EXPLORER

2 NOVEMBER 2016 WWW.AAPG.ORG Vol. 37, No. 11 November 2016 EXPLORER PRESIDENT’SCOLUMN Innovation and the Future of Geoscience BY PAUL BRITT

n the last two months, I have been to reduced. Drones are already being used for an international conference, our own pipeline inspection and facilities inspection. IInternational Conference and Exhibition As with many innovations, there is What could you do with a drone? (ICE), and the Gulf Coast Section, Eastern Section and Pacific/Rocky Mountain likely a technology we are not even Nanotechnology Section meetings. The meetings were aware of right now that could have mostly lightly attended, but the geologists “nan·o·tech·nol·o·gy: the branch of in attendance were enthusiastic and the biggest impact on our science. technology that deals with dimensions and optimistic about their profession, even tolerances of less than 100 nanometers, if some were apprehensive about their BRITT especially the manipulation of individual immediate employment futures. atoms and molecules.” At each of these events, I met with many of the same qualities and asked developing the source rock itself. It is a young field of study of a world student chapter groups and I was usually the same questions as the students. The What are some of the potential new so small we can’t see it, even with a accompanied by other AAPG Delegates, advice was along the lines of learning innovations that we can see today? The light microscope. This is a technology of Executive Committee members, or more of the tools in common use among following are but a few possibilities: building machines at a molecular, or even AAPG staff. The student chapter leaders the smaller companies, such as PC-based subatomic, level. and members were enthusiastic and workstation software, and expanding their Drones In 1981, scientists gained a new tool energetic. They were in various stages of scope of knowledge into petrophysics and powerful enough to allow them to see undergraduate and graduate programs other related fields. The PC-based software Come on now – if these were available single atoms. This device, the scanning and many were preparing to graduate is in far broader use than the high-end when we were in school or early in our tunneling microscope, uses a tiny electric soon. Each had questions about their products that are more often limited to careers, what would we be doing differently current and very fine needle to detect the opportunities and their future. larger companies and universities. today? height of individual atoms, and pick up, In the present business climate, those But even more importantly, how is Well built, fairly inexpensive flying move, and precisely place atoms, one at a aren’t easy questions to answer. Stressing future innovation going to affect the machines, capable of carrying high- time. Right now, nanotechnology is being their love for geology to carry them forward geoscience career? resolution cameras and other remote studied primarily for materials science, was the main theme of our discussions. Past innovations in the petroleum sensing tools – LiDAR, geochem sampling, chemistry and medicine. They had questions about what types of geology field are advances like wire surface logging equipment – using GPS It is a science in its early stages, but fields would be best to pursue, whether to line electric logs (the oldest I’ve used (another innovation I didn’t mention earlier) what if it, instead of water and gas floods get a master’s degree or doctorate, and for interpretation was run in 1930 in a for accurate location. What if you could do of reservoirs, could eventually be used for they always finished with “What’s the price well in South Texas), improved drilling an airborne gas detection survey over an enhanced recovery by using molecular of oil going to be?” We could recommend techniques that permit deeper drilling area and map it? Literally, the sky’s the limit. alteration to increase reservoir permeability fields and particularly types of companies, and in more hostile drilling environments, Mapping an outcrop in detail without or change fluid viscosity? What if it could such as smaller independents, service offshore drilling, 2-D seismic, 3-D seismic, having to climb over all of it, surface be applied to block water production in companies, or non-petroleum disciplines to horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing. geological mapping and other uses like a reservoir, or used as a replacement of which they might not have been exposed Many of these, you might say, are environmental mapping and accurate hydraulic fracturing by changing the rock in school, since many students think engineering innovations, but they were location of geological features in the field – properties of the formation? along the lines of major oil companies and either driven by geologic exploration these are just a few applications for drones The impact on geoscience would be national oil companies. In the end though, pushing the envelope toward new frontiers, (see related articles on pages 14 and 26). immense, opening up the field of reservoir while we talk about careers, they are just or as an iterative process of geology How much more of the study area could revitalization, recovering hydrocarbons left thinking about their first job. and engineering with a back-and-forth you cover in a fraction of the time, allowing behind in an old field. We also met with Members who advancement in each of the fields. you to focus on the anomalies and points of Nanotechnology falls in the category of were Young Professionals. Many were The latest example of this innovation interest with an on-the-ground follow up? “too soon to tell” right now, but the potential employed, but some were recently are the unconventional plays, which have Not only can fieldwork be done faster, for the future makes it something to watch. unemployed. These were experienced virtually reversed the production decline but so much more field work is possible geologists early in their careers who had in the United States by exploring and because the cost (in time) is dramatically See AI, page 8

STAFF TABLEofCONTENTS REGULARDEPARTMENTS Managing Editor National Oil Companies like Pemex “Worst Year Ever”: Even with some Historical Highlights...... 20 Brian Ervin have opened up new opportunities major recent finds inAlaska and the 06 12 Geophysical Corner...... 24 [email protected] through legislative reforms, but Permian Basin, worldwide oil continue to struggle in this low price exploration and discovery has a Policy Watch...... 28 News Editor environment. NOCs from around the long way to go before recovery. Protracks...... 29 Kelsy Taylor world were represented at a special [email protected] forum at ICE in Cancun. Drone Boom: AAPG is working Foundation Update...... 30 14 to educate Members on the new Art Direction/Production Self-described naturalist and opportunities represented by flying Classified Ads...... 32 Matt Randolph celebrated author Ben Gadd is one and diving robots. ­­[email protected] 10 In Memory...... 33 of this year’s Geosciences in the Professional News Briefs...... 33 Media Award winners for his Rise of the Machines: The downturn Graphics Support is driving exploration companies to Ben McNett groundbreaking “Handbook of the 26 Director’s Corner...... 34 Canadian Rockies.” innovate with technologies from outside the oil industry. Divisions Report (EMD)...... 34 Advertising Coordinators Companies A-K Companies L-Z Mike Taylor Tracy Thompson ON THE COVER: 1-918-630-5672 1-918-560-9414 As the downturn drives oil companies [email protected] [email protected] to find more efficient, economical and effective methods for gathering data, drones are increasingly becoming the CORRESPONDENTS go-to technology, along with other modern David Brown innovations not traditionally associated Barry Friedman with the oilfield. See pages 14 and 26 for Emily Smith Llinás the full stories.

Courtesy of the Boy Scouts of America Left: The Boy Scouts of America are calling upon any and all geologists with The AAPG EXPLORER (ISSN 0195-2986) is published monthly for members by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, 1444 S. Boulder Ave., P.O. Box 979, Tulsa, Okla. 74101-3604, an interest in teaching young people, (918) 584-2555. e-mail address: [email protected]. Periodicals Postage Paid at Tulsa, OK and at additional mailing offices.POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to AAPG EXPLORER, enjoying the outdoors and having a great P.O. Box 979, Tulsa, Okla. 74101. Canada Publication Agreement Number 40063731 Return undeliverable Canadian address to: Station A, P.O. Box 54 • Windsor, ON N9A 6J5 • E-mail: [email protected] time to volunteer at the upcoming National Advertising rates: Contact Mike Taylor or Tracy Thompson, AAPG headquarters. Subscriptions: Contact Brian McBroom, AAPG headquarters. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and videos must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope to ensure return. The American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) does not endorse or recommend any Scout Jamboree in Beckley, W. Va. See products or services that may be cited, used or discussed in AAPG publications or in presentations at events associated with AAPG. Copyright 2016 by the American Association of page 30. Petroleum Geologists. All rights reserved. Note to members: $6 of annual dues pays for one year’s subscription to the EXPLORER. Airmail service for members: $55. Subscription rates for

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WWW.AAPG.ORG NOVEMBER 2016 3 EXPLORER Immersive Geosciences Platform Developed APG and VWORLD have created “Partnering with VWORLD has enabled the first interactive digital publishing us to take that next step and use the latest Amedium to deliver immersive, in-depth technology to develop a true, immersive training opportunities for geoscientists. experience.” “Currently AAPG offers technical journals A software development company in traditional formats. With Digital Immersive based in France, VWORLD will develop, Geosciences (DIG) we are launching the design, launch and maintain the platform first interactive digital publishing medium application built on their vieWTerra Evolution in the geoscience community,” said Jim 4-D real-time Earth Viewer software. Blankenship, geoscience director for AAPG. VWORLD specializes in 3-D real-time “Imagine sitting at your desk and being terrain visualization for simulation, training, able to see, study and experience rocks, situational awareness, navigation aid, outcrops and geologic formations that command and control, crisis management A screen capture of the Digital Immersive Geosciences software in operation. are thousands of miles away,” he said. or landscape planning needs. “We’re thrilled about our partnership with AAPG which gives us a tremendous occasion to showcase our vieWTerra Evolution 4-D Globe Viewer to the worldwide geoscience community at large, and expand our reach to global clients in the oil and gas sector,” declared Vincent Pourieux, president and CEO of VWORLD. “The underlying technology behind vieWTerra is procedural, and that will impart the DIG application with an unprecedented degree of immersion and realism in the 3-D landscapes produced.” According to Jerry Jefferis, AAPG project manager for the DIG program, “VWORLD was a logical fit for the partnership based on their GIS and simulation software experience across multiple industries.” “This software is the new standard for future geoscience publishing and field trips,” added Blankenship. “A normal field trip involves field descriptions, maps, photos and publications in a 2-D setting. DIG uses existing technology to create a collection of virtual field trips. This allows a researcher, practitioner, teacher or student the opportunity of not only a virtual visit to the field location, but to move around and view the geography and geology in a spatially oriented sense. Similarly, it allows full immersion in journal publications with users able to review and inspect those in a true 3-D spatial environment rather than conventional ‘flat’ electronic or paper journal manuscripts,” Blankenship concluded. The DIG software is fully customizable and can be loaded with an individual company’s outcrop datasets to create a desktop or tablet application resulting in a friendly, interactive, immersive application that is simple to use. “When it’s released next year, the DIG software will contain several outcrop studies designated as ‘Outcrops that Change the way we Practice Petroleum Geology’,” said Jefferis. “Llucmajor in Mallorca and the Sierra Del Cuera in Asturias, Spain are two of the defining outcrops included in the software.” The DIG application was conceptualized by a dedicated group of 15 international geospatial experts and end-users from the geoscience community (AAPG ad- hoc committee) and the prototype was introduced to rave reviews at the AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition held recently in Calgary. Industry participation is key to the success of this program; therefore, AAPG is seeking industry participation and financial support. There was a live demonstration at the Geological Society of America meeting Sept. 25-28 in Denver. The full release will be unveiled at AAPG’s Centennial

Convention in Houston April 2-5, 2017. EXPLORER 4 NOVEMBER 2016 WWW.AAPG.ORG EXPLORER

WWW.AAPG.ORG NOVEMBER 2016 5 EXPLORER NOCs Strive Through Price, Production Challenges By EMILY SMITH LLINÁS, EXPLORER Correspondent

autious optimism and determination Accelerating Implementation characterized talks at the National COil Company Forum hosted by González’s plans include improving Pemex Director General José Antonio Pemex’s financial situation. González Anaya at the AAPG/SEG “We have to accelerate the International Conference and Exhibition in implementation of the legislative changes Cancun recently. that took place, which will help to “Pemex has a long term, historic increase reserves, increase production, opportunity,” González said, referring to improve fiscal regime,” he said. Mexico’s energy reform that President González noted that Pemex has close Enrique Peña Nieto initiated in 2013. to 23.9 million barrels of proven, probable He noted how, up until that point, joint and possible (3P) reserves in its 490 ventures in Mexico were both impossible assignments. He estimated 500 million and unconstitutional. barrels of 3P reserves in Trion field alone. “Before the reform only Pemex could “There’s no question that the oil is explore, produce, drill and sell petroleum,” there,” he said. he said. “Now any company can do so. González described Mexico as an This is a huge change.” attractive place to do business. The González added that, while he country’s proximity to the United States, supports the reform, he understands particularly South Texas, provides the transition comes at a challenging From left: Ibraheem Assa’adan of Saudi Aramco, Mario Carminiatti of Petrobas, José Antonio advantages. The southern Gulf of Mexico time for the industry, both in Mexico and González Anaya of Pemex, SEG President-Elect John Bradford, AAPG President Paul Britt, and has great potential, though it has not worldwide. Max Torres of Ecopetrol. been explored as much as the northern “Production has been declining portion. steadily in the past 10 years,” he said, “we February 2016 when the world oil price production. “When you look at a map, you can tell have to figure out how to produce more.” hovered around $29 per barrel. They implemented a new strategy where the border is because that’s where González spoke following “When I arrived, we had to make for the Perdido fold belt, a deepwater the drilling activity stops,” he said, “But presentations from Ecopetrol, Petrobras drastic adjustments,” he said. “We had basin near the U.S. border that Pemex God didn’t draw the borders.” and Saudi Aramco executives, each of been planning based on $50 a barrel, previously planned to develop alone. González said that new partnerships whom talked about how their companies which was less than the current price “We didn’t develop (the basin), and and new technologies will help the have made tough choices during on the global market. We clearly had to there’s no budget to develop it, so we company continue to develop the fields challenging price environments. make a very large budget cut – about 20 have to find a new way,” González said. in the Campeche Sound, home to the “I feel like we’re not in such bad percent of overall budget. The company is preparing to have a country’s emblematic Cantarell well, company,” he said. “To you it may sound like every day joint venture in the basin’s Trion field in named after a fisherman who complained conversation, for us it was deep change,” December. about finding oil in the sea. A Challenging Start he said to the audience. “Instead of not doing the activity, we Pemex has increased investment in González and his team implemented are now doing the same activity in a the area sixfold in the past 15 years. The 49-year-old MIT and Harvard- a series of austerity adjustments and different way, he said. “We are going to do educated economist joined Pemex in reassessed investments to limit impact on them like everyone else does.” See Global Perspectives, page 8

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WWW.AAPG.ORG NOVEMBER 2016 7 EXPLORER of company assets in deepwater and AI applications. In many areas, particularly Global Perspectives ultra deepwater areas of the Colombian in unconventional plays, so much data is from page 6 Caribbean. from page 3 being acquired by logs, MWD, pressures, “That is where the action is,” he said. drilling parameters, completion information Torres projected that in the next 10 and production information that the biggest “Geology gets more and more difficult years, Ecopetrol’s portfolio will be 50 Machine Learning challenge is simply the accumulation of all as time goes on, so you have to look percent onshore and 50 percent offshore, of this data in a repository that can be used harder and harder,” he said. “Perhaps 50 percent oil and 50 percent gas. Machine learning is a type of artificial for data analysis. Like nanotechnology, this we didn’t start early enough; perhaps we Current activities include preparing intelligence (AI) that endows computers is a fairly new field. did.” to drill a deepwater prospect on the with the ability to learn without being In summary, there are a few innovative * * * Purple Angel Block, an appraisal well with explicitly programmed, and focuses on techniques that might lead to common partners Statoil, Anadarko and Repsol, a programs that can teach themselves to usage in geoscience. Lowering exploratory risk and new play prospect operated by Repsol grow and change when exposed to new However – as with many innovations – maximizing portfolios were common and an Ecopetrol operated shallow water data. there is likely a technology we are not even themes throughout the NOC Forum, which prospect in partnership with the Oil and To a degree, it is being used already aware of right now that could have the featured presentations from Colombia, Natural Gas Corporation. on 3-D seismic volumes in searching biggest impact on our science. Brazil and Saudi Arabia. the volume for attributes that can lead to Petrobras: Prioritizing Pre-salt hydrocarbon identification by reviewing Ecopetrol: Eyes on the Offshore Prize more variables than an interpreter can Mario Carminatti, executive manager normally view and handle. Max Torres, vice president of of exploration for Petrobras, shared But it is not limited to seismic exploration for Ecopetrol, showed maps how industry is shifting the focus from production growth to value generation, including competitiveness and cost reduction. “Petrobras is following the trend,” he said. “We are using our extensive database to lower the exploratory risk.” Carminatti described how the company is taking advantage of the outstanding productivity of the country’s pre-salt reservoirs, a priority due to their high profitability. “Pre-salt is the most competitive play in our portfolio,” he said, noting that Petrobras deployed more than 1 million barrels per day in pre-salt reservoirs in July 2016. Carminatti also noted how Petrobras is working closely with Brazil’s National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels to move the regulatory agenda. This collaboration is increasingly important as demand rises, Carminatti said, noting that Brazil is the world’s fourth largest consumer of automotive fuels.

Saudi Aramco: Unconventional Exploration

Ibraheem Assa’adan, vice president of exploration at Saudi Aramco, shared how his company, which produces one in eight barrels of the world’s oil supply, is exploring strategies for staying competitive in changing markets. He described exploration efforts in Rub’ al Khali and the Red Sea, two of Saudi Arabia’s least explored areas that have huge potential. There are also challenges, including massive sand dunes reaching up to 700 feet in height, and complex Red Sea bathymetry that makes seismic acquisition and data processing an onerous task. Assa’adan noted that Saudi Aramco started an unconventional resources program three years ago. “Gas is becoming a major component of the energy mix, and we’re trying to use it as much as we can to substitute other hydrocarbon forms,” he said. “We feel it’s a matter of time until we get a good handle on the cost.” Aramco is exploring tight gas in the northern part of Saudi Arabia, and they have set up technology development centers across the world to establish a global network.

Continued Partnerships

González said he hopes to see enhanced collaboration in the future. “It’s going to be an interesting time for Mexico, and it’s going to be an interesting time for Pemex. That is why we are so excited about being a part of this

change.” EXPLORER 8 NOVEMBER 2016 WWW.AAPG.ORG EXPLORER

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Gadd speaking to students at Central Elementary School in Chilliwack, British Columbia. Gadd with second graders on a field trip in Jasper National Park. Photo by Rob Jolly. Photo by Richard Quiring. A Naturalist’s Celebration of Geology By BARRY FRIEDMAN, EXPLORER Correspondent

eology ain’t easy.” the amazing geological story of that professional naturalist. I am. I have written “It is,” he said, of all the ones he’s That’s Ben Gadd, one of landscape, they can’t thank me enough,” 10 books, all but one of them non-fiction. written, “my favorite book.” “Gthis year’s winners of AAPG’s Gadd said. ‘Raven’s End’ is the exception. It’s a story, Geosciences in the Media Award. His profession, his interest, is an plain and simple. Ten-year-olds love it Custodian of the Earth Gadd, whose book “Handbook of expansive one. (gets read a lot in Canadian schools).” the Canadian Rockies” (which is a bible “Nowadays a naturalist is someone The book, he maintains, is fiction Talking to Gadd is to understand if you want to know what’s going on up with a broad interest in the natural world, grounded in fact. that the protection, explanation and there), is a self-described “naturalist.” especially birds and other wildlife. And “Throwing in the fantasy aspect, of articulation of our natural history is his The term is derived from “natural naturalists, like those early scientists, are which there is plenty, made the novel life’s work – and one he gladly embraces. history” – an idea that goes back to amateurs. Not that a naturalist can’t be a great fun to write – a breath of fresh air.” You can sense his joy. These Rockies, Hutton, Darwin, Huxley and other early this Earth matters to him. British scientists who applied the term to “When I was born in 1946, there were science in general. about 2.5 billion people on the planet. Being a naturalist, calling yourself Now there are 7.4 billion. They all need one, says Gadd, is actually a better food, water and shelter, and in the conversation starter than calling yourself process of supplying these essentials a “scientist.” the natural world is getting wrecked,” he “When I’m talking about wildflowers said. and bears, people have no trouble Having lived long enough to see that understanding. When I’m talking about wreckage, he said, Gadd wishes people thrust faults and ancient supercontinents, were more sensitive to nature. it’s another matter. This stuff is not “But the hard truth is that we cannot intuitive.” stop taking what we need from the Earth’s Gadd, with his big white beard and ecosystems, even as they collapse broad smile, looks the way a naturalist around us. Incredibly, some very far- should. Since 1985, he has been busy seeing Canadian politicians saw fit back producing maps, writing guidebooks, in the 1880s to protect part of the Alberta presenting exhibits and making and British Columbia Rockies from the interpretive maps. He believes in the predations of their own species.” long, deep history of the land and has He is reminded of it everyday. written extensively about it, including “I’m lucky and grateful to live in the “Geology Road Tours,” “Canadian Hiker’s shadow of great national parks,” said and Backpacker’s Handbook,” “The Yam, Gadd. 50 years of climbing on Yamnuska” and The notion of a naturalist winning “Bankhead, The Twenty Year Town.“ such a media award might seem a bit (The recently updated “Handbook of anachronistic, if you think about it, for you the Canadian Rockies,” by the way, is would expect such a naturalist to eschew a comprehensive guide that covers the the modern trappings of technology. So area from the border of Montana to the how does a man with a backpack and Yukon – 831 pages worth.) a couple liters of water and surrounded by tourists in sneakers and fanny packs Geology’s Apostle get the word out about geology and conservation? Geology needs goodwill ambassadors “Well, my ‘naturalist’ and ‘park like Gadd – people who know the interpreter’ job titles aside, the electronics science, love it and are willing to take play a big part in my life. I’ve been doing the time to share it with others. In fact, stuff with computers since the days that’s very much in line with the mission of everything went in and out on cards. AAPG. That, as much as anything, is why I write on a computer, prepare digital he is the perfect recipient of this award – graphics, do electronic layout and give he does it on a daily basis. PowerPoint shows. My trusty PC has “The reward,” he said of the work and contributed a great deal toward being the people who join him on these treks, honored with this award.” “is that they do come along.” And yet … And then a marvelous thing happens. “When I’m on the trail in the wilderness “In fact, when I’ve spent the day I love, there’s no smartphone in my touring Banff National Park with folks who pocket. Mama nature has her own way knew little or nothing about the landscape of calling. And being able to answer Gadd resting on the trail to Mount John Laurie, also known as Mount Yamnuska, in the in the morning but are returning to provides a very special feeling indeed,” Canadian Rockies. Photo by Chic Scott.

their hotels with their eyes opened to said Gadd. EXPLORER 10 NOVEMBER 2016 WWW.AAPG.ORG EXPLORER

WWW.AAPG.ORG NOVEMBER 2016 11 EXPLORATION EXPLORER INNOVATION ‘Worst Year Ever’ for Exploration By DAVID BROWN, EXPLORER Correspondent an the oil and gas industry But Deloitte found that more innovate its way out of a than 60 percent of industry leaders Cdismal period for exploration? “Exploration is the first target expect a rebound in 2017 or 2018, And just how bad is the global with a positive effect on future exploration picture right now, in cutting back because it’s exploration capital expenditure. anyway? discretionary, and companies For 2017, “the outlook changes Let’s ask Leta Smith, director of as 43 percent of respondents upstream energy research for IHS just don’t have the money.” anticipate capital expenditure to rise in Houston. in 2017 – optimism for a recovery “Discovery volumes have BRINKER SMITH next year is returning,” it said. been declining and declining and declining since about 2010,” she been made. The innovation seems to be in shallow waters of the southern Gulf. Mountains of Debt said, “and 2016 is shaping up to be the the unconventionals,” she said. But Smith said the Delaware Basin find worst year ever.” Companies are managing to lasso in is in a historically underperforming area and Lysle Brinker monitors exploration OK, that’s bad. some innovations from other industries, the main Pemex offshore discovery mirrors investment as director of equity research for Smith keeps tabs on conventional or are extending innovations from Perdido Fold Belt wells in the U.S. sector of IHS Markit in Norwalk, Conn. exploration discoveries everywhere around unconventional plays, like reduced drilling the Gulf that have been less than exciting. “Internationally, in the E&P space very few the world except onshore North America. time, Smith observed. “I’m not seeing any discoveries in a companies are doing anything in exploration,” So activity in onshore U.S. and Canadian Other than that, the industry is focused place where there hadn’t been discoveries Brinker said. “Exploration is the first target in unconventional plays are outside her frame, on corralling costs. The biggest players have the year before,” she noted. cutting back because it’s discretionary, and although that activity has slowed from a largely shied away from exploration risk. Even the significant new Alaskan oil companies just don’t have the money.” gallop to a trot. “Through May, the majors had found discovery at Smith Bay, announced by Brinker keeps close track of the largest In international exploration, “as of the the least of any group. It’s actually the Caelus Energy in October, could be seen as integrated oil companies, especially the middle of this year there had only been 2.5 independents who are finding most of a Prudhoe Bay-Alpine extension. Big Five, and he said all of them keep billion barrels of oil equivalent found. That it, and that’s been true for the last three Large cuts in capital expenditure burning through cash. compares with last year, which was a low years,” she said. budgets by almost all upstream petroleum “They’re really all running structural year. And it was more than double that,” she Smith hasn’t been impressed by recent companies darkened the worldwide cash flow deficits,” he noted. said. announcements of new finds, although they exploration picture going into this year. A And, yes, that’s bad. do offer evidence that exploration still works recent industry survey by Deloitte LLP offers One problem is the amount of debt the Risk Aversion and remains the best way to bulk up reserves. both bad and good news. largest publicly traded oil companies are Apache Corp. said its Alpine High “Capital spending decisions have been carrying. A worrisome trend is the industry’s failure discovery in the Delaware Basin in Texas substantially curtailed during the last 18 With lower revenues, the majors to open up new exploration areas this could hold 75 trillion cubic feet of rich gas months, especially for exploration activities. have increasingly turned to debt to fund year, through frontier work or new ideas or and 3 billion barrels of oil in just the Barnett Budgets were directed toward more operations. According to the Wall Street innovation, according to Smith. and Woodford formations, with 2,000 to immediate needs, and external funding Journal, by August this year Exxon Mobil, “I’m sure there are innovations in cost 3,000 future drilling locations. sources became less available. For 2016, Shell, BP and Chevron had a combined net reduction,” she noted. And Petróleos Mexicanos has announced most (42 percent of respondents) expect debt of $184 billion, more than double their “But I’m not seeing it in the deepwater several Gulf of Mexico light crude discoveries, capital expenditure to continue declining,” basins where most of the discoveries have off the coast of Tamaulipas and also in its survey report said. See Innovation, page 16

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WWW.AAPG.ORG NOVEMBER 2016 13 EXPLORATION EXPLORER INNOVATION

Courtesy of IHS. ‘Drone Boom’ Coming to the Oil Field By BARRY FRIEDMAN, EXPLORER Correspondent

rones. “AAPG will do whatever we can to They call to mind all sorts of introduce new opportunities to Members Dairborne objects, from the strange and to forge new relationships across and ominous to the more workaday and disciplines to develop new solutions and welcome: remote assassins taking out technologies,” she said. terrorist training camps, quadcopters that “Currently,” said Johnson of the drop your Amazon-purchased 90-day technology, “we are seeing increased supply of Saw Palmetto and case of pizza drone adoption across all industries as sauce on your front porch, to those used in technological improvements and regulatory geologic mapping and international spying changes usher in a brave new world of in the field. drones.” There is a veritable “drone boom” afoot in all sectors, from the military to the more Regulatory Launch mundane, and the oil and gas industry is no exception. Jeff Campbell, who will run the “New As part of AAPG Geosciences Opportunities” workshop the following day Technology Workshops (GTWs), two (Johnson will also participate), said those courses on the future of drones will help regulatory changes were significant and explain how they are going to revolutionize profound. oil exploration. “Prior to August of 2016,” said Johnson, “Working with Drone Data 101” will be whose company specializes in such Nov. 30 at the Norris Conference Center in technology, “an individual or company had Houston. “New Opportunities with Drones: to go through a very lengthy, cumbersome New Needs, FAA Rule Changes, New and restricted waiver process, in which Technologies” will be at the same venue the pilot had to possess an FAA manned Dec. 1-2. Both will discuss the present and aircraft license.” future, opportunities and challenges, and While there were still plenty of operators, the realities and myths of drone technology. last August, the FAA enacted a remote pilot “The two courses,” said Susan Nash, certification process, known as Part 107, AAPG’s director of innovation and emerging which dramatically reduced the time and science/technology, are “bridge courses paperwork required to operate drones. that will help geoscientists put their “Within the first 15 days, over 12,024 knowledge to work in a new area – that of applications had been filed, and 5,124 tests surface data derived from remote sensing had been taken,” he said. methods – in this case, from drones.” This new regulation, FAA Part 107, is going to dramatically increase the number Brave New World of commercial drone operators in the United States, so, too, will the opportunities increase. The first of these, hosted by Marc “I’ll discuss how this lowered barrier Johnson, founder of skynce, LLC, a to entry is both good and bad news for consulting firm for the implementation of potential commercial drone operators,” said unmanned aerial systems, is “Working with Johnson. “Over the course of two days, Drone Data 101,” which will serve – as the participants will have an opportunity to hear name suggests – as an introduction to all from and engage with the innovators that things drones, specifically what types of are currently implementing drones to solve data can be acquired by them, including business challenges.” how to use, access and transmit that data He added, almost philosophically, “As through common business platforms such you look through human history, you can as ArcGIS, Google Earth, SketchFAB and see that mankind has long sought to gain an others. aerial perspective of our domain.” “In this one-day course,” said Johnson, “I While the opportunities are out there, will work with the participants to teach them there are concerns as well – some of the how to leverage drone acquired data in a “bad news” to which Campbell referred – number of mapping applications.” particularly concerning security and privacy, The course came about, he said, which tend to happen when you look up in response to interest by the AAPG and camera-bearing machines are hovering membership for opportunities to learn how over your garage. this new technology can be implemented “There are already existing laws in the industry, something Nash said the Association is committed to pursuing. See Privacy, page 16 14 NOVEMBER 2016 WWW.AAPG.ORG EXPLORER

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Initiation He also talked about the wannabe drones Pilot in Command (RPIC) services for hire Privacy in the sky – those lacking range and staying in addition to the technology consulting from page 14 How does all this work, how does one power, as well as your leeway in dealing services they currently provide. get started? with them. You can’t, for instance, jam their “The public perception of drones,” said concerning invasion of privacy, peeping “The major components,” Campbell guidance system so they crash or legally Campbell, “has changed significantly over toms, stalking or unlawful surveillance,” said, of starting such a drone-based shoot them down if they fly over your house. the past three years, from being perceived said Campbell, “regardless whether it’s business include: “They’re not really suited for spying on as an unknown and interesting novelty using binoculars, a ladder over a fence or u Picking a segment of the market someone’s teenage daughter,” he said. to – depending on how it’s being operated an airborne drone.” u Choosing equipment That’s a relief. – an irritating, privacy-invading, unsafe A ladder, binoculars – those were the u Training Campbell, a former retired Navy flying robot intent upon doing harm. This days, huh? u Certification helicopter pilot, who two years ago changing perception must be recognized “Media attention, public misperception u Marketing partnered up with a professional surveyor to and mitigated by responsible and safety/ and the maturing of laws and court cases u Product delivery start a drone mapping consulting, training privacy conscious operators.” associated with any new technology has u Staying in business and services business, said, “I’m going to These courses begin the conversation created an air of uncertainty regarding be speaking to our experience and covering and mitigation. drone use and capabilities,” Campbell said. It sounds perhaps too easy. the changes that our company, Vertical For the industry, the potential is clear. Common sense, Johnson emphasized, “Well, you can’t just pull your drone out Aspect, has encountered over the last few Nash said, ultimately, the technology will is the key, meaning, specifically, getting of the box, charge the batteries and launch years, including the regulatory environment.” help in the overlooked mature fields. permission from property owners – it,” Campbell said, adding,“ or at least you Johnson, too, has skin in the game. “It can help determine where to drill to something he always does when acquiring won’t, once you quickly have to buy your With the new regulations, his company recover the oil and gas that have been left

data to construct a map or a 3-D model. second one.” will begin offering its customers Remote behind,” she said. EXPLORER Innovation from page 12

debt levels in 2014. Despite a golden period of $100-per- barrel oil, the largest companies have emerged with mountains of debt piled on. That’s stomping on the chances for exploration recovery. “It’s a very challenging environment. We keep saying this time it’s going to be different because of the massive amount of debt,” Brinker said.

The Good News

Maybe the best that can be said about international exploration today is that it hasn’t completely dried up and blown away. A few projects aim to build on successes drilled in 2015, or even to test new areas. “You’re still seeing some exploration – the big companies are still drilling some wildcats,” Brinker said. Those include wells in Ecuador, Guyana and Nova Scotia. “These aren’t cheap wells, even with rig rates down,” he noted. The big bright spot seems to be unconventional plays, but most of the innovation there involves stimulation and production – longer laterals, more pressure, faster drilling, multiple wellbores, refracturing jobs. That kind of forward thinking has helped operators cope with tough-times economics. “The per-unit cost to add reserves in these liquid-rich unconventional plays has really come down, by as much as $30 a barrel, according to one recent report,” Brinker said. Corruption scandals, government investigations and political roadblocks in several countries also affect the exploration outlook, according to Brinker. Those problems have been compounded by low production prices. An investigation into widespread corruption charges in Brazil, a major area of exploration in recent years, has handcuffed Petrobras and led to the impeachment of the country’s president in August. “It’s still going to take time for things to play out politically and economically in these countries,” Brinker noted. With the industry finishing off a couple of terrible years in international exploration, there’s little helpful advice except this: Settle into your saddle and wait for prices to keep rising. “It’s a very unfavorable outlook for new exploration for the next year or two, depending on prices,” Brinker said. “If you get up to $60 or even over $55 on a sustained basis, that might be enough to

move the needle.” EXPLORER 16 NOVEMBER 2016 WWW.AAPG.ORG EXPLORER

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18 NOVEMBER 2016 WWW.AAPG.ORG WWW.AAPG.ORG NOVEMBER 2016 EXPLORER

NOVEMBER 2016 WWW.AAPG.ORG WWW.AAPG.ORG NOVEMBER 2016 19 Historical Highlights is an ongoing EXPLORER series that celebrates the “eureka” moments of petroleum geology, the rise of key concepts, the discoveries that made a difference, the perseverance and ingenuity of our colleagues – and/or their luck! – through stories that emphasize the anecdotes, the good yarns and the human interest side of our E&P profession. If you have such a story – and who doesn’t? – and you’d like to EXPLORER share it with your fellow AAPG Members, contact Hans Krause at [email protected]. HISTORICALHIGHLIGHTS Tectonic Shocks in the Oil Industry By MARK MAU and HENRY EDMUNDSON

he concept of plate tectonics is at geology – oceanography. This discipline the heart of our understanding of took form thanks to the extraordinarily Tpetroleum geology today. ambitious British Challenger expedition, Yet, as recently as the middle of the which from 1872 to 1876 sailed more 20th century, most geologists assumed than 70,000 nautical miles around the oceans and continents had existed in world, taking depth soundings, describing their locations for much of Earth’s 4.55 seafloor sediments and identifying billion-year history. It was only in the 1960s thousands of new species. Fifty years that new geological, geophysical and later, depth surveys in the Atlantic and oceanographic research proved that the Caribbean were revealing a highly irregular crust of the Earth is made up of about 20 seafloor. Especially intriguing, a line of rigid plates that float on the upper mantle underwater mountains seemed to dot and are in constant, albeit slow motion. the mid-Atlantic. The picture sharpened Plate tectonics is called the “grand after World War I, when echo sounding unifying theory” of geology, as it serves measurements revealed a long, continuous to explain a whole range of geologic mountain chain. In the late 1940s and the phenomena. In petroleum geology, it 1950s, ocean surveys conducted by many provides thorough explanation for the nations filled in more detail. formation of sedimentary basins where The science and ship crew of the HMS Challenger in 1874. The ship’s complement included 21 In 1947, Maurice Ewing of Columbia almost all of the world’s petroleum officers and 216 crew members but was reduced to 144 by the end of the expedition due to University in New York led an expedition on occurs. The story of how the concept deaths, desertions, crewmen being left ashore due to illness and planned departures. the U.S. research ship Atlantis and found of plate tectonics was born, struggled, sediment layers on the Atlantic seafloor won its fight for existence and eventually West Africa are almost perfect counterparts international conference organized by to be far thinner than expected. Many arrived in the oil industry is multi-faceted, u Geological fit, meaning the match of AAPG in New York City, where it was almost scientists believed that the oceans had insightful and entertaining. ancient rock outcrops on two continents universally rejected. existed without much change for at least u Tectonic fit, for instance fragments of In hindsight, it wasn’t AAPG’s finest hour, four billion years, so the sediment layer Continental Drift Theory the Caledonian fold mountain belt are found but the Association was hardly alone in its was expected to be thousands of feet in Canada, Greenland, Ireland, the United collective rejection of Wegener’s theory. deep. The seafloor therefore appeared As early as 1620, the English philosopher Kingdom and Scandinavia The problem was that Wegener hadn’t to be much younger, in the range of 200 Francis Bacon noted the similarity between u Glacial deposits from the Ice Age been able to propose a valid mechanism million years or less. the west coast of Africa and the east coast about 300 million years ago in Antarctica, behind the drift. Nine years later, Ewing, together with of South America. Yet knowledge of the Africa, South America, India and Australia “A lot of people pooh-poohed it because Bruce Heezen, also from Columbia, constitution of the Earth was scarce for more u Fossil evidence, one example being they wanted to know how it worked,” said noticed that earthquakes in the ocean floor than two centuries to come. It was the arrival the Lystrosaurus, the “shovel reptile” former Shell geologist Ken Glennie, recalling predominantly occurred along mid-ocean of modern seismology that made the most that was dominant on land in the early his student years at the University of ridges. In 1962, Harry Hess, a Princeton difference. In 1897, the English geologist Triassic, 250 million years ago. Fossil Edinburgh during the late 1940s. professor of geology, associated the Richard Dixon Oldham used a seismograph evidence of the Lystrosaurus was found in John McPhee, the popular writer about earthquakes with the idea that ocean crust to monitor a huge 8.1 earthquake in Assam, Africa, Madagascar, India and Antarctica geology, remembered when he was a was forming at the ridges, with molten and this led to his proposal that the Earth suggesting these regions once formed one graduate, “Nearly all the faculty at Princeton material such as basalt oozing up from the consisted of three major components: core, piece of land. thought continental drift was sheer baloney.” Earth’s mantle along the mid-ocean ridges mantle and crust. Twelve years later, the Former Exxon geologist Walter Ziegler and spreading new seafloor away from the Croatian meteorologist and seismologist Rejection and Validation remembered, “When I came to Calgary ridge in both directions. Ocean basins open Andrija Mohorovičić, following in Oldham’s in 1955, the research department head of up between continents that are drifting apart footsteps, postulated the existence of a In late 1926, a few years before his death Imperial Oil told me that continental drift was and close between approaching continents. boundary surface between the mantle during an expedition to the Greenland European bullshit!” Hess based his ideas largely on intuitive and the crust, which came to be known ice cap, Wegener was given a forum to By that time, clues were beginning to geological reasoning, and the reactions as the M-discontinuity or simply “Moho.” make the case for his theory before an emerge in a discipline closely related to among his earth scientist colleagues were In passing through the rocks mixed. They accepted the fact immediately above this surface, that a great volcanic mountain earthquake waves reach a Mark range encircled the globe, yet velocity of about 7.2 kilometers Mau is a rejected the idea of crust moving per second, whereas below professional sideways. For them, the mid- the M-discontinuity, the velocity business ocean ridge looked rather like a suddenly jumps to more than 7.9. historian vertically rising welt on a static These results provided and writer. seafloor. the basis of a wild idea first He is But then an amazing flood propounded by Alfred Wegener, based in of evidence all but clinched a German meteorologist, Cambridge the case in the minds of many geophysicist and polar MAU (U.K.) and geologists. researcher. Using his pioneering currently The most stunning interdisciplinary approach, working for Schlumberger’s breakthrough came from the Wegener wrote one of the most corporate communications team. University of Cambridge in influential and controversial books Henry Edmundson worked England. Geoscientists Frederick in the history of science: “The more than 45 years for Vine and Drummond Matthews Origin of Continents and Oceans,” Schlumberger, was founding started looking at the magnetic published in 1915. Wegener’s editor of patterns of the ocean floor. It idea was that the continents and the Oilfield was well known that the earth’s ocean floors forming the Earth’s Review and magnetic field had reversed crust were sufficiently detached now runs his 171 times in the past 76 million from the mantle in order to be able own energy years, so it seemed reasonable to “float” and move around. He consulting to observe this record in the claimed that all the continents had business. vicinity of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. once formed one supercontinent Mau and What they found was crucial. and then, approximately 200 Edmundson Mirror image records appeared recently million years ago, split up and EDMUNDSON on either side of the ridge, drifted away from each other to published suggesting that the seafloor reach their present form. the book “Groundbreakers: was not only spreading but also Wegener provided five lines The story of oilfield technology documenting its age. Matthews of evidence for his so-called and the people who made it and Vine published their results “Continental Drift” theory: Pangaea, the supercontinent, began to break apart 175 million years ago. It happen.” For excerpts and in Nature in September 1963, u Jigsaw fit, e.g. the coastlines was the last supercontinent that existed. This map shows the placement of reviews please visit: history-oil- of eastern South America and continents in Pangaea. gas.com. Continued on next page 20 NOVEMBER 2016 WWW.AAPG.ORG EXPLORER Continued from previous page in the mantle, each of which is in motion, controlling the movement and behavior of making history. the tectonic plates above. But other geoscientists had similar ideas. “And then the whole thing flipped In January 1963, the Canadian geophysicist worldwide,” recalled McKenzie, ”the only Lawrence Whitaker Morley submitted people by the time, by 1968, who still didn’t a paper to the Journal of Geophysical believe there were lateral motions were the Research including almost identical ideas, old professors running institutes in Russia!” which rejected it summarily. Morley’s paper In the United States, at the Exxon came back with a note telling him that his research center in Houston, plate tectonics ideas were suitable for a cocktail party but was finally becoming mainstream. A young not for a serious publication. geologist, Pete Temple, who had studied under Harry Hess at Princeton, was an early Waking Up adopter. Dave White of Exxon remembers, “One The Canadian geophysicist John Tuzo- day Pete and another member of the group, Wilson was also skeptical of plate tectonics Tom Nelson, started looking at a seismic but eventually became one of its most section from the Otway Basin off South famous supporters. He resolved many Australia and they envisioned that what they unanswered questions, particularly the were seeing was a pull-apart feature, where idea of the transform fault in which plates The 15 largest tectonic plates in the world. Plate tectonics is the principle that the lithosphere is Antarctica had pulled away from Australia. slide past each other without any oceanic made up of separate and distinct tectonic plates, which float and move. Applying the theory, they then postulated crust being created or destroyed. The that there should be a transform fault within most famous example is probably the San thesis on convection in the Earth’s mantle his knowledge of thermodynamics to the a certain area near Tasmania at a right Andreas Fault between the North American to Cambridge University when he attended problem of how plates move and came up angle from the pull-apart. The fault turned and Pacific plates. a conference in New York, where he heard with a model that demonstrated a far more out to be right where they thought it would For Walter Ziegler of Exxon, the transform Fred Vine speak about seafloor spreading dynamic Earth than anyone had previously fault concept was a key turning point: “I and magnetic anomalies. McKenzie applied thought. He suggested there are two layers See Application, page 22 remember having dinner one evening in the early ‘60s at the house of Professor Bob Folinsbee at the University of Alberta, Swiss geologist Walter a pioneer of polar research. Wegener and Tuzo-Wilson was there. Tuzo-Wilson Ziegler worked for Exxon from was involved in several expeditions was involved in all sorts of oceanographic 1956 to 1983 overseeing the to Greenland to study polar air studies and was the inventor of the company’s exploration activities circulation. Expedition participants transform faults. And there he was sketching in many places around the world, made many meteorological it at the dinner table, explaining how it including Canada, Greenland, observations and achieved the first- worked. Slowly the American scientific the North Sea, Turkey, the Middle ever boring of ice cores on a moving community and the oil community began to East, Libya and offshore west Arctic glacier. wake up.” Africa. Canadian geophysicist John But it was still proving difficult to German scientist Alfred ZIEGLER WEGENER TUZO-WILSON Tuzo-Wilson. From 1946 until 1974, establish what the mechanism for the Wegener is most remembered as he worked as a professor at the plate movement was. In 1966, 51 years the originator of the theory of continental during his lifetime he was primarily known University of Toronto and is regarded as the after Wegener clarified the problem, Dan drift, the precursor of plate tectonics. But for his achievements in meteorology and as father of academic geophysics in Canada. McKenzie had just submitted his doctoral

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This rock outcrop in Iceland is a visible portion of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and is the British geoscientists Frederick Vine and Drummond Matthews. Matthews was Vine’s doctoral easternmost edge of the North American plate. Today, it’s a popular destination for tourists in supervisor at the University of Cambridge when they published their path-breaking contribution Iceland. to the evolving concept of plate tectonics in 1963.

realized by many geologists in the industry, exploration companies have applied evaluation of the geologic record of the Application such as John Rogers of Atlantic Richfield principles of plate tectonics to extend and world’s major sedimentary basins using from page 21 Company who in 1977 praised the concept relate upper Cretaceous turbidite fan plays every piece of publicly available data they in an Offshore Technology Conference westward – from West Africa across the could lay their hands on and leveraging paper: “The implications of plate tectonics Equatorial Atlantic to French Guiana and the sequence stratigraphy approach be. I remember Pete coming into my office for exploration is significant. Knowledge Brazil. Casey and his colleagues have identified, waving the seismic section in the air. He about timing of structural growth, and Today, the concept of plate tectonics is correlated and mapped more than 100 thought that was pretty neat, and I did too.” distribution of reservoir and source rocks an integral part of oil and gas exploration, depositional sequences around the world This was probably one of the oil is vital to an exploration program. Plate forming a core element of software ranging in age from Late Precambrian to industry’s first practical applications of tectonics is not an oil finding tool but a applications such as the Neftex Earth Pliocene. The range of data runs the gamut global tectonic theory, in terms of making a unifying concept to which one may relate Model. Neftex is a U.K.-based geoscience of anything that’s geologically relevant, prediction of a structural feature. the required interpretations about structure consultancy, established in 2001 and including surface field studies, paleontology, “This then gave us an idea of basin- and stratigraphy.” since 2014 owned by Halliburton. It is the geochemistry, logs and more. And by forming tectonics and what converging Ever since the 1970s, the application brainchild of three former BP geologists linking these modern-day correlations to plates and diverging plates did to basins. of plate tectonic concepts has enabled – Dave Casey, Roger Davies and Peter a tectonic model of the major continents So, plate tectonics gave us a real handle on explorers to extend the plays off the coast Sharland – who realized that collecting, that can wind back 600 million years, the how to identify how basins were formed,” of Brazil, such as the Campos and Espirito accessing and integrating data have entire geodynamic relationship between said former Exxon geologist Dave Kingston. Santo basins (discovered in 1969 and 1974, become the key to success in exploration. the Earth’s plate tectonic history and the By the late 1970s, the usefulness of the respectively), across the Atlantic to offshore The Earth Model connects multiple occurrence of hydrocarbon deposits can be

plate tectonics concept was starting to be western Africa. Within the last two decades, regional models. Through detailed viewed and analyzed. EXPLORER

22 NOVEMBER 2016 WWW.AAPG.ORG EXPLORER

WWW.AAPG.ORG NOVEMBER 2016 23 The Geophysical Corner is a regular column in the EXPLORER, edited by Satinder Chopra, chief geophysicist for Arcis Seismic Solutions, TGS, EXPLORER Calgary, Canada, and a past AAPG-SEG Joint Distinguished Lecturer. GEOPHYSICALCORNER Enhancing the Quality of Seismic Impedance Data By SATINDER CHOPRA, RITESH KUMAR SHARMA, REBECCA DANIELS, BRIAN SCHULTE, JIM PULLISHY and TAMMY CHOW

aw seismic data are almost always found to be contaminated Rwith coherent or incoherent noise. Concerted efforts are directed at elimination of such noise during processing of the seismic data, so that its interpretation can be carried out accurately. These efforts are more relevant for stratigraphic interpretation and where amplitude analysis is the end goal. Usually the coherent noise trains seen on seismic shot records are eliminated early in the processing, and the subsequent processing steps address any residual incoherent noise component that may persist. This strategy works well in most cases. If acquisition footprint is present in the data, it can be noticed on the vertical and horizontal displays of seismic data. If it is not suppressed, then later any attribute work done on such data only accentuates it further, and masks its meaningful interpretation. An article of Geophysical Corner, published in the December 2014 issue of the EXPLORER by Chopra and Kurt Marfurt, discusses ways to address the suppression of acquisition footprint from seismic data. But sometimes the low-frequency linear dipping noise is present in the final processed seismic data, and yet goes unnoticed. When such data are worked upon in terms of generation of seismic attributes, the dipping noise can be seen clearly on both vertical and horizontal displays. Another aspect of which some interpreters are aware is that sometimes seismic attributes, when displayed in colored variable density, may not exhibit certain noise patterns – the dipping noise patterns being one of them. But such dipping noise patterns may be seen clearly when the same data are displayed in variable density gray scale.

Noise on Seismic Attribute Data

The post-stack or pre-stack Figure 1: Segment of an (a) inverted impedance section displayed in color; (b) the same section in (a) displayed in gray scale; (c) when the impedance data impedance inversion is a typical volume from where the representative section is shown in (a) was dip-filtered (after simultaneous inversion). Notice the lowering of frequency and smoothed common seismic attribute generated events on this section. (d) the equivalent impedance section to data shown in (a) shown in gray scale, but inversion performed on the near-, mid- and far- from seismic data. Both of these angle stack data that was put through controlled-dip filtering; and (e) the same impedance section shown in (d) in color. Notice, no low-frequency dipping methods have been discussed in seen on the gray-scale display shown in (d) and the quality of the impedance section looks much better than the equivalent section shown in (a) or (b). separate articles of Geophysical Corner published by the first two Filtering Out Noise seismic data is commonly transformed the frequency axis. Now the undesired authors of this article in the May and from Seismic Data is the frequency-wavenumber or the f-k component in the data is muted, and June 2015 issues of the EXPLORER. domain by using Fourier transforms. The the remaining data transformed back We illustrate the above aspect on a For coherent noise suppression from seismic signal and the coherent noise in the x-t domain. The other domains segment of an impedance section from seismic data, a class of methods exists that appear tangled up in the x-t domain to which seismic data in the x-t domain west-central Saskatchewan, Canada. wherein the input seismic data are get separated in the f-k domain. The can be transformed are the tau-p It was generated using pre-stack transformed from the x-t domain into a low-frequency dipping coherent noise (using Radon transform) and f-x (using simultaneous impedance inversion different domain using a mathematical maps close to the wave number axis, Fourier transform) domains. A concern and is shown in figure 1, where figure transformation. A domain to which the and the seismic signal maps close to some analysts have in such cases is 1a shows the section in color and the that some signal can leak through the same data is displayed in gray scale in removed component, especially when figure 1b. the noise and the signal are not well Notice the low-frequency dipping separated in the transformed space, noise patterns indicated with yellow so that the method may not be an and blue arrows. When we examine amplitude-friendly process after all. the two displays carefully, we notice A different workflow illustrated that the impedance values are affected in figure 2 can be followed in such by the linear noise in terms of their cases. We begin by first separating lateral variation. A wormy variation in the data into the low- and high- impedance values is seen in figure 1a frequency components, the former in green and red wherever the noise encompassing the frequency range of patterns are present and seen in gray the dipping noise in the data, which is scale in figure 1b. This low-frequency under discussion in this article. Next, dipping noise needs to be filtered Figure 2: Workflow for controlled dip-filtering that was performed on the near-, mid- and the out of the data in such a way that the far-angle stack seismic data, before running simultaneous inversion. amplitudes are not affected. Continued on next page 24 NOVEMBER 2016 WWW.AAPG.ORG EXPLORER

Ritesh Kumar Sharma processing, followed by a is with Arcis Seismic lengthy focus on seismic Solutions, Calgary, Canada, interpretation to generate and is a regular contributor exploration plays. Pullishy to Geophysical Corner. has worked on exploration Rebecca Daniels is a opportunities on most professional geophysicist continents, and his work with a bachelor’s from the has taken him from the University of Calgary. She high Arctic to the tropics. joined Talisman Energy CHOPRA SHARMA DANIELS SCHULTE PULLISHY CHOW He is currently working at after graduation in 2008 Repsol as a geophysical and is currently working for Repsol Vastar Resources, BP, Explora Seismic locating well sites and pipelines in adviser in the North American regional Canada as a development geophysicist Processing, Geokinetics, Talisman Drayton Valley and Fort McMurray, unit. in the Chauvin area of west-central and currently is working for Repsol after studying survey technology at the Tammy Chow graduated from the Alberta. as a geophysical adviser working on Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. University of Calgary in 2006 with a Brian Schulte attended the projects associated with quantitative Subsequently he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in geophysics. She University of Calgary graduating with interpretation, quality assurance, bachelor’s degree in geophysics from has since been working with Talisman a bachelor’s in geology with a minor mentorship and technical developments. the University of Calgary. His more than Energy – now Repsol Oil and Gas in geophysics in 1989. He has worked Jim Pullishy first encountered the oil 30-year career since then has included Canada – in a number of areas and both in Calgary and Houston for various and gas industry as a legal surveyor initial stints supporting the first generation positions. She currently works on the companies including Geco-Prakla, during the boom years of the ‘70s of interpretive workstations and seismic petrotechnical team. Continued from previous page the suppression of the dipping noise is affected by one of the available methods including the f-k filtering described earlier, and subtracted from the input data. Besides the residual dipping noise, this data may contain some residual signal that may have leaked through the filtering process. The higher amplitudes of the dipping noise component are then toned down. The residual component so obtained is added back to filtered low-frequency component and the high-frequency components of the input data. We refer to this workflow as a controlled dip- filtering process. One could think of running the controlled dip-filtering workflow on the impedance data shown in figure 1a and b. We show the results of such an application in figure 1c. Notice the overly smoothed appearance of the data, which may not be acceptable to the interpreters, for good reason. Not happy with the result, we go back to the input seismic data, which are the near-, mid- and far-angle stacks generated for performing simultaneous inversion and put them through the controlled dip-filtering workflow shown in figure 2. The dip-filtered angle stacks are then put through simultaneous inversion. The impedance section equivalent to figure 1b is shown in gray scale in figure 1d, where the low-frequency dipping noise is no longer seen. No artifact of the dipping noise is seen on the equivalent section shown in color in figure 1e. We thus conclude that the quality of the impedance data is much better now.

Conclusion

The low-frequency dipping noise, if present in the input data, needs to be handled with care and in an amplitude- friendly way before impedance inversion, or for that matter before any attribute computation is carried out. When the P- and S-impedance data derived from simultaneous inversion are free from noise artifacts, we ensure that the subsequent elastic parameter attributes are of good quality and thus amenable to more meaningful interpretation.

Acknowledgements

We thank Xinxiang Li for useful discussions and Repsol Oil and Gas Canada Inc. as well as Arcis Seismic Solutions, TGS, Calgary for permission

to publish this article. EXPLORER WWW.AAPG.ORG NOVEMBER 2016 25 EXPLORATION EXPLORER INNOVATION Downturn Drives ‘Outside the Industry’ Tech Innovation By DAVID BROWN, EXPLORER Correspondent

n a remote area of Alaska, almost predictive analytics is being used in things 600 miles north of Anchorage, a field “Maybe 10 years ago, the industry like equipment maintenance,” Seto said. Iinspector checks an array of oil and Strangely, one innovation mostly left gas production equipment. was very closed, thinking that the behind in the rush to automation and data The inspector is examining an analytics is the idea of the intelligent field – assigned grid of territory extending from best innovations came from inside the the “iField” or “Field of the Future” concept. Prudhoe Bay across the North Slope industry. Now there’s the belief that “There’s less interest in that now, inlets, traveling over a rugged expanse of partly because those projects have been ponds, boulders and barren landscape. good ideas can come from anywhere.” implemented and have reached a barrier,” Without regard to the bitterly cold SETO Seto said. weather, the inspector hovers over the equipment installation, capturing data and interest in collaboration.” “In mature fields, in these operations that Five Technologies for recording images. Partnerships and venture groups have decades of operation or hundreds or the Coming Decade Yes, literally hovers, because this are helping companies maximize their thousands of wells, you’re starting to see inspector is a drone. technology development dollars, Seto said. a shift toward using statistical models to In September, the international “In terms of making things more Also, exploration today is more willing to operate the fields,” she said. management consulting firm McKinsey efficient, you’re starting to see these draw on innovations from other industries. “Now we’re getting so much more data & Company issued a report titled “Five digital technologies like drones and AUVs “It’s more taking some of these proven from our operations, not just technical data Technologies for the Next Ten Years,” (autonomous underwater vehicles) being technologies from other areas, like the but data about the process. Because we listing technologies expected to affect the used,” said Carolyn Seto, director of consumer segment, and bringing them into have that transparency into operations, oil and gas industry during the coming upstream technology and innovation for the exploration arena. In the case of drones decisions are becoming more data-driven. decade. IHS Markit in Cambridge, Mass. and virtual reality and data analytics, those This is leading to more cooperation among Richard Ward, senior expert, and Drones can be used for everything from techniques were really perfected from the the disciplines,” she observed. Scott Nyquist, senior partner, both with mapping to equipment surveillance, AUVs consumer industry,” Seto noted. Data captured from operations can McKinsey’s office in Houston, were two of for everything from environmental surveys “Maybe 10 years ago, the industry be processed for advanced analytics, a the co-authors of the report. to checking underwater currents. They’re a was very closed, thinking that the best decision-support tool, as well as predictive Ward said exploration has been the boon to deepwater exploration, Seto noted. innovations came from inside the industry. analytics, Seto said. most digital industry on the planet in “You can make the most of the time Now there’s the belief that good ideas can According to the technology firm Gartner many ways and observed, “The oil and you have out there,” she said. come from anywhere,” she said. Inc., advanced analytic techniques include gas business might be the most valuable Exploration innovation in an industry “data/text mining, machine learning, digital industry in history.” downturn turns out to be much more Rise of the Machines pattern matching, forecasting, visualization, He put the accumulated value targeted. More cost-conscious. Edgier. semantic analysis, sentiment analysis, of technology-enabled oil industry “The downturn has really focused Seto sees big changes coming to oil and network and cluster analysis, multivariate operations at $40 trillion to $50 trillion. companies in allocating for what they want gas in three areas: statistics, graph analysis, simulation, According to the report, these five to innovate on. There’s more of a focus u Greater automation in the field complex event processing, neural technologies will change the way the on, ‘What are the technologies we need u Use of robotics in operations networks.” industry operates in the future: now?’” she said. “Another thing we’ve u Advanced data analytics used in “Advanced analytics is being used quite seen from the downturn is a lot more proactive ways successfully in drilling and completion, while Continued on next page

26 NOVEMBER 2016 WWW.AAPG.ORG EXPLORER Continued from previous page cutting through their also more efficient and repetitive tasks. land,” he said. productive. “What we’re seeing is that many of these 1. Mobile Another change “From a senior tools can make a certain amount of that fade Mobile technology will let technicians Ward expects is management point of into the background. I really, fundamentally understand a project, accept an growth of the “angels- view, this will show up believe these technologies will bring more assignment and file a work report when on-their-shoulders” as a step-change in fun to the job,” he said. they have finished, “no matter what time it concept, in which oil productivity,” Nyquist Will the coming technology changes be is or where they are.” and gas professionals said. revolutionary? “The ability to provide connectivity increasingly will be The move to It’s happened before, Ward noted. to smaller and cheaper components, in assisted by expert WARD NYQUIST advanced technology He said we’re now “holding a four-inch more and more remote areas, continues systems. A program reflects the change in piece of glass in our hands and can look to grow. We expect that by 2025 every might ask, “Didn’t you mean to make that an industry that’s going through what has up anything we want to at any moment. well in the Western Hemisphere will pick a couple of pixels over?’” he said. been called the “Great Crew Change” or the The iPhone was released in 2007, so have access to 4G cellular at a cost- “That concept is going to start percolating “Big Replacement.” about 10 years ago. And this has literally competitive rate,” the report said. itself more and more into knowledge work, “Many geoscientists that have learned changed the world.” 2. The Internet of Things especially into interpretive work,” Ward said. a certain way of using technology on the With so much added capability in Equipped with electronics, software job are finding out that these technologies data capture, interconnectedness and sensors and Internet connections, this Better Efficiency, More Fun are changing. There is a generational shift automation, are we headed toward a peak network of physical objects will collect and taking place,” Nyquist observed. of data use in exploration? exchange data. Technological advances and Ward said the good news for geoscience Seto doesn’t see it that way. “We keep thinking that you won’t be able applications promise to make the oil and professionals is that these new technologies “I think we’re just scratching the surface

to buy a toaster that won’t be connected in gas industry not only more effective, but can reduce the drudgery of routine and of this,” she said. EXPLORER some way,” Ward said. A $30,000 or $40,000 piece of equipment will definitely want to be connected, he noted. The industry already has many networked sensors for remote monitoring and control of refineries, pipelines, pumps and platforms. As the cost of sensing and connecting continues to drop, more and more interconnections will occur. 3. Machine Learning Through machine learning, computers can understand how to do something without having been programmed to do it. When a computer can teach itself new strategies based on experience, its analyses will improve over time without the need for human intervention. Ward gave the example of a computer- assisted seismic interpretation system that will both learn and suggest best practices. “If previously you had to have an expert who would program things into a system, now you’ll have a system observe how 500 interpreters around the world are doing it,” he said. 4. Robotics If you’ve been wondering whether robots will take over the world, the answer is: “Yes.” Robotics has “undergone dramatic changes in the last five years,” the report stated. “We expect that the number of robotic systems working in oil fields around the world will be nearly a million by 2025. Some will live permanently at a facility such as a refinery, while others will be a part of a technician’s toolkit,” it said. 5. Blockchain A digital ledger approach to recording financial transactions, Blockchain is poised to simplify contracting and transacting everywhere, Ward and Nyquist believe. Blockchain was first used as the underlying technology for bitcoin in 2009. “In the oil and gas industry, anywhere a contract for performance is required there is a chance it will migrate to a blockchain- enabled agreement. Such contracts may include land royalty, production sharing, or service-execution contracts,” its report said.

Automation Now

Seismic acquisition will be one of the first areas to benefit from enhanced automation, Ward predicted. Offshore, semi-autonomous drones for positioning could make sure streamers are exactly parallel to ensure the fidelity of data capture. On land, each geophone could be its own quadcopter. “That would give you much better fidelity on 3-D data capture and at much lower costs, because you don’t have to be putting roads through people’s property. One of the things farmers and ranchers are unhappiest about is people carving out roads and WWW.AAPG.ORG NOVEMBER 2016 27 Edith Allison, director of AAPG’s Geoscience and Energy Office in Washington, D.C., EXPLORER can be contacted at [email protected]; or by telephone at 1-202-643-6533. POLICYWATCH Chasing Fugitive Methane By EDITH ALLISON, Geoscience and Energy Policy Office Director

ome environmentalists have argued major problems impacting methane that high levels of methane leaks Mitigating fugitive emissions emission estimates: “estimates based on Sand emissions make natural gas a source sampling extrapolated to regional poor alternative to coal for generating or national scale (‘bottom-up analyses’) electricity. However, total greenhouse requires knowing where or differing from estimates that infer gas (GHG) emissions – carbon dioxide, what they come from. However, emissions based on ambient data (‘top- methane, nitrogen oxides and some down analyses’) by 50 percent or more.” fluorinated gases – have declined as identifying the source is difficult. Here are some of the recent studies natural gas has replaced coal in power on possible causes of the recent generation. However, atmospheric ALLISON increases in atmospheric methane: methane continues to rise and the u A September report in the scientific evidence is unclear on whether for hydraulic fracturing, saying the from about 1700 ppb in 1988. The major Proceedings of the National Academy oil and gas operations are the source of natural gas boom has been good for the concern is that there is not a scientific of Sciences by Andrew Rice and the increase. These emissions analyses environment, “displacing high-carbon consensus on the cause of the renewed others uses isotopic studies to find that take on added importance because coal with natural gas producing fewer increases. “methane emissions from the fossil fuel the Obama administration is rushing to emissions.” sectors were approximately constant enact additional oil and gas industry Looking just at anthropogenic Identifying Sources in the 1980s and 1990s but increased regulations to help meet the President’s methane, sources include domestic significantly between 2000 and 2009.” Climate Action Plan (CAP) goal of animals (including manure management), To state the obvious, mitigating u A recent study by atmospheric reducing methane emissions by 40 to 45 the oil and gas industry, landfills, rice fugitive emissions requires knowing scientists in New Zealand, Germany and percent below 2012 levels by 2025. cultivation, wastewater, coal mining and where or what they come from. However, the United States (Schaefer et al., 2016) biomass. Wetlands are the dominant identifying the source is difficult. In many found that increases in atmospheric State of Emissions natural methane source. However, oil and gas-producing areas, potential methane were not caused by fossil fuel geologic sources – thermogenic sources may include livestock, coal production, but more likely from wetlands The White House recently reported, and biogenic methane produced mines or waste treatment facilities. An or agriculture. “U.S. carbon dioxide emissions from in the Earth’s crust and released additional complication is that methane u Another recent study from the Royal the energy sector fell by 9.5 percent into the atmosphere from land and detection has been conducted using a Holloway, University of London (Nisbet et from 2008-15, and in the first 6 months submarine faults and seeps – may be hand-held or vehicle mounted detector al., 2016) found that the increase in atmo- of 2016, they were at the lowest level significant although they have not been or sampler at a small number of facilities. spheric methane from 2007 to 2013 was in 25 years.” The Council of Economic comprehensively measured. Airborne sampling – primarily done dominated by significant increases in Advisers credited the shift to natural gas Global atmospheric methane with National Oceanic and Atmospheric biogenic methane emissions, especially for 66 percent of the carbon emissions concentrations increased during most of Administration airplanes – captures from wetlands, ruminants and rice pad- reduction, while increased generation the 20th century, excluding the period methane from all sources and must dies in the tropics. from zero-carbon renewable energy from 1999 to 2006, when atmospheric also be corrected for wind and weather u Amy Townsend-Small presented provided 34 percent of the reduction. levels stayed level. Methane levels have conditions. data at the 2016 Eastern Section AAPG In addition, Energy Secretary Ernest increased since 2006, and the 2015 level A recent American Chemical Society Moniz recently reaffirmed his support was about 1800 parts per billion – up report by David Allen details one of the See Emissons, page 32

28 NOVEMBER 2016 WWW.AAPG.ORG “ProTracks” is an ongoing feature of the EXPLORER, offering news and information pertinent to getting started or getting better in your career. Keep up-to-date with the YPs on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. EXPLORER PROTRACKS Catching Up With the Eastern Section YPs By MERRIL STYPULA, Eastern Section Young Professional Liaison

he Eastern Section Young Eastern Section YPs. The event was Professional network is composed held in a private dining room, creating a Tof a growing number of early distraction-free space where everyone career geoscientists spanning 23 states, was able to speak candidly and interact Washington D.C. and Ontario, Canada. comfortably with the panel members. Currently, the bulk of our activity stems Panel members openly shared stories out of Pittsburgh. However, the early about their career as geoscientists, career geoscientists of the Eastern discussing not only the successes, Section are excited to begin expanding but also the failures they experienced their network into other Eastern Section along the way. They made many helpful cities. suggestions to the audience, advising early career geoscientists on ways they A Look Ahead, and Back can be proactive during this challenging time. The YP and DPA organizers For the year to come, the Eastern informed the audience of the multitude of Section YPs have three goals: resources that exist within our organization u Establish two additional Eastern for those who have lost their job and are Section YP chapters in an effort to experiencing a career transition. support a broader geographic range of The event was a great success, YPs in our Section. achieving a handful of important u Recruit three dedicated and objectives the organizers set out to attain. enthusiastic YPs to co-chair Eastern Thanks to a diverse panel, including Section committees. The author (center) mixing with other YPs at the recent “Pass the Baton” event in Pittsburgh. geologists from many different niches u Work with Eastern Section within our industry, audience members leadership to educate our Student and the first day of technical sessions at our Event Spotlight were able to gain an understanding of YP Members about the different levels annual meeting in Lexington, Ky. More how each panel member weathered the of AAPG membership, as well as the than 50 AAPG Members attended, mak- The successful panel discussion storm of previous industry downturns. benefits of maintaining an active role ing it the most well attended gathering event co-hosted with the Division of within our organization. the Eastern Section YPs have hosted Professional Affairs (DPA), “Pass the Getting Involved since our inception. Baton: Mentoring, Networking and your Over the past year, the Eastern u YP Travel Grants: Thanks to the Career” was held May 8 in Pittsburgh. If the panel discussion sounds like Section YPs have been busier than ever. generous funding by AAPG to help sup- The panel was comprised of one an event you would have liked to attend, If you haven’t had an opportunity to port YP growth and development, the moderator and a diverse group of five fear not! The entire discussion was video check out our events, here is a recap of Eastern Section YP Committee was able experienced professionals who engaged recorded and is located on the Young some of the recent activities: to provide six Eastern Section YPs with in an informative and invigorating Professionals page of the Eastern Section u The Eastern Section YPs hosted a two nights of accommodations at the discussion, sharing their personal meet and greet in September following section meeting in Lexington. experiences and advice with two dozen See Involved, page 32

WWW.AAPG.ORG NOVEMBER 2016 29 EXPLORER FOUNDATIONUPDATE AAPG Foundation Helps Scouts Discover Geology By KELSY TAYLOR, EXPLORER News Editor

he Boy Scouts are asking AAPG Earning the Badge Members to volunteer for the TNational Scout Jamboree, a special To earn the badge, Hart explained, event held once every four years for “A Scout must learn and understand Scouts across the nation and around the principles of geology, and must complete globe. several activities showing what he has Set for next July, the event will learned.” welcome more than 35,000 Scouts to a During the Jamboree, Hart said that beautiful setting in Beckley, W. Va. that Scouts learn the process of the scientific will be filled with adventurous activities method. They will be asked to either for everyone to enjoy. organize and describe a collection of Those activities include whitewater 25 rocks and minerals and understand rafting, kayaking, rock-climbing, the economic uses of each, or learn to bouldering and mountain biking. Scouts construct a stream model by taking field will also have the opportunity to learn measurements around the property to outdoor skills, get to know one another, create stream gradients, valley profiles, see new technology in action and earn etc. merit badges. “In learning field work, a Scout must There are 130 different merit badges learn to note important observations and that can be earned in the Boy Scouts, check his map location using GPS or about 70 of which will be available other technology.” during the event. This is an important The merit badge program is designed opportunity for Scouts with limited to introduce Scouts and their families to access to so many badge opportunities, A volunteer teaches Boy Scouts about geology during a National Scout Jamboree. Courtesy of hobbies and career options. due to their location. the Boy Scouts of America. “Most of these Scouts are only One of the badges will be the Geology exposed to earth science through Merit Badge, noted Ron Hart, coordinator has helped support a team of geologists, created the E.F. Reid Scouting Fund so middle school teachers and never have for the badge. mostly made up of AAPG Members, in there would be a long-term endowment the chance to visit with a professional He explained that the AAPG attending the Jamboree to teach the to support teaching geology to Scout geologist. We all know the oil industry Foundation has been a great support badge. groups,” said Hart. has the coolest toys and offers an for the badge since the 1930s by “The AAPG Foundation has generously He added, “The AAPG Foundation exciting career, and we need to share maintaining the requirements and funded the teaching team once again sees value to putting a positive message that information with the next generation,” description of the badge. In fact, with a gift from the E.F. Reid Scouting about careers in geology, and specifically said Hart. the AAPG Youth Education Activities Fund. E.F. ‘Bud’ Reid was a president of petroleum, in front of 35,000 Scouts and Of all the badges in the program, the Committee used to be called the “AAPG AAPG in the early 1980s and was active their families. Also, we want to meet the Geology Merit Badge ranks 28 out of Boy Scout Committee.” as a volunteer and philanthropist in the best and brightest kids and expose them Beginning in 1993, the Foundation World Scouting Organization. His vision to geology as a career.” Continued on next page

30 NOVEMBER 2016 WWW.AAPG.ORG EXPLORER Continued from previous page the badge and it is hoped that more in the first place,” he said. Members will volunteer for the upcoming “I love to watch the light come on. 135 in popularity and more than 22,000 Jamboree. Most Scouts are not interested in a Scouts sought to earn it last year. “During the day, team members will geology career, but it seems every “This is a tremendous opportunity for either teach a rock identification class group has one or two who begin to us to educate these Scouts and their or take a small group on a short hike to look at science (and geology) in a new families about the science we use to find study erosion and steam patterns,” he way. We want to meet that Scout. By oil, and we have a chance to debunk said. “We work from a duty roster that nature, Scouts love the outdoors and it’s the many myths and junk science that guarantees we have full staffing at peak natural for them to become interested in surrounds the petroleum industry as times, but all team members are given geology,” he added. seen by politicians and the media,” Hart time away from the merit badge tent to Volunteering begins by registering added. fully experience the Jamboree activities.” with the Boy Scouts of America as a merit Hart noted that the event is very badge counselor. The only requirement is Volunteers Needed rewarding for everyone who volunteers. that the volunteer is a U.S. citizen and is “Talking to kids about geology helps excited to help the Scouts. The badge wouldn’t be possible me focus on my own career and life For more information about volunteering, without the help of volunteers to teach accomplishments. Too many times we contact Hart at [email protected]. To Ron Hart is the Jamboree Geology Merit geology to the Scouts. AAPG Members work on the same tasks every day in an discover more about the event, Badge Coordinator for the Boy Scouts.

continue to be heavily involved with office and forget why we got into geology visit www.summitbsa.org. EXPLORER

Foundation Contributions for September 2016

General Fund Ursula Hammes Bruce Bernard Education Fund Richard W. Beardsley Sarah Springer and Rusty Riese Bill and Mary Ammentorp Dexter L. Harmon Jeffrey E. Shellebarger Susan S. Nash Named Grant Stephen M. Scott In memory of Toby Carleton In memory of David Farmer Christopher E. Slagle Shell Oil Company Foundation Eastern Section Tiffany M. Stephens Daniel Burton James A. Helwig In honor and memory of all Matching gifts given Robert K. Goldhammer William M. Whiting Dean L. Callender Mr. and Mrs. B.L. Hill Jr. who have helped me along by Rita Monahan Memorial Grant In memory of great, great, John R. Carson David G. Holley the way James F. Trickett ConocoPhillips Corporate great grandfather Jonas Chevron Matching Employee In memory of Earl Harrison Nicholas Snyder Contributions Whiting (1755), Fund Andrew T. Hooker David R. Steele Grants-in-Aid Fund Matching gifts given by Quartermaster Sergeant, Matching gifts given by Tony Jolly William D. Stiles Bernold M. “Bruno” Hanson Jennifer Crews Massachusetts Militia, George Pritchard David G. Kersey A. Kurt Tollestrup Memorial Environmental Grant Ursula Hammes Revolutionary War Samuel Coalson Donald C. Le Van Lucas Vimpere Bruce W. Blake In memory of great, great, Susan C. Cochrane Wayne Lebsack Janine F. Weber Donald A. and Mary O’Nesky James A. Hartman Student great Uncle Samuel Whiting In memory of John M. and Kathryn L. Lee Jamar R.J. White Named Grant Leadership Summit Fund (1752), Massachusetts Anne H. Cochrane from the James A. Lorsong Richard W. Wiener Don and Mary O’Nesky Chevron Matching Employee Militia, Revolutionary War John M. Cochrane Foundation Stephen A. Lubanko Gregory A. Wilson In memory of Fred Dix Fund Robert D. Williams of The Columbus Foundation Cameron R. McLain Mark A. Worthey Eastern Section Named Grant Matching gifts given ConocoPhillips Corporate Kathleen M. Neset Dmitry A. Zastrozhnov Eastern Section by Richard Ball E.F. Reid Scouting Fund Contributions Mark P. Nibbelink Paul H. Dudley Jr. Terri Duncan Matching gifts given by Jane and Elwin Peacock Awards Fund In memory of Rex Ulricksen Imperial Barrel Award Fund Bryan Haws Charles Landmesser, Bruce Walter C.l. Pusey III Teacher of the Year Award James E. Hooks Larry D. Brogdon Wiley and Jennifer Crews Lee R. Russell William V. York Memorial Grant L. Austin Weeks John R. Copland Francky Saint-Ange Rosann F. Hooks Military Veterans Undergraduate Fund James R. Daniels Wolfgang E. Schollnberger Digital Products Fund John D. “Jack” Edwards Scholarship Fund Robert D. Williams Paolo Dattilo Thomas J. Schull Kansas State University Memorial Grant Richard A. Baile Chris J. Donofrio Geoffrey D. Scotty Sam and Janet Peppiatt ConocoPhillips Corporate Helen L. Foster The monthly list of AAPG Foundation Weldon C. Doran Jr. Peter J. Senior University of Southern CA, Contributions Rosann F. Hooks contributions is based on John E. Gilcrease Shell Oil Company Foundation Los Angeles Matching gifts given by Harold W. Knudsen information provided by the AAPG Tom and Carolyn Hamilton Matching gifts given by Rhemruru O. Egbegbetoro Jennifer Crews Walter C. Pusey III Foundation office.

WWW.AAPG.ORG NOVEMBER 2016 31 CLASSIFIED ADS You can reach about 37,000 petroleum geologists at the lowest per-reader cost in the world with a classi- fied ad in the EXPLORER. Ads are at the rate of $2.90 per word, minimum charge of $60. And, for an additional $50, your ad can appear on the classified section on the AAPG website. Your ad can reach more people than ever before. Just write out your ad and send it to us. We will call you with the word count and cost. You can EXPLORER then arrange prepayment. Ads received by the first of the month will appear in the subsequent edition. CLASSIFIEDADS MISCELLANEOUS correlation logic operates on 3D objects with beds oriented in true stratigraphic SAMPLES TO RENT depth directions. It’s more accurate, intuitive, and valid for all directional/ International Sample Library @ Midland horizontal drilling! User Manual available – Formerly Midland Sample Library. in 5 languages. Free trial and training Established in 1947. Have 164,000 available. wells with 1,183,000,000 well samples and cores stored in 17 buildings from www.makinhole.com 26 states, Mexico, Canada and offshore Stoner Engineering LLC Australia. We also have a geological * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * supply inventory. Dry Erase Geological Phone: (432) 682-2682 Globes of the Earth Fax: (432) 682-2718 Beautiful handmade globes for gifts, office * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * or lab. See explanatory notes online at SES – more companies CHOOSE SES www.realworldglobes.com from 22 geosteering software options. SES

Involved from page 29

website at ESAAPG.org for all to view. Want to be a part of the Eastern Section YP community? If you are interested in learning more about Eastern Section YP events (past and future), or would like to contact the Eastern Section YP liaison, you can also find contact information and an up-to-date calendar of events and highlights on the Eastern Section website. If you’re interested in volunteering with the AAPG YP Special Interest Group, or just want to learn more about YP initiatives in your area, visit us online at aapg.org/youngpros and contact your Region or Section YP coordinator. You can also ‘like’ us on the AAPG Young Professionals Special Interest Group Facebook page and follow us on Twitter

and Instagram @aapgypsig. EXPLORER

Emissons from page 28

Meeting that showed that “despite ac- tive natural gas extraction in Denver, at least 50 percent of methane emissions in these regions are from agricultural and/or landfill sources. Previous stud- ies had attributed most or all emissions of methane to natural gas production.” Townsend-Small also reported on a study where pre-drill water samples showed that biogenic methane is the primary component of dissolved meth- ane in groundwater wells in the Utica Shale area.

* * *

Even as disagreements about the sources and amounts of fugitive methane continue, oil and gas operators have to monitor their facilities and repair leaks based on rules in several states. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) now requires monitoring and leak repair at new oil and gas facilities including wells, compressors, pumps and transmission lines. Starting in October, EPA began to collect large volumes of information about oil and gas industry operations, facilities and emissions to help them formulate rules for fugitive methane monitoring and mitigation from existing

facilities. EXPLORER

32 NOVEMBER 2016 WWW.AAPG.ORG EXPLORER Changes to AAPG’s Communication hroughout the year, AAPG Preferences.” Then indicate sends emails to everyone the types of emails you Tinvolved in the Association. would like to receive. The emails share information The accompanying QR about upcoming events, code will lead you to a login educational opportunities, screen and then directly to how to participate in new your contact preferences. publications, membership news Once completed, you and more. will receive two emails. The Laws have recently been put into first will list the details of your changed place worldwide that require AAPG to preferences. The second will include a only send emails to recipients who have link to follow that will confirm your email specifically stated they would like to address. receive them. At the bottom of each email sent from AAPG is working to create email lists AAPG is a link to update preferences or that are in full compliance with these laws unsubscribe. If you unsubscribe, you will no later than June 30 of next year. only receive communication from AAPG The Association staff is encouraging about membership and transactions. Members who would like to continue AAPG will be posting a survey soon receiving emails to visit and log in to to gather input about what recipients www.aapg.org. Once logged in, click would like to see and what they need in

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PROFESSIONALnewsBRIEFS A Lifetime of Service since 2011. He has also been a past recipient of the Distinguished Service Ron Broadhead Award, the A.I. Levorsen Memorial was recently Award and the Long Service Award honored for a from the AAPG House of Delegates. lifetime of service to the oil and gas Susan Howes, to vice president of industry by the New engineering, Subsurface Consultants Mexico Oil and & Associates LLC, Houston, Texas. Gas Association. Previously reservoir management He is the head of consultant/talent management expert/ the Association’s oil BROADHEAD global industry leader, Chevron, and gas program Houston, Texas. and also serves as a senior petroleum geologist at the New Mexico Bureau of Daniel Doolittle, to principal scientist, Geology and Mineral Resources. Inspire Environmental, Newport, R.I. As a Member of AAPG, he has been Previously exploration manager- the editor of Search and Discovery geoconsulting, Fugro, Houston, Texas. AAPG and SPE Head to Kenya he inaugural Africa Energy and examples of geoscience, engineering Technology Conference, presented and energy projects across Africa along Tby AAPG and the Society of with a wide range of topics. Petroleum Engineers, will be held Dec. Three panel sessions have been 5-7 in Nairobi City, Kenya. created that will discuss “Africa in the 21st Two training courses have been Century: Frontier Plays and Challenges,” planned. The first will be “Improving “Smart Goals for a Sustainable Future” Success in Drilling.” The course will and “Petroleum Regulation and Contract share information about the best ways Sanctity.” to develop a drilling plan and budget. During the event, posters will be It will also cover the management of displayed and an exhibition area will operational problems that are common in serve as an ideal spot for networking with Africa. companies and other attendees. The second is titled “Petroleum A field trip will conclude the Geology Fundamentals” and will conference, taking participants to the introduce the basics of petroleum Kenya Rift Valley, one of the best-exposed geology. continental rift systems in the world. Technical sessions will be held For more information, visit the SPE

throughout the conference that will share website at SPE.org. EXPLORER INMEMORY Eugene Carter, 62 Earl Harrison, 93 Lakeway, Texas, Dec. 6, 2015 Abilene, Texas, Sept. 15, 2016 Louis Dixon, 101 Baton Rouge, La., Aug. 19, 2014 (Editor’s note: “In Memory” listings Allen Kelley, 59 are based on information received from Houston, Texas, March 29, 2016 the AAPG membership department. Alan Talley Age at time of death, when known, is Federal Way, Wash., Jan. 1, 1954 listed. When the member’s date of death James Anderson, 91 is unavailable, the person’s membership Norman, Okla., May 26, 2016 classification and anniversary date are Ross Brunetti, 63 listed.) Orcutt, Calif., Aug. 12, 2016

WWW.AAPG.ORG NOVEMBER 2016 33 EXPLORER DIRECTOR’SCORNER Gratitude: A Virtue and a Discipline By DAVID CURTISS ere in the United States we my goal is to identify three things that celebrate Thanksgiving on the I am thankful for. Perhaps it’s a simple Hfourth Thursday in November. When everything is seemingly thing, like a beautiful autumn day, a All across the country families and smile from a loved one, or a personal or friends gather together around tables falling apart, it’s easy to get professional accomplishment. filled with roast turkey, stuffing, mashed But this exercise shouldn’t be too potatoes, cranberry sauce and green caught in a downward spiral of simple. This is practice, after all, and I’m bean casserole. American football – discontent that leads to despair. training my gratitude muscle. So, I am either watched on television, or played also looking at the failures in my life, at in the backyard – is another staple, as is CURTISS the hard times, the tragedies. laughter, feelings of togetherness, and Can I be thankful for these even the occasional argument. experiences? Is that even possible? But too often, the planning of the And what about the difficult people in event and all the preparation leading my life? Is there a way to be thankful for up to it causes us to lose sight of what them, too? Thanksgiving is all about: gratitude. “When we are no I’m feeling a bit anxious even as I I don’t know about you, but gratitude longer able to change type this. This exercise is going to make is something I’ve struggled with in 2016. my head hurt, but I also expect it to It isn’t that I’ve deliberately planned a situation, we are change my outlook and perspective. to be ungrateful. But, as the U.S. challenged to change You may or may not celebrate presidential election exposes deep Thanksgiving, but will you consider societal fissures in this country, political ourselves.” joining me this month in practicing a decisions around the globe heighten spirit of gratitude? tensions and the industry downturn ~ Viktor Frankl As you spend time with family and affects so many of our Members, it’s friends – with your community – sharing, very easy to lose sight of what’s going laughing, crying; as you confront life’s well. The bad news drowns out the joys and its disappointments; as you good. read the news and reflect on the many “When we are no longer able to challenges we face on this planet, look change a situation, we are challenged to for those things to be thankful for – change ourselves,” wrote Viktor Frankl, especially the hard things. neurologist, psychiatrist and Holocaust My sense is that if we were able to survivor, in his 1946 memoir “Man’s give thanks in all circumstances, the Search for Meaning.” world would be a markedly different When everything is seemingly place. falling apart, it’s easy to get caught in I don’t believe gratitude is mystical forces us to get out of our own heads – a downward spiral of discontent that or magical; I’m not trying to create a to stop being so self-centered. leads to despair. Yet, as Frankl points religion out of gratitude. But I do believe out, it’s up to us to do the hard work of that a practice of identifying the people, Training in Gratitude changing, and this month I am working things and experiences in our lives for personally to cultivate a deeper sense of which we can be thankful can help us This doesn’t happen on its own. It gratitude. deal with life’s adversities, because it takes practice. So each day this month

DIVISIONSREPORT: EMD Are You a Convention-goer? By ANNE DRAUCKER, EMD President

t’s convention time! to a convention. You make contacts that No, really. It is. I think conventions offer can lead to a new job, you gain skills you I First of all, it’s always convention didn’t previously have, you get to talk time for AAPG. Sections and Regions something for everyone. I about rocks and fossils and Mars and go have meetings throughout the year. home with a full brain sparking with new AAPG also runs numerous workshops, think low price environments ideas and revitalized enthusiasm. seminars, classes and symposiums. The are the perfect time to go to But that’s me. AAPG event staff have put on four major Others have different reasons for conventions in the last five months, which a convention. going or not going. I’ve been trying to is amazing. DRAUCKER gather different perspectives lately, and I mentioned in my last article I’ve heard fascinating stuff from AAPG that the Energy Minerals Division Taking the Good with the “Bad” I’m working on AAPG projects. Sitting leaders of all ages and experience levels (EMD) participates in conventions by in those convention lobby bars, I learn – reasons for going or not going that sponsoring sessions, field trips and short Conventions are one of my favorite about the rich history of the Association have never occurred to me. courses. With the centennial of AAPG in things. I love almost everything about and generate ideas for the future. So here’s what I want to hear from 2017, the upcoming Annual Convention them: technical content from areas in Regardless of company support or how you: Why do you go (or not go) to and Exhibition (ACE) and International which I work, technical content in areas I full my calendar is, I always plan to go to conventions? Do you prefer the big Conference and Exhibition (ICE) are have nothing to do with and know nothing ACE, because the benefits for me always conferences like ACE or the smaller going to be packed full of activities. about, exploring the exhibition floor for outweigh the time, money and personal Section meetings? Do you draw a The call for papers for ACE has new products, contacts and souvenirs energy spent. distinction between business (how you already gone out and been closed. and seeing all my friends (we’re ask for funding from your supervisor) Abstracts are submitted, themes are supposed to call that “networking”). Gathering Perspectives versus personal (travel, friends, breweries) selected and the program will be The only aspect I don’t love is the reasons? What kinds of talks do you announced in January. I’ve been reading accumulated sleep deprivation. That’s But, as many superlatives as I can attend once you’re there (subjects you the themes and I’m excited to hear all my own fault. I find the atmosphere at apply to conventions, I’ve heard from work in, subjects you don’t know anything the new things happening in a variety of conferences to be highly intellectually various folks that either conventions about, geology hobbies)? If you want to topics. Planning for 2018 is also under stimulating and my FOMO kicks into high aren’t their thing, or they like them but go, but can’t, what are the barriers? way and I’ve already heard several gear. (For the non-millennials, “FOMO” is don’t go because oil prices are down. Shoot me an email (you’ll have to amazing ideas for field trips. I have no “Fear Of Missing Out.”) I don’t get that, because it’s not my go to the EMD website to get my email doubt that both the Houston Centennial I get up early-ish to attend talks then experience. I think conventions offer address. See what I did there?), let me meeting and the 2018 meeting in Salt stay up way too late talking to folks I something for everyone. I think low price know your thoughts and opinions. Visit

Lake City will be excellent. haven’t seen in a while or with whom environments are the perfect time to go www.aapg.org/divisions/emd. EXPLORER 34 NOVEMBER 2016 WWW.AAPG.ORG EXPLORER

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36 NOVEMBER 2016 WWW.AAPG.ORG