-long hollow steel tube portion of the total weight of drilling string is with a hexagonal or square cross-section allowed to bear on the bit via the drill collars. DRILLING EQUIPMENT shape that fits into a similarly shaped hole in The balance is carried by the traveling block DERRICK: the rotary table on the platform. The rotary and controlled by a brake on the draworks. The most conspicuous component of a table is turned by the main power unit, which Just how much weight is imposed on the bit rotary drilling rig is the derrick itself.This is a supplies several thousand horsepower to run and the speed at which the bit is rotated steel scaffold, resembling an outsized the drill rig. depends upon the nature of the rock electricity-grid pylon from which is formations encountered. As a general rule, a suspended the “hoisting gear” and drilling The Drill Pipe is a 30-foot-long hollow, solid- high-weight load and slow rotating speed are string. Drilling rigs intended for drilling to drawn, thick-walled steel pipe whose diameter used for hard rocks and lighter loads with depths of 10,000 feet have a 30x30 square- is dependent on the size of borehole being faster rotating speeds for softer rocks. foot floor (Platform) with a derrick up to 140 drilled. It is screwed on the lower end of the feet in height towering above the ground.The Kelly and as the borehole increases in depth, derrick is able to carry a load of about 350 the Kelly and drilling string are lowered tons. In the case of deeper drilling, the derrick through the rotary table until a short length of may be 200 feet or more in height. Kelly remains above the aperture. Then another section of drill pipe is attached. HOISTING EQUIPMENT AND DRAWORKS: The top of the derrick is mounted by: In order to add another section of drill pipe, 1) Crown Block (Pulleys), the Kelly is raised until the first drill pipe 2) Traveling Block, connection is above the rotary table. The 3) Hook, and Kelly is unscrewed and a new length of pipe 4) Swivel (rotating joint to which drilling is attached. The Kelly is re-coupled and string is secured). drilling resumed. Periodically, however, as for instance when a bit needs replacing, the These four components are suspended on entire drill string has to be pulled clear of the wire ropes. This is the “Hoisting Equipment” hole. On a rig drilling at 15,000 ft depth, it used for raising and lowering the drilling may take five hours to pull out the string and 26 January 12/14/05 12:36 PM Page 27
The Drilling Bits are the operating point of the drilling string. The types of bit used in drilling depend upon the nature (soft/hard) of the rock expected to be encountered.The following three commonly used types of drill bits are:
1) Multi-bladed Fishtail or “Drag” (for soft rocks), 2) Three-Cone Rolling Cutter (for hard rocks), and 3) Diamond or “Tungsten Carbide” (for Very hard rocks).
A bit in normal condition will need replacement after 10-12 hours depending upon average rate of drilling and nature of rock being encountered. In ideal conditions, a Engineer every well bit can drill several hundred feet per hour.On the other hand, in hard rock or while with greater accuracy directionally drilling, the rate can drop to one foot or less per hour. and lower risk.
Casing is steel pipe permanently cemented in place in a well and has three main functions. The first casing to be set is the surface casing, which serves to stabilize the hole in What a concept. the typically unconsolidated near-surface sediments and to prevent communication with shallow aquifers. Depending on the Osprey Risk depth of the well and nature of the rocks penetrated, additional casing (intermediate) may be set to prevent the wall of the hole Conceptual well planning—manage your risk, from caving in during drilling.The third use of improve your well placement. casing is to allow for the eventual production In the time it takes to design a single well plan using conventional tools, of the well.As seen in Figure 2, the size of the Osprey* Risk drilling risk prediction model can help design multiple well final casing is dependent upon that of the scenarios, analyze them, and quantify the alternatives in terms of risk, preceding strings. time, and cost. From there, make incremental improvements in your well design to arrive at the best conceivable drilling plan. After the drill string has been removed, lengths of casing – often in 30ft sections like In the drilling world, success is defined by reduced risk, efficient use drill pipe – are screwed together and lowered of time, and money saved. into the well. Then cement is pumped down the casing and flows back to surface between In the world of conceptual well design, the borehole and outside of the pipe. This that means Osprey Risk. forces the drilling mud out of the hole, seals off the different formations, and permanently sets the casing. After the cement hardens, initial tests are made to ensure that the casing is leak-proof. Drilling can then be resumed, using a bit of slightly smaller diameter than the inside of the casing. [email protected] A well which started with a 23-inch diameter bit will be completed by 5 5⁄8 inch bit for a www.slb.com/ospreyrisk 15,000 feet deep well. A typical casing program would be 18 5⁄8 inch diameter to 500 feet, 13 3⁄8 inch diameter to 4,000 feet, 9 5⁄8 inch to 7,000 feet and 5 5⁄8 inch to completion.
ANGLES OF BOREHOLES The importance of maintaining the correct © 2005 Schlumberger. All rights reserved. inclination is shown in the fact that a steady *Mark of Schlumberger. 05-IS-388 5° drift in a 5,000 ft borehole would result in (Continued on page 29...) 27 January 12/14/05 12:36 PM Page 28 January 12/14/05 12:36 PM Page 29
amalgam with a number of chemical constituents incorporated for specific purposes. The mud fluid is circulated during drilling for different reasons: 1) It flushes out and returns to surface, the rock chippings from the base of the hole, 2) It plasters up the sides of the borehole and prevents continual caving, 3) It controls the pressure set up by the water, oil, and gas librated from the formations penetrated, and 4) It lubricates and cools the bit during drilling.
The mud is stored in surface containers from which it is pumped through flexible hose coupled to the rotary swivel. It travels down through the Kelly and the hollow drill pipe into the bit and is then forced back to the wellhead between the outside of the drill pipe and the walls of the borehole. On return, it is passed over a vibrating screen, which separates out the rock chippings and Figure 2. Multiple casing strings. then it goes again back to the container for recirculation. The behavior of mud during circulation can indicate the presence of oil, gas, or saltwater while further tests confirms the presence of oil and gas.
DRILLING PROBLEMS Some problems during drilling occur when there is an abrupt increase in drilling speed or when there is a sudden acceleration in the rate at which the drilling mud is being forced back to the surface. In either case, the drilling engineer may order an immediate closure of the blow-out prevention valves. This closure will allow him to check the degree of pressure building-up in the borehole and to calculate the weight and force which must be imported by the drilling mud to keep this pressure under control. He may use a special heavy fluid in which barite has been blended Figure 3. Common methods of directional drilling. for this purpose. This fluid is circulated to control the pressure surge and normal work can be resumed. (...Continued from page 27) determined angle for technical reasons is its bottom-hole location being more than called “Directional Drilling” This is done to FISHING 400 feet offcentre from the wellhead. This reach some desired underground location Occasionally, the drilling string or bit could easily result in missing the target. where the surface conditions prevent the becomes stuck or breaks and forms an erection of a drilling rig directly overhead. obstruction to the drilling process. This may One prime concern of the drilling engineer The same technique is used when it is more result from defects in the bit or pipe, use of is that of keeping the borehole vertical.This economic to sink a number of wells from the wrong bit for the type of rock problem increases with the depth and rate the same central position, as in underwater encountered, improper drilling techniques, of operation and holes are continually operations involving fixed drilling platforms. etc. If a problem occurs, drilling is stopped checked to be as vertical. If the borehole has In directional drilling, a deviation of 40° or and immediate action will be taken by the shifted and is making any angle, this will be more can be built up at a rate 2° or 2.5° per driller.If the problem is simple, e.g., pipe stuck known through the instruments which are 100 feet of hole. Slant, S-type, or J-type are in the borehole, it may be possible to work it lowered down the wellbore and corrective variations based on the shape of the loose. However, a more serious break may measures can be taken. borehole (see Figure 3). require the use of specialty “fishing” tools to latch on to the stuck pipe so that it can be Sometimes it is necessary to drill a non- Mud is one of the prime factors in drilling. removed. In the worst-case scenario of stuck vertical well. Deliberately drilling at a pre- The drilling mud is often a highly complex (Continued on page 30...) 29 January 12/15/05 5:14 PM Page 30
(...Continued from page 29) may ask for a core sample to be cut. Once in place, this casing must be tools or pipe down the hole, the hole would Retrieving an actual sample of the rock perforated so that oil or natural gas can have to be abandoned. allows for more accurate testing to be percolate into the well. A well-head performed, which can then be used to assembly of valves and pipes is installed and LOSS OF DRILLING FLUID calibrate the geophysical log readings. the production can then be tied into the Another headache sometimes faced by gathering system for transportation to its drillers is due to unusually porous or FORMATION TESTING final destination. fissured rock encountered during drilling. When a potentially hydrocarbon-bearing When this happens, instead of coming back formation is reached, testing must be BIOGRAPHY to surface, the drilling mud flows into the conducted under conditions as close to Wasim Paracha is an Exploration Geophysicist porous rock or fissure and is referred to as those in the reservoir as possible. Typically with Calvalley Petroleum Inc., Calgary where lost circulation. Lost circulation increases this involves use of special tools like a Drill one of his major areas of interest is the the chances of getting stuck in the hole and stem tester, which is lowered by the drill mapping of near-basement granite wash of having blowouts. Until the circulation is string into position. The drill stem tester sediments in structural/stratigraphic studies of restored, drilling has to be suspended. This contains a valve system, controlled from the the Yemen region. Wasim has a Ph.D. from problem can be solved by adding special surface, which prevents any mud entering Sweden in Geology and Geophysics and over 10 ingredients to the mud to increase its ability the drill pipe as it is run in. Once in place, years of professional experience in basin to plug the pores and fissures. Once the the main valve is opened and any oil or gas analysis, prospect generation, and structural problem has been overcome, it may be present in the formation can enter the drill studies in the WCSB, Canadian Arctic, North necessary to set casing before drilling can pipe under its natural pressure.The degree Sea, and Himalayas. be resumed. of flow will indicate the pressure of the reservoir. In addition to exploration and teaching at SAIT, LOGGING AND CORING Wasim is an expert in seismic/sequence As the drilling progresses, periodic readings COMPLETION stratigraphy/facies mapping with 3D/2D or “logs” may be taken by various Assuming the logs or formation tests prove modeling, depth imaging studies, AVO, reservoir instruments to determine the nature of the favorable, the final stage is completing the evaluation, and well log analysis and has rock formations being penetrated. These well. If the producing rock is reasonably authored 7 books and 25 articles and reports. readings give valuable information as to the consolidated it may be left uncased. This is He can be reached at drwasimparacha@ porosity and hydrocarbon-bearing potential. known as a “bare-foot” completion. If there shaw.ca or 403-273-4395. If circumstances warrant it, the geologist is a risk of caving-in, casing must be inserted.
30 January 12/14/05 12:36 PM Page 31
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403.263.0449 www.ecqc.com January 12/14/05 12:36 PM Page 33
COOPERATIVE GEOLOGICAL MAPPING STRATEGIES
BY LES FYFFE AND IRWIN ITZKOVITCH (CO-CHAIRS, NATIONAL GEOLOGICAL SURVEYS COMMITTEE1) Cooperative Geological Mapping Strategies: a new Canada-wide vision for public geoscience
Canada’s rich energy and mineral resources play a critical role in its economic and social well-being. These resources are fundamental to the advancement of society and the support of communities in all regions of the country. As Canadians, we have grown accustomed to the contributions of the energy and mineral sectors to our daily lives, but new resources must found in order for them to be sustained. However, important energy supply issues have emerged in the last decade, and metal reserves have declined dramatically.
What can be done? Governments can step forward, as they have done in the past, to Figure 1: Funding levels for geological surveys in Canada.The marginal increase since 1999 reflects federal and provincial encourage the private sector to invest in funding contributions to sunset programs such as the Targeted Geoscience Initiative, Operation Treasure Hunt in Ontario, finding new energy and mineral resources in along with provincial/territorial “down-payments” to the Cooperative Geological Mapping Strategies Across Canada initiative. Canada2. Historically, governments have invested in geological survey mapping and data approach built upon the existing cooperation What are governments doing to make CGMS stewardship to provide geoscience data and across jurisdictional boundaries, and a reality? Provincial, territorial, and federal knowledge to the energy and mining facilitates priority setting at the broadly jurisdictions have successfully worked together industries. Now, at the request of the Mines regional and national scales. Clearly, some of to develop a set of “Strategies”, to determine Ministers of Canada, many of whom are also the principal geoscience issues are best the collective scope of “Cooperative Ministers of Energy, a new public geoscience addressed through multi-jurisdictional, Geological Mapping”, and to formulate where a initiative is being developed with input from regional strategies. Energy-related water 10-year CGMS Implementation Plan should the federal, provincial, and territorial issues regarding CBM and oil sands lead Canada. The Implementation Plan, which governments; industry representatives; and development, as well as enhanced oil and gas outlines how CGMS can produce realistic other interested parties. recovery, are just one example from a very roadmaps to the responsible discovery and long list. Figure 2 (page 34) is an example of a recovery of energy, groundwater, and mineral “Cooperative Geological Mapping Strategies cooperative geological mapping project: many resources, and related environmental Across Canada” (CGMS) is a 10-year vision more such maps are needed if Canada is to geoscience, was endorsed by Canada’s Mines statement prepared by the National sustain a competitive climate for exploration Ministers at their 2004 annual conference Geological Surveys Committee in response to investment. where they agreed to work toward making direction from all of Canada’s governments. CGMS a reality. It is hoped that the Ministers The CGMS vision focuses on the continuing So, where is CGMS headed? Geological will renew their committment to seek funding need for reliable geoscience knowledge surveys are increasingly presenting public for CGMS when they meet again in New relating to energy, groundwater and mineral geoscience as an important but underutilized Brunswick in September of this year. For more resources. The CGMS vision statement, tool to address government issues and information, please contact the head of your approved by all of Canada’s jurisdictions in priorities - in other words, as a contribution federal, provincial, or territorial geological 2000, identifies geoscience knowledge as a key to the “Public Good”. In the context of survey (see Table on page 34 for e-mail and competitive advantage, essential to maintaining CGMS, this means fostering the responsible phone coordinates). Canada as a pre-eminent global destination for sustainable development of energy, exploration investment. Industry pointed out groundwater, and mineral resources. It means to all of Canada’s governments that our reducing the risk related to their exploration 1 The National Geological Surveys Committee comprises competitive advantage has been put at risk and development, and ensuring that industry, the Earth Sciences Sector’s Geological Survey of because the past decade has seen a government, and society at large have a sound Canada and the geological survey organizations of all progressive decrease in funding for geological scientific basis for determining how, where, provinces (except Prince Edward Island) and the three surveys in this country (Fig. 1). and when resource development should territories. Les Fyffe, Director, Geological Surveys take place. Potential CGMS geoscience Branch, Department of Natural Resources, Hugh John Between Spring and Fall 2003, as an initial step programs could include projects to stimulate Flemming Forestry Centre, P. O. Box 6000, Fredericton, in developing the CGMS concept, the federal, exploration in frontier areas and NB, E3B 5H1, Irwin Itzkovitch, Assistant Deputy provincial, and territorial geological survey development of unconventional energy Minister, Earth Science Sector, Natural Resources organizations initiated a collective discussion resources as well as studies to determine Canada, 580 Booth St, Ottawa, Ont. K1A 0E4 of Canada’s energy, mineral, and public good how to mitigate the potential environmental 2 For example: Targeted Geoscience Initiative (TGI) geoscience gaps and needs.This collaborative impact of resource development. Shallow Gas Studies 33 January 12/14/05 12:36 PM Page 34
Figure 2: A 2005 Surficial Geology map of Northwestern Alberta that serves energy industry users looking for ultra shallow gas, groundwater sources, pipeline and facilities planning, road planning and aggregate material sources and at the same time serves mineral industry explorationists and a multitude of other users.The map was produced jointly by the Geological Survey of Canada and the Alberta Geological Survey with cooperation of the British Columbia Ministry of Energy and Mines as part of the Targeted Geoscience Initiative (TGI 2) that ended in 2005.
JURISDICTION CONTACT NAME AND COORDINATES Murray Duke, Director General, Geological Survey of Canada, E-Mail: [email protected] Federal Government Natural Resources Canada Tel: 1 (613) 995-4093 Simon Hanmer, Federal CGMS coordinator and Interim Targeted Geoscience Initiative E-Mail: [email protected] Program Manager, Geological Survey of Canada, Department of Natural Resources Canada Tel: 1 (613) 992-4704 Frank Blackwood, Director, Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador, E-Mail: [email protected] Newfoundland Department of Mines and Energy Tel: 1 (709) 729-6541 Michael Cherry, Director, Geological Services Division, Nova Scotia Department of E-Mail: [email protected] Nova Scotia Natural Resources Tel: 1(902) 424-8135 Leslie Fyffe, Director, Geological Surveys Branch, New Brunswick Department of E-Mail: [email protected] New Brunswick Natural Resources and Energy Tel: 1(506) 453-3874 Andy Fyon, Director, Ontario Geological Survey, Ministry of Northern Development E-Mail: [email protected] Ontario and Mines Tel: 1 (705) 670-5924 E-Mail: [email protected] Manitoba Ric Syme, Director, Manitoba Geological Survey, Manitoba Industry Trade and Mines Tel: 1 (204) 945-6556 Gary Delaney, Director & Chief Geologist, Northern Geological Survey Branch E-Mail: [email protected] Saskatchewan Saskatchewan Industry and Resources Tel: 1 (306) 787-1160 Rick Richardson, Provincial Geologist and Manager, E-Mail: [email protected] Alberta Alberta Geological Survey, Alberta Energy and Utilities Board Tel: 1 (780) 427-1980 Dave Lefebure, Director & Chief Geologist, Geological Survey Branch, E-Mail: [email protected] British Columbia British Columbia Ministry of Energy and Mines Tel: 1 (250) 952-0374 Derek Brown, Executive Director, Resource Development and Geoscience Branch, E-Mail: [email protected] Oil and Gas Division, British Columbia Ministry of Energy and Mines Tel: 1(250) 952-0432 Grant Abbott,Chief Scientist, Yukon Geological Survey, Department of Energy, E-Mail: [email protected] Yukon Territory Mines and Resources Tel: 1 (867) 667-3200 E-Mail: [email protected] Northwest Territories Dr. Carolyn Relf, Manager, Northwest Territories Geoscience Offi ce Tel: 1 (867) 669-2635 E-Mail: [email protected] Nunavut Don James, Chief Geologist, Canada-Nunavut Geoscience Offi ce Tel: 1 (867) 979-3539
34 January 12/14/05 12:36 PM Page 35 January 12/14/05 12:36 PM Page 36 January 12/14/05 12:36 PM Page 37
2006 CSPG CSEG CWLS JOINT CONVENTION
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES – WHATÕS NEW? The goal in creating a solid scientific, technical and business As the industry changes so must the convention format to fit the presentation that address “What’s Next?” will be achieved with the needs of our delegates.The technical presentations and exhibition will high quality of abstracts received.To maintain a high quality within the again be housed in the Round Up Centre, Stampede Park. However,the 2006 Technical Programme, abstracts are being accepted based on the convention has been reduced from a full week of activities to 4 days! review and recommendations of the session chairperson and the This allows our exhibitors, sponsors and delegates to fit more in availability of oral and poster session slots. during a shorter time period – which we all need during these busy times in industry. The deadline to submit abstracts for oral, poster, and core presentations is JANUARY 31, 2006. Late submission will NOT be A full technical programme of oral and poster presentations is accepted – and at this rate we may fill up before the deadline! scheduled to begin on Monday, May 15th and wrap up at noon on Wednesday, May 17th. Special Sessions will be held on that Wednesday • 3D Seismic Imaging afternoon as well as the Core Conference beginning at the AEUB Core • Acquisition/Magnetic/Resistivity Research Centre.The Core Conference will continue on May 18th and • Are recent discoveries a template for the future? the convention will wrap up that afternoon by the always anticipated • AVO Case Studies Core Meltdown! • AVO Methods • Can the dolomite problem be solved? It is hoped that our exhibitors, the technical programme, and the social • Can the promise of the Frontiers be fulfilled? - Session I Mackenzie events will showcase our theme WHAT’S NEXT? Where is our Corridor and Mackenzie Delta industry heading? and light the way forward. • Can the promise of the Frontiers be fulfilled? - Session II Other Basins (Oceanic Margins, High Arctic, Intermontane, etc.) TECHNICAL PROGRAMME OUTLINE SCHEDULE • Geophysical Papers Overwhelming response to Abstracts! • Heavy Oils and Tar Sands - What are the promises and limits? • How are the Cordillera and the Foreland linked? The 2006 Joint Convention Abstract Submission opened on November • How can Data and Information Management add value? 1, 2005 and we have had an overwhelming response! • How do we get new petroleum from old basins?
37 January 12/15/05 4:43 PM Page 38
2006 CSPG CSEG CWLS JOINT CONVENTION
• How do we insure access and achieve sustainability? The delegate traffic flow in the exhibition hall is being enhanced by • How will petroleum systems analysis facilitate future developments positioning the poster sessions throughout the exhibition hall, having and discoveries? access to the Archie Boyce Lecture Hall only through the exhibits, • How will we extract value in the future? placing the coffee stations in key areas on the floor and creating an • International Session - What is happening outside of Canada and internet café and business centre where everyone can quickly check where is it going? into the office instead of traveling back downtown – allowing a variety • Migration Techniques of opportunities for delegates to visit the exhibition!
• Multi-component and Time Lapse Processing Invest in this year’s joint convention! • Petrophysics I:Tight Gas and CBM Sponsorship is critical to the success of any conference. In order to • Petrophysics II: Case Studies facilitate a meaningful exchange of ideas and information the CSPG, • Seismic Processing CSEG, and CWLS require the support of our sponsors for the • What are the promises and limits of Unconventional Gas? upcoming Conference. Without the support of our industry companies, we would not be able to fulfill the mandates to promote • Where do we go next in the Foothills? the Earth Sciences, especially as they relate to the exploration and • Where is sequence stratigraphy going? exploitation of petroleum and natural gas. • Wireline, LWD, and Core: New Technology and Techniques Position your organization as an industry leader and strategically align This is going to be the best one stop exhibition in 2006! yourself with these three societies to provide a premier technical event for Canadian geoscience professionals. As predicted, the 2006 Exhibition is also showing high demand of interest from companies wishing to profile their products and services. Sponsorship opportunities include the Keynote Luncheon, Delegate With the CSPG, CSEG and CWLS partnering once again, exhibiting at Bags,Technical Halls,Student Sessions, Speakers’ Breakfast, Ice Breaker, WHAT’S NEXT? Where is our industry heading? is the best one-stop Special Events and more! opportunity to meet key geoscientists.
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Western Canada Satyaki began his career in 1989 as a wellsite of the Vermilion River (SW 1/4, Sec 22, Twp Geological Edge Set geologist and core analyst for ONGC India 23, Rge 20 WPM) in the hope of discovering (Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Ltd.), and an oil reservoir beneath the surface 2006 Version subsequently worked in their reservoir indications. Apparently, Tyrrell and Dowling Now available for import into ACCUMAP, mapping and geostatistical modeling group. visited the drillsite and conferred with the GEOSCOUT and other applications He joined Schlumberger Wireline & Testing in drillers and operator the same summer. 1997 as an Interpretation Development Director Selwyn made the following 1) Mississippian Subcrops and Devonian Geologist in Bombay, India, followed by an reference to their visit (Selywn, 1889) in his Reef Edges - AB, NE BC, NT and SK assignment as Schlumberger Data Services summary report of 1887-1888; “During the 2) Rock Creek Subcrop Edge - Alberta Coordinator for onshore and eastern India, season of 1887, a number of enterprising 3) Glauconitic Channel Trends before getting transferred to Canada. He has gentlemen of Manitoba sank an eight-inch - Alberta, West-central Saskatchewan worked in clastics, carbonates, and coals of borehole on the banks of the Vermilion River 4) Colony/Sparky/Lloydminster Reservoir Asia, Middle East, and North America. Satyaki to a depth of 300 feet in the hope of Trends - East-central Alberta earned an M.S. degree in Applied Geology obtaining a supply of petroleum. Mr. Tyrrell from the Indian Institute of Technology in was then consulted, and they were told they 5) Bluesky-Dunlevy Reservoir Trends Roorkee, India with a First Class Gold Medal would have to bore through Cretaceous - NE BC and a Master of Technology degree in Geo- shales to at least 420 feet below the surface, 6) Triassic Halfway, Doig, Charlie Lake exploration from the Indian Institute of below which they would in all probability Siphon, Cecil, North Pine and Technology in Bombay. shortly strike the Devonian limestones. If Boundary Lake Reservoir Trends petroleum was to be found, as far as there - Peace River Arch, Alberta, NE BC INFORMATION was any evidence to show, it would be in beds All edges are formatted as map Talks are free; please bring your lunch. immediately overlying this limestone.” Tyrrell features for use in Accumap and Goodies and drinks are provided by HEF deduced this on the basis of the Dakota ESRI Shape fi les for other programs. Petrophysical Consulting, and the room is (McMurray) sand hosting the bitumen along For more information contact: provided by Petro-Canada. If you would like the Athabasca River. On the basis of this Mike Sherwin 403-263-0594 to be on the Structural Division e-mail list, or advice, albeit gratis, Joseph Tyrrell has the if you’d like to give a talk, please contact distinction of being the first consulting email: [email protected] Elizabeth Atkinson at (403) 296-3694 or petroleum geologist in Western Canada. www.sherwingeological.com [email protected]. To be continued... 38 January 12/14/05 12:37 PM Page 39
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