16 Microseismic for Geologists 20 March is National Engineering and Geoscience Month: Design the Future! 23 Aberdeen, Scotland

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RESERVOIR ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2012 1 Since 1927...

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February 2012 – VOLUME 39, ISSUE 2

ARTICLES

Microseismic for Geologists – Microseismic Hydraulic Fracture Imaging:

Part 1 Introduction to Processing and Acquisition ...... 16

CSPG OFFICE March is National Engineering and Geoscience Month: Design the Future! ...... 20 #110, 333 – 5th Avenue SW Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 3B6 Tel: 403-264-5610 Fall Education Week ...... 22 Web: www.cspg.org Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:00pm Aberdeen, Scotland ...... 23 Executive Director: Lis Bjeld Tel: 403-513-1235, Email: [email protected] Member Liaison: Bea McDowell 2011 CSPG Awards ...... 27 Tel: 403-513-1226, Email: [email protected] Communications and Publications: Caitlin Young Kyosei ...... 28 Email: [email protected], Tel: 403-513-1230 Programs Development: Aileen Lozie Tel: 403-513-1227, Email: [email protected] Fall Lecture Tour Wrap-Up ...... 30 Accounting and Office Administration: Kasandra Klein Tel: 403-513-1233, Email: [email protected] Corporate Sponsorship: Lis Bjeld DEPARTMENTS Tel: 403-513-1235, Email: [email protected] Executive Comment ...... 5 EDITORS/AUTHORS Please submit RESERVOIR articles to the CSPG office. Submission deadline is the 23rd day of the month, two months prior Technical Luncheons ...... 8 to issue date. (e.g., January 23 for the March issue).

To publish an article, the CSPG requires digital copies of the document. Division Talks ...... 12 Text should be in Microsoft Word format and illustrations should be in TIFF format at 300 dpi., at final size. For additional information on manuscript preparation, refer to the Guidelines for Authors published in the CSPG Rock Shop ...... 14, 21, 29 Bulletin or contact the editor.

Technical Editors Ben McKenzie Colin Yeo (Assistant Tech. Editor) Tarheel Exploration EnCana Corporation Tel: 403-277-4496 Tel: 403-645-7724 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Coordinating Editor Caitlin Young, Publications Coordinator, CSPG Tel: 403-513-1230, Email: [email protected],

ADVERTISING Advertising inquiries should be directed to Caitlin Young, Tel: 403-513-1230 email: [email protected]. The deadline to reserve advertising space is the 23rd day of the month, two months prior to issue date.

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 and August. The purpose of the RESERVOIR is to publicize the Society’s many activities and to promote the geosciences. We look for both technical and non-technical material to publish. Additional information on the RESERVOIR’s submission guidelines can be found at http://www.cspg. org/publications/pubs-reservoir-submissions.cfm. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced either in part or in full without the consent of the publisher. Additional copies of the RESERVOIR are available at the CSPG office. No official endorsement or sponsorship by the CSPG is implied for any advertisement, insert, or article that appears in the Reservoir unless otherwise noted. All submitted materials are reviewed by the editor. We reserve the right to edit all submissions, including letters to the Editor. Submissions must include your name, address, and membership number (if applicable). The material contained in this publication is intended for informational use only. While reasonable care has been taken, authors and the CSPG make no guarantees that any of the equations, schematics, or devices discussed will perform as expected or that they will give the desired results. Some information contained herein may be inaccurate or may vary from standard measurements. The CSPG expressly disclaims any and all liability for the acts, omissions, or conduct of any third-party user FRONT COVER of information contained in this publication. Under no circumstances shall the CSPG and its officers, directors, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Heated water employees, and agents be liable for any injury, loss, damage, or expense arising in any manner whatsoever from the acts, omissions, or conduct of any third-party user. moves along the Morris-Mammoth Fault carrying dissolved calcium and bicarbonate. At surface, the carbonate combines with calcium to precipitate as travertine, forming Design and Layout by Sundog Printing. Printed in Canada by Sundog Printing. the signature terraces. Photo by Michael Lam.

RESERVOIR ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2012 3 Since 1927... UPCOMING EDUCATION SCHEDULE Last Chance The DW Geopressure Tolerance Window: Case Histories - An AAPG E-Symposium March 15, 2012 Selim S. Shaker, Geopressure Analysis Services, Houston, TX

Basic Well Log Analysis March 26-30, 2012 Austin, Texas

Practical Salt Tectonics March 28-30, 2012 Austin, Texas

Short Courses Basic Petroleum Geology for the Non-Geologist April 17-19, 2012 A joint course with AAPG and University of Tulsa Continuing Engineering and Science Education Department Houston, TX

Shale Gas Reservoir Assessment April 21-22, 2012 Long Beach, CA (with AAPG Annual Convention) Field Seminars

Field Safety Course for Field Trip Leaders March 28-29, 2012 Houston, Texas

Deep-Water Siliciclastic Reservoirs, California April 27-May 2, 2012 Begins in Palo Alto and ends at the airport in San Francisco, California

Clastic Reservoir Facies and Sequence Stratigraphic Analysis of Alluvial-Plain, Shoreface, April 28-May 2, 2012 Deltaic, and Shelf Depositional Systems Begins and ends in Salt Lake City, Utah

Complex Carbonates Reservoirs: Sedimentation and Tectonic Processes. May 12-18, 2012 Begins in Naples and ends at Rome International Airport (Italy)

Play Concepts and Controls on Porosity in Carbonate Reservoir Analogs May 13-18, 2012 Almeria Region, SE Spain, begins and ends in Las Negras, Spain. Fly from London/Barcelona/Madrid

Modern Terrigenous Clastic Depositional Systems May 15-22, 2012 Begins in Columbia and ends in Charleston, South Carolina

Registration and Information:

Toll-free (U.S. and Canada) (888) 338.3387, or (918) 560.2650 • Fax: (918) 560.2678 • email: [email protected] Download a registration form at http://www.aapg.org/education/index.cfm Since 1927... EXECUTIVE COMMENT A message from 2012 President, Robin Mann UPCOMING Steady stewardship and a vibrant membership keep EDUCATION SCHEDULE the CSPG on course as a world-class Last Chance organization! The DW Geopressure Tolerance Window: Case Histories - An AAPG E-Symposium March 15, 2012 CSPG Selim S. Shaker, Geopressure Analysis Services, Houston, TX EXECUTIVE Moving into 2012, the CSPG is well situated Committee, I would like to welcome the in its position as a world-class petroleum following incoming volunteers: Paul Mackay Basic Well Log Analysis March 26-30, 2012 President geology organization. This is due to (Vice President/President Elect), Samatha Austin, Texas Robin Mann • AJM Deloitte [email protected] Tel: (403) 648-3210 three major factors: the involvement and Etherington (Assistant Finance Director), Practical Salt Tectonics March 28-30, 2012 enthusiasm of the members; the leadership Dave Russum (Assistant Program Director), Austin, Texas Vice President we have had over the past few years who Mike Seifert (Assistant Services Director), Paul MacKay • Shale Exploration Ltd. have positioned the CSPG to succeed Curtis Evans (Assistant Communications [email protected] Tel: (403) 457-3930 into the future; and, the dedicated staff Director), and Dawn Hodgins (Assistant Short Courses Past President who work to bring everything together. Outreach Director). We would also like to Kirk Osadetz • Geological Survey of Canada, Calgary On behalf of all the members and staff, thank Bruce Schultz for allowing his name Basic Petroleum Geology for the Non-Geologist April 17-19, 2012 [email protected] Tel: (403) 292-7022 A joint course with AAPG and University of Tulsa Continuing Engineering and Science Education Department I would like to sincerely thank Kirk to stand for election as Vice President and Houston, TX Finance Director Osadetz and John Varsek for their years to Dave Clyde for allowing his name to Andrea Hood • geoLOGIC systems ltd. of dedication and leadership to the CSPG. stand for Assistant Finance Director. The Shale Gas Reservoir Assessment April 21-22, 2012 [email protected] Tel: (403) 262-1992 I would also like to thank their respective reoccurrence of elections over the past Long Beach, CA (with AAPG Annual Convention) Executives for insightful direction and two years within the CSPG demonstrates Assistant Finance Director Samantha Etherington • CNRL guidance. I would also like to take this that we do have an involved and committed [email protected] Tel: (403) 386-6459 opportunity to acknowledge and thank membership who are willing to put their Field Seminars Darren Aldridge (Finance Director), Brett names forward to help complete the goals Program Director Norris (Program Director), Chris Seibel of our Society. Field Safety Course for Field Trip Leaders March 28-29, 2012 Jon Noad • Murphy Oil Corporation Houston, Texas [email protected] Tel: (403) 294-8829 (Services Director), Stephen Hubbard (Assistant Communications Director) and Moving into 2012, the Society is well Deep-Water Siliciclastic Reservoirs, California April 27-May 2, 2012 ASSISTANT Program Director Steve Dryer (Outreach Director) who positioned for growth and continued Begins in Palo Alto and ends at the airport in San Francisco, California Dave Russum • AJM Deloitte have been members on the Executive for eminence in the geologic community. Most [email protected] Tel: (403) 648-3228 the past two or more years. These people of us, as members of the CSPG, are well Clastic Reservoir Facies and Sequence Stratigraphic Analysis of Alluvial-Plain, Shoreface, April 28-May 2, 2012 SERVICES DIRECTOR have grown the CSPG into what it is today. aware of certain things the Society has to Deltaic, and Shelf Depositional Systems Michelle Hawke • Apache Canada Ltd. To all of you a tremendous “thank you” offer and the programs that are run, but Begins and ends in Salt Lake City, Utah [email protected] Tel: (403) 261-1200 for your service and dedication to the I would say even we as members are not Complex Carbonates Reservoirs: Sedimentation and Tectonic Processes. May 12-18, 2012 ASSISTANT SERVICES DIRECTOR Society; we look forward to building on aware of everything the CSPG actually Begins in Naples and ends at Rome International Airport (Italy) Mike Seifert • Canadian Discovery your foundation as we move forward. In is. In addition, the corporate community [email protected] Tel: (403) 269-3644 addition, we as members need to thank has not seen the CSPG as a resource Play Concepts and Controls on Porosity in Carbonate Reservoir Analogs May 13-18, 2012 our Executive Director, Lis Bjeld and for scientific knowledge, innovation, and Almeria Region, SE Spain, begins and ends in Las Negras, Spain. Fly from London/Barcelona/Madrid Communications Director Jim Barclay • ConocoPhillips Canada our committed staff for another year of mentorship that can help business advance Modern Terrigenous Clastic Depositional Systems May 15-22, 2012 [email protected] Tel: (403) 532-3889 administrative stability and financial growth their geologic capabilities in this new age of Begins in Columbia and ends in Charleston, South Carolina through trying economic times. 2011 was technology-driven prospects and projects. ASSISTANT Communications Director a year that saw our staff changing work We see this year as a year where the CSPG Curtis Evans • ERCB [email protected] Tel: (403) 297-8386 spaces twice before arriving at our new can begin the journey of communicating offices. These moves, which are never (in the modern sense) everything the Outreach Director simple, were accomplished by September CSPG is, not only to our membership, Simon Haynes • Statoil Canada Ltd. with little fuss to us as members, and the but also to the corporate community, [email protected] Tel: (403) 724-0364 Registration and CSPG now has a great location at #110, establishing ourselves as a truly world class ASSISTANT Outreach Director 333 - 5th Avenue SW, with very bright, organization. Dawn Hodgins • Imperial Oil Resources welcoming, and functional offices. Information: [email protected] Tel: (403) 232-5931 The target of our communication strategy Toll-free (U.S. and Canada) (888) 338.3387, or (918) 560.2650 • Fax: (918) 560.2678 • email: [email protected] Executive Director As we start a new year, in addition to in the coming years is to raise a positive Download a registration form at http://www.aapg.org/education/index.cfm Lis Bjeld • CSPG those who are continuing on our Executive (Continued on page 7...) [email protected] Tel: (403) 513-1235

RESERVOIR ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2012 5 GEOCONVENTION 2012: Vision Since 1927... Calgary TELUS Convention Centre n Calgary, Alberta, Canada

MARK YOUR CALENDARS... And join thousands of industry professionals at GeoConvention 2012: Vision in Calgary May 14 - 18, 2012 at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre. n Online registration opens March 1 – register early to take advantage of early bird pricing and secure your tickets for the many special events scheduled for 2012! n Increase your company’s brand visibility among thousands of industry professionals – sponsor or advertise in our official publications. n Earn up to 6 PDH credits each day you attend. n Re-connect with friends, meet new contacts and take advantage of the opportunity to network with industry professionals at various social events including Luncheons and the Core Meltdown. n Earth Science for Society – our family-oriented Outreach Program – will be returning for another year. Many highlight exhibits from last year will be here again – including Gold Panning with Yukon Dan and Fossil Hunting with the Burgess Shale Geoscience Foundation. Plan to bring your family on Mother’s Day, May 13, for a fun-filled geoscience adventure.

FOR MORE INFORMATION visit us online at www.geoconvention.com

or follow us on twitter, @geoconvention GEOCONVENTION 2012: Vision Since 1927... (...Continued from page 5) accessible resource where they can get Calgary TELUS Convention Centre n Calgary, Alberta, Canada profile on all aspects of the organization trusted, unbiased information and exchange and demonstrate what we have to offer to a wide range of ideas. The CSPG needs to all of our members, both across Canada be part of how geologic information is and globally, and to the petroleum industry accurately communicated in the petroleum as a whole. It is not that we are unknown; industry, and we need to push the limits it is that as geologists we tend to put our of our science in this new age of continual collective heads down and work hard but technology advancements. But, like all good under-communicate what we actually do ideas, planning is required to make this a and how responsible we are when we reality. A proper communications strategy do it. Over the next few years it will be must be developed to advance the positive extremely important to our community, aspects of petroleum geology. and Canada as a nation, that geology has a voice in the development of various aspects If we can spend the next year better CORPORATE of the petroleum business. This does not engaging the geologic leadership of the SPONSORS mean that the CSPG should become an petroleum business, communicating, and advocate group, but it does mean that the demonstrating how the CSPG can be a Diamond CSPG should communicate its prowess as scientific resource for everyone (including IHS a scientific leader in the field of petroleum our membership), we will be doing geoLOGIC systems ltd. geology for the responsible development ourselves – but more importantly, all of Schlumberger Canada ltd. of all types of hydrocarbon projects. In Canada – a very valuable service. Putting Platinum the modern world of oil sands, coal bed ourselves on this path will continue to MARK YOUR CALENDARS... methane, shale gas, tight oil, and the demonstrate what you as members already AGAT Laboratories possible exploitation of gas hydrates, the know: that the CSPG is truly a world-class Cenovus And join thousands of industry professionals at GeoConvention 2012: Vision in global community will need good factual organization. Calgary May 14 - 18, 2012 at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre. ConocoPhillips information and proper scientific reason Nexen Inc. to make sensible and rational decisions. Talisman Energy In addition, the geologists of today n Online registration opens March 1 – register early to take advantage of early bird pricing and secure Poggenpohl and tomorrow will also need an easily your tickets for the many special events scheduled for 2012! Gold n Increase your company’s brand visibility among thousands of industry professionals – sponsor or APEGGA CSPG Educational Trust Fund advertise in our official publications. Devon Canada Are you looking for a rewarding volunteer n Earn up to 6 PDH credits each day you attend. EnCana experience that also connects you with Imperial oil your fellow industry professionals? n Re-connect with friends, meet new contacts and take advantage of the opportunity to network with Shell industry professionals at various social events including Luncheons and the Core Meltdown. Weatherford Laboratories CSPG is the answer! Silver n Earth Science for Society – our family-oriented Outreach Program – will be returning for another ARC Financial Corporation year. Many highlight exhibits from last year will be here again – including Gold Panning with Yukon ENERPLUS Share your own skills and Dan and Fossil Hunting with the Burgess Shale Geoscience Foundation. Plan to bring your family on JewelSuite Roxar Mother’s Day, May 13, for a fun-filled geoscience adventure. talents with us and also gain Bronze valuable experience! athabasca oil sands FOR MORE INFORMATION blueback Reservoir Paradigm visit us online at www.geoconvention.com Geovariances CSEG Foundation Contact Volunteer Chair Martin Teitz RPS Boyd Petrosearch at Halliburton Energy Services [email protected] Suncor Energy and help make a difference today SUNDOG PRINTING Tucker Wireline Services Canada’s Energy Geoscientists or follow us on twitter, @geoconvention AS OF JANUARY 10, 2012 RESERVOIR ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2012 7 TECHNICA L LUNCHEONS FEBRUARY

will be reviewed. The presence of a wide Are shales really diversity of microfabrics suggest that prior to being deposited the components of the that dull? Shining mudstones were: light into dark a) delivered to the sea floor as organo- minerallic aggregates and places and the b) then dispersed both in bedload and effects of opening as fluid mud by processes such as wave-enhanced sediment gravity Pandora’s Box flows and geostrophic flows, prior to

SPEAKER c) being burrowed by diminutive Joe H.S. Macquaker organisms that were living close to Department of Earth Sciences the sediment-water interface. Memorial University of Newfoundland These data suggest that mudstones, and 11: 30 am source rocks in particular, were deposited Monday, February 6, 2012 in much more dynamic conditions than Calgary, TELUS Convention Centre most researchers have assumed, and Calgary, Alberta that the deep water, predominantly low energy, anoxic model that is typically the Please note: The cut-off date for ticket sales default setting for interpreting their origin is 1:00 pm, Tuesday, January 31, 2012. needs to be revisited. They also CSPG Member Ticket Price: $42.00 + GST. demonstrate that these rocks contain a Non-Member Ticket Price: $45.00 + GST. great deal of useful, but largely unrecognized stratigraphic information, and that they Each CSPG Technical Luncheon is 1 APEGGA reward careful study. PDH credit. Tickets may be purchased online at www.cspg.org. BIOGRAPHY Joe H.S. Macquaker is presently an Associate Fine-grained sedimentary rocks are Professor in Petroleum Geology at the currently the subject of a great deal of Department of Earth Sciences, Memorial research. In spite being very common, University of Newfoundland (St. John’s, they are poorly known, relative to other Canada). Previous to that, he was a Faculty sedimentary rock types. Most geologists Member at the University of Manchester. consider them to be the product of Prior to becoming an academic he was a deposition in low-energy environments, Post-Doctoral Researcher at the Universities and if they are source rocks, below anoxic of Manchester and Sheffield. He received bottom waters. Recent petrographic both a Ph.D. and Honours degrees from the Register by studies of marine mudstones have University of Bristol. 28 February shown that they are typically organized into very thin, sharp-based beds and His main research interest has been focused and save commonly contain a wide variety of micro- on investigating the fundamental causes of up to $200! sedimentary structures including: gutter the variability preserved within fine-grained casts, compacted ripples, triplet fabrics, sedimentary rocks. He has more than 45 organo-minerallic aggregates, aggregate papers published in international peer-reviewed grains, and diminutive burrows. The journals in this research area. Joe is currently presence of these fabrics forces a radical a member of the SEPM Research Council. He reappraisal of the conditions under which has been an Associate Editor for the Journal of they were deposited and the processes Sedimentary Research since 1989 and was an responsible for organic carbon enrichment Editor for the Journal of the Geological Society of the sediment. of London from 2000 to 2004. It all adds up to one blockbuster event! Using micro-textural data derived from 11 short courses 19 field trips 400+ oral presentations classic fine-grained successions (e.g., 700+ poster presentations 200+ exhibitors Kimmeridge Clay, Mancos Shale, Whitby Mudstone, and Marcellus Shale), the sedimentological processes responsible for mudstone deposition in these units

8 RESERVOIR ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2012 TECHNICA L LUNCHEONS F eBRUARY LuNCHEON Webcasts sponsored by

BIOGRAPHY Is it the rock or Randall S. “Randy” Miller is President of Integrated Reservoir Solutions, a division of the frac? Shale Core Laboratories located in Houston, Texas. Randall Miller received his B.A. in Chemistry reservoir quality and Geology from the University of California at San Diego and pursued graduate studies and production at Scripps Institute of Oceanography and the University of Houston. He has 29 years of performance experience in the analysis and evaluation of reservoirs both domestically and internationally. SPEAKER He has conducted and directed over 50 joint Randall S. Miller industry projects including a Tight Gas Sands Integrated Reservoir Solutions of North America – Reservoir Characterization and Fracture Stimulation Optimization; Gas 11: 30 am Shales – Reservoir Characterization and Tuesday, February 21, 2012 Production Properties; and Regional Evaluations Calgary, TELUS Convention Centre of the Haynesville, Bossier, Marcellus, Eagle Calgary, Alberta Ford, Montney, and now the Duvernay Shale. His special interests are integrating geology, Please note: The cut-off date for ticket sales goal is to then determine which ones are petrophysics, stimulation, and production is 1:00 pm, Tuesday, February 14 2012 the drivers in the play. analysis for optimizing the exploitation of CSPG Member Ticket Price: $42.00 + GST. unconventional reservoirs. He is a member Non-Member Ticket Price: $45.00 + GST. The goal of the completion engineer is to of the American Association of Petroleum optimize the fracture stimulation in terms Geologists, Houston Geological Society, Society Each CSPG Technical Luncheon is 1 APEGGA of production rate and ultimate recovery of Professional Well Log Analysts, and Society PDH credit. Tickets may be purchased online at an economic cost. The challenge for the of Petroleum Engineers. at www.cspg.org. completion engineer is that there many parameters to optimize. These include Post-frac production performance from lateral direction, lateral length, lateral source rock reservoirs varies significantly landing point, toe up or toe down, number HUGH REID’S between various formations, regionally of stages, stage spacing, cluster spacing, within a shale formation, and even within perforation orientation, fluid systems, 2012 a field area. Are these variances caused by proppant type, fluid volumes, proppant differences in reservoir quality, stimulation volumes, pump rates, and more. In order SPRING efficiencies, or both? In order to understand to properly evaluate the stimulation, this problem and manage well performance the engineer has a number of post-frac COURSES expectations, it is essential to determine tools that are available. These include the key reservoir-quality parameters that proppant tracers, chemical flow-back NEW SHORTER correlate with production performance, tracers, production logging, micro-seismic DST COURSE and be able to evaluate the stimulation monitoring, and production analysis. efficiency. By benchmarking reservoir The use of these technologies allows the (3 1/2 days) quality to production performance, engineer to determine if proppant went April 10-13, 2012 underperforming wells can be identified into all the perforation clusters, flow-back and the stimulation can then be optimized. efficiency of the various stages, which 16 WAyS tO IDENtIfy ByPASSED This is best accomplished by evaluating a stages are contributing to production and number of cored, vertical pilot wells and which may not be, fracture-height growth, PAy fROm DSt DAtA (more advanced, for those their corresponding laterals. effective frac length, drainage area, and the “comfortable” with DST charts) producing permeability. Source-rock reservoir quality is influenced April 19-20, 2012 by a number of parameters. These have A case history demonstrates that reservoir been reported in the literature to include quality is the primary driver to production HyDRODyNAmICS TOC, geochemical maturity, porosity, performance and that optimizing the (Oil and Gas Finding Aspects) matrix and system permeability, fractures, fracture stimulation treatment has a April 30-may 3, 2012 mineralogy, brittleness, thickness, reservoir secondary impact. The concept of the pressure, vertical and lateral heterogeneity, Shale Reservoir Quality Index (SRQI) is and closure stress. All of these parameters introduced and it is shown to correlate well In-house courses available may have an impact on reservoir quality; with cumulative production. The resulting For course outline visit: however, in each shale play a few of the model also allows the identification of www.hughwreid.com parameters dominate significantly over poorly stimulated wells. 262-1261 the others as drivers of production. The

RESERVOIR ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2012 9 TECHNICA L LUNCHEONS MARCH ® Mass Extinctions

SPEAKER Peter D. Ward Depts. of Astronomy, Biology, and Earth and Space Sciences University of Washington AAPG Distinguished Lecturer

11: 30 am Tuesday, March 6, 2012 Calgary, TELUS Convention Centre Calgary, Alberta “Rare Earth: Why Complex Life Is Uncommon Please note: The cut-off date for ticket sales in the Universe” (co-author Donald Brownlee, Market leaders in is 1:00 pm, Tuesday, February 28, 2012 2000), “Under a Green Sky: Global Warming, CSPG Member Ticket Price: $42.00 + GST. the Mass Extinctions of the Past, and What chemostratigraphy Non-Member Ticket Price: $45.00 + GST. They Can Tell Us About Our Future” (2007), and “The Medea Hypothesis: Is Life on Earth Global experience Each CSPG Technical Luncheon is 1 APEGGA Ultimately Self-Destructive?” (2009). PDH credit. Tickets may be purchased online at www.cspg.org Dr Ward has held the position of Senior Council Elemental within the Paleontological Society and has Abstract edited numerous publications including the GSA chemostratigraphy The history of life is punctuated by five Special Paper 247, Global Catastrophes in Earth “major” mass extinctions. In recent years it History, as well as with the Paleonotological Stable isotope has seemed that at least three, and perhaps Society, and the journals Paleobiology and all five were caused by extraterrestrial Geology. He served as principal investigator and chemostratigraphy causes – from asteroid impacts to gamma Lead at the NASA Astrobiology Institute at the ray bursts. New research, however, suggests University of Washington from 2001-2006. Magnetic susceptibility that the Earth may have been a far worse stratigraphy enemy to its life than outer space has In 1984 he was elected Fellow to the California been. While the temporal coincidence of Academy of Sciences. He also was the 1996 large body igneous provinces and mass Gallagher Lecturer at the University of Calgary. Re-Os stratigraphy extinction or mass depletion of life has He has been the Keynote Speaker at many long been noted, only recently have actual conferences and meetings and recently won “kill” mechanisms become believable. In the Annual Faculty Lecturer award from the Learn more at: this talk the new understanding of mass University of Washington. He is a prolific writer extinctions will be presented – as will and has published in scientific journals for both www.chemostrat.com the question of whether or not the most biology and geology. probable cause – lowered oceanic oxygen Or contact our Calgary rep: levels as a consequence of reduced pole to Gemma Hildred equator temperature differentials – is of [email protected] relevance to our own world. Tel. +1 832 252 7200 BIOGRAPHY Peter D. Ward, Ph.D., is a paleontologist and professor in the Departments of Geology and Biology at the University of Washington in Seattle. He also serves as an adjunct professor of zoology and astronomy. His research specialties include the Cretaceous– Tertiary extinction event and mass extinctions generally. His books include the best-selling

10 RESERVOIR ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2012 TECHNICA L LUNCHEONS MARCH LuNCHEON Webcasts sponsored by

The ideas are prompted by seismic, the The French Alps conclusions rely heavily on conventional field evidence. We geologists should never – classic geology lose sight of our field-based roots. re-interpreted in BIOGRAPHY Like many other geologists, Rod Graham was the light of attracted to geology by a love of mountain walking, and an inspirational school teacher. He passive margin studied Geology in the University of Wales at Aberystwyth, graduated with first-class honours geology and and went on to do a Ph.D. at Imperial College, London on the Precambrian basement rocks of allocthonous salt the Western Isles of Scotland. After two years of postdoctoral work on geological strain in tectonics crystalline rocks he took up a lectureship in structural geology at the University of Wales at SPEAKER Swansea and his research interest shifted first Rod Graham to the Precambrian rocks of Africa, then to the Research Associate, structure and evolution of the French Alps. University of Cambridge AAPG Distinguished Lecturer The understanding of salt tectonics has During this time the geometrical ideas of been transformed in recent years by the ‘thin-skin tectonics’ were taking hold of the seismic imagery in places like Brazil and the structural geology community. They were highly Gulf of Mexico, augmented by inspirational relevant (and new) in Alpine geology, but, physical modelling. I will try to apply this more significantly, were proving important in new knowledge to geology ‘on the ground’ hydrocarbon exploration, and so, after thirteen in the sub-Alpine chains of Haut Provence years at Swansea, Rod left academia and joined in the southwestern Alps. In this part of BP in a structural consulting role that enabled 11: 30 am the world, a very well exposed Mesozoic him to see the geology of a very great deal of Tuesday, March 20, 2012 sequence showing rapid thickness and the world. The last couple of years at BP were Calgary, TELUS Convention Centre facies changes associated with Jurassic and spent in Colombia at the time of the discovery Calgary, Alberta Cretaceous extension on the margin of and early development of the giant fields of the the Ligurian Tethys, has been deformed by Llanos foothills. Rod developed a fascination Please note: The cut-off date for ticket sales a series of ‘Alpine’ compressional events with Colombia and its geology, which eventually is 1:00 pm, Wednesday, March 14, 2012 that occurred from the Late Cretaceous took him from BP to consultant, business CSPG Member Ticket Price: $42.00 + GST. to the Pliocene. Although the geology has development, and exploration manager roles Non-Member Ticket Price: $45.00 + GST. been very well known for decades, aspects in Monument, Lasmo, and Emerald, all small of the structure remained enigmatic and companies with major interests in Colombia. Each CSPG Technical Luncheon is 1 APEGGA could not be explained by either Mesozoic PDH credit. Tickets may be purchased online extension or Alpine shortening alone. This After Emerald, Rod took up a new global at www.cspg.org talk will make the case that they resulted consulting role within the Hess corporation, from salt tectonics that occurred not in the which included substantial regional work in salt Just as an understanding of structural developing Alpine mountain chain, but on provinces, particularly the Gulf of Mexico. geometry in the field is essential in the the seabed of a Late Jurassic continental interpretation of seismic data, so sometimes slope, analogous, perhaps, to the Gulf of Rod has published on a variety of topics in seismic data and the new ideas that stem Mexico today. structural geology and tectonics. He will have from it enable us to see classic field geology retired from Hess by the time this talk is given, in a completely new light, even though the A completely overturned , highly condensed will have taken up a research associate role at data may come from a completely different Jurassic section is interpreted as the elevated the University of Cambridge, and will be doing geological setting or a totally different part roof of a salt body in a deep marine setting, as much geology as his wife will allow. of the world. This lecture describes how, which overturned as a ‘flap’ in the Middle a few years ago, our understanding of the Jurassic as allochthonous salt broke out geological evolution of one of the worlds at the sea floor Later, Alpine compression classic mountain belts was transformed by exploited the weakness of the salt sheet as reference to data obtained from the Atlantic a major thrust zone. Although the ‘flap’ is in passive margin, and how at the present the footwall of the thrust, evidence of soft- time, our increased understanding of salt sediment deformation and other anomalous tectonics might be bringing about a similar structures within the flap suggest that it shift in thinking. cannot have originated as an overturned footwall syncline.

RESERVOIR ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2012 11 Fox Hills deltas near the Maastrichtian shelf edge, Washakie Basin, Wy. DI VIsion TALKS STRUCTURAL Division Sponsored by Fractures, elastic moduli and stress: geological controls on hydraulic fracture geometry in the Horn River Basin

SPEAKER Rory Dunphy Nexen Inc.

12 noon to 1pm, Thursday, February 2, 2012 Figure 1. Small-scale examples of fracture information. a) Northeast BC Devonian shale outcrop showing Conference Centre Room A, multiple fracture sets. b) Image log data in a horizontal well through the Muskwa/Otter Park formations. Core +30 level, Western Canadian Place data showing c) partially open and d) healed fractures in the Muskwa/Otter Park formations. (Husky Energy), 707-8th Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta appears to be confined to these horizons apparent that an isotropic or weakly demonstrating the link between geological anisotropic stress regime was viewed as Production from the shale gas reservoirs facies and geomechanical properties. a prerequisite for achieving complexity. is dependent upon successfully stimulating Microseismic monitoring of multiple these formations by creating hydraulic A variety of in-situ stress models are hydraulic fracture stimulations, performed fractures. In the Horn River Basin the in existence and their effectiveness at with the same design parameters, has hydraulic fracture geometry resulting predicting height growth was assessed identified a spectrum of length/width from stimulation depends not only on using microseismic data as a validation geometries in Horn River from highly operational controls (rate, fluid volume, tool. This showed that consideration of complex to long and linear. In order to sand volume, etc.) but on fundamental anisotropic properties is an important be able to understand and try predict geological properties of the formations part of understanding the in-situ stress the mechanisms behind the varying being completed. profile. Once the link between facies and geometry (both design and geological) it geomechanical properties is established was necessary then to characterize the Changes in geomechanical rock properties and validated it can be exploited during natural fracture system and define the in- such as Young’s Modulus and Poisson’s drilling to enhance the utilization of MWD situ stress tensor. Ratio that influence the borehole in- gamma-ray-informed geosteering to insure situ stress profile, and therefore the that the lateral and vertical heterogeneity Density, sonic, and image logs and DFIT’s achievable frac geometry, are driven by of the shale is used as a guide for proper were utilized to estimate the orientation changes in the depositional and diagenetic well and frac stage placement. and relative magnitudes of the three history of the Horn River shales. What principle stresses in the Horn River. can be seen is that, similar to other shale Early microseismic work in the Barnett A normal stress regime was originally plays, the mineralogy, (particularly the Shale revealed a variety of hydraulic identified but the pattern of drilling- volume of clay) has a strong impact on fracture geometries in gas shales that induced fractures in horizontal image logs the moduli. Young’s Modulus decreases led to the emergence of the concept indicate parts of the reservoir were on and Poisson’s Ratio increases in the clay- of hydraulic fracture complexity. Many the cusp of a strike-slip regime. Therefore, rich units of the Fort Simpson and lower studies since make a case that stress relative to plays like the Barnett, the Otter Park formations. These zones have anisotropy and the nature of a natural stress regime in the Horn River Basin is higher uranium/thorium ratios than the fracture system are the key geological potentially more anisotropic (maximum rest of the Horn River section indicating drivers to this complexity. In assessing horizontal stress significantly greater than more terrigenous influence on deposition. the applicability of this work from the minimum horizontal stress). The common Strong transverse anisotropy also Barnett to the Horn River it became occurrence of highly complex hydraulic

12 RESERVOIR ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2012 fractures as evidenced in microseismic and ultimately the productive surface area cover a diversity of structural themes. therefore did not appear to fit the Barnett that is created during stimulations. Our Structural Division sponsors are Hef model. This led to focusing on the impact Petrophysical and Husky Energy. All are of natural fractures to try to explain the BIOGRAPHY welcome and no registration is required. observations. Rory Dunphy received a B.A. (mod) in Geology For additional information, to be placed (2001) and M.Sc. (2003) from Trinity College on the Division e-mail list or to present a Natural fractures are readily identifiable Dublin. His M.Sc. research was focused on talk, please contact Darcie Greggs, Darcie. in the Horn River in core, image log, and utilizing GIS tools and structural mapping to [email protected]. outcrop (Figure 1) and some observations understand the impact of natural fractures on the nature of the fracture systems on groundwater production from Devonian present suggest they are multi-faceted, and Carboniferous strata in Ireland. Rory is with multiple histories of generation currently a Senior Geologist with the NEBC and with diverse fills or open-porosity. Shale Group in Nexen Inc. where he has Given this complexity, we performed a spent the last three years as part of a multi- RENEW parametric study investigating the impact disciplinary team and in that group focused of fracture network properties on on optimizing development design within the stimulated geometry in the Horn River. The Horn River Basin. Prior to that he worked Your results indicated that hydraulic fracture as an operations and regional geologist on complexity patterns typically associated Nexen’s Fort Assiniboine Mannville CBM play Membership in the literature with “isotropic” or where successfully utilizing geomechanics “weakly anisotropic” stress regimes can to map permeability variations in the coal for 2012 be created in an anisotropic stress regime developed his interest in that field. He began as a result only of changes in the fracture his career in Canada in 2004 as a geologist Now on network. This suggests that understanding with CBM Solutions Ltd. Rory is a member of lateral and vertical variations in fractures APEGGA, CSPG. and AAPG. www.cspg.org and fracture network properties within the Horn River is a necessary step in Division Information: understanding hydraulic fracture geometry Structural Division talks are monthly and

RESERVOIR ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2012 13

DI VIsion TALKS PALEONTOLOGY Division Sponsored by

recording of them. We will review are shallow and deep crustal reflection Earthquakes – a sequence of major devastating seismology, earthquake seismology, seismic earthquakes that changed human history. hazard analysis and geophysical methods as macro to The characteristics of these historical applied to exploration of minerals. He is a earthquakes can be scientifically evaluated great admirer of the Alberta Palaeontological micro: based on empirical data. Society and its outreach activities in the community. characteristics, Earthquakes take place at both macro- and micro-scales. Here, I would like to bring INFORMATION recent advances to your attention the documented history This event is jointly presented by the Alberta of earthquakes (historical seismicity) in Palaeontological Society, Mount Royal SPEAKER Canada. Closer to home, I would like to University, and the CSPG Palaeontology Dr. Kris Vasudevan look at what might be at stake in Alberta. Division. For details or to present a talk This will take us into the science of in the future please contact APS Program 7:30 PM microseismicity. Coordinator Harold Whittaker at 403-286- Friday, February 17, 2012 0349 or CSPG Palaeontology Division Chair Mount Royal University, Finally, this presentation will conclude Philip Benham at 403-691-3343 or contact Room B108 with some recent advances that are being [email protected]. Visit the APS Calgary, Alberta made in the field of earthquake seismology website for confirmation of event times and as well as a discussion on the status of upcoming speakers: http://www.albertapaleo. Earthquakes occur at different depths in seismic hazard analysis. org/. regular intervals according to geologic principles. They cause extensive damage BIOGRAPHY to life and property, depending upon Kris Vasudevan has his Ph.D. in geophysics their magnitude and intensity. In this and is retiring at the end of 2011 from the presentation, we will take a journey of University of Calgary. He will be working human perception of earthquakes since as a geophysical consultant in Calgary the beginning of the documenting and starting January 2012. His current interests

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14 RESERVOIR ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2012 DIVISION TALKS BASS Division Sponsored by

before the project ended with the plunging with 30 years of industry experience in Western The Grosmont oil prices of 1986. Canada, having worked for various large, mid- sized, and small E&P companies. Most of his Formation: from Fast forward twenty years and two experience has been devoted to developing developments had changed the outlook on exploration models and exploring for oil and potential to the Grosmont bitumen resource: horizontal gas in the Devonian of the Western Canada drilling and SAGD technology. Horizontal Sedimentary Basin. During the last five years Kent production drilling was in its infancy in the 1980s and has devoted his time to mapping and evaluating SAGD operations had not been tested at Laricina’s Devonian bitumen resources. Kent has SPEAKER this time. authored or co-authored numerous papers and Kent Barrett conference proceedings on the geology of the Senior Staff Carbonate Geologist, In 2006 Laricina identified good Grosmont bitumen deposits of the Grosmont Formation and Laricina Energy Limited potential in lands at Saleski (T84-85, R19- Winterburn Group of northeast Alberta. 20W4). These lands were subsequently 12:00 Noon acquired. After encouraging results from Kent has a M.Sc. in Geology from U. Manitoba Wednesday, February 22, 2012 the strat well program, Laricina applied for and is a member of APEGGA, the Canadian ConocoPhillips Auditorium, regulatory approval to conduct a SAGD Society of Petroleum Geologists, and the American Gulf Canada Square, Pilot on section 26 (T85 R19W4). Laricina Association of Petroleum Geologists. 401 - 9th Ave. S.W. Calgary, AB commenced steaming of the first Grosmont well pair on December 23, 2010 and has INFORMATION The ERCB recently estimated that the established in situ bitumen production. BASS Division talks are free. Please bring your Grosmont Formation in northeastern lunch. For further information about the division, Alberta contains 400 Billion barrels of This presentation will provide an overview joining our mailing list, a list of upcoming talks, or bitumen. But capturing this resource has of the regional and reservoir geology of the if you wish to present a talk or lead a field trip, not been easy. In the late 1970s Unocal Grosmont Formation in the Saleski area and please contact either Steve Donaldson at 403- embarked upon a pilot project at Buffalo how this has influenced the initial design and 766-5534, email: Steve.Donaldson@cenovus. Creek (T87-88, R19W4) aimed at identifying execution of the Pilot. com or Mark Caplan at 403-817-2603, email: a method of extracting the sticky crude. [email protected] or visit our web page at Cyclic Steam (CSS) and even fireflood BIOGRAPHY www.cspg.org/events/divisions/basin-analysis- techniques were tested without success Kent Barrett is a carbonate geology specialist sequence-strat.cfm.

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RESERVOIR ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2012 15 MICROSEISMIC for geologists Microseismic Hydraulic Fracture Imaging: Part 1 Introduction to Processing and Acquisition | By Shawn C. Maxwell, Schlumberger

With the rapid expansion of unconventional shale and tight reservoirs, effective hydraulic fracture stimulation (fracing) is becoming increasingly important and a critical factor for economic success. The inherent permeability of these reservoirs requires fracing to create a conductive fracture network to drain the reservoir. Horizontal wells, which typically require multiple, transverse fracs placed along its length, are the favored completions. Compared to conventional reservoirs, frac effectiveness and associated reservoir contact are critical for a productive well where the reservoir quality is being created. Clearly the local geology including lithologies, pre-existing fractures and state-of-stress will ultimately control how the fractures grow. Therefore, to properly design the wells and associated fracs, engineers require an imaging method to track the created fracture network. Microseismic monitoring is the only proven method to track hydraulic fracture as it grows from the well into the reservoir, and has grown rapidly alongside the interest in unconventional reservoirs. Figure 1. Map view of a four-stage frac in a horizontal well. For each stage the azimuth, length, height, and Hydraulic fracturing involves the injection of complexity can be inferred. In this example stage 1 (green) and 2 (red) are relatively planar, while 3 (yellow) and large volumes of fluid at sufficient pressures 4 (blue) are wider, suggesting more complexity through interaction with pre-existing fractures (see SPE131779). to create a tensile fracture. A propping agent is typically included to hold the provides insight into how the fractures grow sensors: usually temporarily clamped in created fracture open once the injection and enables engineering evaluation of the place using either mechanical or magnetic pressure has stopped. During the frac, factors controlling the geometry. Ultimately means. These monitoring wells can either microseismic activity associated with either this validated engineering approach can lead be new or existing wells, and either vertical the creation new fractures or interaction to improved fracs and improved production or horizontal. Deploying sensors in the with pre-existing fractures is generated or well performance. treatment well is also possible, although with characteristics that can be used to it poses significant challenges associated image the frac. Each microseismic event The first two articles in the series introduce with deployment logistics and increased is analogous to the popping heard when various aspects of microseismic frac imaging. background noise with the frac fluid flow. dropping an ice cube into a glass of water (in This first part details microseismic acquisition Alternatively, sensors can be deployed on which case cracking results from the thermal and processing and the second part addresses the surface, in a manner analogous to expansion of heating the cold ice cube). The basic interpretation. Subsequent articles will the geometry used to acquire reflection microseismicity is monitored by deploying describe geological controls on frac growth surveys. The final configuration involves sensitive seismometers to listen to the frac and engineering applications of integrating “near surface” sensors cemented or and detect the microseisms. The resulting microseismic imaging into workflows to temporarily deployed in shallow wells. Each seismic signals are processed to determine improve the well, completion and frac design. configuration has various pros and cons, the source position along with other as summarized in Figure 3. Fundamental attributes. Interpretation of the microseismic Microseismic Acquisition to each of these is the inherent sensitivity data can be used to determine fundamental There are four primary ways to deploy and location accuracy associated with data characteristics of the fracture geometry sensors to acquire microseismic data based recorded with particular configurations. (Figure 1) including direction, length, height, on the geometry of the recording systems and width or degree of complexity (variation (Figure 2). Sensors are normally geophones The sensitivity of particular acquisition from a single planar fracture, multiple parallel or accelerometers, similar to those used geometries is determined by the ability to fractures or a complex fracture network for conventional borehole VSP or surface record weak microseismic events. The goal consisting of fractures in various directions). seismic reflection acquisition. The majority of microseismic monitoring is to detect Temporal variation in these geometric of microseismic projects use an offset well discrete microseismic signals associated aspects through the injection history for deployment of wireline-based borehole with the fracturing, through continuous

16 RESERVOIR ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2012 passive seismic recording. The nature of the microseismic signal is that the amplitude or strength is variable between events, similar to natural tectonic earthquakes. In fact, magnitude scales developed for earthquakes are also applied to measure the microseismic source strength. Conceptually similar to the Richter magnitude scale, moment magnitudes are the preferred scale and are directly related to the area and displacement of the fracture slip generating the microseismicity. Generally the largest events recorded during Figure 2. Schematic of the various monitoring scenarios, along with associated signal-to-noise ratios flagged from the frac are below zero magnitude and often green (good) to red (poor). in the range -1 to -2 (the magnitude scale is logarithmic such that each magnitude unit corresponds to a factor of 30 times in signal amplitude). Microseismic data statistics follow similar relationships between frequency and magnitude as found for tectonic earthquakes, in that for a decrease in one magnitude unit 10 to 100 times more events are observed. Therein is a prime factor distinguishing the different acquisition geometries: in order to record a large number of microseismic events, we must detect as small of a magnitude event as possible. Quiet background noise levels are important, as well as recording as close as possible to the fracture source since the observed amplitude decreases with distance. Downhole is generally the most sensitive recording as long as a monitoring well close to the treatment well is available, typically Figure 3. Pros and cons of various monitoring geometries. several hundred meters away. Many fracs are relatively deep, so surface and near- surface are relatively far from the target and hence only record relatively large magnitude microseismic events.

Another aspect is the location accuracy associated with each configuration. Location uncertainty varies between microseismic events, depending on the signal quality, earth model and geometry relative to the monitoring array. Accuracy also tends to decrease with increasing distance from the monitoring array, due to decreased data quality (lower signal relative to noise) and geometrically increased uncertainty with distance. The location uncertainty is also generally different in different directions. All these factors make it difficult to generalize, although for a properly designed survey with robust processing the depth accuracy is normally better with downhole data.

Microseismic Locations One of the key differences between passive microseismic and active reflection surveys is that both the source position and origin time of the microseismicity are unknown. Figure 4. Basic downhole processing workflow. The P- and S-wave sonic velocity model, combined with a downhole The first step in processing is to detect array of seismic sensors in a nearby offset well that record microseismic events, allows the location of the event the presence of a microseismic signal, to be determined. The distance to a given event is constrained by the time separation of the arrival of the P- and using techniques similar to earthquake S-waves, while the direction or azimuth-angle is determined using the polarization of P- and/or S-wave signals (hodogram analysis). The depth of each event is constrained by analyzing the arrival times on multiple seismic detection. Typically impulsive, transient sensors (move out). (Continued on page 18...)

RESERVOIR ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2012 17 are used to detect small signals relative to the calibration. The controlled sources the background noise levels, but introduce are also used to determine the direction challenges to differentiate potential noise of the various components of the three signals contaminating the results and falsely orthogonal components of each sensor. indentifying noise as a microseismic signal. Finally the controlled sources can be used Associated robust location error estimates to validate the source location accuracy are more of a challenge, but can be estimated by comparing the computed location with from the location probability for positions the known location (Figure 5). Perforation around the most probable position. shots are ideal calibration sources, located within the fracture network and relatively An earth model of the speed that seismic strong signals. waves travel, the velocity model, is generally constructed from dipole sonic In addition to the location and associated logs and geological models (Figure 4). uncertainty estimates, magnitude and signal- Often a laterally homogenous, layered to-noise ratio (SNR) attributes are generally velocity model is constructed with layer available. SNR is somewhat related to thickness comparable to the wavelength or magnitude but decreases with distance from characteristic lengths of seismic waves. Sonic the source. SNR and location uncertainty logs are normally vertical measurements are also related, in that low SNR events tend Figure 5. View of a monitoring well with geophones and since many microseismic monitoring are to be relatively uncertain as shown in Figure (red disks) and known shot location (green). Red sphere is initial velocity model and triangle is after performed with horizontally propagating 6. The impact of the location uncertainty calibration for anisotropy. waves in anisotropic shale formations, a is to geometrically spread out the true calibration for the effective anisotropy is microseismically active region proportional (...Continued from page 17) performed. Typically perforation shots or to the location uncertainty. The more seismic signals are triggered by a detection other controlled seismic sources are used uncertain the data is, the larger the apparent method, which are then categorized as to calibrate the anisotropy, either explicitly microseismic volume (Figure 7). In order to noise or microseismic events. The goal of or effectively through adjusting the sonic- get more accurate microseismic results, basic microseismic processing is then to based isotropic velocities in various layers. the interpretation should utilize the higher determine the hypocenter location of the Additional information such as core log SNR events and lower location uncertainty event (x, y, and z coordinates and origin measurements, advanced sonic imaging microseisms. Interpretation of the fracture time) along with the source magnitude and logs or expected anisotropy values for geometry needs to account for the location quality control attributes of the signal-to- different lithologies can also be used in uncertainty as shown in Figure 8. Also of noise ratio and error ellipsoids. Figure 4 importance is the impact of uncertainties shows the general workflow. There are in the velocity model, which can result two primary methods used to determine in incorrect event locations. Pre-survey the source location for both downhole and design studies can estimate the expected surface data: arrival time determination accuracy and sensitivity of specific array or migration/beam-steering methods. In geometries. The sensitivity to the velocity the first method, arrival times of p- and model uncertainty can also be examined, s-waves are manually or automatically to compare various array options and determined for signals visible on each potentially deploy the array to provide the sensor. For most applications, particularly best possible results. single-well recording, signal polarization measurements are also used to constrain Sensitivity the source location. A velocity model of Figure 6. Relationship between relative location error The magnitude of the events is also an the zone of interest is constructed and and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). important quality control (QC) factor. In the hypocentral location is determined, giving the best match between forward modeled and observed arrival times and polarizations. Location uncertainties can be estimated based on statistical uncertainties in arrival times and polarizations. In contrast, the migration methods involve a combination of event detection and location determination. From multiple possible source positions, the forward modeled arrival times are compared with observed signals to determine the most probable time and space coordinates that corresponds to the onset of seismic signals. Often, potential source positions are tested throughout the continuous recordings, such that the method acts as both signal detection and location estimation. Signal processing methods, including noise reduction and signal stacking, Figure 7. Impact of signal-to-noise ratio on microseismic event patterns.

18 RESERVOIR ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2012 to the monitoring can be filtered to remove the distance bias. The unbiased data set can be used for better comparison of the relative number of microseismic events in various positions.

Conclusions In conclusion, microseismic monitoring is a quickly growing technology that is proving that geological variations in unconventional Figure 8. Illustration of observation well orientation bias (plan view). Event patterns are more dispersed further reservoirs result in complex, unexpected from the observation well due to azimuth uncertainty. The left graph shows event locations, with the size of the fracture patterns. Microseismic can be sphere proportional to the event magnitude. The right graph shows the event error ellipsoids, illustrating the impact of azimuth uncertainty on event patterns. performed either with an existing offset well for the deployment of a wireline array, or with a surface spread of geophones or sensors in shallow wells. Understanding the microseismic accuracy and sensitivity is critical for proper interpretation of the hydraulic fractures. Some of the challenges with the use of this relatively new and still maturing geophysical technology include educating engineers and the geology and geophysics communities about the benefits and potential pitfalls associated with interpretation of microseismic data. Inaccuracies in Figure 9. Illustration of magnitude versus distance graph showing that the entire fracture was mapped (left) and the processing must be estimated and the normalized events (right). communicated to the interpreters (whether engineers, geologists, or geophysicists). As with many areas of assessment and development of unconventional reservoirs, effective communication between geoscientists and engineers is paramount.

Figure 10. Illustration of magnitude versus distance graph showing that the entire fracture was NOT mapped (left) and the normalized events (right). downhole recording, there is a recording magnitude which can be detected for the bias associated with increased sensitivity furthest events. The example in Figure 9 close to the monitoring well (Figure 9). For illustrates a scenario where there is a range the same reason, surface monitoring suffers of magnitudes recorded at the greatest from overall reduced sensitivity using arrays distance, which can be used to infer that if far from the reservoir while downhole is the fracture had grown further away, the ABOUT THE AUTHOR able to detect more events especially close sensitivity was adequate to still detect the Shawn Maxwell ([email protected]) is Chief to the array. The recording bias results activity. Therefore, in this example, the Geophysicist and Advisor for Schlumberger’s in two QC aspects that can be assessed conclusion can be drawn that the entire microseismic services, and is based in Calgary. through plotting the magnitude versus fracture was recorded. By contrast, Figure Prior employment included leading microseismic distance between source and array: whether 10 depicts the opposite case where the services with Pinnacle Technologies (Halliburton) the entire fracture geometry been detected extent of the microseismic activity is limited and ESG, and he was also a Lecturer at Keele and how to remove the detection bias. by the recording. At the maximum offset, University in England. Shawn was awarded a the minimum detected event is equivalent Ph.D. in earthquake seismology from Queen’s Figure 9 shows an example magnitude to the largest events that occurred and so University, and is currently passive seismic versus distance plot for a single- downhole it is not possible to conclude if the fracture associate editor for Geophysics. He regularly monitoring array configuration. Notice grew further since even the biggest events teaches microseismic courses through the CSEG, that the smallest magnitude event that is would not be detected. In both examples, including the fall Doodletrain and a Microseismic detected at various distances increases as the recording bias can be removed by just Bootcamp during the spring GeoConvention. The the source gets further from the sensor considering the larger magnitude events. CSEG plans to launch a Microseismic User’s array (sloping red dashed line). The In Figure 9 the horizontal red dashed line Group in early 2012; details will be available at increased sensitivity at close distances represents a magnitude that can be detected www.cseg.ca. results in an exponential increase in the regardless of distance and this subset of number of events. To determine if the entire events represents an unbiased data set. In fracture has been detected, the maximum Figure 10, since the recording is distance magnitude is compared with the minimum limited, only the part of the fracture closest

RESERVOIR ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2012 19 MARCH IS NATIONAL ENGINEERING AND GEOSCIENCE MONTH: Design the Future!

schools to take part in NEGM activities. She’s been bringing her Grade 5 and 6 students to the APEGGA Calgary Science Olympics since 2003. “Science is a lot more than a subject in school. I think the Science Olympics creates a desire in students to learn more, and to possibly consider a career in science,” says Hunter.

For a complete calendar of events taking place during the month, look for the annual NEGM newspaper supplement in the March 1 editions of the Calgary Herald, Edmonton Journal, and Fort McMurray Today, and on March 2 in the Grande Prairie Herald Tribune. Articles in the supplement will profile engineers and geoscientists whose innovations and volunteer work are helping Design the Future, both in Alberta and beyond our borders.

Get involved For more information on what’s happening across Alberta during NEGM, and to get Hundreds of students will take part in Science Olympics events during National Engineering and Geoscience involved, visit APEGGA’s calendar of events Month in March. at www.apegga.org and click on National Engineering & Geoscience Month under the Across Alberta, Professional Engineers in engineering and geoscience. We want K-12 & Teachers section. and Geoscientists are turning their ideas to encourage young people, in particular into innovations. In every industry and female and Aboriginal students, to explore If your organization is holding an event every community, they are transforming the possibilities,” says Smith. to celebrate NEGM, let APEGGA know. the world we live in. Contact Corinne Lutter at 780-426-3990, Celebrating NEGM is also an important or by email at [email protected], to During National Engineering & Geoscience part of APEGGA’s commitment to building have your event added to the calendar. For Month (NEGM) March 1 to 31, it’s time strong relationships within the engineering information about other NEGM events, to celebrate the contributions these and geoscience communities. please contact Jeanne Keaschuk at 780- professionals make in our province and 426-3990, or by email at jkeaschuk@ around the globe. Calendar of events apegga.org. Celebrations start with NEGM kickoff “There are more than 62,000 Professional events. Engineers and geoscientists will Engineers and Geoscientists in Alberta. compete in a fun science challenge that The work they do benefits everyone, will test their skills. The public and other improving our quality of life, keeping us engineering and geoscience professionals safe, and growing our economy,” says Jim are invited to attend and cheer them on. Smith, P.Eng., President of The Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Throughout the month, APEGGA will host Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGGA). Science Olympics and elementary school “We’re proud to showcase the excellent science nights around the province. In 2011, work being done by Professional Engineers more than 5,000 students, teachers, and and Geoscientists, not only during NEGM volunteers took part in these events. “The but all year long.” focus is on fun,” says Edmonton Science Olympics Chairman Jeff Goldie. “The kids Various events will be held throughout like the hands-on nature of the activities. It the month to raise awareness about gives them an outlet for their creativity.” the professions and highlight careers in science, math, and technology. “There are Trish Hunter, a science teacher at Balmoral many exciting and diverse career paths School in Calgary, encourages parents and

20 RESERVOIR ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2012

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RESERVOIR ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2012 21 FALL EDUCATION WEEK | By Tina Donkers, Committee Chair

During the fall the CSPG scheduled 12 vary from year to year or from spring to fall has been on the committee for several courses, of which five met the minimum in registration for particular courses. Some years now and has been immersed in other registration requirements. Courses courses are over-subscribed at the spring duties. He is fully cognizant of the duties that did successfully run were 60-100% conference, but when offered again in the and responsibilities he is taking on. On filled. I’m sure it is disappointing to the fall, the course fails to run. behalf of the membership, I’d like to thank members who have registered and are Andrew for continuing to volunteer for the looking forward to attending a course, to Advertising continues to be through the CSPG. have it cancelled two weeks before the Reservoir and via member e-mails. This course starts. The CSPG chooses not to is an area that has been identified as Also thanks to Carrie Jeanes, (now Carrie run courses at a negative balance and be needing improvement. Notices in the Kukko) for her continuing support as Chair a drain on their finances. Unfortunately, Daily Oil Bulletin as well as advertising at for the Education Committee, this past this leads to the false perception that the division talks have been recommended. year. Carrie took on this role at a very CSPG is not running a successful Education Researchers claim that people need to see busy time in her life, knowing that she had a program. an ad 5-6 times before they take action. wedding to prepare for in August. She also A sobering thought, that the same basic had a very proactive role in setting up a The most popular registration period for information has to be placed in front new instructor payment system, which led education continues to be associated with of a person five times before there is a to several new courses for the convention the May conference, where 90% of the response. Thus if only a portion of the as well as for the fall program. courses offered have enough registration membership reads the CSPG Reservoir or to run. In general, numbers are much lower the e-newsletter, then we haven’t really I appreciated the opportunity to work on for the fall Education Program, but the advertised to our membership successfully. the committee for the last four years and CSPG feels that it is a worthy program to Taking over the helm for the Fall Education thank the committee volunteers for their continue. It is interesting how the numbers Program in 2012 is Andrew Riben. Andrew ongoing support and friendship.

for information contact: GeoEdges Inc. Joel Harding at 403 870 8122 Detailed and accurate geology at your fingertips in Petra, email [email protected] GeoGraphix, ArcGIS, AccuMap, GeoScout and other applications www.geoedges.com

Western Canada: Slave Point, Swan Hills, Leduc, Grosmont, Jean Marie, Horn River Shales, Elkton, Shunda, Pekisko, Banff, Mississippian subcrops and anhydrite barriers in SE Sask., Bakken, Three Forks, Montney, Halfway, Charlie Lake, Rock Creek, Shaunavon, BQ/Gething, Bluesky, Glauconitic, Lloyd, Sparky, Colony, Viking, Cardium, Horseshoe Canyon and Western Canada Mannville CBM, Oilsands Areas, Outcrops Geological Edge Set US Rockies & Williston: Red River, Mississippian subcrops & anhydrite barriers (Bluell, Sherwood, Rival, etc), Bakken, Three Forks, Cutbank, Sunburst, Tyler, Heath, Muddy, Dakota, Sussex, Shannon, Parkman, Almond, Lewis, Frontier, Niobrara, Mesaverde shorelines, Minnelusa, Gothic, Hovenweep, Ismay, Desert Creek, Field Outlines, Outcrops

Appalachian Basin North American Shales: Shale plays characterized by O&G fields, Geological Edge Set formation limit, outcrop, subcrop, structure, isopach, maturity, stratigraphic cross-sections. Includes: Marcellus, Rhinestreet, Huron, New Albany, Antrim, Utica-Collingwood, Barnett, Northern US Rockies Eagleford, Niobrara, Gothic, Hovenweep, Mowry, Bakken, & Williston Basin Three Forks, Monterey, Montney, Horn River, Colorado Geological Edge Set Appalachian Basin: PreCambrian, Trenton, Utica-Collingwood, Medina-Clinton, Tuscarora, Marcellus, Onondaga Structure, Geneseo, Huron, Antrim, New Albny, Rhinestreet, Sonyea, Cleveland, Venango, Bradford, Elk, Berea, Weir, Big Injun, Formation limits, Outcrops, Allegheny Thrust, Cincinatti Arch, Field outlines

Deliverables include: -Shapefiles and AccuMap map features -hard copy maps, manual, pdf cross-sections -Petra Thematic Map projects, GeoGraphix projects, ArcView North American Shales map and layers files Geological Edge Set -bi-annual updates and additions to mapping -technical support

22 RESERVOIR ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2012 ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND | By Anne Hargreaves

CromARTy   I NVerNESS



Abe erde n

Edinburgh 

for information contact: GeoEdges Inc. Joel Harding at 403 870 8122 Detailed and accurate geology at your fingertips in Petra, email [email protected] GeoGraphix, ArcGIS, AccuMap, GeoScout and other applications www.geoedges.com Figure 1. The geology of Scotland. © The Trustees of the National Museums of Scotland, used with permission for educational purposes from the Scottish geology website, www.scottishgeology.com/findoutmore. Western Canada: Slave Point, Swan Hills, Leduc, Grosmont, Jean Marie, Horn River Shales, Elkton, Shunda, Pekisko, Banff, Mississippian subcrops and anhydrite barriers in SE Sask., Scotland has long figured in the history of Bakken, Three Forks, Montney, Halfway, Charlie Lake, Rock geology. One early geologist was James Creek, Shaunavon, BQ/Gething, Bluesky, Glauconitic, Lloyd, Sparky, Colony, Viking, Cardium, Horseshoe Canyon and Hutton. Hutton was a Scottish gentleman Western Canada Mannville CBM, Oilsands Areas, Outcrops farmer, philosopher, and scientist who published a book in 1795 called Theory of the Geological Edge Set US Rockies & Williston: Red River, Mississippian subcrops & anhydrite barriers (Bluell, Sherwood, Rival, etc), Bakken, Three Earth. By studying the geological features in Forks, Cutbank, Sunburst, Tyler, Heath, Muddy, Dakota, and around Edinburgh (Figure 1) he came up Sussex, Shannon, Parkman, Almond, Lewis, Frontier, Niobrara, Mesaverde shorelines, Minnelusa, Gothic, Hovenweep, Ismay, with ideas regarding the formation of igneous Desert Creek, Field Outlines, Outcrops and sedimentary rocks in the area. His most famous finding was an ‘unconformity’ where by Appalachian Basin North American Shales: Shale plays characterized by O&G fields, Geological Edge Set formation limit, outcrop, subcrop, structure, isopach, maturity, observing a structural difference between two stratigraphic cross-sections. Includes: Marcellus, Rhinestreet, sedimentary rock sequences, he determined Huron, New Albany, Antrim, Utica-Collingwood, Barnett, that one sequence was deposited, uplifted, Northern US Rockies Eagleford, Niobrara, Gothic, Hovenweep, Mowry, Bakken, & Williston Basin Three Forks, Monterey, Montney, Horn River, Colorado eroded, before being overlain by another Geological Edge Set sequence. Appalachian Basin: PreCambrian, Trenton, Utica-Collingwood, Medina-Clinton, Tuscarora, Marcellus, Onondaga Structure, Geneseo, Huron, Antrim, New Albny, Rhinestreet, Sonyea, Another early Scottish geologist of note Cleveland, Venango, Bradford, Elk, Berea, Weir, Big Injun, is Hugh Miller. Self taught, he described Formation limits, Outcrops, Allegheny Thrust, Cincinatti Arch, sedimentary rocks and their associated Field outlines fossils, discovering many new species. His Deliverables include: most famous book was titled The Old Red -Shapefiles and AccuMap map features -hard copy maps, manual, pdf cross-sections Sandstone. His birthplace home is available to -Petra Thematic Map projects, GeoGraphix projects, ArcView tour in Cromarty north of Inverness. North American Shales map and layers files Figure 2. Aberdeen’s buildings are all made of granite from the local Rubislaw Quarry. Begonias are still Geological Edge Set -bi-annual updates and additions to mapping -technical support Today, an important center of Scottish geology blooming in November despite being at 57 degrees N latitude. (Continued on page 24...)

RESERVOIR ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2012 23 (...Continued from page 23) Figure 3. Aberdeen harbour packed with drilling and service ships. is Aberdeen. Aberdeen is known as the ‘Granite City’ as the majority of its buildings are built with the local grey granite (Figure 2, page 23). This stone, hewn from the Rubislaw Quarry located right in the city of Aberdeen, is an igneous diorite with flakes of mica that, on sunny days, sparkle brilliantly. The quarry opened in 1741 and after producing six million tons of granite for buildings in Aberdeen, as well as the Houses of Parliament in London, finally closed in 1971 and is now filled with water. The quarry is believed to be the largest man-made hole in Europe and measures 120 m wide by 142 m deep.

The city, which has a population of around 225,000 people, is also known as the oil capital of Europe due to its proximity to the North Sea, where it acts as the main staging area for people and equipment operating there on the many drilling platforms (Figure 3). Presently there are 156 of 169 rigs operating in the North Sea – an enviable 91% utilization rate, even though it is believed that more than 50% of the reserves in the North Sea have Figure 4. Aberdeen’s Marischal College today, already been produced since offshore drilling after a 65 million pound refurbishment. commenced in 1964.

The University of Aberdeen was founded in 1495, and one of its buildings, Marischal College (Figure 4), is the second biggest granite building in the world after El Escorial in Spain. This college is leased by the city of Aberdeen from the University, and has recently undergone extensive restoration to the tune of 65 million pounds. It currently houses the Aberdeen civic offices.

When in Aberdeen, it is well worth a visit to the Maritime Museum (Figure 5), which is situated near the harbour in a building dating back to 1593. The refurbished museum opened in 1997 and the centerpiece is the nine-meter high model of the Murchison Oil Platform (Figure 6). This model was made to plan the construction of the platform before the era of high-quality computer modeling. The museum itself houses an excellent multi-media exhibit that brings to life the drama of the offshore oil and gas industry in the North Sea, as well as Aberdeen’s fishing and shipping industry.

There is a unique area called the Sands of Forvie, which stretch from the city for 24 km north along the coast. Here, the sands form a beach dune complex that developed during the past 4,000 years. At the end of the last ice age approximately 10,000 years ago, sediment was transported by rivers to the coast and deposited off-shore. As sea levels rose due to the melting of the Scandinavian and North American ice sheets, with peak water levels approximately 4,000 years ago, the sediments were reworked and deposited back onshore.

24 RESERVOIR ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2012 Researchers study the sand dunes and the processes that formed them as winds, waves, and tides work to move the sediment steadily northwards. In the past few years Donald Trump and his contentious plans for a massive golf course, in the dunes near Balmedie, have met with much local opposition. The word ‘links’ is the original Scottish term for the dune area which is not suitable for cultivation but not in the ocean either, but links the land to the sea. Links courses usually have a lot of rough and uneven fairways, as well as a lot of wind, not surprisingly!

A three-hour train ride south of Aberdeen brings you to Edinburgh, which is a beautiful and historically fascinating city, not only culturally, but also most definitely geologically!

It was here at Arthur’s seat (Figure 7) that James Hutton demonstrated that igneous rocks were intruded into sedimentary rock layers resulting in what is called a sill. The surrounding sedimentary rocks have been eroded away, leaving a sill exposed that is now known as the Salisbury Crags (Figure 8, page 26). Often sills are created with very fluid magma that can force its way between sedimentary rock layers for great distances.

Arthur’s seat itself is an extinct Carboniferous volcano, which was plugged with volcanic ash and hardened lava when it became extinct. The plug or neck of a volcano often survives when surrounding rock is eroded away. There are a number of volcano plugs in the area, one of which is the rock that Edinburgh Castle is built on (Figure 9, page 26).

BIBLIOGRAPHY http://www.rigzone.com/ http://scottishgeology.com/ Figure 6. The Aberdeen Maritime Museum houses the model of the Toghill, Peter. 2007. The Geology of Britain. Airlife Publishing, Marlborough, Murchison Oil Platform, which is 9 m high. This model was used during construction in 1980 as computer modeling was not yet perfected.

Figure 5. Maritime Museum, Shiprow, Aberdeen. The museum was refurbished in 1997 Figure 7. Arthur’s seat, which is an extinct Carboniferous volcano, with the with the portion on the right, a house that was built in 1593 (www.aagm.co.uk). Salisbury Crags in the foreground as viewed from Edinburgh Castle.

RESERVOIR ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2012 25 Figure 8. Salisbury Crags, remnants of a sill that was intruded parallel to bedding planes in sedimentary rocks surrounding the volcano. Early November light casts long shadows even at 3 p.m. as in this photo. Aberdeen lies fairly far north, at 57 degrees N, so daylight is limited in winter with under 7 hours between sunrise and sunset at winter solstice.

Figure 9. View of Edinburgh Castle from Arthurs Seat. The Castle is built on an old Carboniferous volcanic plug.

26 RESERVOIR ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2012 2011 CSPG Awards T eCHNICAL Awards Service Awards for Members Shaun Lafleur Christopher Collom Stanley Slipper Gold who have Served the Society for Larry Lane Ryan Cook Medal for Outstanding Career over Five Years Denis Lavoie Jonathan Cribb Contributions to Oil and Gas Sid Leggett Leena Davis Exploration in Canada Linden Achen Robert MacNaughton Clayton Deutsch Edward (Ned) Gilbert Norbert Alwast Bruce McIntyre Noel Devere-Bennett George Ardies Ben McKenzie Keith Dewing R.J.W. Douglas Medal for Peter Aukes Margot McMechan Eva Drivet Outstanding Contributions to the Andreas Bayer David Middleton Kyle Durocher Understanding of Sedimentary Philip Benham Steve Minions Colleen Flynn Geology in Canada George Bowley Jessie Mitton Patrick Fothergill Darrel Long Peter Boyle Regan Palsgrove Jocelyn Frankow Chuck Buckley Alice Payne Ranald Gault Honorary Membership for David Caldwell Brenda Pearson Sasan Ghanbari Distinguished Service to the Society Mark Caplan John Peirce Chad Glemser Gerry Reinson Richard Chisholm Guy Plint Tony Habib Roger Walker Nancy Chow Frank Pogubila Anne Hargreaves Andre Chow Brian Pratt Tim Hartel Link Award for Best Penny Christensen Mark Radomski Tracy Hay Presentation – Technical Penny Colton Indy Raychaudhuri Fran Hein Luncheon Series Debbie Cook Weishan Ren Dan Hermary Stephen Grasby for his Andrew Cook Claude Ribordy Amir Hosseini September 23, 2010 Barrie Dargie Justine Sagan Paula Jennings presentation “A Late Permian Tim de Freitas Terry Sami Tracey Jungwirth Hot Anoxic Acid Bath”. Foon Der Claus Sitzler Kevin Keogh Ian DeWolfe Heather Slavinski Nate Kreiger Medal of Merit for Best Paper Steve Donaldson Randy Smith Adam Leather Tina Donkers Tom Sneddon Related to Canadian Petroleum Alex MacNeil Dave Drover Gordon Stabb Geology Ryan Martin Bob Earle Lavern Stasiuk Tim McCullagh and Bruce Hart Jane Marzetti Markus Ebner Glen Stockmal for their paper “Stratigraphic Darin McBeath Ashton Embry Mike Swain controls on production from Tannis McCartney Samantha Etherington Martin Teitz a basin-centered gas system: Rick McCulloch Ned Etris Clint Tippett Lower Cretaceous Cadotte Amanda Mitander Richard Evoy Tony Wain Member, Deep Basin, Alberta, Aliyyah Mohamed Lloyd Freeman John Waldron Canada.” Ryan Mohr Riona Freeman Michael Webb Rob North Jean-Francois Gagnon Jay Williams Volunteer Awards Jeff Packard Stephen Grasby Dick Willot President’s Award for Per Kent Pedersen Darcie Greggs Hugh Wishart Amanda Perrot Outstanding Service by a CSPG Aaron Grimeau Tammy Wolcott Member Kyla Poelzer Ayaz Gulamhussein Keith Yaxley Mark Rabin Paul MacKay Tony Hamblin Colin Yeo Melanie Regehr Peter Harrington Andrew Riben H.M. Hunter Award for Peter Hay Volunteer Awards for Cindy Robinson Distinguished Service to the Doug Hayden Members who have Served the Mike Rogers Society Greg Hayden Society for up to Five Years Kristin Rohr Timothy Bird Adam Hedinger Sandra Rosenthal Graeme Bloy Dave Hills James Ablett Jen Russel-Houston Denise Hodder Heather Archibald Armin Schafer Tracks Awards for Members Dawn Hodgins Olena Babak Jacey Seebach Who Have Set New Standards John Hogg Jeff Barefoot Angie Simpson of Excellence Norm Hopkins Kelly Batten Hender Meghan Speers David Garner Kristy Howe Ali Beken Stan Stancliffe Greg Lynch Michele Innes Laurie Bellman Scott Thain Dennis Meloche Dale Issler Berry Bennett Damien Thenin Trent Rehill Wim Jalink Khaled Benzaoui Elizabeth Turner Bob Potter Glenn Karlen Tim Bergen Cole Webster Don Keith Kyla Bishop Renjun Wen Partnership Award for Non- Ian Kirkland Edlyn Bruni Gerald Wendland CSPG members or Non-Geologists Peter Kouremenos Gary Bugden Marissa Whittaker who Have Made Outstanding Dan Krentz Matt Burns Andrew Willis Contributions to CSPG Carrie Kukko Jean-Yves Chatellier Nick Wilson Rob McGrory Mike LaBerge Guoxiang Chi Stefan Zanon

RESERVOIR ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2012 27 Kyosei | By Tom Sneddon, P.Geol., Manager of Geoscience Affairs, APEGGA Calgary

Geologists are, by and large, a congenial manifesto is explained in some detail in of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living lot who are more inclined to collaborate “The Path of Kyosei” by Ryuzaburo Kabu, and working together into the future” (http:// than compete (much to the dismay of many Canon’s Honourary Chairman in the July www.canon.com/about/philosophy/index. corporate executives!) Teamwork comes 1997 edition of the Harvard Business Review html). The extended concept also comes easily and is the competitive edge in 21st (http://hbr.org/1997/07/the-path-of-kyosei/ naturally to geologists, who have always Century corporate Canada. ar/1). The concept of kyosei is an expression worked in a global economy world. of teamwork and thus comes easily to Kyosei is a Japanese word that explicitly geoscientists. Kyosei isn’t a bad analogy for how Canada has means “living and working together to developed over the past 150 years and will achieve the common good.” It is the core Canon has extended the idea somewhat in its likely continue to do for the next century. It value for Canon Inc. and that company’s corporate philosophy: “All people, regardless certainly beats constant inter-cultural enmity, constant warfare, and political intrigue. We tend to take out our aggressive tendencies via the sports field, hockey rink, and House of Commons where hopefully they do no real harm. In places of commerce, social interaction, and in the street we tend toward kyosei more than any other way and if our leaders get too carried away with their ON rhetoric, we remind them that we are basically a peaceful and cooperative lot who come from a wonderfully diverse cultural background.

Professional geoscience has a history of kyosei. We socialize a lot; discuss technical and scientific matters objectively, fairly, truthfully, and honestly and try (sometimes vainly) to 3 0 NOT 4 0 avoid getting our egos wound into geological 0 0 FOCUS5 DATA 0 0 6 0 debate. This is clearly the way to tentatively 7 0 0 0 8 0 0 adopting a difficult to disprove orthodoxy or discarding a current orthodoxy until it has DECISIONSbeen shown to be fallacious.

0

0 0 Professional Geologists are also committed 1

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9 to placing the health and welfare of the public 8 0 0 7 0 6 0 0 0 ahead of personal and private gain and have X/Y: 5 0 4 0 0 Feet 0 an equal concern for the health of the natural

3 0 0 environment. By our Rules of Conduct, this 0

0 is our obligation as well. We must serve the 2 public interest. Isopach - Eagleford to Buda 2 Why spend valuable time searching for data 0 0 when you have important decisions to make? Others in the world have adopted kyosei

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1 and further extended it to include the rather Let TGS focus on the data. With worldwide well vague concept of sustainability and much of data experience and a dedicated customer the blogosphere has embraced that definition. 1 0 0 support team, TGS provides high quality data By searching the internet using “kyosei”, you in the formats you need. will have no difficulty in exploring those interpretations of the word. Email [email protected] to learn more 0 0 2 about TGS’ well data library that includes As we approach the GeoConvention 2012: production data, directional surveys and the Vision, there is a great need for members to

largest online collection of well logs. 0

0 assist the organizing committee structure in 0 0 1 2 0 1 0 delivering one of the world’s great gatherings of geoscientists. Volunteering for CSPG and 00 1 0 APEGGA committees is an expression of kyosei, 0 1 working together for the common good. 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 1 0 Learn more at www.tgsnopec.com/welldata 1

10 2 0 You know, that isn’t a bad vision for our 0 0 profession. 20 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0

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3 1 2 0 28 RESERVOIR ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2012

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1 Find the geology you need! 1700 reports 1100 datasets 400 maps

Save time. We have what you’re looking for. www.ags.gov.ab.ca/download

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RESERVOIR ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2012 29 Since 1927... FALL LECTURE TOUR Wrap-up Professionals in Geoscience | By Garrett Quinn and Chad Glemser www.apegga.org One of the most significant ways the hydrocarbon production, it is essential CSPG University Outreach Committee that industry professionals network connects with students is through the with students and faculty to spread the lecture tour series. Over the years this knowledge of these new and enormous program has proven to be very effective resource plays, the challenges we face, and as it puts industry professionals in direct the many different geological careers one Investing in the Future contact with students where they can can take within this blossoming industry. share their work and give students a At APEGGA we like to make science fun! We also hope to attract the best and brightest students sense of what the Canadian oil and gas The lecture tours are also a forum for to careers in geoscience. And we remain committed to building strong relationships with the CORPORATE MEMBERS industry has to offer. For students in some students to learn about what the CSPG has Allen Geophysical Consulting Ltd. regions of Canada this may be their first to offer with its free student membership: geoscience community. Put that all together and you get an active geoscience outreach and Apache Canada Ltd. exposure to the petroleum industry and the Student Industry Field Trip, cash sponsorship program. APEGGA the lectures are a chance to broaden their awards, iPad draws, field trips, networking Baker Atlas knowledge to new geological ideas and events, and conferences, to list a few. The In fact, every year APEGGA provides in-kind donations and thousands of dollars to multiple BDO Canada LLP techniques. Above all, the lecture tours CSPG University Outreach committee is groups as a sponsor of organizations and events including: Alberta Science Literacy Society, provide an opportunity for students and always looking for enthusiastic individuals Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. Alberta Women’s Science Network, Burgess Shale Foundation, Canmore Museum and Casey & Associates faculty to see the technical challenges with new and creative lecture ideas to ConocoPhillips Canada Limited we face as geoscientists in the petroleum bring to aspiring undergraduate and Geoscience Centre, Doodle Train, Earth Sciences for Society, Geophysics Undergraduate industry and to network with an industry graduate students across Canada. If you Devon Canada Corporation Student Society, Geoscience Day, Honorary Address, P.S. Warren Undergraduate Geological professional. This spring we are planning or someone you know has an idea for a Enerplus Corporation another round of lecture tours, so talk you would like to give on any aspect Society, PTAC Spring Water Forum, Rock ‘N’ Fossil Clinics, Rundle Group of Geology, Science exxon mobil upstream research students and faculty should regularly of petroleum geology, or if your university Alberta Foundation, Seismic in Motion, Stones and Bones Summer Camp, TELUS World of company check their department announcement is interested hosting a lecturer, please Science Calgary and Edmonton and W.C. Gussow Geoscience Conference as well as multiple geoLOGIC systems ltd. boards and watch the CSPG Student feel free to contact either Chad Glemser GEOSTRATA RESOURCES INC. Newsletter for a lecture tour near you. ([email protected]) or Garrett science olympics and science fairs. Hunt Oil Company Of Canada Quinn ([email protected]). The HUSKY ENERGY INC. This fall Brad Hayes, President of Petrel CSPG University Outreach Committee That’s because, like you, we see sponsoring geoscience outreach organizations and events as an IHS Robertson Consulting Ltd., travelled expresses their sincere appreciation and investment in future human capital and an important opportunity to raise awareness of the wealth Imperial Oil Resources to Eastern Canada visiting McGill, thank you to all universities involved with generation and quality of life made possible by geoscientists right here in Alberta. JEWELSUITE Memorial, Dalhousie, Acadia, and St. hosting a lecturer on tour this year and, LITTLE ROCK DOCUMENT SYSTEMS Mary’s Universities. His lecture entitled of course, the lecturers for contributing By working with Alberta’s geoscience community, we help to ensure that today’s students MJ Systems “Unconventional” gas and oil development their time and effort toward making this become tomorrow’s geoscience leaders. MURPHY OIL COMPANY – how is it changing careers in geology?” program a success. was oriented towards students and Nexen Inc. For more information: Penn West Petroleum Ltd. faculty who likely have heard much about unconventional oil and gas development Petrocraft products ltd. Tom Sneddon, P.Geol. and are curious to hear about the issues PLUSPETROL S.A Geoscience Affairs Manager from an industry professional while learning ROXAR P: 403-262-7714 or 800-661-7020 about the role of a geologist in these new It's RPS Energy Canada Ltd. frontiers. Brad’s lecture focused on the E: [email protected] SCHLUMBERGER nature of unconventional resources and Shell Canada Limited how they differ from conventional plays Sedimentary! Sproule Associates Limited while addressing the many different roles Suncor Energy Inc. geologists are now experiencing outside Photography talisman energy inc. of traditional hydrocarbon exploration. TOTAL E&P CANADA LTD. For example, geologists specializing in Exhibit Tourmaline Oil Corp. hydrogeology, stratigraphy, Quaternary geology, and environmental geology are February 4th - 19th AS OF JANUARY 10, 2012 becoming increasingly important within Inglewood Fine Arts CSPG welcomes our 2011 Corporate Members! the industry as the need grows for The benefits of being a corporate member include: high-quality sand used for proppant in 1223B - 9 Ave. S.E. • Recognition in the monthly Reservoir and quarterly Bulletin hydraulic fracturing, new water sources, Calgary, Alberta • One associate membership and improved understanding of how to • Reserved tables at the technical luncheons with manage all of these resources responsibly www.millarphoto.com your company logo in a more environmentally conscious • One free pass to the CSPG Core Conference society. In many new areas of North …and more! Contact Kasandra Klein at kasandra.klein America traditionally not well known for @cspg.org to be a corporate member today!

30 RESERVOIR RESERVOIR ISSUE ISSUE 4 • APRIL2 • FEBRUARY 2011 2012 Professionals in Geoscience www.apegga.org

Investing in the Future At APEGGA we like to make science fun! We also hope to attract the best and brightest students to careers in geoscience. And we remain committed to building strong relationships with the geoscience community. Put that all together and you get an active geoscience outreach and sponsorship program.

In fact, every year APEGGA provides in-kind donations and thousands of dollars to multiple groups as a sponsor of organizations and events including: Alberta Science Literacy Society, Alberta Women’s Science Network, Burgess Shale Foundation, Canmore Museum and Geoscience Centre, Doodle Train, Earth Sciences for Society, Geophysics Undergraduate Student Society, Geoscience Day, Honorary Address, P.S. Warren Undergraduate Geological Society, PTAC Spring Water Forum, Rock ‘N’ Fossil Clinics, Rundle Group of Geology, Science Alberta Foundation, Seismic in Motion, Stones and Bones Summer Camp, TELUS World of Science Calgary and Edmonton and W.C. Gussow Geoscience Conference as well as multiple science olympics and science fairs.

That’s because, like you, we see sponsoring geoscience outreach organizations and events as an investment in future human capital and an important opportunity to raise awareness of the wealth generation and quality of life made possible by geoscientists right here in Alberta.

By working with Alberta’s geoscience community, we help to ensure that today’s students become tomorrow’s geoscience leaders.

For more information: Tom Sneddon, P.Geol. Geoscience Affairs Manager P: 403-262-7714 or 800-661-7020 E: [email protected] Want sealed frameworks from geological and geophysical data in minutes, not weeks? Speed Up

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