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2 JANUARY 2011 WWW.AAPG.ORG Vol. 32, No. 1 JANUARY 2011 EXPLORERAAPG PRESIDENT’SCOLUMN Ready for the Future – In 131 Years? By DAVID G. RENSINK

arry Nation, AAPG’s communications have managed to maintain a crude oil director, sent me a press release reserve life of about 42 years throughout Labout a study conducted by two What the authors fail to appreciate that period. University of California-Davis civil and Granted, crude oil is a finite resource, environmental engineers, recently is that the world has had an average but the authors do not seem to grasp the published in Environmental Science & estimated crude oil reserve life of difference between oil reserves and oil Technology. Their study concluded that resource. global oil will run out 90 years before 42 years every year since 1990. If their estimate of 131 years to the technology to replace gasoline and development of a new commercial diesel fuel is ready.* RENSINK transportation technology is applied Their study, to quote the abstract, to the replacement of the internal “establishes a probabilistic theoretical * * * By BP’s analysis, we have a reserve life combustion engine, that would seem approach based on market expectations of 44 years at current production rates. to be a little more plausible. Electric reflected in prices of publicly traded A simple calculation indicates the I applaud the authors’ desire to take vehicles are currently available for short securities to estimate the time horizon authors expect the world to run out of oil a long-term and sustainable view of trips, but we still generate 70 percent until the appearance of new technologies in 41 years. The world’s current rate of the world’s energy situation. However, of our electricity from coal and natural related to replacement of nonrenewable crude oil consumption is approximately what the authors fail to appreciate is gas. At this point, electric vehicles do not resources, for example, crude oil and oil 30 billion barrels of oil per year; that, based on BP’s statistics, the world run on a renewable energy source. The products.” therefore, they are using an estimate of has had an average estimated crude oil biggest hurdles to the development of a They use the market capitalization approximately 1,230 billion barrels of reserve life of 42 years every year since commercial transportation system based of oil and alternative companies, the world crude oil reserves. 1990. on renewable fuels are long-haul trucks, dividends paid by the oil companies This estimate is not very different During that period, approximately trains and airplanes. and oil reserve replacement rates to from BP’s published world oil reserves 540 billion barrels of crude oil have been I hope the world will have that determine when the technology will be of 1,333.1 billion barrels as of 2009 produced. Through discoveries and technology in 131 years. Until that available to replace gasoline and diesel (Statistical Review of World Energy 2010). reserve additions to existing fields, we occurs, crude oil and natural gas will fuel as transportation fuels. continue to be an integral part of our Their calculations indicate the time energy requirements. when “renewable replacement fuels can Also In This Issue be self-sustaining, at least from a market Two special items are included with u The official announcement for perspective,” is 131 years in the future. this issue of the EXPLORER. the AAPG Annual Convention and To many of us, their conclusion would Exhibition, including a complete look at seem faulty – even ridiculous. Biodiesel u A special insert that provides the technical program, special events is already available and it could likely be information on the candidates for AAPG and registration information, is included commercially available within 131 years. office is inserted between pages 12-13. as a separate publication and mailed It appears the technology for potentially The four-page insert includes with this EXPLORER. commercial renewable fuels already *Nataliya Malyshkina and Deb biographical information on all six This year’s ACE will be held April 10- exists. Niemeier; Future Sustainability candidates for the next AAPG Executive 13 at the George R. Brown Convention Nonetheless, I think anyone who Forecasting by Exchange Markets: Basic Committee, plus their responses to the Center in Houston. dares to speculate about technology Theory and Application; Environmental question of why they agreed to stand for This year’s theme is “Making the Next development that far in the future Science and Technology (American national office. Giant Leap in Geosciences.” deserves some consideration. Chemical Society); Nov. 8, 2010.

STAFF TABLEofCONTENTS REGULARDEPARTMENTS AAPG Headquarters: Still standing: Despite the ill-fated Angola’s oil industry continues to Geophysical Corner...... 26 1-800-364-2274 (U.S. & Canada only), 4 Macondo disaster in the Gulf 18 benefit from new oil discoveries others 1-918-584-2555 of Mexico, the industry not only and ever-increasing oil production. Communications Director weathered the storm but emerged Washington Watch...... 28 Larry Nation strongly, thanks largely to notable Encore presentation: Last year e-mail: [email protected] discoveries around the world. 22 was the biggest and most Regions and Sections...... 32 Managing Editor successful year ever for AAPG’s Vern Stefanic Offshore Brazil led the way in international Distinguished e-mail: [email protected] 08 terms of 2010 discoveries, as Lecture program – and Foundation Update...... 34 offshore deepwater plays there organizers are hoping this year Communications Project Specialist dominated the industry’s and Susie Moore brings more of the same. media’s attention. Membership and Certification...... 36 e-mail: [email protected] West side story: The recent Her amazing adventure: AAPG Correspondents Deepwater Offshore West Africa Courtney Chadney member and EXPLORER 32 Classified Ads...... 38 12 Conference, held in Nigeria, Louise S. Durham correspondent Susan R. Eaton throws a big spotlight on West Susan R. Eaton got the trip of a lifetime when she Africa’s deepwater potential. Director’s Corner...... 39 Graphics/Production was selected for the Elysium Matt Randolph Expedition to Antarctica. ­­e-mail: [email protected] Divisions Report (DPA)...... 39 Advertising Coordinator Brenda Merideth ON THE COVER: P.O. Box 979 Tulsa, Okla. 74101 The MV Professor Molchanov at telephone: (918) 560-2647 anchor near the Western Antarctic (U.S. and Canada only: Peninsula, framed by the arch of a 1-800-288-7636) (Note: The above number is sculpted iceberg. AAPG member and for advertising purposes only.) EXPLORER correspondent Susan R. fax: (918) 560-2636 Scan this for the Photo courtesy of Susan R. Eaton Eaton was among those spending time e-mail: [email protected] mobile version of the on the ship when she was selected for current web Explorer. Sculpted icebergs near the Western Antarctic Peninsula. the Elysium Expedition, a geoscience research mission to Antarctica – where The AAPG EXPLORER (ISSN 0195-2986) is published monthly for members. Published at AAPG headquarters, 1444 S. Boulder Ave., P.O. Box 979, Tulsa, Okla. 74101, (918) 584-2555. e-mail address: [email protected]. Periodicals postage paid at Tulsa, Okla., and at additional mailing offices. Printed in the U.S.A. Note to members: $6 of annual dues pays for one sights like these were a common year’s subscription to the EXPLORER. Airmail service for members: $55. Subscription rates for non-members: $75 for 12 issues; add $72 for airmail service. Advertising rates: Contact bonus found throughout the trek. Story Brenda Merideth, AAPG headquarters. Subscriptions: Contact Veta McCoy, AAPG headquarters. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and videos must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope to ensure return. The American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) does not endorse or recommend any products or services that may be cited, used or on page 12. discussed in AAPG publications or in presentations at events associated with AAPG. Copyright 2011 by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to AAPG EXPLORER, P.O. Box 979, Tulsa, Okla. 74101. Canada Publication Agreement Number 40063731 Return undeliverable Canadian

Vol. 32, No. 1 Vol. address to: Station A, P.O. Box 54 • Windsor, ON N9A 6J5 • E-mail: [email protected]

WWW.AAPG.ORG JANUARY 2011 3 Editor’s note: The 2010 top discoveries list and analysis are provided by Ken White, senior editor of the IHS International Oil Letter. EXPLORERAAPG The Year of Macondo Brazil Discoveries Set 2010 Pace By KEN WHITE

t would appear the industry has gas, five were in Brazil. But Petrobras did emerged strongly from the recession Notable Discoveries of 2010 not have it all its own way though, with Iproblems of the previous year, with Country Operator Well name Location OGX Petroleo e Gas Ltda. accounting for 2010 seeing a determined move into Brazil Petrobras Libra Santos Basin – Offshore Oil three of these. unconventionals, new and exciting plays Nonetheless, it is Petrobras that emerging – particularly off East Africa – Brazil Petrobras Franco Santos Basin – Offshore Oil claims the honors for the year’s biggest multi-billion dollar deals being plentiful Brazil OGX Waimea Campos Basin – Offshore Oil find – its Libra discovery in the Santos with national oil companies once again Basin eclipsing all others by a significant Brazil OGX Etna Campos Basin – Offshore Oil setting the pace, and mega reserves margin. once again confirmed off the coast of Brazil OGX Krakatoa Campos Basin – Offshore Oil The promise of East Africa finally Brazil. Mozambique Anadarko Windjammer 2 Ruvuma Basin – Offshore Gas came good with Anadarko making two Yet, despite all the positives, 2010 potentially world-class discoveries in is most likely to be remembered for the Mozambique Anadarko Lagosta 1 Ruvuma Basin – Offshore Gas the deepwater Ruvuma Basin, and the disastrous Macondo blow-out in the Gulf Angola Pluspetrol Castana 1 Cabinda South – Onshore Oil company is already hinting at LNG of Mexico and the implications this raised Ethiopia Petronaus Genale B2X Somali Basin – Onshore Gas possibilities. for all sectors of the industry, probably for Elsewhere in Africa, Pluspetrol made many years to come. Azerbaijan Socor Umid South Caspian Basin – Offshore Gas its first oil discovery in Angola (Castanha Oil prices proved less volatile than Turkmenistan CNPC Agayry Afghan-Tajik Basin – Onshore Gas 1) while Petronas enjoyed success in the previous year, remaining more or less Ethiopia (Genale B2X). Iran NIOC Forooz 3 Rub’ Al Khjali Province – Offshore Gas within the desired OPEC range, which The remaining three 2010 top ten helped major global projects advance as U.S BP Mocondo GOM – Mississippi Canyon discoveries confirmed the emergence capital expenditures improved. of central Asia, as these comprised For the industry, one of the more one each in Azerbaijan, Iran and important positives to emerge in 2010 is Top 15 Brazilian Offshore Oil Fields Turkmenistan. that success rates have improved from The Iranian success proved 37 percent in 2009 to 41percent, the frustrating, as it underlined the huge result of technical advancements, the potential the country has but it comes more focused allocation of budgets (a at a time when the sanctions screw hangover from the previous recession was turned harder – resulting in a mass year) and, in some cases, significant withdrawal of international oil companies wildcat success. and service companies – while the engineering arm of the Revolutionary Around the World Guard pulled out of developing all

Of the top ten listing of discoveries ranked in each region by Bboe of oil and See Discoveries, page 6

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WWW.AAPG.ORG JANUARY 2011 5 EXPLORERAAPG Deadline Looms for Milan ICE Abstracts he call for papers deadline arrives and fracturing in carbonate reservoir u Rifts and Deltas – Focus will be on Unconventional Resources – New this month for the next AAPG performance and the latest developments rift to drift tectonics, crustal stretching technologies have made viable tight TInternational Conference and in the seismic imaging and modeling of and heat flow, pre-salt plays, continental gas, oil shale, shale gas, coal-bed Exhibition, which will be held Oct. 23-26 carbonate reservoirs and sequences. and lacustrine reservoirs and delta methane and geothermal resources in Milan, Italy. u Where Africa Meets Eurasia: systems from shelf to basin floor. providing fuel supply closer to Abstracts for ICE must be received Exploration and Production in the u Advances in Integrated Geoscience consumers in Europe, India, Asia online by Jan. 20. Alpine-Himalaya Fold Belt and Foreland Applications – A session on all and the Far East. What makes these The meeting’s general theme is Basins – The tectonic evolution of the aspects of geoscience and reservoir reservoirs special? “Following Da Vinci’s Footsteps to Future Alpine-Himalayan chain, its influence on engineering as applied to conventional u Leading-Edge Technologies and Energy Resources: Innovations From sedimentation, diagenesis and reservoir and unconventional resource plays with the Future of E&P – The challenges of Outcrops to Assets.” and source development at a basin to emphasis on the value of integration of carbon management, new and leading- Seven specific technical themes will prospect scale; the objective is to identify disciplines. edge technologies in geoscience be offered: the factors that control prospectivity u Reservoir Management: From and reservoir engineering and future u Carbonate Reservoirs: From Pores in different parts of the belt from the Outcrops to Assets – New technologies technological developments in the E&P to Production – Aspects covered will Appennines, Alps and Zagros through and work models will be discussed, industry. include the stratigraphic analysis and the mountains of central Asia to the along with world-class reservoirs. To submit an abstract, or for more sedimentology of carbonate sequences; Himalaya, using a variety of technologies, u Dynamic World of “Uncooperative information go to aapg.org/milan2011/

the role of diagenesis, karst, faulting outcrop analogs and case studies. Reservoirs:” The Geoscience of CallforAbstracts.cfm. EXPLORER Discoveries from page 4

phases of the South Pars gas field. Another notable success was Cairn’s T8-1 wildcat offshore West Greenland – and although this was abandoned as a non-commercial gas discovery, it caused great excitement as it encountered gas in thin sands above the main objective, offering proof of a working hydrocarbon system in Baffin Bay. Within unconventional operations, coalbed methane came to the fore with potentially commercial finds in two of the most prospective regions, Australia and China.

Looking Deeper

The 390 total discoveries recorded through November 2010 were almost equal to the number of discoveries reported through November 2009, but two factors uniquely characterize 2010 successes:

u The offshore dominates the discovery volumes, accounting for almost 89 percent of the 27.6 Bboe discovered to year-to-date. This substantially exceeds the 76 percent of reserves contributed by offshore discoveries from 2005 through 2009.

u 2010 oil discovery volumes already exceed those reported in any of the prior six years. Brazil’s deepwater oil discoveries accounted for most of the 2010 oil reserve additions reported year-to-date.

If there was a disappointment it may be that a couple of important wells failed in the Barents Sea, an outcome made all the more significant, perhaps, given that Norway and Russia finally signed a preliminary deal over their disputed Barents Sea border, paving the way for a final delineation of a maritime area believed to be rich in hydrocarbons. Also the termination of deepwater drilling in the Gulf of Mexico following the Macondo incident has resulted in the region hosting only seven finds – and as these were in the first five months of 2010, the region was otherwise primed to

enjoy a bumper year. EXPLORER

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WWW.AAPG.ORG JANUARY 2011 7 EXPLORERAAPG

Brazil – 2007 to 2010 comparison of offshore post salt to pre-salt. Meanwhile, deepwater world forges ahead Tragedy Still Ripples in GOM By LOUISE S. DURHAM, EXPLORER Correspondent

he disastrous deepwater tragedy in 2013 – if ever. Adding insult to injury, the the Gulf of Mexico in April 2010 was Atlantic seaboard and extreme eastern Takin to a shot heard round the world Gulf near Florida will remain off limits to for the oil and gas industry. drilling, despite the decision announced However, deepwater drilling continues immediately prior to the Big Spill to allow globally-albeit with an increased focus on exploration there. safety considerations. Even the longtime annual crowd-drawing Offshore Brazil continues to grab most Central Gulf lease sale in March has been of the media’s spotlight on activity – and postponed, along with the Western Gulf successes – but offshore activity also is sale in August. brisk in West Africa (see related stories, pages 18,32), Australia, Gulf of Guinea and Brazil’s Treasures the Mediterranean Sea, to name a few. The glaring exception is the GOM, where The frustration and economic impact the spill triggered not only a moratorium on given all the uncertainty generated by the new deepwater drilling but also toughened still-evolving new U.S. rules and regulatory the regulations to acquire shallow water requirements has some industry watchers permits. This has caused a significant speculating that the drillers appear to be on slowdown in the permitting process there. the cusp of at least a partial exodus from Last year’s deepwater moratorium the GOM, which has been expected since was lifted in October, but industry leaders the moratorium began. have noted that the government has not The entire saga is now being dubbed in yet approved drilling of any new wells that some industry quarters a “permatorium.” would have been blocked by the ban. It’s not that other countries are ignoring Confusion and uncertainty abound the implications of a large deep offshore to this day. For instance, it’s become spill. Some have tightened up requirements the norm for permitting requests for relative to safety, but the overall theme deepwater wells to remain on hold while the essentially is, “let’s learn from it and move operators assemble and present additional on.” information demanded by the Bureau of Chief executive Jose Sergio Gabrielli at Ocean Energy Management, Regulation state-run Petroleo Brasileiro SA (Petrobras) and Enforcement. in Brazil reportedly said it’s too soon to A number of industry experts reportedly draw conclusions from the Gulf spill, so it’s predict that a rebound to the GOM activity levels of 2009 won’t occur until possibly See Offshore, page 10 Still Interested – But … espite the ongoing regulatory player in the Gulf, is maneuvering through problems in the Gulf of Mexico, the new convoluted regulatory system as Dinterest in the region remains high required in order to ramp up its activity, on the part of the large players as well as including its Appomatox discovery in certain of the smaller ones who tend to the eastern area, which was announced zero in on the shallow water. shortly before the Macondo spill. For example, Energy XXI recently This good news, however, is tempered agreed to ante up a cool $1 billion to by the uncertainty that remains regarding ExxonMobil to acquire a group of shallow when and how all of the weighty issues, water GOM fields. This was one of several including environmental, being discussed asset purchases made by companies in and reviewed by innumerable committees these waters. and panels will be resolved. The deep environs beckon to the Any number of scenarios could ensue; players with excessively deep pockets: new regulatory guidelines could be less u Chevron, for instance, recently stringent than operators fear, or they approved a multi-billion-dollar project to could be so harsh that the industry overall develop the deepwater Jack and St. Malo conceivably would engage in a major fields in the Lower Tertiary Trend. exodus from the Gulf. Stay tuned. u Shell, which has long been a big – LOUISE S. DURHAM

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WWW.AAPG.ORG JANUARY 2011 9 EXPLORERAAPG and Portugal’s Galp Energy announced Offshore results for the second pre-salt deepwater from page 8 well at the Tupi field beneath 7,000 feet of water in the Santos Basin offshore too early to say they’re going to make any southeastern Brazil. Test results indicated changes. estimated reserves as much as eight The fact that offshore drilling in other Bboe for the field, making it the largest parts of the world is not just moving ahead find worldwide since the 13 billion barrel but reportedly thriving bodes well for energy Kashagan field in 2000 in Kazakhstan. supplies. Tupi was followed by finds in various IHS CERA has said that deepwater oil areas, including the nearby Campos and production has about doubled over the past Espirito Santo basins. five years and now tallies about five million In 2009, Brazil was producing 2.5 barrels a day, or about 6 percent of the total million barrels a day of crude oil, which was crude output worldwide. It’s expected to sufficient to meet its needs. This is a kind double again by 2020. of milestone, considering that the large The global deepwater drilling scene country once relied on sizeable crude oil includes numerous regions, with the most imports to accommodate its significant frenetic activity in Brazil, which some folks energy appetite. refer to as the next Saudi Arabia. The excitement here began in 2007 Going Deeper when Petrobras and partners BG Group The search for additional oil finds shows no letup, and money appears to be plentiful. “Petrobras had a share sale about a month ago and raised 67 billion dollars,” said Tom Liskey, regional manager for Latin America at IHS. “A lot of that money will go to Brazilian offshore and deepwater sectors; this is just an indication of what the potential is. “Petrobras is actively looking for rigs, and a lot will have deep sea capability,” Liskey said. “They’ve made clear in no uncertain terms they’re going to move through with deepwater development.” Liskey said that Brazilian oil agency ANP has become more vigilant following the GOM spill and emphasized that Petrobras is very proactive. As an example, he mentioned they had an issue with a blowout preventer (BOP) while drilling in the Campos Basin using Sevan Marine’s new hi-tech Sevan Driller rig, so the decision was made to halt operations and pull the BOP to review it before proceeding further. “It’s a dynamic play unfolding in Brazil, because Petrobras is also reaching out to industry and not shutting the door,” Liskey noted. “They want to work actively along with the industry looking for solutions for the pre-salt.” The mix of players includes private companies, such as OGX. Liskey said the company has focused principally on the post-salt in the Santos Basin for the most part, where they struck a lot of evidence of oil with their wells. “With no ANP round this year, you have companies that are either farming out or being bought out, and that brings new players in,” Liskey said. “Brazil is luring people, and they’re coming in. Devon Energy, however, chose to exit the region in its relatively new strategy to focus on U.S. onshore. This was good news for BP, which is acquiring Devon’s assets there. “A company like BP sees Brazil as a key part of the future in its deepwater portfolio globally,” Liskey noted. “There’s some interesting farmouts going on, and some of these farmouts have pre- salt potential,” he said. “The post-salt is dynamic too, even in some of the deeper waters.” Far away in Australia, resources minister Martin Ferguson reportedly declared the government’s intention to continue forging ahead developing oil and gas there. He emphasized the importance of doing so relative to energy security, jobs and the Australian economy. When queried about all of the bustling activity in so many parts of the world versus the troubling scenario in the Gulf of Mexico, Liskey commented, “The simple fact is, the U.S. is still the biggest economy – and it still

runs off oil and gas.” EXPLORER 10 JANUARY 2011 WWW.AAPG.ORG EXPLORERAAPG Headline Here Headline Here BY AUTHOR NAME XXXXXYYYYZZZZ

WWW.AAPG.ORG JANUARY 2011 11 AAPG member and EXPLORER correspondent Susan Eaton is a geologist, geophysicist, freelance writer and extreme snorkeler who lives in Calgary, Canada. To read her dispatches from Antarctica and South Georgia, or to view her photographs and videos from the Bottom of the World, go to susanreaton.com. EXPLORERAAPG Retracing the Route of the Shackleton Expedition Geoscience Adventure in Antarctica By SUSAN R. EATON, EXPLORER Correspondent

began by assembling the basics for my field trip to Antarctica and South Georgia: I surface geology maps, topographic Antarctic Expedition – A Chance to Explore maps, hiking boots, wool socks, a back articipation in the Elysium mapping geological processes in the Despite our vast body of scientific pack and two digital cameras. My gear list Expedition marked the confluence field, instilling a sense of awe and wonder knowledge, I believe that there exist soon ballooned to include a hydrophone, an of my 30-year-long petroleum through exploration of the world around many out-of-the-box career development Iridium satellite phone, a laptop computer, P career and divergent life pathways. us. However, some 20 or 30 years later, opportunities for earth scientists – both an Arctic-rated dry suit (which doubles as a My degrees in geology, geophysics, many geoscientists have lost this tactile, from a personal and scientific perspective survival suit), flares, an underwater camera biology and journalism, and my interests hands-on connection to exploration – to explore and discover the planet. housing, long underwear, a parka, mitts, in photography, scuba diving and the and discovery; the ability to conduct The Elysium Expedition provided a hats and knee-high rubber boots. environment all flowed seamlessly together exploration is reduced to “office” geology chance to practice my professions and Three hundred and fifty pounds (of amidst the backdrop of this mysterious, and geophysics, and the review of explore my passions while following in equipment) later, I was rigged for a modern- ice-clad continent and its frigid waters computerized maps and financial reports. Shackleton’s esteemed footsteps nearly a day geology and geophysics field trip to the teeming with wildlife. Yet, amidst the backdrop of the harshest century later – what an incredible privilege bottom of the world. As university students and as newly- climate on earth, I had the privilege to work and chance-of-a-lifetime opportunity. I was ready to tackle one of the harshest graduated petroleum and environmental as a geoscientist in Antarctica and South – SUSAN R. EATON climates on Earth. geoscientists, we honed our skills by Georgia. Last February and March I joined the scientific crew of the Elysium Visual Epic Expedition, participating in an historical voyage of exploration and discovery. For 19 days, the Elysium Team – comprising 57 explorers from 19 nations – retraced the route of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1914- 17, a journey that went horribly sideways when the Endurance was crushed by ice and sank, precipitating one of the greatest survival stories of the 20th century. Our mission was to undertake oceanographic studies and document impacts of accelerating climate change – both above and below the water – on the planet’s last remaining frontier. During the past 50 years, temperatures in the Antarctic Peninsula have increased by 3 degrees Celsius, or more than twice the world’s average warming trend. Because the Antarctic Peninsula has experienced the greatest temperature increase of any place on the planet, it’s an ideal outdoor laboratory to study climate change. Later this spring, the Maritime Museum in Greenwich, England, will host a photographic exhibit of the Elysium Expedition’s epic images of Antarctica and South Georgia. Other Elysium Expedition’s deliverables – a feature film, a TV documentary, a photographic essay book and a permanent Photo courtesy of Susan R. Eaton photographic archive – will be rolled out in 2014, during the centennial celebrations of Hillside full of penguins at Salisbury Plain, South Georgia. The colony is home to 300,000 King penguins. Shackleton’s epic journey. Trans-Antarctic Expedition, James “James had some wonderful electrical My vision to participate in the expedition Big Boots, Big Personalities Mann Wordie of Glasgow, Scotland, machines which none of us understood ... was widely supported through corporate was the expedition geologist and head and a joke of ours, that annoyed him very partnerships, geoscience organizations, During my audition for a coveted spot of scientific staff. Wordie managed the much, was that he did not either.” and by generous individual donors. The in the Elysium Expedition, I pitched my expedition’s team of scientists, including a Following in Shackleton’s footsteps, one AAPG Foundation shared the vision of vision of recreating the role of the ship’s physicist, a meteorologist and a biologist. hundred years later, the Elysium Expedition’s exploration and discovery, recognizing the geoscientist, a century later, providing a While stranded on Elephant Island for two geoscientists are both women. I was benefits for AAPG’s members and for the unique perspective to the discussions five months, Wordie became exceedingly joined by Toni Williamson, a Toronto-based, organization’s educational and outreach of climate change, glaciology and popular, exchanging his tobacco rations for Australian geologist whose doctorate programs. oceanography. And I waxed poetically unique rock specimens that the men had studies involved a paleo-environmental “Outreach and helping to make geology about the ground-breaking science collected. Apparently, geologists were just assessment of climate change during the and geosciences interesting and relevant conducted by geologists and geophysicists as quirky and passionate a century ago as Early Cretaceous System of Australia. for students is a top priority for the AAPG who had played key roles in Shackleton’s they are today. Foundation,” said AAPG and Foundation numerous polar expeditions – these Reginald William James joined Wordie’s Expenses: Then and Now Executive Director Rick Fritz. “This geoscientists mapped the mineral potential scientific staff as a magnetic specialist expedition certainly fulfilled that goal.” and glacial coverage of Antarctica, and physicist. Today, we would call James The people have changed and the times I also received crucial financial support acquired numerous magnetic and gravity a “geophysicist.” Like many of the men have changed. The relative costs, however, from other geoscience organizations, measurements, and were pivotal in who participated in the trek, he joined of mounting an expedition to Antarctica are including the Canadian Society of advancing the geological and geophysical serendipitously after hearing about the still epic. Exploration Geophysicists Foundation, knowledge of Antarctica, the South Pole and position at Cambridge University. His In 1914, Shackleton purchased the the Association of Professional Engineers, South Georgia. interview with Shackleton lasted all of five Endurance for £11,600, and struggled Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta, Surely, I argued, the expedition needed a minutes, as James recalled: to raise the £50,000 (current value £3.5 and the Canmore Museum and Geoscience modern-day geo-equivalent. “All that I can clearly remember of it (the million) required for his expedition. In fact, Centre. As it turned out, I had some big boots to interview), is that I was asked if I had good Wordie personally donated money toward My Antarctic dispatches were published fill – and some interesting personalities to teeth, if I suffered from varicose veins and if the purchase of fuel for the expedition. The by the supporting geoscience associations, follow. I could sing.” Endurance departed England the day that During Shackleton’s ill-fated Imperial Shackleton’s crew wrote, humorously: World War I was declared. See Antarctica, page 14 12 JANUARY 2011 WWW.AAPG.ORG EXPLORERAAPG Headline Here Headline Here BY AUTHOR NAME XXXXXYYYYZZZZ

WWW.AAPG.ORG JANUARY 2011 13 EXPLORERAAPG composer from Belgium, and with Leandro Antarctica Blanco, a Spanish movie maker and from page 12 underwater sound expert. Equipped with my new hydrophone and 100 meters of cable, I set out to investigate the Calgary Herald and by the earth science the acoustic signatures of Antarctica. departments of Dalhousie University (my The inaugural day for testing the alma mater) and the University of Calgary, hydrophone was gray and rainy. Steve enabling readers to explore Antarctica and Nicol, an oceanographer and krill expert South Georgia with me. from the Australian Antarctic Division, The AAPG website also spread the story, commented that – in 25 years of visiting by posting my dispatches from Antarctica. Antarctica – it was the first time that he’d ever encountered rain. The Dream Team On this day we were exploring Pleneau Bay, traveling through a spectacular area The Elysium story is not just mine, of called the “Iceberg Graveyard.” Originating course – it’s a story of a diverse cast of in the Ross Sea, these icebergs were explorers who brought with them their transported via the Circumpolar Current, respective expertise, reputations and goals. Photo courtesy of Susan R. Eaton eventually running aground in the shallows I worked alongside the world’s of Pleneau Bay. preeminent scientists from the Australian Michael AW, Elysium Visual Epic Expedition leader, lends scale to surreal ice formations near In addition to the trapped icebergs, Antarctic Division and the Woods Hole the Western Antarctic Peninsula. Pleneau Bay was rimmed by massive Oceanographic Institution, movie makers, glaciers cascading down to the ocean. photographers, artists, musicians, historians, would provide the “proof of concept” for Now Hear This! Cruising the coastline by zodiac, we scuba divers and explorers, including state-of-the-art technologies required to were dwarfed by towering fortresses of blue National Geographic’s photographers-in- mount a multi-million-dollar expedition to I traveled to Antarctica with a few ice heavily dissected by deep crevasses residence Emory Kristof and David Doubilet. find the Endurance. agendas of my own. and, we were awestruck by the frequent Kristof is famous for discovering the Titanic Unusually heavy pack ice, however, When contemplating a scientific claps of thunder as ice calved off the with National Geographic’s explorer-in- prevented the Professor Molchanov – the expedition to Antarctica, every honest glaciers, crashing into the ocean. residence Robert Ballard. In 1977, he was expedition’s oceanographic research vessel geophysicist needs to record the unique Dressed for extreme snorkeling in the first to document the existence of hot – from entering the Weddell Sea near Paulet and diverse sounds of this polar region: Antarctica – with the hydrophone headset water volcanic vents off the Galapagos Rift, Island. glaciers calving into the ocean and grinding over my neoprene dive hood and a polar and the unique life forms they support. Kristof’s vision of exploration and ice (growlers, bergy bits, ice bergs and fleece hat over the hood for extra warmth – I Kristof was there to investigate the discovery in Antarctica also included pack ice). CGGVeritas shared my vision of began to record the otherworld sounds of shipwreck of the Antarctic, which sank in documenting the world’s most southerly exploration and discovery, and generously capsizing icebergs, the grinding of a gin- 1903 in 3,000 feet of water in the Weddell hot water vent. Located in an oceanic bought for me a special purpose built and-tonic pack ice concoction, and the Sea. According to Kristof, remotely operated spreading centre, the hydrothermal vent is hydrophone – designed originally to record mini-tsunami waves precipitated by glaciers vehicles and autonomously operated geographically close to the Antarctic. whale sounds – complete with a digital collapsing into the ocean. I was keen, as vehicles would be needed to explore under Night after night, Kristof and I poured recording system, a waterproof headset and well, to record the songs and growls of the pack ice for the Antarctic. over seafloor maps and images that a software interpretation package. Humpback whales and Leopard seals that South of the Antarctic, situated in pinpointed the location of the deep sea With grandiose aspirations of breaking we had spotted earlier near the zodiac. 10,000 feet of water, lies the Endurance, vent, enthusiastically discussing how into the film industry, I hoped to use my Shackleton’s three-masted barquentine. modern-day geophysical methods assist in acoustic recordings to collaborate with Eric Discovery of the Antarctic, said Kristof, ocean exploration. Bettens, the Expedition’s official musical See Expedition, page 16

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Photo courtesy of Michael AW Official 2010 Elysium Visual Epic Expedition photo, taken at Elephant Island.

Today, Grytviken is home to a British Expedition Antarctic Survey research station, and is populated by 13 Britons and countless King from page 14 penguins, fur seals and elephant seals. I was just getting used to operating the Shackleton died here on Jan. 5, 1922, hydrophone with my cumbersome dive shortly after the start of his Quest Expedition. gloves when Murphy’s law intervened. We visited Shackleton’s gravesite in a small Ironically, I recorded the hydrophone’s cemetery surrounded by a white picket final sounds when it violently struck the fence and patrolled by King penguins, zodiac’s propeller – an especially horrible enthusiastically toasting this great Irishman’s sound, because the hydrophone was worth accomplishments with Jameson Irish about $800. Whiskey. Respectfully, I poured the last I quickly hauled in the frayed remains dram of my whisky on his grave. and assessed the equipment situation – by Running the gauntlet of Antarctic fur my estimate, I now had about 95 meters of seals who lunged at us from hiding places cable, minus the hydrophone. in hummocky grass tussocks, we made the In hindsight, I had misjudged the pilgrimage to Shackleton’s memorial cairn importance of the English-Russian and cross situated on an exposed hilltop translation between me and the zodiac at the entrance to Grytviken Harbour – in driver: The first time I lowered the the lead was Jonathan Shackleton, an Irish hydrophone into the ocean, I’d waved my organic farmer, author and cousin to Sir arms wildly, pointing at the hydrophone and Ernest. then at the zodiac’s propeller. Apparently The memorial was erected in 1922 lost in translation, my attempts at universal by George Vibert Douglas, the Quest body language had failed miserably, Expedition’s chief scientist and a Canadian as the zodiac driver gunned the throttle geologist who later became a Carnegie without notice, abruptly ending my nascent Professor of Geology at Dalhousie experiment at recording the underwater University. Douglas was careful to point the sounds of Antarctica. white cross toward the Magnetic South Pole, which was discovered during Shackleton’s A Toast to Shackleton Nimrod Expedition of 1909. Secreted inside the cairn was a Our pilgrimage to Shackleton’s scroll bearing the stamp of the Royal final resting place puts the loss of the Geographical Society. Jonathan Shackleton hydrophone into sombre perspective. unfurled the scroll and, with an historical We visited Grytviken, South Georiga, sense of place and purpose, read aloud where the explorer died of a heart attack the names of the Quest Expedition’s crew to at a mere 47 years of age. An abandoned the Elysium Team of 21st century explorers Norwegian whaling station, Grytviken is who had been humbled by following in littered with whale vertebrae and rusting Shackleton’s footsteps, 100 years later. rendering tanks. Some 87,000 whales were processed before the station was Editor’s note: Next month, a closer look at abandoned in the 1960s. the work done on the Elysium Expedition.

Photo courtesy of Stephen Henshall Susan R. Eaton at Salisbury Plain in South Georgia, which is home to a colony of 300,000 King penguins.

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WWW.AAPG.ORG JANUARY 2011 17 Tako Koning, an AAPG Public Service Award winner, is a longtime resident of Luanda, Angola, where he currently works as a consultant. He has attended all three DOWACs (2004, 2007, 2010) and views attendance as a “must” for anyone involved in West Africa exploration and production. EXPLORERAAPG A pre-salt play? Deep Plays in Angola ngola’s oil industry continues to production is from the deepwater. benefit from new oil discoveries Accordingly, the deepwater oil play A and ever increasing oil production, is vital to the long-term continuation of according to a paper presented at the Angola’s oil industry. Deepwater Offshore West Africa Conference Koning stated that within the past (DOWAC) by AAPG member and Public decade Angola has almost doubled its oil Service Award winner Tako Koning. This production to two million barrels per day. He conference was held November 14 - 18 in explained that the Angola success story is Abuja, Nigeria. due to: Photo courtesy of Tako Koning Koning’s paper, “An Overview of the u World class petroleum working system, Geology and Geophysics of Angola’s including excellent source and reservoir Miradoura da Lua, near Luanda, Angola, where shallow marine Tertiary (Miocene) aged Oil and Gas Fields and Related Industry rocks. sediments of the Kwanza Basin outcrop. These sediments are stratigraphically equivalent to the Activity,” showed that in comparison to u Superb seismic imaging, which has Miocene and Oligocene turbidite channels that currently are producing about 1.5 million barrels Nigeria, where one-third of its oil production led to an approximate 80 percent drilling of oil per day in the deepwater Lower Congo Basin. is from the deepwater, two-thirds of Angola’s success rate in the Lower Congo Basin. u Contractual stability – when a contract is signed between Sonangol, the state oil company and an oil company, it remains “fait accompli” during the life of the contract. u Political stability – despite Angola’s long civil war from independence in 1975 until 2002, Angola has experienced remarkable political stability with the same political party (MPLA) in power since independence and with President Eduardo dos Santos being head of state since 1979. Koning also mentioned the minimally explored pre-salt oil play in Angola has captured the interest of the KONING global oil industry. In Brazil’s Santos Basin, giant size oil and gas discoveries continue to be made in the pre-salt sedimentary section. These discoveries will likely lead to Brazil’s current oil production of two million barrels of oil per day doubling to at least four million barrels of oil per day. During Cretaceous time, Angola was juxtaposed against Brazil (“joined at-the-hip”), thus it is possible that Angola’s oil production could likewise double if the play proves to be geologically and economically successful, he said. The pre-salt play is not only relevant to Angola, but also is highly relevant to the deepwaters of Congo Brazaville and Gabon. Koning also showed that West Africa is an important supplier of crude oil to the United States, which remains as the world’s largest oil importing country. West Africa provides the United States with 15 percent of its import requirements. Crude oil from West Africa is high quality low sulphur crude, he said, and is welcomed by refineries anywhere in the United States.

U.S. Oil Imports Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration. 1. Canada – 1.9 million barrels of oil per day. 2. Mexico – 1.1 million. 3. Saudi Arabia – 1 million. 4. Venezuela – 1 million. 5. Nigeria – 750,000. 6. Angola – 450,000. 7. Iraq – 450,000. 8. Algeria – 300,000. 9. Colombia – 250,000. 10. Kuwait – 200,000. * Others – 1.65 million. Total imports – 9.050 million barrels of oil per day.

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JANUARY 2011 WWW.AAPG.ORG WWW.AAPG.ORG JANUARY 2011 21 EXPLORERAAPG Tours are, well, Distinguished Lecturers Hit the Global Trail By COURTNEY CHADNEY, EXPLORER Correspondent

ast year was the biggest and most were previously announced. successful year ever for AAPG’s Distinguished Lecture Committee co- Linternational Distinguished Lecture “Our philosophy is to work toward a Distinguished chairs Mark Cooper and Lee Krystinik program – and officials are hoping this year have seen the international program grow will bring more of the same. Lecturer slate that is most appropriate to the since they each began lecturing as DLs in For the record, last year’s program 1999. Joining the committee after their own sent six lecturers to visit the Asia-Pacific, specific needs of a given Region, preferably with as tours, they have assumed leadership of the Middle East, and European regions, where many local experts as possible.” program, serving as co-chairs since 2007. they collectively gave 81 talks and had a Krystinik, with Fossil Creek Resources combined attendance of 3,852 attendees. in Arlington, Texas, believes the program This year? The international speakers provides multi-faceted importance within the start their tours in February, focusing on the AAPG’s Distinguished Lecture program, spreading the latest in science, technology geosciences community. Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions (see funded largely by the AAPG Foundation, and professional information. Seven “DL provides new concepts and accompanying story, page 24). is the Association’s flagship initiative for domestic speakers for this speaking season information applicable to each region, as well as a forum for discussion of these ideas,” he said, adding that it also “provides an access point for students to interact directly with IDLs, who can place petroleum geosciences in a completely different light for students.”

Think Global, Act Local

However, with goals so big and reaching all the way across the ocean, the program and committee face huge challenges every year to make sure of its growing success. “To date our greatest challenges have been trying to expand the program into each of the regions within AAPG,” Krystinik said. “Our philosophy is to work toward a Distinguished Lecturer slate that is most appropriate to the specific needs of a given Region, preferably with as many local experts as possible.” This would involve building each Region’s sub-committees and filling them with active participants who would aggressively seek out names of potential local speakers and nominate them. Right now, there are only approximately 55 to 60 committee members in charge of nominating DLs (this number includes both the domestic and international sides of the DL program) under several different categories, including: u Future trends in energy/geology. u Carbonates. u Case histories. u Unconventional resources. u Geological record of climate change/ applied environmental studies. u Integrated hydrocarbon systems. u Geophysics. u General topic/paleontology. u Geosciences and engineering. u Reservoir quality characterization and predicting modeling. u Siliciclastic stratigraphy/sedimentary. u Tectonics and structure. Expansion of the program, however, needs AAPG members from each Region to serve on the committee and nominate potential speakers. “The individual regions have the opportunity and responsibility to provide this valuable service to their geological community,” said Cooper, who is with Sherwood Geoconsulting in Calgary, Canada. “Without a high level of involvement it is impossible to provide the focused, region-specific programs that each region deserves,” he added. Cooper said being on the committee does not require a great deal of time, because “most geoscientists (already) are traveling to conventions, going to lectures or talks at societies for their own personal knowledge and benefit.” The only thing

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WWW.AAPG.ORG JANUARY 2011 23 EXPLORERAAPG Four Lecturers to Begin Tours

our speakers have been named to speaks to an international audience on this year’s slate of AAPG international a topic directly applicable to petroleum FDistinguished Lecturers – and two geology. of them will begin their speaking tours in His tour to Asia-Pacific locales is slated February. for Feb. 11-26. This year’s international speaking lineup, Issler will offer two lectures: funded by the AAPG Foundation, includes: u “Integrated Thermal History Analysis of Sedimentary Basins Using Multi-Kinetic p Steve Dorobek, carbonate Apatite Fission Track Thermochronology: sedimentologist and stratigrapher with BP DOROBEK ISSLER AMEEN KUKLA Examples from Northern Canada.” America in Houston. His tour will begin in Eustasy and Sediment Supply.” for the Geological Survey of Canada, u “Quantitative Analysis of Petroleum March, visiting groups throughout the Asia- u “Cenozoic Carbonate Platforms Calgary. Systems of the Beaufort-Mackenzie Basin, Pacific Region. Across the South China Sea: Controls on Issler is this year’s Dean A. McGee Arctic Canada: An Integrated Approach.” He will offer two lectures: Their Initiation, Growth and Termination, and Endowment speaker. The lecture, made u “Miocene to Recent History of the Implications for Petroleum Systems.” possible through a gift to the AAPG p Mohammed S. Ameen, leader of the Southern South China Sea (Sunda Shelf): A Foundation by the Kerr-McGee Corp., Structural and Rock Mechanics Group, Complex Record of Tectonics, Paleoclimate, p Dale R. Issler, senior research scientist features a North American resident who Saudi Aramco, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Ameen’s tour of Middle East Region locales will be held Feb. 21-March 14. His lecture is titled “A Paradigm Shift in Understanding Fracture Origin and Fracture Influence on Deep Carbonate Reservoir Performance: A Study of Onshore Permo- Triassic Deep Reservoirs in Saudi Arabia.”

p Peter Kukla, with RWTH Aachen University in Aachen, Germany. Kukla will be speaking to groups in the European Region. Details of his talk and specific dates are yet to be announced. Speakers from page 22

one does differently as a member is to report back to their chair with the names of the outstanding lecturers that they have heard, that way they can be considered for nomination.

Global Growth Potential?

Looking for new speakers and new topics also can be a challenging part of the committee’s job. To track current hot topics to lecture on, Krystinik credits his comrades. “We depend greatly on the remarkably deep and diverse backgrounds of our committee members,” he said, “as well as upon the outcomes of excellence of presentation judging from recent local, national and international meetings.” As for speakers, Krystinik explained how they look for people with “an established reputation as technical experts in their field, who are known for excellent presentation skills, have exciting new information to share and who would be good ambassadors for AAPG.” Both co-chairs say that despite appealing to an international audience they do not feel pressured to select controversial or provocative topics or speakers. However, Krystinik did admit that sometimes the committee adds provocative talks to the mix for the benefit of science. “Healthy, respectful debate helps move science forward and opens pathways for completely new science,” he said. Looking ahead, Lee hinted that the IDL program is on the verge of change – with a new emphasis on the creation of international regions and regional offices. “As AAPG becomes an ever increasingly more global organization, penetrating more deeply into new regions and countries, our responsibilities in service and outreach will expand exponentially,” he said. “We foresee rapid growth in demand for more IDLs,” Krystinik said, “and we are working with the regions to establish a tradition of active local committees to carry

the effort forward at a whole new level.” EXPLORER 24 JANUARY 2011 WWW.AAPG.ORG EXPLORERAAPG Headline Here Headline Here BY AUTHOR NAME XXXXXYYYYZZZZ

WWW.AAPG.ORG JANUARY 2011 25 The Geophysical Corner is a regular column in the EXPLORER, edited by Bob A. Hardage, senior research scientist at the Bureau of Economic Geology, the University of Texas at Austin. This month’s column deals with “simultaneous shaking.” EXPLORERAAPG GEOPHYSICALCORNER A Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On By BOB HARDAGE

eismic contractors are continually A B searching for methods that Swill expedite seismic data acquisition – which is why several efforts have been made over the past three decades to develop procedures that will allow vibrators to shake simultaneously at different source stations, with the data being recorded by a common receiver grid. The attraction of simultaneous-source shaking is that the clock time required for data acquisition across a prospect is reduced by a factor N, with N being the number of source stations where vibrators shake simultaneously. The data that are acquired tend to be a complicated mixture of wavefields that have traveled from different source Figure 1 – A vertical seismic profile (VSP) test showing the responses of downhole vertical and inline horizontal geophones after wavefields stations to each generated simultaneously at five source offsets were segregated by the HFVS technique and assigned to their respective source stations. This receiver station. In HARDAGE display shows data assigned to only two of the five source stations. this original recorded state, the data are too confusing to be used to interpret Earth properties. is successful, the result is a set of data procedures usually were that the vibrator often usable for subsurface imaging, the In order to use simultaneous-source that is equivalent to data that would be at station A did an upsweep while the data contained more noise than desired, data for geologic interpretation, this acquired if a vibrator at each of the N vibrator at station B did a downsweep; and these initial simultaneous-source complicated composite wavefield has source stations generated single-source or the vibrator at station A worked with a concepts never became widely used. to be segregated into the individual data at different clock times. phase shift that differed by 180 degrees A relatively recent technology wavefields that were generated at each In early applications, simultaneous- relative to the vibrator at station B. respective source station. source techniques involved only two Although the segregated wavefields If the wavefield-separation procedure vibrator stations. The operational generated by these early methods were Continued on next page

26 JANUARY 2011 WWW.AAPG.ORG EXPLORERAAPG Continued from previous page Figure 2 – Comparison of single-source VSP data (left) and development known as the High Fidelity simultaneous-source Vibroseis System (HFVS) is an important VSP data (right) advance in the quest to acquire vibrator produced by the data simultaneously at several source HFVS procedure stations. The technology was developed and generated at the and patented by Mobil and is now same source station. offered by most seismic contractors. The simultaneous- Several competing simultaneous- source data are vibrator techniques have subsequently sufficient quality to be appeared on the scene through research used for many VSP by other oil companies and by seismic applications. contractors. There are two principal attractions of all of these simultaneous-source procedures – data quality is acceptable, and the number of simultaneous sources can be expanded to as many as six or eight distance-separated vibrators.

* * *

An example of the HFVS concept being tested in a vertical seismic profile (VSP) experiment is displayed as figure 1: Data from vibrators occupying five different offset source stations were acquired with the vibrators at all stations shaking simultaneously and then shaking individually. The responses of the vertical and inline horizontal geophones at two of these stations are illustrated on the display after the patented HFVS methodology was applied to separate each individual wavefield from the composite wavefield. When these wavefields were compared against wavefields generated by vibrators shaking individually at each source station, only minor differences between simultaneous-source data and single- source data were observed. Figure 2 shows an example comparing single-source data and simultaneous-source data acquired in this VSP experiment. The concept exhibited in these two figures shows that VSP data can be acquired from five source stations in the same clock time needed to acquire data from only one source station. In many situations, this increased imaging capability provides critical data at attractive cost savings. Although VSP data are used in this example, HFVS technology and its several competing equivalents were developed to reduce the cost of 3-D seismic data acquisition. Numerous examples demonstrating how each of the currently available simultaneous- source technologies applies to 3-D data acquisition are in the literature or can be provided by seismic contractors.

* * *

Simultaneous-source technology seems to be good enough to warrant discussions with seismic contractors about its use and the potential cost savings that may result. There may be a small add-on fee for some simultaneous-source services if a seismic contractor has to pay a royalty to use the technology. Additional data processing also is required to break the composite wavefield into its individual source-station components such as the examples shown on figure 1 – but these data-processing costs are not significant. Under some operating conditions, several of the simultaneous-source techniques that are now available are attractive both technically and

economically. EXPLORER WWW.AAPG.ORG JANUARY 2011 27 EXPLORERAAPG WASHINGTONWATCH A ‘Real’ Energy Policy? By DAVID CURTISS, GEO-DC Director

new year offers the chance for a blank look. Clearly you haven’t done new beginnings – and that’s what’s your homework, they’ll say, because A happening here this month in nearly every Congress passes energy Washington, D.C., as the Senate and legislation: The Energy Policy Act of House of Representatives convene the 2005 runs over 500 pages; the Energy 112th Congress. Independence and Security Act of 2007 Deficits, soaring debt and persistently is more than 300 pages long. high unemployment dominate the How much more policy do you want? headlines. But as I talk to AAPG As you read those pages, however, members the frustration I hear frequently the problem quickly becomes apparent is the absence of a national energy – the legislation is light on strategy and policy. heavy on tactics. Make that statement to congressional While it may have a theme – such as lawmakers or their staff and you’ll get energy independence and security – it is hard to discern from the constituent parts what the desired outcome looks like and how these programs get us there. Many of the programs are designed to benefit a legislator’s constituents and home state. There is strong bipartisan support for biofuels, for example, because it benefits the American farmer. And passing legislation requires consensus. CURTISS So what becomes law is not necessarily what is best, but what legislators can agree on. Consequently, tough decisions are deferred and resulting policy isn’t comprehensive.

* * *

The process of developing a national energy policy is further complicated by the diverse and numerous participants in the U.S. energy sector – it is not a monolithic system. Instead, you have multinational corporations alongside mom-and-pop oil and gas producers, public utilities and start-up renewable energy producers all responding to supply/demand pressures in a highly regulated energy market. Policymakers try to prompt desired behavior from energy producers and consumers through energy policy. But the intended policy outcome is frequently accompanied by unintended (and negative) consequences. You can’t expect simple stimulus-response behavior in a complex market, especially when you’re dealing with differing time horizons. As former Shell CEO John Hofmeister observed in “Why We Hate the Oil Companies,” “[T]here is a basic conflict between ‘energy time,’ which is defined by decades, and ‘political time,’ which is defined by two- and four-year cycles.” Developing a coherent, far-sighted national energy policy is a major challenge – one further compounded by the partisanship that characterizes today’s political discourse, which is why I found the following paragraph so interesting: “Today, few issues in American political life are as polarized as energy policy, with both left and right entrenched in old worldviews that no longer make sense. For the better part of two decades, much of the right has speculated darkly about global warming

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WWW.AAPG.ORG JANUARY 2011 29 EXPLORERAAPG Post-Partisan Power – how a limited and Washington direct approach to energy innovation can from page 28 deliver clean, cheap energy, economic productivity and national prosperity. The report, released last October, is as a United Nations-inspired conspiracy a joint effort by the American Enterprise to destroy American sovereignty, all while Institute, Brookings Institution and passing off chants of ‘drill, baby, drill’ Breakthrough Institute, a trio of think- as real energy policy. During the same tanks that spans the political spectrum. period much of the left has oscillated It is an effort to push beyond current incoherently between exhortations that thinking, and consider how to develop a avoiding the end of the world demands strategy for our nation’s energy future. shared sacrifice, and contradictory Their proposal has four elements: assertions that today’s renewable energy and efficiency technologies can eliminate u Invest in energy science and fossil fuels at no significant cost. All the education. while, America’s dependence on fossil Creating our energy future requires fuels continues unabated and political a significant investment of resources to gridlock deepens, preventing real fund energy research, and a commitment progress toward a safer, cleaner, more to public energy education from secure energy system.” kindergarten onward and to train the next The above is from the introduction to generation energy work force.

u Overhaul the energy innovation system. Harness the creative talents and entrepreneurial spirit needed to discover and commercialize energy technologies through “regional energy innovation institutes.” These institutes would foster public and private partnerships between companies, government and academia. Scale up the activities of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Energy (ARPA-E) to conduct high-risk, high- reward energy research. Look at dual- use energy technologies that also have military application.

u Reform energy subsidies and use military procurement and competitive deployment incentives to drive price declines. Focus on cost and performance of new energy technologies and stop subsidizing business as usual. Use incentives to drive down costs until new technologies become competitive with current technologies, use the scope and scale of the military to further reduce costs – and don’t forget nuclear.

u Internalize the cost of energy modernization and ensure investments do not add to the deficit. Scrap ineffective subsidies, redirect existing federal revenues and raise additional revenue to fund this innovation and make energy systems, such as the power grid, self-sustaining.

Are these four principles sufficient to create a new energy future? Probably not. But the focus on reducing costs so that alternative energy sources are commercially competitive without subsidy, and using military procurement to drive innovation and cost reduction are ideas worthy of consideration. That such an ideologically diverse group could debate and agree on these principles suggests developing a national energy policy isn’t a hopeless cause. In fact, it points to the real task ahead: Another round of energy legislation isn’t the answer. Instead, we need a national dialogue that forges consensus on the energy future we are trying to build. Then, and only then, will energy policy have any hope of getting us there.

Resources: http://thebreakthrough.

org/blog/Post-Partisan Power.pdf. EXPLORER

30 JANUARY 2011 WWW.AAPG.ORG EXPLORERAAPG Headline Here Headline Here BY AUTHOR NAME XXXXXYYYYZZZZ

WWW.AAPG.ORG JANUARY 2011 31 Editor’s note: Regions and Sections is a regular column in the EXPLORER offering news for and about AAPG’s six international Regions and six do- mestic Sections. Contact Carol McGowen, AAPG’s Regions and Sections manager, at 1-918-560-9403; or e-mail to [email protected]. EXPLORERAAPG REGIONSandSECTIONS Deepwater Confab Draws 800 to Nigeria By CAROL McGOWEN, AAPG Regions and Sections Manager

our of the five past AAPG Africa technology, plentiful petroleum reserves Region presidents joined current Guzmán Notes Parallels have become available. But demand FRegion President Nosa Omorodion security also is required to ensure the long- in Abuja, Nigeria, for the third Regional APG Vice President-Regions Alfredo and realize Mexico’s deepwater reserve term capital investment needed to develop Deepwater Offshore West Africa Conference Guzmán, speaking during the potential,” Guzmán said. the world’s deepwater reserves. (DOWAC). ADOWAC Management Session, As a result, Mexico began a reform of Alawami also reminded the audience About 800 participants from all over provided an interesting comparison of its energy laws in 2008. The reforms aim to that extreme market price volatility is the world attended the meeting, with good government and industry challenges increase investment in Mexico deepwater damaging to producers as well as reason: West Africa continues to be an oil impacting development of Mexico’s exploration and production from $16 to consumers. In fact, OPEC, the International and gas hotspot within the world’s “golden deepwater potential. Similar to Nigeria, the $22 billion USD over the next 15 years. Energy Agency and the International Energy triangle” for deepwater oil exploration and Mexican economy – including its federal Estimated potential reserves remaining Foundation are collaborating to better development – comprising the deepwater government – is heavily dependent on in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico top 31.4 understand how investment speculation Gulf of Mexico, Brazil and West Africa. petroleum revenues. billion barrels of oil equivalent. drives market volatility by studying the AAPG was represented by Vice Guzmán said that despite the The new laws are expected to allow interaction between energy financial President-Regions Alfredo Guzmán, in enormous reserves originally predicted, incentivized performance contracts in markets and the physical energy market. addition to Omorodion and the past Region significant production declines from Mexico. Following the 2004 Perdido She pointed out the recent gradual return presidents. Mexico’s supergiant Canterrel Field began discovery well offshore of Galveston, to industry optimism resulted from massive As a backdrop to the DOWAC in 2005. Today, oil production has fallen by Texas, the recent deepwater Perdido capital investment worldwide. Considering conference, Nigeria celebrated its Golden 800,000 barrels per day. Foldbelt discovery in the Mexican GOM the fragility of this global economic recovery, Jubilee 50th anniversary of independence. “It is impossible for one company also spurred reforms to address trans- OPEC is carefully considering its actions Giant banners commemorating the October (Pemex) to make the necessary capital boundary hydrocarbon reservoirs. in the months ahead – and Alawami 1 event were hanging from the headquarters investment needed to reverse the decline – CAROL McGOWEN encouraged other world government building of the Nigerian National Petroleum leaders to do the same. Corporation in Abuja. Earlier in the year, President Goodluck Diminished production from now-mature investment in capital, technology, human * * * Jonathan signed into law the Nigerian Oil onshore and shallow water areas of the resources and a favorable investment and Gas Industry Content Development Niger Delta has led to a shift in focus to climate. DOWAC organizers envisioned a Act. The law is expected to increase Nigeria’s deepwater offshore potential. Market price stability contributes to conference that sharpened focus on the participation by Nigerians in the oil and January 2010 estimates placed proven oil a favorable investment environment. deepwater potential of host country Nigeria, gas industry through the required use of reserves at 37.5 billion barrels. And according to Amal Alawami, the All including deepwater West Africa activity local raw materials, products and services, Management Session panelists Convention Luncheon guest speaker, OPEC from offshore Morocco down to Angola, with the goal of increasing local capacity, represented government, IOCs, service continually strives to support global market plus other global case studies featuring the industry knowledge and expertise. companies, the national oil company and stability. deepwater discoveries and challenges in The evolution of industry reforms and indigenous companies, as well as AAPG. As OPEC’s upstream industry analyst, West Africa, the Gulf of Mexico and offshore the future of investment in Nigeria was the Panelists agreed that development and Alawami emphasized the dual impact on Brazil. theme of the conference Management production of Nigeria and West African market stability of both “supply security” Session. oil potential would require significant and “demand security.” With improved Continued on next page

32 JANUARY 2011 WWW.AAPG.ORG WWW.AAPG.ORG JANUARY 2011 EXPLORERAAPG Why It Matters Collaboration Yields DOWAC By TAKO KONING onvening so many of the AAPG Nahum Schneidermann (AAPG) and and rate of production. Region’s top elected leaders together Gilbert Odior (NAPE) served as general The third DOWAC’;s organizing est Africa continues to be an Cfor the third Deepwater Offshore West vice co-chairs. committee was led by general co-chairs oil and gas “hotspot” within Africa Conference (DOWAC) symbolized Others on that first DOWAC organizing Isaac Arowolo (NAPE) and James Wthe world’s “golden triangle” the conference’s stature and prestige. committee included exhibition co-chairs Agbenorto (AAPG Africa Region), who both for deepwater oil exploration and A history of collaboration between Nosa Omorodion (AAPG) and Doja Ojelabi served as presidents of their respective development – an area comprising the AAPG and the Nigerian Association of (NAPE). Schneidermann eventually associations during the organizing year. deepwater Gulf of Mexico, Brazil and Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) led to the became the first AAPG Africa Region General vice chairs for 2010, Jide Ojo West Africa. 2010 meeting. president, and subsequently Ojelabi, Odior (NAPE) and Nosa Omorodion (AAPG Africa The two mainstay areas of deepwater NAPE and AAPG jointly organized the and Omorodion would be elected Africa Region) would ascend to the presidency of activity in West Africa continue to first DOWAC in Abuja, Nigeria, in 2004, with Region vice president, president-elect and their groups during the conference year. be Angola’s Lower Congo Basin general co-chairs from each association president number six, respectively. In fact, special events during the and Nigeria’s Niger Delta Basin. The heading the conference organizing The second DOWAC was organized in conference honored each organization’s deepwater area continues to expand, committee – Bayo Akinpelu and P. Egele 2007 in Luanda – at the time, Angola was leadership traditions. however – northward and westward to represented AAPG and NAPE, respectively. leading the continent with new discoveries – CAROL McGOWEN Ghana, where the Jubilee oil field with reserves of about 1.8 billion barrels just started production. Continued from previous page Prior to this discovery, Ghana’s economy Niger Delta E&P did its part to prepare Current oil production in West Africa was fueled by mining for diamonds and the future work force during the very first (per Energy Information Administration) is: gold. Ghana now faces the same two “AAPG/NDEP Mentor Minutes,” where * Nigeria – 2.4 million (barrels of oil per One session, for example, featured challenges heard throughout the third senior industry leaders and role models day). technology advances and innovations and DOWAC – industry regulation and human shared their career experiences and * Angola – 2 million. included case studies in reservoir evaluation resource development. choices with young industry professionals * Congo (Brazaville) – 440,000. challenges from the deepwater Gulf of Other conference highlights included: and students. * Equatorial Guinea – 320,000. Mexico. AAPG mentors Guzmán and Bayo * Gabon – 245,000. And a lot of attention, of course, was on u On the industry regulation side, Akinpelu provided coaching in professional * Chad – 145,000. African activity. Alexandra Amoako-Mensah explained ethics and career strategies. * Cameroon – 75,000. For example, since Ghana’s Jubilee Field that Ghana’s Minerals Commission has * Ivory Coast – 30,000. discovery by Tullow Oil of UK in June 2007, streamlined the licensing process. Amoako- u During a breakfast meeting hosted * Congo (DRC) – 25,000. industry players and the Ghana National Mensah, honorary general co-chair of by NAPE’s University/Polytechnic * Mauritania – 10,000. Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) flowed DOWAC 2010, is current president of the Assistance Program, attended by nearly * Ghana – 5,000. first oil from the country in mid-December. Ghana Institution of Geoscientists and 100 students attending DOWAC, Guzmán The total: 5.695 million barrels of oil The Jubilee Field is believed to hold some an eight-year board member of Ghana discussed the importance of professional per day from West Africa. 1.8 billion barrels of light, sweet crude oil Minerals Commission. association membership to enhance West Africa also is an important reserves. On the human resource development career development, as well as AAPG’s producer of liquefied natural gas. In September, Tullow made a second side, GNPC is partnering with Ghana’s various programs to support AAPG student DOWAC keynote speaker Mark Ward light oil field discovery in the Tano Basin, universities to increase the number of chapters and universities, such as IBA, said improvements in fiscal terms could Gulf of Guinea, estimated to hold between graduates and skilled workforce needed to Weeks Undergraduate Grants, AAPG lead to a turnaround in Nigeria’s drilling 70 million and 550 million barrels. Tullow support Ghana’s booming oil industry. Foundation Grants-in-Aid, Publications activity and commensurate oil production. has a 50 percent interest and operates with Pipeline university book donations, and

several IOCs and GNPC. u AAPG Africa Region and sponsor Visiting Geoscientist Program. EXPLORER

WWW.AAPG.ORG JANUARY 2011 33 EXPLORERAAPG FOUNDATIONUPDATE Programs Get Funding By NATALIE ADAMS, AAPG Foundation Manager he AAPG Foundation Board of California to Bay Area Teachers project Trustees approved financial support received funding to carry that program T for two programs during its recent forward in 2011. The project provides meeting in Tulsa: teachers with one 20- by 23-inch geologic map of California, accompanied by 10 u AAPG’s Datapages received $53,150 laminated copies of the map at page size in funding to scan and capture three with a geologic column on the reverse side. AAPG affiliated and associated society In addition, the teachers receive a publications – specifically, the Four Corners two-page set of guidelines and sample Geological Society, Asociacion Colombiana questions to use with the maps. de Geologos y Geofisicos del Petroleo To submit a proposal for funding, please (Phase 1) and Canadian Society Petroleum go to foundation.aapg.org/funding.cfm. Geologists special publications. The goal of Datapages is to gather * * * all publications from all AAPG affiliated societies into a single literature database for upstream exploration and production Continued on next page geology. Datapages now has thorough coverage in both the Gulf region (United States) and in GIA Deadline Looms the Rockies areas (both United States and The application deadline for the Canada). The short- to intermediate-term 2011 AAPG Foundation’s Grants-in-Aid goal is to begin collecting the literature of Program is Jan. 31. South America. The Foundation will be awarding For more information go to aapg.org/ $181,000 this year to support geoscience datasystems/aapgprod.html. students in their graduate studies. Graduate students are encouraged to u The Tulsa Geoscience Center received begin the online application process $5,000 to help develop and evaluate a immediately, as it involves multiple steps. series of innovative geology and petroleum For more information, go to geology hands-on modules that are age foundation.aapg.org/gioa/howto.cfm. specific and are designed to be used in any Students also are encouraged central geoscience educational facility for to review our restricted named and visiting field trips. memorial grants to see the list of

qualifications, at Also, thanks to a generous Trustee foundation.aapg.org/gia/names.cfm. Emeritus donation, the Geologic Map of

34 JANUARY 2011 WWW.AAPG.ORG EXPLORERAAPG Recent Contributors Foundation (General) Bridge Fund Michael S. Johnson Named Grant ExxonMobil Foundation ConocoPhillips Corporate Michael Sam Johnson Matching gift for Contributions Lloyd Robertson Shell Exploration & Production James E. Wilson Memorial Grant Thomas A. Fitzgerald Cullen Richard Thompson William E. Gipson Digital Products Fund In memory of In memory of David G. Holley Jane Taylor Thompson Robert W. Bybee In memory of Roy Sharrock Elizabeth Ann Hajek K-12 Education Fund Crandall Davis Jones Louisiana State University Frank J. Adler In memory of Diongudogiyo Anthony Orubiri- Leonard Ancuta James H. Hafenbrack Bokolo Thomas A. Fitzgerald and Glen H. Buck In memory of Robert Bybee David Hershey Lehman Distinguished Lecture Fund Gene E. Richards Patsy Lehman Donald Arthur Medwedeff In memory of E.T. Hill David F. Martineau Jack C. Threet Cesar Monterrubio-Najera Sr. Grants-in-Aid Fund In honor of John Bookout Jr. Ruth L. Moore Chevron Humankind Zachery P. Mueller Matching gift for Erik Mason Memorial Fund Olatunbosun Ayotunde Oke Amy E. Whitaker (Oklahoma State University) Diongudogiyo Anthony Orubiri- Jesse Cook Einhorn Jennifer Joan Goodwin Bokolo Frank Gulde Ethridge Lance Ruffel Eugene F. Reid Dibblee Fund Frank W. Schwartz Herbert G. Davis and Jeffrey M. Rayner Jack C. Threet Shirley A. Davis Named Grant In memory of James Peterson Herbert G. Davis E.F. Reid Scouting Fund and R.W. Bybee In memory of Harold A. Brown Jeffrey M. Rayner

Continued from previous page * * * This month we’d like to highlight one of our Trustee Associates: Michael S. Johnson, The AAPG Foundation’s five-year, $35 who became an Associate in 2009. million financial campaign is in the final Johnson has endowed a Digital Products phase. With over $28.9 million raised, there Subscription for Ohio State University (his is still a $6.1 million gap to close. alma mater, ’49) and created the Michael There are two ways you can help: make S. Johnson Named Grant, which will be a significant contribution, and/or involve awarded to a qualified geoscience graduate your company. student studying at the school. Please consider adding a donation to the To endow a university subscription, or to AAPG Foundation when you send in your establish a named grant, call the Foundation dues statement. office, (918) 560-2674, or e-mail nadams@ To give online, go to https://www.aapg. aapg.org. org/eDonation/Core/eDonation.aspx. And if you’re interested in becoming To see the status of campaign pledges a Trustee Associate, information can be and contributions, and for a list of programs found on the AAPG Foundation website at and projects supported, go to

foundation.aapg.org. foundation.aapg.org. EXPLORER

WWW.AAPG.ORG JANUARY 2011 35 EXPLORERAAPG DPA, GSL Reciprocity “mutual recognition of professional members quickly become chartered status” agreement has been members in the London Geological A announced by AAPG’s Division of Society, and for Chartered GSL Professional Affairs and the Geological members to have DPA certification. Society of London. Qualified AAPG members should The arrangement applies to Active contact Norma Newby, AAPG Divisions AAPG members who hold DPA manager, at [email protected]. certification, and to Fellows of the GSL fellows should contact Geological Society of London who have Mohammed Jahangir, Fellowship Chartered Geologist status. Services manager, at mohammed. Under the agreement, “fast-track [email protected]. systems” are now in place to help DPA

MEMBERSHIP&CERTIFICATION The following candidates have submitted Black Coral, Bakersfield (D.H. Suek, T.P. applications for membership in the Association Lovseth, M.W. Longman); McWilliams, Cory, and, below, certification by the Division of Chevron, Bakersfield (R. Fiore, M.J. Henning, Professional Affairs. This does not constitute L.E. Drennan) election nor certification, but places the names before the membership at large. Montana Any information bearing on the Pantano, John, consultant, Butte (Z. He, S.G. qualifications of these candidates should be Franks, J.W. Tucker) sent promptly to the Executive Committee, P.O. Box 979, Tulsa, Okla. 74101. New Mexico Information included here comes from the Diede, Loren, D-D Consulting Services, Navajo AAPG membership department. Dam (P.E. Kondrat, J.M. Hornbeck, E.A. (Names of sponsors are placed in Pippin) parentheses. Reinstatements indicated do not require sponsors.) Texas Membership applications are available at Leonardi, Janet, Nexen Petroleum, Plano (J.J. www.aapg.org, or by contacting headquarters Galluzzo Jr., S.T. Quarles, J.T. Altum); Penfield, in Tulsa. Glen T., Chicxulub Geosciences, Houston (reinstate); Townend, Edward, Ikon Science, Houston (G. Bull, P. Clegg, R. Lubbe) For Active Membership West Virginia Walker, Rachel Inez, Countrymark Energy California Resources, Huntington (R.L. Sumner, M. Beagle, Peter Francis Jude, Horizon Well Mastalerz, J.C. Hower) Logging, Arroyo Grande (G.N. Hummel, L.S. Sutfin, W. Gilmour);Brewster, David Pace, Continued on next page

36 JANUARY 2011 WWW.AAPG.ORG EXPLORERAAPG Continued from previous page Oman Bashir, Shams, PDO, Muscat (reinstate)

Australia Pakistan Menacherry, Saju, University of Adelaide, Daud, Farrukh, OMV Pakistan Exploration Adelaide (J.G. Kaldi, S.C. Lang, R.B. GmbH, Islamabad (M.R. Khan, O. Hamood, Ainsworth); Willink, Louise Adine, Roc Oil, M.Z. Khan) Sydney (S.R. Greaves, D. Garrad, L.E. McLean) Republic of Korea Canada Huh, Sik, Korea Ocean Research and Murtaza, Ahmed Golam, PetroKazakhstan, Development Institute, Kyonggi (G.H. Lee, K. Calgary (A.M. Shamsuddin, N. Ahmed, A.N. Choi, P. Weimer) Lodhi) Russia Egypt Selemenev, Sergey Ivanovich, GPB Neftegaz Ragab, Adel Mohamed Salem, Suez Canal Services B.V., Moscow (N.G. De Ath, S.J. University, Suez (W.P. Bosworth, H.Z. El- James, D.A. Podboronov) Mowafy, A.M. Bakr) Uganda England Abeinomugisha, Dozith, Uganda Government, Botsford, Andrew, PGS, Weybridge (M. Kampala (E.N.T. Rubondo, P.K. Thuo, E.A. Jameson, R.A. Borsato, R. Lamb); Guderjahn, Kilembe) Charles G., BP, Sunbury (P.D. Carragher, C.A. Yeilding, A.J. Fraser)

Netherlands de Coster, Amelia, WL Gore Surveys, Maastricht (F.J. Marcano, C.P. James II, N.M. Houghton)

Nigeria Ogunleye, Michael Olaposi, Shell Petroleum Development, Port Harcourt (O.T. Obilaja, J.U. Agbo, C.A. Bakare); Opene, Adaeze Ijeoma, Statoil Nigeria, Lagos (G. O. Agunwoke, O. K. Ulu, O. F. Lawal); Taiwo, Idris Babatunde, Oando Exploration and Production, Lagos (A.O. Abiru, T.A. Lawal, O.A. Olawoki)

Norway Hatlø, Vibeke Linda, Statoil ASA, Bergen (B.A. Tocher, A.K. Thurmond, J.B. Thurmond)

Certification The following are candidates for certification by the Division of Professional Affairs.

Petroleum Geologist

Colorado Gregory P. Smith, GPS Consulting Services, Fort Collins (D. McKenna, B. Nagel, S. Sonnenberg)

Louisiana Stephen D. Caffery, LLOG Exploration Company, Lafayette

Oklahoma Suzanne M. Rogers, Sandstone Energy Acquisitions, Oklahoma City (SIPES)

Texas Aaron J. Adams, Anadarko Petroleum, The Woodlands (P. Gamwell, F. Rad, D. Behseresht); Eleazar J. Benedetto-Padrone, Ryder Scott, Houston (J. Broome, F. Castellan, P. Santogrossi); Jeffrey A. Faber, Encana, Dallas (C. Vavra, B. Rowland, B. Reinhart); Wayne R. Harris, CGG Veritas, Houston (F. Bifano, J. Dungan, K. Rovange); Thomas L. Jones, consultant, Yoakum (SIPES); Jeffrey T. Kremer, Brazos Gas, Dallas (SIPES); Santiago M. Reynolds, consultant, Houston (reinstatement)

Petroleum Geophysicist

Texas Ralph W. Baird, Baird Petrophysical International, Houston (SIPES); Kenneth R. Nixon, CGG Veritas Services, Houston (J. Fiduk, J. Heppermann, G. Latimer)

WWW.AAPG.ORG JANUARY 2011 37 CLASSIFIED ADS You can reach about 30,000 petroleum geologists at the lowest per-reader cost in the world with a classified 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 web site. 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 then arrange prepayment. Ads received by the first of the month will appear in the subsequent edition. EXPLORERAAPG CLASSIFIEDADS POSITION AVAILABLE To build a diverse workforce Ohio State encourages applications from individuals with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women. EEO/AA employer. Ohio State is Petroleum Exploration Geologist an NSF Advance institution. Newfield Exploration Tulsa, OK * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Seeking Geologist, responsible for conducting detailed prospect analysis and play fairway assessments Sedimentology/Stratigraphy within the Mid-Continent Region plus the generation and presentation of prospect ideas and leads to The Department of Geological Sciences at The management. This position would be located in Tulsa, University of Alabama invites applications for a tenure- OK. track faculty position in sedimentology and stratigraphy, The successful applicant will generate and update beginning August 2011. The position will be filled at maps, logs, cross-sections and corporate databases the Assistant Professor level. Candidates must have with new tops, correlations, shows and other pertinent a strong record of research and must have received geological data. Develop regional, multi-county their Ph.D. in Geology or a related field at the time stratigraphic framework and subsurface correlations. of appointment. The successful candidate will be Minimum qualifications, ten years of experience, expected to teach introductory geology courses and knowledge of Mid-Continent upstream oil and gas, undergraduate and graduate courses in sedimentology experience with conventional and un-conventional plays, and stratigraphy, supervise student research projects at experience doing play-fairway analysis assessments. the master and doctoral levels, and establish a vigorous Send resume to [email protected]. externally-funded research program in sedimentology and/or stratigraphy. The department has a broad range of geophysical, modeling, isotopic and geochemical * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * research facilities available. Details regarding existing research programs, related department equipment and Energy Science facilities are found at www.geo.ua.edu. For inquiries School of Earth Sciences regarding the position, contact Dr. Delores Robinson, The College of Arts and Sciences Chair of Sed/Strat Search Committee ([email protected]) The Ohio State University or Dr. Ibrahim Çemen ([email protected]), Chair of the UA Dept. of Geological Sciences. The School of Earth Sciences at The Ohio State Applicants should go to https://facultyjobs.ua.edu University (OSU) invites applications for a newly to electronically apply. When submitting an application, established tenure-track position in Energy Science candidates must provide a research statement, teaching – broadly defined. We are seeking applicants with statement, curriculum vitae with contact information for a doctoral degree and research interests who will at least three referees. Applications will be reviewed address fundamental problems directly relating to beginning January 14, 2011, and will continue until the energy in the drillable subsurface. Potential applicants position is filled. Prior to the hiring, the final candidate(s) will have interests in one, or several topical areas may be required to successfully pass a pre-employment such as unconventional hydrocarbon resources, background investigation. carbon chemistry, energy recovery and storage or The University of Alabama is an Equal Opportunity geomechanical impacts on energy extraction processes. Affirmative Action Employer and Actively Seeks Diversity The candidate will have advanced capabilities in at in its Employees. least some of the following areas: 1) mathematical modeling of physical, chemical and biochemical transformations of carbon in the subsurface, 2) oil FOR SALE and gas formation/migration, 3) carbon migration, 4) mechanical properties of rocks (fracture modeling) in relation to reservoir development, 5) thermodynamics, 6) reflection seismology or 7) energy systems in basin Mudlogging units with easy to learn software. Very analysis. We expect that this individual will develop reliable, full featured, portable units. Contact Automated strong collaborative links and funding opportunities with Mudlogging Systems. industries concerned with problems of the subsurface in addition to federal agencies. The successful applicant is expected to have a (303) 794-7470 www.mudlogger.com developing record of research achievement through publications and external funding. Applicants from MISCELLANEOUS industry with such a track record of excellence are encouraged to apply. The new faculty member will be expected to contribute to the development, teaching, SAMPLES TO RENT and enhancement of our education program in energy at the graduate and undergraduate levels. The new hire is International Sample Library @ Midland – expected to develop an independent research program Formerly Midland Sample Library. Established in 1947. in the area of energy science, and to generate external Have 164,000 wells with 1,183,000,000 well samples funds at a level that is appropriate for maintaining a and cores stored in 17 buildings from 26 states, research program at a major academic institution. We Mexico, Canada and offshore Australia. We also have a expect a strong effort to foster interactions with energy- geological supply inventory. related companies and to develop student opportunities in the energy area. Phone: (432) 682-2682 Fax: (432) 682-2718 Applicants should submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae, and a statement of research interests and teaching philosophy. Candidates should arrange * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * for three letters of recommendation to be sent under separate cover by the candidate’s referees. Applications Eliminate pilot holes and drill more horizontal payzone and letters should be sent to: Professor Frank W. with SES technical GEOSTEERING SOFTWARE! SES Schwartz, 275 Mendenhall Laboratory, 125 South Oval is for geologists who are dissatisfied with drafting-tool Mall, School of Earth Sciences, The Ohio State University, methods of geosteering. Free trial. www.makinhole.com. Columbus, OH, 43210. The anticipated start date for the Stoner Engineering LLC. position is October 1, 2011. The position is open until filled. Information about the School of Earth Sciences can be found at http://www.earthsciences.osu.edu.

38 JANUARY 2011 WWW.AAPG.ORG EXPLORERAAPG DIRECTOR’SCORNER Datapages Open to Individual Subscriptions By RICK FRITZ, AAPG Executive Director

n writing this column, I am on a plane Sometimes I am asked, “Why doesn’t returning from Mexico City. This was the Datapages is a tremendous AAPG just provide the Datapages library Ifirst time the Executive Committee met in free to all members?” Mexico City. The city is a beautiful place with u First, the Datapages collection is impressive buildings and great museums. digital library; it can be a an ongoing digital program with regular It also had some of the best restaurants I expenses for personnel, equipment and have ever visited. My mind may forget their key asset for any geologist, software. names, but my stomach never forgets. u Second, AAPG would risk losing the One of the items that was finalized at geophysicist or engineer. corporate subscriptions that support the the meeting was a review of the AAPG FRITZ digitization program and allows AAPG to Datapages member subscription process. add new publications. This Datapages library is one of the largest include the Canadian Society of Petroleum make it easy to subscribe. u Third, other than the BULLETIN and petroleum geoscience digital libraries in the Geologists, Circum Pacific Council of At an earlier meeting in San Antonio, Special Publications, AAPG does not world. It contains all of AAPG’s publications Energy and Mineral Resources, Gulf the Executive Committee decided to own this data. It is owned by the various – including the special publications. In Coast Association of Geological Societies, provide the opportunity for all members to societies. addition, over the past 10 years AAPG Geological Society of Trinidad and Tobago, subscribe. Starting in January, any AAPG u Finally, there are serious tax has offered to digitize the publications of Houston Geological Society, Indonesian member can subscribe to the Datapages implications to AAPG not-for-profit status if Affiliated and Associated societies and Petroleum Association, Rocky Mountain digital library for less than $21 per month we start giving everything free (even though those of the Sections. Association of Geologists, Tulsa Geological ($295 per year). we would like to). Typically there is no cost to the Society and Wyoming Geological For now, subscriptions will not be offered Datapages is a tremendous digital library contributing society for digitization. Association. to non-members. and offers significant, fingertip information AAPG provides it as a service as long (Note: SEPM is included in the corporate Please note this is an individual on fields, formations, geological processes, as their digits can be included as part subscriptions but has its own individual subscription only. Corporate subscriptions geophysical interpretation, etc. It can be a of the Datapages library. In addition the subscription program). are available based on the number of users key asset for any geologist, geophysicist or contributing society receives a royalty To date most of the subscriptions for in the company. engineer. each year for the Datapages industry the Datapages library are to corporations The announcement concerning the I hope you enjoy it. subscriptions. To date AAPG has provided and university endowments through the new individual subscriptions will be made more than $620,000 in royalties. AAPG Foundation. The monies from these in January via e-mail. Members also can As a result, Datapages includes digital subscriptions are used to add more digital check online for the subscription. Individuals publication collections from more than 30 publications into the system. There are a few will be able to access the digits through an geoscience publishers – mostly Affiliated subscriptions for individuals, but until now online payment process and your regular and Associated societies. Contributors there was no online payment program to member password. DIVISIONS’REPORT DPA Moves Forward With Business Plan By DANIEL J. TEARPOCK, DPA President

irst, I want to thank everyone who has professional members If you have been thinking of joining the to act in a professional manner; obey the stepped up to provide assistance in of SPE in Kazakhstan. DPA but have just been putting it off, NOW law; avoid conflicts of interest; and put the Fthese first six months of the 2010-11 He also gave the same is the time to shed that procrastination and interest of his or her clients or company fiscal year to move the DPA Business Plan talk in December in consider becoming certified. ahead of and above their own interests. forward. The DPA held its mid-year meeting Bangkok, Thailand, These ethics talks also provide in Houston in November, and from all to SEAPEX, Thailand u Gathering and Learning Events. the attendees with one Professional accounts the meeting was very successful SEG and the SPE The DPA will host a Town Hall meeting Development Hour that may be required for – so thanks to everyone who provided input Young Professionals. in Shreveport, La., on Feb. 9, spearheaded a license by a state agency or certification into this meeting. by Bill Meany, the DPA councilor from by various societies. Second, I’d like to provide to you the TEARPOCK u Expand Overall Shreveport. The gathering is both a social status of the DPA’s key goals for this fiscal DPA Membership. event as well as a learning experience. u U.S. Governmental Affairs. year. The Membership Committee and the We will be discussing DPA’s mission, its DPA’s Governmental Affairs Committee DPA staff at AAPG headquarters are near interaction with the AAPG and the petroleum (GAC) continues to define key issues u An Expanded International Presence. completion of phases 1 and 2 of our current industry. important to geoscientists and to address As you read in my last column (October membership campaign – our largest Bill certainly can use assistance these issues with policy makers. The GAC EXPLORER), we have established membership campaign since Mike Party from local DPA members to make this is currently working on two new AAPG councilors in three AAPG regions. John was DPA president in 2004-05. We are a successful event; we are asking DPA statements – one on a national energy Brooks (European Councilor) has been confident that we will reach our goal of 200 members to support this important event policy, and one on U.S onshore access to very busy on several fronts. The DPA new members during the current fiscal year. and encourage each local Shreveport BLM lands for exploration. has had reciprocity with the Geological At this time our membership campaign has area DPA member to bring several AAPG Society of London (GSL) since 1995. In generated 66 new DPA applications. members who currently are not DPA * * * order to ensure that members of each Consider DPA’s motto, “Pride of members to the Town Hall meeting. society understand this reciprocity and Professionalism.” It expresses that we strive Also, I will be giving two ethics talks As always, I encourage you to think can easily take advantage of it, John has for technical excellence as geoscientists, during the first quarter of 2011. The first Volunteerism! been working with the GSL to develop a focusing on integrity while concerned with is Jan. 26 at the Houston Geological Think of all the good that the AAPG and “Mutual Recognition of Professional Status energy demands, its conservation, the Society, followed by another in Jackson, DPA do for us and our industry. I could not Arrangement” between DPA and GSL. environment of our nation and the world. Miss., on Feb. 10. These talks provide to imagine our industry without them. The (For more on this, see the related story Deborah Sacrey, another DPA past all geoscientists – not just DPA members society offers conferences, the BULLETIN, on page 36 of this EXPLORER.) president, stated in DPA’s “Guiding Your – an opportunity to reflect on an important EXPLORER and Correlator for professional John, as DPA vice chair for the next Career as a Professional Geologist” manual part of our everyday career “Ethics and enrichment, information and the publishing AAPG International Conference and that being a DPA member can be important Professionalism.” of technical papers. The society provides a Exhibition, slated this October in Milan, is for both professional and financial growth, We as geoscientists are constantly forum to debate our industry topics, network developing a tremendous DPA program. as it focuses on professionalism in one’s improving our core technical competencies; with fellow geoscientists and much more. Stay tuned for further updates on the DPA career as well as issues on ethics and this is a given. It is one of the cornerstones In order for AAPG to meet its purpose, program for the conference. career management through business of a successful career. “To foster scientific research, to advance the Bob Shoup, a past DPA president aspects of the petroleum industry. “Professional Responsibility” that science of geology, to promote technology and current Asia Pacific DPA councilor, is The additional credibility of leads to “Professional Reliability” is and to inspire high professional conduct,” getting the DPA message of “Ethics and becoming recognized by one’s the second cornerstone to building the society and its Divisions, the DPA, “Professionalism” out in his region. You peers as a “certified” professional confidence in ones products EMD and DEG, need volunteers who are may know that Bob has developed a great adds an additional boost or services. Professional excited and energized to give back to the

talk called “Black Belt Ethics.” In October to one’s standing in the Responsibility encompasses geoscience community. EXPLORER he gave the talk to a group of young geoscience community. the duties of geoscientists WWW.AAPG.ORG JANUARY 2011 39 EXPLORERAAPG

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