HGS Bulletin Volume 51 Number 8 Houston Geological Soc iety

Aapril 2009

Locating Remaining Oil in Carbonate Reservoirs: The Reservoir Characterization Problem Page 24

Using Modern Cave Systems as Analogs for Paleokarst Reservoirs Page 29

TheBulletin Houston Geological Soc iety

Volume 51, Number 8 April 2009 In Every Issue Technical Meetings 5 From the President 15 HGS General Dinner Meeting by Kara Bennett Sustainable Development of the Upper Texas Coast: A 7 From the Editor Call for More Science and Less Politics by Michael Forlenza 19 HGS International Explorationists Dinner Meeting 36 GeoEvents Calendar Four Million Barrels per Day, Six Million Barrels per Day: When Will Iraq Deliver? 67 HGS Membership page 15 Application A Panel Discussion on Iraq’s Problems and Potential 68 HPAC 24 HGS Northsiders Luncheon Meeting Locating Remaining Oil in Carbonate Reservoirs: The 69 Professional Reservoir Characterization Problem Directory 27 HGS Environmental & Engineering Dinner Meeting Wetland Science, Regulations & Experts: What Geologists Should Know about Wetlands HGS Field Trip Houston Geological Society 29 HGS North American Explorationists Dinner page 17 OFFICERS Meeting Kara Bennett President Using Modern Cave Systems as Analogs for Paleokarst Gary Coburn President-elect Reservoirs Art Berman Vice President John Tubb Treasurer 33 HGS General Luncheon Meeting Matt Boyd Treasurer-elect The Paradox of Minibasin Subsidence into Salt Mike Jones Secretary Michael Forlenza Bulletin Editor 39 SIPES Luncheon Meeting Gordon Shields Editor-elect “Send in the Clowns Wait –They’re Already Here” DIRECTORS Musings on Washington, D.C., our Energy Industry, and Alison Henning Bringing Science to Government Richard Howe Ianthe Sarrazin Other Features Walter Light page 29 HGS OFFICE STAFF 13 Letters to the Editor Sandra Babcock Office Manager 41 Geologic Website of the Month Lilly Hargrave Webmaster Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO) Ken Nemeth Office Committee www.ldeo.columbia.edu Chairman Michael Forlenza, PG EDITORIAL BOARD Michael Forlenza Editor 45 Hard Time, Deep Time, Real Time Gordon Shields Editor-elect Neal Immega James Ragsdale Advisory Editor page 33 Charles Revilla Advisory Editor 47 HGS Undergraduate Scholarship Foundation Lilly Hargrave Advertising Editor Presents Seven Scholarships Lisa Krueger Design Editor 50 Candidates for the 2009 –2010 Executive Board The Houston Geological Society Bulletin (ISSN-018-6686) is published monthly except for July and August by the Houston 61 Scott Tinker, AAPG President, Discusses Counter Geological Society, 14811 St. Mary’s Lane, Suite 250, View Points to Energy Clichés Houston, Texas 77079-2916. Phone: 713-463-9476; fax: 281-679-5504 Linda Sternbach Editorial correspondence and material submitted for publica - tion should be addressed to the Editor, Houston Geological Society 64 W. L. Calvert Memorial Graduate 2008 Bulletin , 14811 St. Mary’s Lane, Suite 250, Houston, Texas 77079-2916 or to [email protected] Scholarship Fund Report Subscriptions: Subscription to this publication is included in the membership dues ($24.00 annually). Subscription price for 65 Remembrance nonmembers within the contiguous U.S. is $30.00 per year. For those outside the contiguous U.S. the subscription price is $46.00 per year. Single-copy price is $3.00. Periodicals postage paid in About the Cover: Massively-bedded lower Cretaceous limestone forms the steep 1,400-foot high Houston, Texas. walls of Mariscal Canyon in Big Bend National Park, Texas. The Rio Bravo del Norte (Rio Grande) is POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Houston Geological visible in the bottom of the canyon marking the border between the United States on the left and Society Bulletin, 14811 St. Mary’s Lane, Suite 250, Houston, Mexico on the right. Photograph by Graciela Moore, P.G. All Rights Reserved. page 47 Texas 77079-2916

April 2009 Houston Geological Society Bulletin 1 2 Houston Geological Society Bulletin April 2009 Board of Directors 2008 –09 http://www.hgs.org/about_hgs/leadership.asp President (P) Kara Bennett Consultant 832-452-3747 [email protected] President-elect (PE) Gary Coburn Murphy Oil 281-675-9210 [email protected] Vice President (VP) Art Berman Labyrinth Consulting Services 713-557-9076 [email protected] Secretary (S) Mike Jones Scout Petroleum 713-654-0080 [email protected] Treasurer (T) John Tubb INEXS 713-805-5649 [email protected] Treasurer-elect (TE) Matt Boyd Southwest Energy 281-618-7379 [email protected] Editor (E) Michael Forlenza Malcolm Pirnie Inc. 713-960-7421 [email protected] Editor-elect (EE) Gordon Shields Fugro Gravity and Magnetics Services 713-369-6132 [email protected] Director 07-09 (D1) Alison Henning H2B, Inc. / Rice University 832-203-5016 [email protected] Director 07-09 (D2) Richard Howe Terrain Solutions 713-467-2900 [email protected] Director 08-10 (D3) Ianthe Sarrazin Petrobras America 713-808-2775 [email protected] Director 08-10 (D4) Walter Light Thunder Exploration 712-823-8288 [email protected] Committee Chairperson Phone Email Board Rep. AAPG HOD Foreman Sharie Sartain 281-382-9855 [email protected] P Academic Liaison Brad Hoge [email protected] D3 Ad Hoc Constitution & Bylaws Steve Earle 713-328-1069 [email protected] P Advertising Lilly Hargrave 713-463-9476 [email protected] E Arrangements Matt Boyd 281-618-7379 [email protected] TE Awards Mike Deming 281-925-7239 [email protected] VP Ballot Paul Hoffman 713-783-7880 [email protected] S Calvert Memorial Scholarship Carl Norman 713-461-7420 [email protected] PE Community Outreach Walter Light 713-529-2233 [email protected] D1 Continuing Education Ken Schwartz 281-690-0995 [email protected] D1 Directory Michael S. Benrud 713-785-8700 x104 [email protected] EE Earth Science Week Martha McRae 713-869-2045 [email protected] D1 Jennifer Burton [email protected] D1 Engineering Council Claudia Ludwig 713-723-2511 [email protected] D4 Environmental & Eng Geologists Matthew Cowan 713-777-0534 [email protected] VP Exhibits Paul Carter 713-826-0540 [email protected] D3 Field Trips Gary Moore 713-466-8960 [email protected] D4 Finance Joe Lynch 281-496-9898 x134 [email protected] T Foundation Fund John Adamick 713-860-2114 jada@tgsnopec .com PE General Meetings Art Berman 713-557-9076 [email protected] VP Golf Tournament Mark Dennis 281-494-2522 [email protected] D1 Government Affairs Arlin Howles 281-808-8629 [email protected] D4 Henry Wise 281-242-7190 [email protected] D4 Guest Night Bill Osten 281-293-3160 [email protected] D2 Houston Energy Council Sandi Barber 713-935-7830 [email protected] D4 HGA/HPAC Norma Jean Jones 281-497-3857 [email protected] S Daisy Wood 713-977-7319 [email protected] S International Explorationists Justin Vanden Brink 281-877-9400 [email protected] VP Ad Hoc Int'l Year of Planet Earth Sandi Barber 713-935-7830 [email protected] D3 Membership Steve Levine 713-624-9723 [email protected] S Membership Growth Linda Sternbach 281-679-7333 [email protected] D2 Museum of Natural Science Inda Immega 713-661-3494 [email protected] D3 NeoGeos Cecelia Baum 713-268-5238 [email protected] S Rachael Czechowskyj 713-609-4406 [email protected] New Publications Bill Rizer 281-392-0613 [email protected] D1 Nominations Linda Sternbach 281-679-7333 [email protected] P North American Explorationists Steve Getz 713-871-2346 [email protected] VP Northsiders Tony D'Agostino 832-237-400 [email protected] VP David Tonner 713-516-6894 [email protected] VP Office Ken Nemeth 713-689-7605 [email protected] PE Personnel Placement Peter Welch 713-862-2287 [email protected] PE Publication Sales Tom Mather 281-556-9539 [email protected] Remembrances EE Shrimp Peel Lee Shelton 713-595-5116 [email protected] D1 Skeet Shoot Tom McCarroll 713-353-4728 [email protected] D1 Technofest Deborah Sacrey 713-468-3260 [email protected] D1 Tennis Tournament Ross Davis 713-659-3131 [email protected] D1 Vendor’s Corner Paul Babcock 713-859-0316 [email protected] TE Web Site Manager Tarek Ghazi 713-432-4562 [email protected] PE Web Master Lilly Hargrave 713-463-9476 [email protected] PE HGS Office Manager Sandra Babcock 713-463-9476 [email protected]

April 2009 Houston Geological Society Bulletin 3 4 Houston Geological Society Bulletin April 2009 From the Kara Bennett President [email protected]

Creative Self-Examination

ecently, the HGS Board has been examining the future of the Communications – Are we using the HGS website and Internet Rorganization. We held a brainstorming session in March and to its full capacity? How can we improve communication with plan another in April to answer the following questions: our members? Demographics – It has been over ten years since our last mem - What is HGS doing well? bership demographic survey. Who are our members now? What What are we doing that we could improve? are their concerns? What are we doing that we shouldn’t be doing, and what are we not doing that we should be doing? These issues and others were discussed. Many of them came around to the issue of volunteers, so we are addressing that one It was an interesting session. We came up with a number of issue first. Without a large volunteer pool, many of the other ideas areas: become moot, because we simply do not have the people to do the things we would like to do. One idea proposed was to ask for Continuing Education – Are we providing the right programs? volunteers directly. Often people are willing to volunteer, but Should we bring back some of the basic skill short courses, such they do not know what to do or what needs to be done. With that as those pertaining to ARCVIEW, SMT in mind, we are instituting a new regu - interpretation, well log interpretation, HGS has a large enough lar email which lists the needs we have and business skills? Are there other for volunteers at the moment. areas we should address? membership that, if each Volunteering does not have to take a lot Volunteers – Often we have the same of time; often we need people for a people volunteering to do the bulk of member volunteered for a short commitment, such as a day to the work. How do we bring in a larger judge the Houston science fair, or to volunteer pool? Do we need more half-day commitment per year, help select student interns for the HGS- training for volunteers and an active we could move mountains! sponsored student internships at the volunteer coordinator? Museum of Natural History. Public Image of Geoscientists – As a profession, geoscientists tend to be either misunderstood or HGS has a large enough membership that, if each member vol - unknown. How do we improve the knowledge level of non-geo - unteered for a half-day commitment per year, we could move scientists, including government and the general public, so that mountains! So when the Volunteer Needs newsletter comes your they see the value of our contributions? Should we plan more way, please take a few minutes to scan it and see if you can spare public outreach? some time. It’s fun, enlarges your network, and it’s useful. Mentorship –How can we help early-career geoscientists with their professional development? How do we encourage full inte - A second item was referred to the President’s Advisory commit - gration of the NeoGeos and other early-career geoscientists into tee. This committee’s job is to look far into the future and advise full professional society participation? the president about trends that will affect the HGS in five, ten, or Membership renewals and attrition – Membership renewals twenty years. The Advisory committee ran the last general survey have shown a gradual but steady decline over the last decade. of the membership in 1998. They have been tasked with finding Why? What can we do to improve? out whom our members are now and how the HGS can best Technology – How better can we help our members get up to serve them. Over the next few months, they will be sending out speed on the latest technological improvements? one or more surveys to gather some hard data about who we are Employment issues – How can we help members who have and the roles that the HGS and the profession of geology play in recently become unemployed? From the President continued on page 9

April 2009 Houston Geological Society Bulletin 5 26th Annual HGS SKEET SHOOT Saturday, June 27, 2009 Greater Houston Gun Club 6702 McHard Road, Missouri City

This tournament is a 50 target event. Shells are provided, however you must bring eye and ear protection. Greater Houston Gun Club and National Skeet Shooting Association safety rules will be in effect. Winning shooters will be determined by the Lewis class system. Door prizes will be awarded by blind drawing after the conclusion of shooting. All competitors are automatically entered into the door prize drawing, but you must be present at the time of the drawing to win.

BBQ lunch will be provided from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Refreshments will be available throughout the day. IMPORTANT!!

WE ARE LIMITED TO 160 SHOOTERS IN FOUR ROTATIONS. ENTRY FEE IS $65 PER SHOOTER FOR REGISTRATIONS RECEIVED BY FRIDAY, JUNE 19. AFTER THAT, REGISTRATION WILL BE STRICTLY ON A “SPACE AVAILABLE” BASIS AND THE ENTRY FEE WILL BE $80 PER SHOOTER. REGISTER EARLY!!

For more information, contact: Tom McCarroll at (713)419.9414 or [email protected].

********************************************************************************************** HGS SKEET SHOOT REGISTRATION FORM

Name: ______Company: ______

Email: ______Phone: ______

Preferred shooting time: (circle one) 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00

Indicate ammunition required: (circle one) 12 gauge 20 gauge

Please return form(s) with check for $65.00 per shooter, payable to: Houston Geological Society

Mail to: Tom McCarroll • Patriot Exploration • 1177 W. Loop South, Suite 1515 • Houston TX 77027

Registration Fee: $______+ Sponsor contribution: $______= Total: $______If you wish to shoot with a specific squad (5 shooters max.), please submit all forms together. ********************************************************************************************** ALL SHOOTERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO SIGN A DISCLAIMER OF RESPONSIBILTY BEFORE THEY WILL BE ALLOWED TO SHOOT!

6 Houston Geological Society Bulletin April 2009 r o

From the t i

Editor d E

Michael F. Forlenza, P.G.

[email protected] e h t

m o r

Starting at the Beginning: F Origins April 22

ost people who have seen the evocative and haunting and processes. But how did Earth Day get Mimage of “Earthrise,” the photograph taken from Apollo 8 started? on Christmas Eve in 1968, are struck by the rare beauty of the gem-blue orb of our planet suspended in the black void of space Earth Day grew out of the activism and over the barren lunar surface. That image, social upheaval of during those turbulent times, conveyed the …on April 22, 1970, the 1960s. The 1960s precious uniqueness of our Earth. were a time of civil Earth Day was held, one rights demonstrations, Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 and most of the most remarkable Vietnam War protests, and generational people know that it has something to do clashes. Added to this volatile mix was a with the environment and cleanup activities. happenings in the history growing concern about ecological and More importantly, Earth Day is an effective environmental issues. learning opportunity for young people and of democracy… the wider public audience. Geoscientists American Heritage Magazine , “The idea for Earth Day evolved over a period should and do play an important role in October 1993 of seven years starting in 1962,” said Gaylord Earth Day by providing unique perspectives Nelson, United States Senator from and guidance based on our experience and study of earth systems Wisconsin and the primary force behind the creation of Earth Day. “For several years, it had been troubling me that the state of our environment was simply a non-issue in the politics of the country,” he continued. “Finally, in November 1962, an idea occurred to me that was, I thought, a virtual cinch to put the environment into the political ‘limelight’ once and for all. The idea was to persuade President Kennedy to give visibility to this issue by going on a national conservation tour.”

In the 1960s, Americans slurped 30-cent per gallon leaded gasoline through massive and inefficient V8 engines. Unchecked industry belched out smoke and sludge with little fear of legal consequences, bad press, or protest. Air pollution was commonly accepted as the smell of prosperity. Lifeless waterways were common throughout the nation. Environment was a word that appeared more often in spelling bees than on the evening news. Earthrise viewed from Apollo 8 in 1968. Astronaut Bill Anders remarked, “We came all this way to explore the Moon, and the most important thing is that we discovered the Earth.” From the Editor continued on page 9 (NASA Photo)

April 2009 Houston Geological Society Bulletin 7 8 Houston Geological Society Bulletin April 2009 From the President continued from page 5 ______t n e d i s our lives. Please take ten minutes to respond when a survey Lando. On April 21, the Northsiders’ Luncheon features F. Jerry e r

comes your way, so that we can gather some solid information Lucia speaking about locating the remaining oil-in-place in P

instead of making assumptions and arm-waving about the carbonate reservoirs and the Engineering and Environmental e future. Dinner speaker Barbara Castille will talk about wetland science. h t

April is going to be a busy month. Bring your family to Guest Attendees at the North American Dinner meeting on April 27 m o

Night, April 4, at the Houston Aquarium, to enjoy the exhibits will hear Charles T. Feazel of ConocoPhillips talking about using r and hear Dr. Mike Waters speak about geological archaeology modern cave systems as analogs for paleokarst reservoirs. The F and the first Americans. We anticipate a sell-out, so register early. April 29 General Luncheon will have Michael R. Hudec, Martin P. A. Jackson, and Daniel D. Schultz-Ela talking about minibasin The April 13 General Dinner is a topic that is both timely and subsidence. We also have a great Continuing Education course germane. Dr. John Anderson will make a call for more science this month. Dr. Roger Slatt will present a hands-on workshop on and less politics in his talk about sustainable development of the the petroleum geology of deepwater clastics on April 30. Upper Texas Coast. The International Dinner April 20 will be a panel discussion on the petroleum-related problems and Whew! It’s going to be a busy month, and chock-full of excellent potential of Iraq, featuring Bob Frykland, Bud Holzman and Ben programs. I hope to see you there. I

From the Editor continued from page 7 ______r o t By 1969, there was an awakening of public environmental concern. i d

Rachel Carson’s seminal 1962 bestseller, Silent Spring , shocked the E

nation with its description of the devastating effects of pesticide e use on wildlife. The title referred to a future without birds and h t presented in plain language a discussion of the destructive effects of toxic chemicals on ecosystems and ultimately on mankind. In m o

1964, Congress passed the sweeping Wilderness Act creating the r legal, and poetic, definition of wilderness in the United States: F

...an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.

The Wilderness Act protected more than nine million acres of federal land from development.

A weather inversion in 1965 created a four-day air pollution incident in New York City with Earth Day stamp 1999 80 deaths. In March 1967, the tanker Torrey Canyon struck The United States Congress passed the National Environmental Pollard’s Rock spilling 29 million Policy Act (NEPA) in 1969 establishing a “national policy which gallons of crude oil and fouling will encourage productive and enjoyable harmony between man the coastlines of England and and his environment.” At a conference in Seattle in September France. More than 200,000 1969, Senator Nelson, announced a plan for a nationwide grass - gallons of crude from a blowout roots demonstration on the environment in the spring of 1970. on a Union Oil platform washed He proposed the event to thrust the environment onto the up on Santa Barbara’s beaches in national agenda and modeled it on the highly effective Vietnam Gaylord Nelson (1916-2005), United States Senator from January 1969. And in June 1969, War protests of the time. Senator Nelson chose April 22 to Wisconsin Ohio’s polluted Cuyahoga River maximize participation on college campuses for what he burned. conceived as an environmental teach-in. He determined that the week of April 19-25 was the From the Editor continued on page 11

April 2009 Houston Geological Society Bulletin 9 10 Houston Geological Society Bulletin April 2009 From the Editor continued from page 9 ______r o t i d E

best because the date did not fall during On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans e exams or spring breaks, did not conflict took to the streets, parks, and auditoriums h t with religious holidays such as Easter or to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable

Passover, and was late enough in spring environment and policy reform. Senator m o

to have good weather. Nelson stated that Earth Day “worked” r

because of the spontaneous response at F Senator Nelson selected Denis Hayes, a the grassroots level and directly credited Harvard University graduate student, as the first Earth Day with persuading the national coordinator of activities. United States politicians that environ - Mr. Hayes said he wanted Earth Day to mental legislation had a substantial and “bypass the traditional political lasting constituency. “It organized itself,” process.” Thousands of colleges and said Senator Nelson. universities organized protests against the deterioration of the environment. Significant legislation was passed by the Groups that had been fighting against United States Congress in the wake of oil spills, polluting factories and power Earth Day 1970, including the Clean Air plants, discharge of raw sewage, toxic Act Extension, laws to protect drinking dumps, uncontrolled use of pesticides, water, wild lands, and the ocean. The extensive freeway construction, the loss United States Environmental Protection Each year, the United States Army celebrates Earth of wilderness, and the extinction of Agency, charged with protecting human Day at approximately 200 major commands, instal - wildlife suddenly realized they shared lations, and organizations at home and around the health and with safeguarding the natural common values. world. From the Editor continued on page 27

On February 19, 2009, the Executive Board of the Houston Geological Society voted to adopt the following resolution in support of the Texas Geoscientist Practice Act and the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists. Resolution of the Board of the Houston Geological Society February 2009 here is a perception within the geoscience community that provides for the public practice of geoscience in Texas by Tthere are ongoing questions by some within the Texas qualified geoscientists licensed in other states. Legislature regarding the need for licensing of geoscientists in Texas. The Houston Geological Society (HGS) hereby resolves Any effort to dissolve the Texas Board of Professional that the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG) is Geoscientists under the guise of fiscal responsibility puts the necessary to protect the health and safety of the citizens of Texas. public at risk and, in the long term, costs the citizens of Texas more money. TBPG does not restrict the practice of geoscience Geoscientists play an essential and integral role in the planning , in Texas by those qualified to perform such work. It simply siting and assessment of both public and private facilities. ensures that individuals are qualified to engage in the practice These include homes, hospitals, office buildings, warehouses, of geoscience in Texas as it impacts public health and safety. schools, commercial and industrial structures, dams, bridges, TBPG carries the same responsibility to the public as professional roads, power plants and other critical facilities. Geoscientists boards governing medical doctors, lawyers, engineers, and are uniquely qualified to perform environmental assessment surveyors. The TBPG does not cost the state money. The fees and remediation studies and to evaluate surface water and generated by TBPG exceed the cost of its administration, thus groundwater supplies and other natural resources. TBPG generating a surplus for the state treasury. assures the public that licensed geoscience practitioners are competent to perform geoscience work before the public and, The Houston Geological Society recognizes the need for the through continuing education requirements, assures that Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists, and it encourages the licensed geoscientists remain competent. TBPG provides Texas Legislature to continue to support this agency and its penalties for malpractice of geoscience. Through reciprocity it efforts to protect the health and safety of the citizens of Texas. I

April 2009 Houston Geological Society Bulletin 11 12 Houston Geological Society Bulletin April 2009 A p r e L T w A O a o i a r c w t m p l P l r e a w a f c p 1 d T p f t p r o t i i e s l a h a r h e o i e u n g

v o n u 0

e c e r u r n l a r

g h 2 o g o h o o n c t i a m a a e o g e o a t c e t x r 0 o o m s t t b n r 0 a l i i t r e e h n t t r m e l n i r n u u l e w y

t s h , t 2 a o u 0

i f e l

l n k u

t

e e k

e e B l a n s i b

c y

p e e p i s 9 . t r h o o a a n p g e c n c l 0 c f

a t t o t r . s y

a

s

u s o o a t n l

f h

e u r

s t r r t t e o s S t 0

t g p t

f s i a l t t

s

t o t

a r w

a e l i i

b . o d

c T

t n h

t e u 3 h i l i h

y f N i e t t z

V c

d c h

r h o f i S o e p n o r y n h

h . i e a t

e W n s r h o w i t c

u o d l o i

e a n e h e e f n n

r

s

c n f u e l a t y v u s a a e m

i n p

v w ’ c

o s h o c p m a e s

r b a g c s s t e

h p e

s c n

l e o c i p h u

? l b c

u r e

a t

d h i

t e l e

d e i p E

u y p o t

d

T T S l s e a m

n t

u t g a b s l n p

a d u a t l

b d h s A G i a a i m u

u t t b b e a T B B g l b i l c a t n o d m u u

f t b i a s l i i l e n n i n e d l i

e n c i

e l u t e t P n e P s h n y y n s b t o r e l o c i i e

o h n o c

g n e v e t o n o s c t s u n G

g b G . e

t r e l . e y ” a r s d

s a

m e i a l . g s i

w s e u

t t d r

o

r t

i s s

i b s d a

n T

t e c T a – i e a c h n i C S a i

o h

s t i a f p n o

i p o

n l s e s i

e l

d

1 n o s e B

h h a , t g T e d b r e u l H

e

n r i a

n t e c g r o n

h y n t ,

t f

g

e H y d n e e e u o e n t a r B

r o e c e h

i u e a

i l . s G a f

h

n 2

r t i r o n

c u n t i v d n m t p f c i g e b r b P p C l t t S i e T t e e m n i 0 g i l

n S

e t e e e c i

e s o y q c u i n r u s u G y

T o

d e o

p i 1 e g

e

h u n s

g c t

i a l t o t p s B u B t

i t d e d w t i n e s f o d i m

l 5 a a s s c c l

u e n

l s n t o a x o

n a b n i a G u a e y e e

a s y a s t l n i

r

l

c c i u e a

r c t f m ( r l i

l m

o l i s l t

s e T l n y d

h o c a e

y e a i l p n c s

s t a , y n T e w r

, S e t a

f t

a h n

a u

n o B e

d m

o l a e i r

i

e

t i s s B B t r t l B i l i s t s g h o g d e c i t l e p

S

o

y d s f o

h n P t d c

t s n s i o

t f e p S e f

o s s a P t d i

S r e

a r 9 o t r i e i

h o

e s G T e u i u

c n i a e n u o l o v m

o c c l u e i , n G v n f 4 i c r c a r a h

r

c n s e o B c u s d e o s n t n n

e t 0 c r c

t v

d a t i

e s w y ) h i

o s l i r n n i s t

P t “ n e o m e e

s i

e n i v o

o

a

a

h h

n o v t t a t r t o e c c e r s l O r s G t i e i i i n n n n d o o o o y e e e e r r - - - - - s s s s s s s s s t t f e , e l f H s F c i S ( h s a r B T T o o t i a m c t b a I a k S i o t K t g s K s n i h h z h

i e i u e o o i g l o u e e u

a p f e f e r B h o e n s e v s a e n o i c v l

e i w

i i e a n p n m

c m u o n n b i p o i f t n c n p e e t a c e n P S u e m t t i y a t - h p a h s o d e d s s

o e r n r i h r s k g s p r B h t p G i . e s u

i v t e a e

d

_ o u

m o f .

i t n d r

o t

s

h

o r c b

d i l

u

e t s

h t i l i H L o

t g l t l r a t

r e L a i l e d g a 9

d e I t h d a r y i u

e l

p s o o e t m r t i n i i i n c r e

S r f r a

e

4 i e t v

n

i v n u

a

e g r t n w l t i e

t n J i i

a g H

n h y t B f a t f a 0 e e t n y s v i o a n e t h e t i a c i

r n h o e o t i n

t

o o

i

s a s , o

j

i t f e

o v g e c e e

i n f t r o

u n 9 o t r a e

o t u f e h l g t n m t

o t h n 1

e

i e h

m t s d o t a

n i i w l 4 t s u

s @

n i

w u t c c o o m p a d r W i S e 8 s

e n t t t t t t

0 , p

c o t u g o

g c

n

i h

n

h

B s t h i

y a , i y f h d t g . t n m o l b n e o i e a

n

m e r i

l s d i y a e

h o e e i o o e

t d

B a

l e o

n r c n

n e e u n W s h

G e r 2 h 9 t

e n a y e y u

n e a t r e t p a d

o r

o v e . T

t n d d e 4 o g

0

e e e n

S

k t t n f r

e

w c d l

i

p p p h i

o a m d o . B l a h 0 o e t p n

o

0 s a t e . r t o d

i s t e s c

u h h e l o p i u n c T

s n f

o

p i i o . r o P r e

9 a m l o a

s

c e t i s n r t s o ( b a r e o o o e g n d c g d h y t S

n s

y t

G e o s

o n n S t

t

t i g l m j e a m h n o r p m

m c o T e

a l e c c t h

i

s c m e d a s e s v

t t e

o o

h i c a u

n r y

o n . e e o i o c ) u t m p t u s B e

s

t p e e

m i e d l f t e o

x n

t

a a t M n h T

t b t s b t k t e n n

n S h a a o

t l e t

e u o e e l

t a t T , e x p f e o e a m h s r h a n o

t h i c r n

e a e

h m

T m i . r s r o m t e f e x a p l i c a

d e i B u e r S e r

i o e a o e a y

o

n

t a a p p i l e t . B y r d e y

e e

. b r s w

P t t v

i r w S i s y d

q n

B c t i e U h

o e p n t n h

T o t b c i e i e e e d n G y h h e

t o d d s l u p p a o

e

i o t t r y n

o

p

s h m l ) e n i i a

l a a B i s y

i r w

i n

r g o e

r o n w l . . a a g o t r a

r e v s p v

p 5 e S e

v u a

o e o n i s f u n f e l r e c

h l u r e w I w o s e n s , l o r a B . r u t o r d s l u e

s e g l

f o d s

s e e s r o e t M o e l s

i g i o 2

b e e

r o

e l f

u h t

n r

t n c a s s u

m

t t

T o y u m a i

s 9 r t 0 t i e

u n a a a e h i t i m o f e h

t e s t

o o n g a r n b b 4 e 0 n h h i

g n m r

t a i l

d a r r a l e i n n n u h d d n o 0 8 a a g y a e e e e e e e g - - - s t t l . , r a S R D S B i Y i s F N C c i c g W e y r I i e i r p y J e

t s n n n

a u o e o l d n e a o a o h o o u . r e h h y h u e e

r a a n g g r f v i h a n v u t u o r : T S n i a e a s e e b t f

r t d

i v t m f l i J o a o

u

e e v m d r t d e h s d

o f a , u r a o h

c

L x

o r t a e r r

l

e o o n m

t M

e n e i I l d

! e a t s a i

i e o r i b h D r t

n r

x r d a h b s

, v u d

n . s

e d n m i 1

y c

i I l e p m . e e o e a o n g , a i

s c o L

E o a t

e a e

a g C

r r i h

a e a d y w e n a f e r e a b l n m o y

e y t r s t f a o d l a i r a e n b ' n i L o e s

o

o i u e 0

s t e t r v e f u 2 i c o l . d t

i n a i d m u t e r p i l

f e l k h t i a e 0 c

: o n

n A d g o c l ? . t

h u n e e 0 d l

s e w r

i e i y

t d o

s o I y e ,

t a t l 9 t o i . h s

i

a i a : r

i o i i

r t v

t w d c f

n l t

o l r i t I _ a t a l f E p

o o u

e W h i n o

e u

i e

s n n t _

a e y d r

e s g o . r d i w h

k l 2 n s _ e n n . k i d n

l i a e f u h k

y

n y t t h r y _ c

w d v

I

o o ;

e n

t o a e f o

t t

e _ i

f r r h s r e I h f r h h ,

t m t o r g e u 0 '

’ s

o l e h a

e s a v a r a e d l s r a

r I

n

a o

n t

o e e v w w

H s C u

y

s

t m n

s o w u s

d s e I c o h b

c e i a o e G ' u 0 n n d t I o

z t v

i u e e e ' r s l h n h t g r e s d ' u n

e S l d e

s ' t o

e t l e d l e g a c

m w n ? t m

I a

l e a b

r o a

r

E e s

t

9

a n d m i l a

e a e

o e l s

l v n e n h s

g o o t o a d e

d n a

e i d y o e t a m u v v n a n g f w i v n t

r

u b u t o e v i v h e W

e

e .

s i e n f r t i r e s r e n

s f d t e t l a u o

i i s c i

n v i h e t n u 1 t n n e t t f t e t r o e o i i l ' f o o o 5 g y y e e - - - - - s s t f . r 1 3 Letters to the Editor Expand your opportunities …

E-Octopus -Wide Azimuth Q Narrow-azimuth Wide-azimuth

E-Optopus Phase VI acquisition in progress

Our E-Octopus wide-azimuth surveys, and our wide-azimuth cooperation agreement with TGS in the Mississippi Canyon area, utilize industry-leading Q-Marine* technology, survey design, and state-of-the-art processing. E-Octopus IV - Sediment Flood available end of February for the March ‘09 lease sale. E-Octopus V - Fast track volume available end of January for the March ‘09 lease sale. E-Octopus VI - The latest addition to our extensive wide-azimuth portfolio. Now in acquisition, illuminating new potential in the ultra deepwater of Walker Ridge. Experience the benefi ts of higher signal-to-noise ratio, broader bandwidth, and a greater range of www.slb.com/westerngeco azimuths – designed to give you greatly improved confi dence beneath challenging subsalt formations.

To learn more about the products available from the wide-azimuth phases already acquired in the Gulf of Mexico and about our new acquisition projects, call +1 713 689 1000.

*Mark of Schlumberger © 2009 Schlumberger

14 Houston Geological Society Bulletin April 2009 Monday, April 13, 2009 g HGS General n i Westchase Hilton • 9999 Westheimer Dinner Meeting t Social Hour 5:30–6:30 p.m. e Dinner 6:30–7:30 p.m. e M

Cost: $28 Preregistered members; $35 non-members & walk-ups

John Anderson r

To guarantee a seat, you must pre-register on the HGS website and pre-pay e Maurice Ewing Professor

with a credit card. n of Oceanography

Pre-registration without payment will not be accepted. n You may still walk up and pay at the door, if extra seats are available. Rice University i D

l a r Sustainable Development of the Upper Texas Coast: e n e

A Call for More Science and Less Politics G

S

urricane Ike was a stark reminder of the risk of Biographic Sketch G

Hliving on barrier islands. Yet, even as the loss of human life JOHN ANDERSON is the Maurice Ewing Professor of Oceanography H and material damage were still being assessed, city of Galveston at Rice University. His research interests are in Antarctic ice sheet officials and former United States presidents were evolution, Quaternary geology of the Gulf of Mexico, and Texas talking about rebuilding a bigger and better Galveston. HGS General Dinner continued on page 17 The fate of Bolivar Peninsula, however, remains more problematic.

What is the future What should be done to of the upper Texas maintain a sustainable coast, especially this century, and coast given restricted can Galveston Island sustain the unbri - sand supply, increasing dled development that existed prior rates of sea level rise, to Hurricane Ike? The reality is that and potential for Ike is a stark reminder that the increasing storm upper Texas coast impact in the future? is a highly unstable setting that will experience signifi - cant change with or without future storm impact. This presentation will focus on the evolution of the upper Texas coast and on those changes that are occurring today. How do natural forces regulate these changes and what role have humans played in coastal change? What should be done to maintain a sustainable coast given restricted sand supply, increasing rates of sea level rise, and potential for increasing storm impact in the future? These questions were being posed long before Ike, but city and state officials were then largely ignoring the call for a more scientific approach to coastal development. The geological community must play a greater role in preserving our coast for future generations. I

April 2009 Houston Geological Society Bulletin 15 9th ANNUAL GSH/HGS SALTWATER FISHING TOURNAMENT Saturday, June 20, 2009 Tackle Box Storage & Fish Spot Marina • 4009 20th Street North • Texas City , Texas Galveston Bay Complex and Offshore This year’s Saltwater Fishing Tournament will include an Offshore Division to be held on Saturday, June 20 at the Tackle Box Storage & Fish Spot Marina, Texas City, Texas. We are looking forward to a big event this summer and we encourage full family participation. Galveston Bay Complex Division Trophies will be awarded for the heaviest individual Redfish (Non-Tagged), Speckled Trout and Flounder. Trophies will also be awarded for the heaviest individual Stringer-1 Redfish, 3 Speckled Trout, and 1 Flounder. Galveston Offshore Division Trophies will be awarded for the heaviest individual Red Snapper, King Mackerel, and Mahi-mahi.

Registration fee includes: Launch Fee, GSH/HGS Fishing Cap, Fish Fry Meal after weigh-in, Refreshments, Trophies, and DOOR PRIZES.

For more information, please contact: Bobby Perez (HGS & GSH) • 281-240-1234 ext. 219 Office • 281-240-4997 Fax • 281-787-2106 Cell • 281-495-8695 Home E-mail addresses: [email protected] or [email protected]

The Geophysical Society of Houston and the Houston Geological Society are non-profit organizations serving the Geoscience Community. Corporate and individual contributions are appreciated and will be acknowledged on several sponsor boards and banners at the Weigh-In Station and Marina. All contributors will be recognized in the GSH newsletter and HGS Bulletin following the tournament. This is a great way to entertain friends, family, business associates and clients. So spread the word! GSH/HGS SALTWATER TOURNAMENT

NAME: ______COMPANY: ______

ADDRESS: ______

PHONES: (H) ______(B) ______(C) ______

E-MAIL ADDRESS: ______

Upon receipt of the registration form, each participant will be provided with a copy of the specific tournament itinerary and rules sheet by e-mail. Please register EARLY.

Please return this form with your check for $60.00 per contestant payable to: GSH/HGS SALTWATER TOURNAMEN T and Mail to: Geophysical Society of Houston, 14811 Saint Mary’s Lane, Suite 250 • Houston, Texas 77079

Registration Fee: $ ______+ Sponsor Contribution: $ ______= TOTAL $ ______

DISCLAIMER: I acknowledge that neither the Geophysical Society of Houston nor the Houston Geological Society will be held responsible for injury or accidents during this event. PRACTICE SAFETY!!!!!

Signature: ______Date ______

16 Houston Geological Society Bulletin April 2009 HGS General Dinner continued from page 15 ______g n i t e e coastal geology. Dr. Anderson M has led 25 scientific expeditions r to Antarctica and has spent over e 30 years conducting research n n closer to home in the Gulf and i D

along the Texas coast. l

Cambridge University Press a r

published the culmination of his e

Antarctic research in a book n Antarctic Marine Geology . The e G results of his and his students’ research in the Gulf of Mexico S were published in SEPM Special Publication No. 79, G

Quaternary Evolution of the Gulf of Mexico Margin . In 2007, H he published a book, Formation and Future of the Upper Texas Coast , and in 2008, he and his former students published a Geological Society of American Special Paper “Response of Upper Gulf Coast Estuaries to Holocene Climate Change and Sea-Level Rise.” He has authored and co-authored over 180 refer - Societies Outstanding Educator Award in 1992, was an AAPG eed publications and mentored more than fifty graduate Distinguished Lecturer in 2003, President of the SEPM in 2003- students. John received the Gulf Coast Association of Geological 2004, and was the 2007 recipient of the SEPM Shepard Medal.

D IN E ’T H TH N E O B R ! D O IP FT F R E P T L -U D 2009 HGS E A B N IG O S R Central Texas Field Trip April 25 & 26 This trip will be led by Professor Tom Miskelly, San Jacinto College. For details and an itinerary or to confirm your interest in this trip, please visit the HGS Field Trip Page under HGS Activities and Events. Cost: HGS members $185 Non-members $210

2008 road trippers.

April 2009 Houston Geological Society Bulletin 17 18 Houston Geological Society Bulletin April 2009 F E E Y a P T C W M S S 1 k p t p j I p F A u h n

o o o i r s n 0 m r r c r o p g e t s e c u a

o o o r

o 0 o s i g r u s t - i o e n a e m i

t t p a d d n

r u l v t m

w r c d

b a r l d e :

2 b e u u e h a

i d

a i i t t g H a a n

0 n d $ t r t t a i u h c c i t 1 i y a

s r a u 0 l s s e

c 2 o s c t t i . a

l e o e s n y 9 t s a

t s t i i s u i 8 e

t t d r i o o , t i t r l o / H R r r

r c

s i a e e o L d A

n n

p o l u n

a t e e o 5 u i l . n i i l s

f r

m p l : c f t

w n o a c m i 3

u l e o e , b s t M y

n r i o

0

a a - s n / u

t c t , a a i

-

H l r o e u i s

h

w h l r k 6 p n

r

e a

t

n l • e : e

l o p 2 i h r t

g

d i o 3 u a t s

, l n

a e n 9

0 0 e h i e y p c

t , r y i

s g l s d 9 e

e o r o u

,

o g o s p t

a

9 a n e r l o O u r 2

e u r . t e n n 9 s r m

o a t u t r r h l 0

. o

d a i l A

m i e

W r e e p l f y b . a e 0 i

r u

n y d

p • x a

a A u l

l e e 9

u o n 8 : : e a y t

W

n

p s s

D m n

$ y 8

m t n d t f P 1 r d o l h

e 1

i e e a o p

d 1

n n e e e o a r w 2 G 4 s t s r a i n r 5 m

i n n

f e m . ; e t t t s a a

t

4

e h e r r - a S n c

w c b b

s r t e r w

v i r e l t

o

o i m r e p y e i 6 R B e

n u h o i d g l e v u s r l l :

l e d 3 i

l e i i n o b i i s e c

s n l s D l s 0 o W

n e o ; l a t r e

h i

a -

i t e n o n r n p e r $ s o o 7 e r

D r , v t e t

d h

: 3

f o i s

n i

3 s e o t r

b b e f

e 5

a ( h 0 : t s

t n s e

p e a

b r F v e

h

i F h e

v r

x p f r t a e n o t a i s w e R o

e t .

r h g c

n m r r r

t e t a r e c b c E u e h r a p s e i e e

e l n .

u e e a

E r n n i s H x u o p s l e c l e s d l

e t o s t t n t

G n h o

s a

e O e

i 1 e s n f p d a t f

N

S n i x ) s d r

-

c s v . l

e

. t

w p m i i , o a a

r e r i p g

i s W r a i r e n

a r i t o l e e t d o n l b l t s n

o

m e a a h s v a

m e s d n

d i v w y u e l s e t b

a ,

. e n e a R

g r

r i i e s

i

m v

t l n a t

g e o r Y a o c e h r n l c

e H s

b e m u h e n o d s

Z l o D l t n s & v c

t w e

u e e

p a s y I e h . I s

r r

r h r r e g

I

w t t a a 5 v e a a l o I r h o e - H b a q e q 3 a r r n o p r a s l l s s ’ ’ l

5 e e s s a s s t G k , , a a y y

- e

G u w q o , q p l i o ’ t f i t t o K a o a C r T c K P p e h c I a v o g a t o N o w a n p r s g h s n S h o i o h n e o o x n n s g n r i ; n i u t p r a r a

S i o h i i o R o e a c l

o l h e c c

u o t o r v r m

a l n d d

t w d t e e n a e D c a m

e r e G

e t k u P a p h u e e

v i n j n d

n

d

K t l e l

n h

o e e t t e

e p l h r u b r d e s e i p i t d d S , i s x o p h

f c m d l s a n d u v z

e h i I r r r

a e e r ’ s u t s b l s o c r

, n s

s t a e o g e e

. e

t k a r

h l a n t o a t

o u e n o c

l o i d i e i o n s r c e s h d l

g a u

i I r

v s d , t t n r n i i o t y c o y n p

u p m n o a t e , w

h n i u y e

i r

y a h d M

d t

b t

e

e

l t s s y o o u e e t c f e p

t s

t n e o

n p d h y p u

e t i s t

s p i e

o a

r q

n h e i n t n

y t l e a i h n w

e d

,

e e d e - o l n B n

h i c a

n

I h i o u

t h t

s n l v g c y

g r s e i g l e o r t

t t u n r y e a e o e o e — . t p

R g n e a

e e i a o h i

e

a r

y l w c l s

h m

c K a a x w i i l p r

m n l a

v s e o l n e G q t

u e e

e h

s i s n s i n s p e y i n r r e o n c u t S s f l s s n

t s g t . . a m a i n o i o h s

a t s

i t

t u n h d l i e I

h r r

c i l j e r t

n R . p a o r t i s r h t m i t

t a n o t d

c n s d i o

a l a e e

a c o a e T o l n a i i g o r v r e g l l a c r . a i t l l m o y a ? l t i t a

q o r

e

e

e s c l i i h v a n d s i e o z e l r 1 h b l

F a s s a n a t o t d

e

— l i d

e s g e n g e

a a s

b s

a y

0

, l f a a s n

n w

d

r . i w

r

S s o u n i g n o c l n t e

o t o

0 b b r v w n e i o e

t s N a r

u w o o o T c e c d g i t r f

i , p

e u a s e

u u t a p l 0 h k t i n

w a n i d

v d h . s

t h o h e O t n t h t n

n l p r p 0 s o r I . e e t

k h n i y d

n t

I o

r d

e o v . a e

s n d o g 0 r o r s s J C r n a

a

e

k H e

c m B

r

i a r u n

u / t r t

g

P

I E B B B n n r y s f W n d e k w G o

e t i

h a i b 1 n s t n s f r

i e m n n a o

a n

d a o e h e

a t u S s o e u g m 0 o a a e h o r t a a o I i n o e s l a r n d

p s e w

. n n a b l e e n s

r - d p r o l e u t

s s I o u e t s t t K

r e d p s r n

r r

e a

F

n

i i

h w ,

e ,

n t l e t o 1 g e t l r i L F t n e s n

n

g t c n H

t q a e e R d r c

i r t e h

e w E , y c t p I t 5 e h f l o o d r g a r a a n

s

g ’ r

d -

s a O r

s G o / o I

e f e a o r e , h r y I n u n n i n r t o

g

K n r % n i n

e o

r s e a r o k r i P

m r l e e H a t k C p a

b i c d r x . a n

o c r z d r c a s e t R e l n

s t a s

f e S e D s l l

e q

o o o e e

u o m t n e i

q t T u u ,

n

u o p p u t n o l

D

G

C g s o c r r

, q v o p h t c n i a t , t c 2 p , l e n t I

d r h a

n a

t

e v a i a l

t h i

a e w i g u s

h e a o a r o l h s

o

e t e l

n g e n o a n r i ’ f d r p l

n

s

h a i l s e i f i a s d c a o p s d l

a i n d

t v h w r l p s n y i t i i l h

o , t e g D n o o r h

q ,

a l i v r e t e e s i E e u

i o .

e

e

i

a w t l t o a l o i h V t

i n s r n – e G r s e e w l r . s f s d n D , o r c n

c r

b

d l e t u p y

v n n w m a

o i

g e

n h i i i a

n r t

a S i A e o e r g e c b o n c e i d 5 l t g s e g o e a i

s

l o a s r n n l

o e u n h o e r p o , l r e o s t e u k r r 0 e e g n

t a

n

a g

y l s k

o e c n K p d g n r f y o n o e

r p e o u t g y e s k 0 c P n d y

e s t e o h

p d l m i o u w n t U s u s g

s a r a , t e o e

t

e r d

t g b d s s s f n 0 r t e R s

p s e e

i e s c e n w r s h r s o f s h

t s t

o n j s s n p a e e

n i 0 s

i

m s u s

h

a w h o

n e a

t o

a –

r t a

l

c n s

a i i M

e 0 i I l m

o u , s o r b o w h r

r i

. t c v d a c t e n

r u r h i t e c

o t s r n D

s e a M a o i e f h t A o e e o h c r e d a e . d

o b t

r l u i e i a d

n s t

g n

.

a g

t n s y s a

q c t t

m e e S

n - u

e a o t

j

r m h c a t

h h w e d e t e h l o

s d . t P s v o n h o Q x c r a r C l d i n

o e ,

n a

e

e

n o e a e

r i a o

r I q L p m r p r a a o i

a

r d l s y o I n e n i u e s e n n t e n e s a n

s a t p r s t u o e s i H n t b e

m l o

r s e

g g s g

e r

k t

s d

u a m y c s s p o g w s a s a o l i e u t c t a t t n g t m i

t h

S

l y t e t z i b d n s h h

n 2 h e e l h s v r o i o a a e r 2 i e i s l a

e t , i i s n d d s o l 0 g : y y a

e e e e e e e e 1 c k r - - - s s s f f l , . n

g 1 9

HGS International Explorationists Dinner Meeting 20 Houston Geological Society Bulletin April 2009 F I s d T U l r i d r p d U t m F o p m t w s T a c H A s i h u n e o e e o r i o e o o f o o e s

h p n g i t g v e a t r e m

g e

s m t r t w b l t i r r u G h e s e e l p i

i n

a e l e i t i l e o g o l e

a

r

r o d i e i

e o n m n l a t p b r x 2 o p e n p z c c n a , t

S i f e o r

n s

t a 0 p o o k e n o i u l a n

2 r

e w t a i a c

u n 0 b ’ t l w

a a i n r p o s t n r . s l l g o o

o l 9 n

b i n e h

e g h l l b i i L

e e v o t l e

n

e I r

t a g n g i e

d i s a r r l

o o i r a w y f i l t n c t m a

a n e r t a

, g

d u

c y t r f t v

w h

I o w

c g a e a t i i r h

a a

r e e t e t

p o o t l y

o t n i g u w t c i a p n o h q e o l

o - w h i l n e

r a m t i q

t d o s r l g e s u d c

o i s n s o e

n

a e e o o n , e t

t

. o n p r

r a

i

. r n x r h h d i t a

e

j p

o m t t k n o l n h r o

i e e I I n p h n h e s l s

d m t n n t e n u f c

t t

e

o a

, o e

e y d h e e s r r r f t

t t a

o

R n b t

e m

t

e e n r a s o o

h

i e e a h w t h o t i d . s r t p n - c o t p t s t

r e

a u n y

e u v s a n o

e i t

a o c n s t m v

k

a

p i d u s i e s n

i , c e s n

b e t n e

K

e

l o s s i i e o h e d e t g p . I n a a w a d - g s e

s h n R r u

i T s o a w n q g t u c r n n

t O h s

a i

c , l t e t o G t k r s h r o u d t e c

l i o q i h t o i u n h

e o l a a t a g s e e a s f e

s

l i f

n r n h e e

l p l

e i .

a

r

u

t s

e d r

n c c s l a f e t o i g n t i c I o 2 a o g n e i

r n o o m

s i i d f n e a u u e 0 d c r o q s p a o r

d m D n s t r , l c 0 t d c

n d a t c u

n e a d o . e v c i

u t 8 e e a t s

o r d i

p i i e r s r s e

i t

c t

l s r s n a n v

n n

i L a h h

a o r r n s e a h s s a t a a o n c i i u n t n

i o n o

o

k n c n n o o n a r l o t f t n e c i s e i m r w g a s s l f

n d d d o e d g v e n r - s l l

. .

t s e e e I i h s w e

t r r i n n s y e n a c i r u e . g

t q o g t

W c

h t

Z c e t

x , T m e B

c a o h

d s h a c o a h g i l

n

e i t o n h v w i A s n a e a e

t d g c t s i n s s r s n e t g k h

h

, e t

u

W r c i s

s

K r e C e i l c

a e , h i o o

c

d

a a a

s I w R t N e r

h l r e

l o f s v o s r a r

a g G n o

P p t s

s n v q i e v m g i r e t C

t

y l t g

a u

o l r o e e p D e ,

h

, r H f

d a a

l o v y l

y o a r g L o

t

i e i a e e s u e

e

h u w l u n n t r f ,

a x s s s n 1 t

r e r k

t a 9 o

e l i o d h t o p n o a l

D n y n h _ v i n r m r _ r i s o l _ d d

l g y e e

_ e t w G , o t e _ o

_ l e _

l s e r _ o h n y o e _ _ e a l _ n o l

_ a p e g P a e C c I G B B o _ r u l g t _ H x o _ l c f l r

s i s O r t o _ i l i o c

g _ p e y c n o o m H _ .

o a o B n S b _ s e e a s b g _ a l

i e ,

_ a o p s o n r a v d _ F S p

a r _ l n s i c s x a u _ l a o e R e

_ i

s M o a n _ c n s E a n Y h p p d _ n p t c S 1 d c j w t U f a M w o f F i H V a R B i _ t P i y r n K t e _ o

n n r c i r u o h n n o _ r t 9 & o t o

a l v a i

r l e ’ h c t o i _ e e n L h i d a h g

s . A y s n s a y _ N a r i e o 6 o d

e t p s n H

U _ n

m c i

e n . t t a i

t

n e i _ n i e

l e t R e

P

6 n t l B v

e _ H e h c t i n l N a y t d n e a r g

_ l r s H o r o F o s d R y n

e s e _

u

z d i d h S d n t

e e s _ v A i D g v t e a a p

s

o d n t u

r r

_ Y

a e l r c g r o a h

l s A l _

e h d o a s n

m k b s B e e t i _ y e y

n

s e d u f

s e e r u _ C l s S c e i b n h t t t l

u i . r d _ t c e e e z u k r s f t i a s e

s a g n

_ s i o

( w e t o n i h m i r . e o c _ t y l . d a m c T r

H t s

l t a a l s e _ r

B s

o s i p c i a n e t

y _ o o l

z o

u r r m o e c

T s n d h r g o n _ U e e r y m w i d

s t _ o a a i h e U . . x n s m n r _ s n a

h l a e

h g

l e l o e

i e _ t n

r n

H l s e

o h e a C k s i i D _ n r

r i c

s d e

e a d d _ t n C t ,

n o r t f

i s o i s n _ g S i s

a e

f h

s

r ) e l _ n t e

r

s v

h

f

2 e o _ n t c s o y a a t r f f N e o

r _ e 1 s o h

i e w e g f s l . o _ 8 i t t s n

r n d s u e c _ s c s

e i 9 p T

a r i h r i a _

,

c

a s f e o c

e

_

f

h I n m

r V t 6 i

t y _ h t a S . i P A t

t e s H i t o t _

r e a i

c

h t 7

o h _ e o v t t t

h i s o a , H a _ r 1 C B s H l e G A a S i a L s B P d v n r , n a r h a

c a e a _

e H n

S

e e f o c t e s i c _ n e G n y a s h 9 d e t t c i

e r d u o

t p t _ s a r

e d u o e o

e o . a b v

m o e D t _ t

s

l e S o r a a

d d h s G

s 8 T e _ O

h m

t o r i o r r s .

G

d M

e d r l _ m o y U s

P o

n o z v l i B h n

_

i

0 n e s a e i

o p l I a e e l

r L

_ a o n a n i i s h e f n e c c e . G r o p _ e x M H t r e o

i s t n a , e a t d l e l

p a _ l o Z o t l n f t o

e

h i r a

i H d e i o _ o g d a i t a e g l p d i s s d l o e n a

_ n m i u a i a V a a M d e a s c l n s - e e

_

s s e e

v a s e e c

m i

i

r o _ t

u , n

i n e n n U a i b g h a u n t c

i n

n _

e H

d

j

v g e r g a i i d

A n a _ n p r l i

N o o U g t r o a

U a e y

_ d o d i n a r s t u i a d h l a i a r i

. o n _ o e t y N n d

L m

i e s u e t l r p S s _

e t i n n f e p n a

n r u

t e a i n u 1 n

_ n f i n a

b

i n a n i n y r

a e h

_ o s s . i e h b S i . i o a

r l

v t t t

_

n g 9

i s d

, n g b a t h o i u

s n _ r o C

i ) o i d y a e T

p o

t C t l r a J a _ C I f o a

t u 7 o

o m n i e a n i i _ t h e e

4 y , A u s o l

f r m n o i

R s t _ c c r s n s n 1 o o

n i s t o m l 4 o t a n n n _ i d d

l g y y y 0 a a e ,

h

r - s i u _ i h f h . n

, 9 . e P

u d i D g s . _ f

e m c p a a

B

1 _ n i g e m a e

e 7 e T i e _ e e i

t n A A o n l T n n _ o d t 9 e g n

t y

. s 1 t s _ t e p n U c n m _ i

i c u G i o b f r s a o . d 7

l _ t x

o o

r a e i t _ l o a e n b

i . s l l e _ l f 6 n H e u n

a

u r n . n s a p _ o n x

n

l r u u r

_ M r ( , s a a i e d c t _ a ,

y t g

t o l e d t

s _ a t ,

m M

h . o s o u

e _ r h h

e i

g

y

2 _ t

e m

s n N n

c d a t e _ f a h b m d h t r e

w H e o t _ 6 d e e

o i r l n _ h s

g a f n i a t

e _ e i

r

c . d f a r S l

_ n h

u i e c t y

d e d s

o _ a o

w i o a G l t e _ r t t

A o

H e

t a e U u _ s t

F u h r d a a h

A s a a m _ i a e

t A p , e _ g

n

m e a l t H

s r d n _ n e i a

o r Y r t s m o e _ t o e a r

t m

u n y _

h a s B o m v e i s s a o i _ o v l o T n e

I n v , _ l o k e o f p r

e e a

r _ r e B

A r u e r r l e e e h _ d

a ) d t i

r n t l g n _ o i d p i k r i r v r l g _ r n , P u s i i o r

t n

_

i c , t c a g c s c a

e t f r i e _

t t m s i e

l n _ o l o o l i i a l

a d e e h h h d i s n _ t d i o ( 2 y x e t t _ s s n n n n n n h d d d _ 3 y y y a a e e e e - - s s t t t _ , _ _ _ 2 1 HGS International Explorationists Dinner Meeting 22 Houston Geological Society Bulletin April 2009 o a M e M I a a c d R f t s M N M h ( B H A r h n e C n o x s

u n e e E e p r o c s e

c i r r p d n s E N

t e r

v t G n i . . o n w C i o

y c h g I l l l s N i [email protected] 281-509-8200 Tel: Sales America North H

i H u o L a

r h c

u u 2 n t s o e

d S i a e n i n t T r 0 A e e

o r o e m n r t e r A

q a 0

c c m N t i C d r u l l y p

w n 9 z e t e e

z r e b D t

t i l O p m I r s m

m

p a h n a a o i o s 2 O

r i n n o e

s s e l n M y d 0 e t n a y a o E

r

d n

l i e p 0 n t e

n t i t

A s t y y n d e R n

)

h s 8 p o a

g

e

e

a e l k i r e

v

h e i e o r o o l s a t a d d m s r n , o i s

t

o a n r

v d f t g

g w e i e

C l f i t s e r

t e y

n e v a y r v o e n r I

o o e o n r h

n e v

r a s

r i u g n l r i a r c a

a d t a e s i

u c a l 4

n

k e n i o a m

n e s q o

e t t t a a 2 f i , t d i n v d s h e o

f d

n

n l n

e i M

a e e y d . i A

o

n

U g

d n

t r a r g o i e t t

r H g n

h

n

i

r t h h a s n e o t e 2 n n i .

a s a h r n e t n

a v e d e a i i 0 n i H a s g e t l

l g e

i

g t t

y 0

e t

n , a r d U D h a

. n e

u n o a s d

4 K n c n g

n a a u t I n l r n a e

l o e u

- z m a n d P c a s a m n d

a d d I i m u t r

i s

l r t r D d

e

w

i a i d o

2 e n e e g a A t t o a s g a v l i n s o o 0 r a d q a

t s

s n n a i s . t i o s c 0 r r g

o s h c

o

n s

G ot mrc Operations America North - PGS a C

o u H

I y O

0 e a S w

. i

o n o l r

r u ’

s s w w , a t n s

u e

H i o f e a s

t t a n p m l

h

e ( a u g o b h s g n

t t I e m t e r r

e i e a h e u r h e r e e

c p o d n

t

n a s k s r r e i r s e r r o

r n w e a

l e

q o i e d

s e t B

d o d

s n t i v

h

C O d f a s t s

t i o

u c l

C e u t o s i l t G s r s t e

o e f y e i r r h - h l u o

n t w o

n l u l l a e t

n a r I R u e l e i t u e r c a m i l r d i e m s s i n i

t

a s r e g l l g a t L r ,

u c a r a

’ ,

e p i h e p s

I q e h

a f

e n T a s r i

n

n o d g r g n

a . g s l o ( t r l e e

o r l t f l i i c U f e n

i f e u e x d r o c f h r t I o r e o C m o i . y s d n a l a t

b P a m e

c e n e e

i / l s a s o

o

s d I n

a

I

s o H

r a t . p t g t r o I m ) m

m l H ) r o

v d r a g a r

e o

H 1 f u

u g u E o e e

a q d n

i p i f 9 m e M p a u s c s a n c e l n

q . i t a

9 i s t

c t t 2 t e n t

e e t

p a

u h a t e i u 3 3 a w t c a o O r d o r f

r i e n n n

e r o r _ g g o n v r a a i n

_ r e e i _ i t d d d

l y y y a e r r s s s _ G l , . , . , _

_ e _ _ o _ _ l _ o _ a a t w C S e e M o o C M r n T t o I N s _ g _ e h n e i x n n n _ a r i n e i h s o _ o o n e r c l e v c

_ r r u w d d e k

_ e v a n i w . . n

r l e _ s r

i n d W s

u _ l b i s L l L s n g

_ e g g t g

I s n _ S d t i

s t y i h _ r a c r a e

v y e a r d n i _ i g o a

e A A _ t n g e n v o r e e

s _ U i c a

o s q _

a v a e h r o I s s d p d r _ s i s U n e _ r

r e n t l t n i s a s i _ n

o o o O y e s t i a m _ c n d i o b t y K _ d v i ,

l

w o q _ t o t

g t i i i _ h

e c i o

l e B e _ s . t p h l . n a h

y t e _

g i

a i d n

n _ u o U H , a R r e R c

a d _ a i e

s _ l

o o t

n t s s l

_ R

l o

e e n e S b I i _ m

i . r

i v r _ s

p

p r t o o p t u _ n e i r o T R i A

_ i a a n t o o _ e e p n i w p d o s

a e _ i q e

t n t r m _ p s p r m o r p e , l d i _

o s ’ t i

_ d t i n s U r d s o _ r a e

t o e a r b _

e i i

i t g i

_ S , a r n k r s e n r P r _ a o

s c e e _

s

t e t n r T t

, _ g t d a r d I f r a a

_ h i u c c

a _

,

e e u a l e n

t a

_ o t t

h a n n a _ n r w e h n a Y h r l n _ i g f s g y _ r s

s d d k i c o i d _

e e

d o

S

t _

s y AClearerImage s t i e b

_ e

u b f

i S r h

u e _

o u - Y e y e E o _ r r e e r s e s r n _ e r t e , n e s s _ P a e l i d

c e

c h _

v

a s , g t p _ s n J d d S l E

u r i _ e i

e t o u a i

_ t o t n e o

i

a e _

’ c r s P o t r www.pgs.com o t _ p s r c d t r d r _ f c

e e e h e

d a _ r r n h

o t u o e C _ i d

s ; n s n e o e _ r a e

e r v _ t b u

,

r

y _ h a t d a n e

o f m w a o _ U s s l n y N e _

s w i n i

s , t _ l

t o c s

s s _ o d n I c m , a e _ o a d t s t

h

a s r _ f o o t r d h

i h _ ; t a f i

a g

_ e t i

t i o i v o _

u S

e n o e q e s q e o o _ h d P t e _ s o

n

t t d s n _ ’ d o u

n

e r r s S a _ l t U . c u i _ a

e o o a _ t t n S h _ t l r n e a f l _ t s t s

a c _

e

t i _ e a t .

P e p _ e C s t

h i _ t d

e s d

_ r n H t e _ e o i D d

e e _

s o

_

i n i s r e _

J E n n e _ n . a s A e

_ d h p _

n n

a r _ C r o r _ l a a u l e _ d a e e

_ l s r l _ r s J e

b p t u _

t o a f g _ b t e m

_ o r b l e _ u y z E e o e _ r , _ r z

r e e

m _ m m t s ( _ O a n n n s _

Y _

a _ i

t f n w R _ P c r I

P r l _ r _ i a i a l o o i _ r s t i E a _ t n c n e i _ s t m e q _ t e ) s t d d _ e - s _ , , . , , 2 3 HGS International Explorationists Dinner Meeting g Tuesday, April 21, 2009 HGS Northsiders n i t Crowne Plaza Hotel - Greenspoint (former Sofitel) Luncheon Meeting e 425 North Sam Houston Pkwy E e Social 11:15 AM, Luncheon 11:30 AM M

Cost: $31 pre-registered members; $35 for non-members & walk-ups; F. Jerry Lucia n Emeritus/Life/Honorary: $14; Students: FREE Senior Research Scientist, o To guarantee a seat, you must pre-register on the HGS website and pre-pay with Bureau of Economic Geology, e a credit card. h The University of Texas at Austin

c Pre-registration without payment will not be accepted.

n You may still walk up and pay at the door, if extra seats are available. u L s r

e Locating Remaining Oil in Carbonate Reservoirs: The d i s Reservoir Characterization Problem h t r o nly a small percentage of original oil in place (OOIP) is result is a static 3D model of porosity, permeability, and initial oil N Oproduced during primary production from most carbonate saturation suitable for input into a numerical flow simulator. S reservoirs. Secondary recovery programs, such as waterflooding, Production history of the field is simulated, and the end result is

G commonly double the amount of oil recovered, but much of the an image of the location of remaining oil saturation. I

H OOIP remains in the reservoir. To effectively improve recovery, development programs must target the location of remaining oil. Biographical Sketch The reservoir characterization challenge requires building a F. J ERRY LUCIA is a Senior Research Scientist model that images remaining oil saturation and can be used to at the Bureau of Economic Geology, The predict the outcome of various development (i.e., secondary University of Texas at Austin. He is an recovery) programs. expert in carbonate reservoir geology, reservoir characterization, and carbonate Building a carbonate reservoir model begins with an understanding petrophysics. His technical expertise of the relationship between pore space and petrophysical properties. includes carbonate sedimentation, origin This relationship must be linked to depositional and diagenetic and distribution of dolomite, and models so that the petrophysical properties can be imaged in 3D developing relationships between space. One rock fabric method for making this link has been carbonate rock fabrics and petrophysical properties. developed at the Bureau of Economic Geology by an integrated team of geologists, petrophysicists, and Before joining the Bureau in 1985, he was reservoir engineers. Pore-size distribution a Consulting Geological Engineer for is the key link between petrophysical Pore-size distribution is the Shell Oil Company assigned to the head measurements and rock fabric descriptions, key link between petrophysical office staff. Mr. Lucia retired from Shell in and rock fabric is the key link to sequence 1985 after 31 years of experience as a stratigraphic models. measurements and rock fabric geological engineer in research and operations. He is currently co-principal Rock fabrics are composed of matrix descriptions, and rock fabric investigator of the Reservoir fabrics—which contain interparticle and Characterization Research Laboratory, separate-vug porosity—and nonmatrix is the key link to sequence developing new techniques and methods fabrics—which contain interconnected for characterizing carbonate reservoirs to vugs. How a reservoir performs during stratigraphic models. improve recovery from existing oil fields production will be related to the volume through the integration of geological, and distribution of these basic fabrics. To properly anaylze petrophysical, engineering, and production data. Project areas a reservoir with matrix fabrics, understanding its sequence include the Permian Basin and the Middle East. Mr. Lucia is an stratigraphic framework is crucial. The primary stratigraphic active member of the American Association of Petroleum element is the high-frequency cycle within which basic rock Geologists, the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the Society fabrics are systematically distributed. However, the primary for Sedimentary Geology (SEPM), and is a Fellow of the petrophysical element is the rock-fabric flow unit, which is Geological Society of America. defined by facies stacking within a high-frequency cycle. The

24 Houston Geological Society Bulletin April 2009 April 2009 Houston Geological Society Bulletin 25 26 Houston Geological Society Bulletin April 2009 Tuesday, April 21, 2009 HGS Environmental & Engineering g n i

Black Lab Pub, Churchill Room • 4100 Montrose Blvd. Dinner Meeting t Social 5:30 p.m., Dinner 6:30 p.m. e e Cost: $25 Preregistered members; $30 non-members & walk-ups M

Barbara Castille

The HGS prefers that you make your reservations on-line through the r

HGS website at www.hgs.org. If you have no Internet access, you can e e-mail [email protected], or call the office at 713-463-9476 (include n your name, e-mail address, meeting you are attending, phone number and n i membership ID#). D

g

Wetland Science, Regulations & Experts: n i r

What Geologists Should Know about Wetlands e e n i g

etland consultants have arrived at a narrow specialty of regulations are dynamic and change frequently so staying on top n

environmental consulting through a wide variety of pro - of the latest changes is the responsibility of wetland experts. I E W fessional avenues. Regardless of professional roots, the primary &

role of any wetland consultant involved with delineations, permit - Biographic Sketch l a ting, mitigation design, and the subsequent construction of wet - BARBARA CASTILLE has 20 years of environmental and wetland t land areas is to assist property owners by promoting responsible experience in Texas and will share her insights into the ever n e development that is appropriate to current wetland regulations. changing wetland industry. She received a B.S. degree and M.S. degree in biology (chemistry minor) in 1986 and 1988, respec - m n

Wetland experts know the regulations and can offer advice based tively. Ms. Castille additionally holds a B.S. degree in industrial o r on a sound technical evaluation of a specific site or situation as hygiene. i v

well as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers standards. Wetland n E

S From the Editor continued from page 11 ______G H environment, was created in December 1970 by President Richard to date with people participating in activities in thousands of Nixon. Among the provisions of these bills was the requirement places around the globe. Now observed in 175 countries, Earth

that automobiles use unleaded gasoline, achieve a minimum Day is “the largest secular holiday in the world, celebrated by r o number of miles-per-gallon of gasoline, and more than a half billion people every year,” t i be equipped with catalytic converters. The old Lakota was wise. according to the coordinating non-profit d E

Earth Day Network. Environmental groups Most calendars indicate that Earth Day He knew that man’s heart have sought to make Earth Day into a day of e h t

is April 22, however another Earth Day is action, awareness, and learning which celebrated on the equinox around March 20th away from nature changes human behavior and provokes m

or 21st to mark the astronomical start of policy changes. o

becomes hard; he knew r

spring in the Northern Hemisphere. F The idea for the equinoctial Earth Day was that lack of respect for What now? What should we do on Earth introduced by activist John McConnell Day? Everyone can make a difference: walk at a Educational, Scientific growing, living things more, ride less, buy less, grow some of your and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) own food, recycle, plant a tree, join a group, Conference on the Environment in 1969. The soon led to lack of respect participate, volunteer, get involved. As mayor of San Francisco issued a proclamation geoscientists, we can educate and inform for this Earth Day in 1970 and the United for humans too. young people and our communities about Nations Secretary General signed a supporting earth processes, earth science, and the proclamation in 1971. During the March ~Chief Luther Standing Bear sustainable use of earth’s resources. Earth Day celebration, the precise moment of Canadian educator and philosopher the equinox is marked by the ringing of the Japanese Peace . Marshall McLuhan said in 1964, “There are no passengers on Spaceship Earth. We are all crew.” I Interest in Earth Day flagged in the 1980s and then was renewed in the late 1990s. Earth Day 2008 was one of the largest observances

April 2009 Houston Geological Society Bulletin 27 28 Houston Geological Society Bulletin April 2009 E Y a P T C W M S A

o o o r m c o p e e c u

o r s g r s - i e e i

t a n r u l t m c d

r l e : 2 h a

d

i i g H a 0 $ t r t a i y a

a u 0 s c 2 o s

e n y 9 a t s s u 8

r , t t r / H r

i a e L d A

p l t e 5 i l . i i l

r

p : f t w o a 3 e o e

n r 0 a - s n / i -

H l r e

w l U k 6

e a

• :

o 2 i t g

3 u t

, n 9

0 7 h i p y s 9

o o ,

o p s t a

9 u r 2 e u . n 9 m a t r 0

i

d

m W r e p . 0

n y d p • a u e 9

: a y

s s

D m $ y m t t h g

1 i a p n e e e 4 t r i n m n

m ; e t

t

e h - S

b r e r M w e t

r e e 6

u i d g r l : d 3 l i o s

s 0 n e o ; t

- e n o r $ o 7 r , t t

: 3

i

3 s o b f 5 0 :

n e

d e

F

x p f a t R o P t . h c m r r c e E e a

e .

E n H p s a r e o t G a e n d t l S n s - .

e

w m a r e

e e o b

m C a s i v t b a k e i e

H l a a r a n H a s b d o l v & e u G p r . s

r e w t e s o - a n p S

l t

a G k S y

- e

u w o R N y p l i o t c g s D f K “ • s t p d p s g h

l h u e a k e ; r D i o s e i a e c r s v e o e b a o t o r a s v

o e d r c s r t s f o l d e

s

s u e t e o o i S r s l t c

e i a e s l r l u ” l u s a p o l t d

r l e f e u t

t o i s t c s c r a r c

o h m u i o l i o w h v h c c e e o a n r r e m e l a e l t c i r e n i y u l t

y v

e n

l s o s e

p v

a m

s e t s B

e g c f h c y A

i s a a s s u

r t

o c a e e p o a ) l c q u l o v e l a n s

r v n e d o c

u o r c o

n

e t

m u i e e t

r a i b e i a k n n

e p i a

r l n s m a b e

s a n a

s n t r r . q

f r e

r s i

t n o f g b u o s

f e e u

i e S o t a i e c s e u

n l

e c n

u u i l a

e r f s r s

t s g A u g r

p s r t e s e t : h o o

i e i v s s i d d e o f o b e H f m e i e t c r

u l n d r n s y o G t o n n

o o

l ,

a s

S r m s a

s

u c t

l

s n i

. h e o e o o N m n a

?

i a d u n y )

f n s R s o s

i

.

s d m m e u r u s n l e n i t o r l i r n

g r h f c s o i

a n o f e

o p n c t d E o a A u t r

g

l r

e u p c m

g o o s o

p r c e r r k

n g r x e g s d r o

i k a

a r t m o i w y b u n i D l a a r t c

, p p s o s c r n i e n

a a g t o e s v t a r n d r e a

i i t

r e o t

n C S C l p i o c e s i D n t h l h f n u t . i o a y i d

n o h i

e i e d o n s g

a b v T n

o

n a r o s n s i l

i n s i r

i n e o a e h n r f d k t u n t

d c r g y v e l a o r t a c i i r r

g e o e o

n e c m e

r f a

s

( P o s a r s “ e p r l f r t

t

i n v

t v o T c k h e - o . b ( r t

e e e i e i a d r n a e n i .

e o d s .

M l m l u d

o . r i T F d l

s n s

g e m h a i s e

i r e e d p i . a a t d o o t o e , c c ” n

a s e

t t h o d p w h Y

n e c e i t z n n o c a i k r

n u

s e

r i p s e o t e b n s m e , o l c o

i a l s

s

n u o

l h a l g s a c t s a o a r e t

h t i n o k

t n n g n a n

i o i 3 a a s a s i y n n d d s g y 1 ? t t f l l , n

g

2 9

HGS North American Explorationists Dinner Meeting Discover the New Fugro Gravity & Magnetic Services. 1RZWKHIXOOVSHFWUXPRISRWHQWLDOÀHOGSURGXFWVDQGVHUYLFHVLVDYDLODEOHIURPDVLQJOHVRXUFH)XJUR *UDYLW\ 0DJQHWLF6HUYLFHV)XJUR*UDYLW\ 0DJQHWLF6HUYLFHVKDVPRUHWKDQ\HDUVRIODQGPDULQH DQGDLUERUQHRLODQGJDVH[SORUDWLRQH[SHULHQFHSURYLGLQJJHRORJLFVROXWLRQVHQKDQFLQJVHLVPLFGDWDDQG LPSURYLQJGULOOLQJHIÀFLHQF\$QGDOOGHOLYHUHGE\SURIHVVLRQDOVDURXQGWKHZRUOG)RUFRVWHIIHFWLYH H[SORUDWLRQULVNUHGXFWLRQGHSHQGRQ)XJUR*UDYLW\ 0DJQHWLF6HUYLFHVDZKROHQHZFHQWHURIJUDYLW\ DQGPDJQHWLFVHUYLFHV

!CQUISITIONs0ROCESSINGs)NTERPRETATIONs3OFTWAREs.ON %XCLUSIVE$ATA

Gravity Inspired. Magnetically Inclined. www.fugro-gravmag.com/solutions

30 Houston Geological Society Bulletin April 2009

• • • • • • • t A i t a i n H A n m

o h n I W C D o h I D W w a d i n p

t

s e s n d y r r t i p r i G

a a e

o i d i h e

t i h h t d

d l d e r n l l f

l h u h e s e l o e 2 l r o a l a r

b ,

S i s e e n p e n k

a 0 o

g t a t n v

e r m o t r

0 c Geophysical Data Processing June 8 – 12 (8:00am – 4:30pm) CHRIS LINER LINER CHRIS 4:30pm) – (8:00am 12 – 8 June Seismic AttributesforReservoir Carbonates EM Seismic Migration Processing Data Geophysical 3D SeismicInterpretationII 3D SeismicInterpretationI Reservoir Geophysics Rock &FluidPhysics Application &InterpretationofConvertedWaves Seismic WaveandRayTheory a t r t c

s l e o w d x e g e h

h o i 9 r o t

r e

f p

e

u i e a s c N u e g e a r All classes will be held at the Univer sity of Houston Main Campus. For more information about enrollment and cost, cost, and enrollment about information more For Campus. Main Houston of sity Univer the at held be will classes All d y o r f c n

t l n o r t v f

s e i

m o d u o p

t e a c i p t

d a i m d e o n t n e s r c e d r

i PETROLEUMGEOPHYSICSSHORTCOURSEPROGRAM s o h i i s c n

a e l t r g s d e o s m i o e r t t i r e n t a t t v s

n o o e e

n t i f r i t

t o p e c t t o u e n p g c

h n n a i

i e r l t o a s t e n i h n n i a t a u

i h a o s o . n l

i UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON - DEPARTMENT OF EARTH & ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCES p n c

l

t g e i

t b a t e I e

a n

w

c

o r i s s o ? l h w s i g o n o o a ,

a u A

l e o

c p e i

s i - t n d o i l f

s

s t l u i n o u

r i r q i t y p

u

o l m s e m o g p o p - l j e , u t e n l l d e

m g b s u r r r d i w c e c a e

? e e o y l d

k o t e s t t o e f e s - f

d

i t e ? a i i f o t m l b d o d i e

n l

u

r r o

c

b s u a s n e s s s c s c i u u u n t

e l r t p

l c t e

i i s b u s a i

b s i i n a n

d a t

o

n n a p d s please visit: visit: please f r a c c l c g o u e n l

p d a e e i a o o d

r c n r t

m t

n u

n r w i w u e e i r o f g a s p t

a o p g m a p

, , l i s o b c

o

n i l i o k p e D a r e e e e s r e g e l x k n o s u

o a u n

u r , p f d d m w i t r t i t l t s o i o t n s o i e

e n e a u o k t

s s d w m d o t g u n - n

s S e ? o http://www.geosc.uh.edu r ?

r i f

e e g

U

i

d j r n o o r f a a p f

e i r M t

t

n i t h f e o c e K o h t f o e i n t p M e m n e n

a

t p r ? i c g c

n

i a o r b

a u , HOUSTON, TEXAS E

t n

l e r s f s e l e u d b a H u o e t t R

u o d f o r r e -

u o r n l p u m t

i 2 r s a i f n m a

r 2 n t v t p a o e o u a g l n a s g 0 c

,

? c e a G m d e

l

e 0 2 e s c

i 9 June 25, 26, 29 & 30 (8:00am – 4:30pm) 4:30pm) – (8:00am 30 & 29 26, 25, June 4:00pm) – (12:00pm 24 June 12:00pm) – (8:00am 24 June 4:30pm) – (8:00am 24 - 23 June 4:30pm) – (8:00am 19 - 15 June 4:30pm) – 5 (8:00am - 1 June CASTAGNA JOHN 4:30pm) – (8:00am 29 – 28 May 4:00pm) – 27 (12:00pm May 12:00pm) – (8:00am 27 May SCHUSTER JERRY 4:30pm) – (8:00am 26 - 25 May 4:30pm) – (8:00am 22 - 18 May 4:30pm) – (8:00am 15 - 11 May 4:30pm) – 8 (8:00am - 4 May o s w

e

s c

9 l _ t o s _ s C S p C B N a O t r _ u h g _ e h e o _ S s a o i u o H _ i o c h e

m s a _ a s o n S or contact us at (713) 743-3402 743-3402 (713) at us contact or _ n l a r A

u i b _ i

y g M _ u l g w t o t o R

_ r , C _ S s u s

r h

n

_ L c a t a h _ i h a o u W _

E o d y m i l _ e e c k p H _ S n . P r o a - o _ i

e e _ r h h A

e T a _ f h s g t H _ s t n n y a i _ E i . a t l i _

c r i t

e l n _ s l F i e t B c _

a l o

y

_ s n s i

h E D h _ n u S e p g e _ a

t A n _ l a a t g l _ s a n

i k e e

Z _ i d r U . n _ t c T t s

_ E e n d v i

_

n o U

L _ r . e I R t _ e

e e L n _ O c i n _ d c i s _ s

d _ h e

i h k

3 _ E a a v _ g a _ 4 l

n _ e c P d J s f g S C M F i e r a s _ B

r n

o _ c p r , r e a e e e y h _ h o o

a . _ h s e t h a c n s e e a a A _ r r m o . i h _ c l x

l p a _ c , i i z D n t b a _ . u o r

m o b e i

r y _

e t h

n t s _ c i o i

s . b r d r _

d p l g n h C

i _ o

d a

a

u _ n e H c d i s w e t _

e h y ,

a ,

n n _

a c i g

p m

_ m e a

o s i _ a o r t i

n d e g _ t N o T g p e t h n e _ s g h o p

a _

n e s r e i i _ g

e o , o M l n _

a s r i k

t e e

x t _ o

t i t f l _ f n r h i a o s i h o e x i U _ a i a g s

_ . o n t e g

e _ s e n p t e A n r s u y S h _ n l n e

s _

d e , d d i

e _ s e . f c

m

. i p _ n a f s

N

_ r a

r s i S t o r a _ a l e d a

e , m _ o i ,

o

e t e

m _

H n e n e r n d G e _ f h a a n m m JOHN CASTAGNA CASTAGNA JOHN a _ a v n v v _ d d e n

d e - i _ t t , r c FRED HILTERMAN o a _ S e

s c n e d _

LEON THOMSEN THOMSEN LEON i A _ l

d t e HUA-WEI ZHOU ZHOU HUA-WEI i e g e _ o JAMES GAISER GAISER JAMES

KURT MARFURT MARFURT KURT t s a _ r t

s n a _ e l ROB STEWART STEWART ROB o p p

_ h t KURT STRACK STRACK KURT i

a _ CHRIS LINER LINER CHRIS o

l e c n t _ m e l e a s _ o s d h l _ o

c

k n _ o

M

e _ n e a i g M _ a d f g n _ a s r u l _ , y , i o _ i l e t

a _ d i c m t t , , _ t w d r

c _ h i

a d h _ a t e _ r c t

e l e _ l , n e e s _

u o e e

r

_

s

B d r _

o s n n _ v i G E e i _

e n e _ u i t a z t a _ a t a u i _ r t c a r s

s _ s n u i _ w v l l . i

t t _ n

e f u _ o f . g i o _

D i o

n g _ o

d e d u _ o i r _ s t r n o _ e e r s t f _ , , .

3 1 HGS North American Explorationists Dinner Meeting 32 Houston Geological Society Bulletin April 2009 Wednesday, April 29, 2009 g HGS General n i Petroleum Club • 800 Bell (downtown) Luncheon Meeting t Social 11:15 AM, Luncheon 11:30 AM e e Cost: $30 pre-registered members; $35 for non-members & walk-ups; M

Emeritus/Life/Honorary: $15; Students: FREE Michael R. Hudec, Martin P. A. Jackson, and To guarantee a seat, you must pre-register on the HGS website (www.hgs.org) Daniel D. Schultz-Ela n and pre-pay with a credit card. o Pre-registration without payment will not be accepted. Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of e

You may still walk up and pay at the door, if extra seats are available. Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin h c n u L

The Paradox of Minibasin Subsidence into Salt l a r

hy do salt-floored minibasins subside? An almost universal We identify five alternatives to density-driven subsidence of e n

Wexplanation is that salt is forced from beneath the sinking minibasins. During diapir shortening , the squeezed diapirs inflate, e basin by the weight of its sedimentary fill. This explanation is leaving the intervening minibasins as bathymetric depressions. G valid if the average density of the basin fill exceeds that of salt, In extensional diapir fall , stretching of a diapir causes it to sag, S which needs at least 1,600 meters of siliciclastic fill to ensure producing a minibasin above its subsiding crest. During decay of enough compaction. However, most minibasins start sinking salt topography , a dynamic salt bulge subsides as upward flow of G when the fill is much thinner than this. Some mechanisms other salt slows, which lowers the salt surface below the regional sediment H than density inversion must explain the early subsidence history surface. During sedimentary topographic loading , sediments of these minibasins. Conventional understanding of minibasin accumulate as a bathymetric high above salt. Finally, subsalt subsidence is thus incomplete. deformation affecting the base of salt may produce relief at the top of salt. Each mechanism (including density- driven subsidence) produces a different bathymetry, which interacts with sediment transport to produce a different facies pattern in each type of minibasin. The particular mechanism for minibasin subsidence depends on the tectonic environment, regional bathymetry, and sedimen - tation rate. The spatial variation of minibasins on a continental margin creates provinces in which a given minibasin style is dominant. An appreciation of subsidence mechanisms should thus improve understanding of minibasin fill patterns and allow genetic comparisons between minibasins. I

Biographic Sketch MIKE HUDEC ([email protected]) received his Ph.D. from the University of Wyoming in 1990. He worked for Exxon Production Research specializing in salt and extensional tectonics from 1989 to 1997 and then taught structural geology at Baylor University from 1997 to 2000. Dr. Hudec joined the Bureau of Economic Geology in 2000, where he co-directs the Applied Geodynamics Laboratory, an industry-funded research consortium studying salt tectonics. His current research interests include palinspastic restoration of salt structures, salt-sheet emplacement mechanisms, and minibasin initiation.

HGS General Luncheon continued on page 34

April 2009 Houston Geological Society Bulletin 33 3 HGS General Luncheon Meeting 4 H G S

G e n e r a l

L u n c h e o n

c o n t i n u e d

f r o m H o p u a s g t e o

3 n 3

G

_ e _ _ o _ _ l _ o _ _ g _ _ i _ c _ a _ _ l _

_ S _ _ o _ _ c _ _ i _ e _ _ t _ y _ _

_ B _ _ u _ _ l _ l _ e _ _ t _ i _ n _ _

______A _ _ _ p _ _ r _ i _ l

_ 2 _ _ 0 _ _ 0 _ _ 9 _ _ _ April 2009 Houston Geological Society Bulletin 35 April 20 09 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

Reservations: 1 The HGS prefers that you make your reservations on-line through the HGS website at www.hgs.org. If you have no Internet access, you can e-mail [email protected], or call the office at 713-463-9476. Reservations for HGS meetings must be made or cancelled by the date shown on the HGS Website calendar, normally that is 24 hours before hand or on the last business day before the event . If you make your reservation on the Website or by email, an email confirmation will be sent to you. If you do not receive a confirmation, check with the [email protected]. Once the meals are ordered and name tags and lists are prepared, no more reservations can be added even if they are sent. No shows will be billed. 5 67 8 HGS General Dinner Meeting “Sustainable Development of the Upper Texas Coast: A Call for More Science and Less Politics” John Anderson, Maurice Ewing Professor of Oceanography, Rice University Page 15 12 13 14 15

HGS International HGS Northsiders 19 20 Dinner Meeting 21 Luncheon Meeting 22 “4 Million BPD, 6 Million BPD...When “Locating Remaining Oil in Carbonate Will Iraq Deliver?” A Panel Discussion on Reservoirs: The Reservoir Characterization Iraq's Problems and Potential Problem” Page 24 Bob Fryklund, VP IHS, Harry 'Bud" T. HGS E&E Dinner Meeting “Wetland Science, Regulations & Experts: Holzman Jr., Geologist McCombs Energy, What Geologists Should Know about and Ben Lando, UPI Page 19 Wetlands” Page 27 26 27 HGS North American 28 29 Explorationists HGS General Dinner Meeting Luncheon Meeting “Using Modern Cave Systems as Analogs “The Paradox of Minibasin Subsidence into for Paleokarst Reservoirs” Salt” Charles T. Feazel, Subsurface Technology, Michael R. Hudec, Martin P. A. Jackson, ConocoPhillips and Daniel D. Schultz-Ela, BEG, Page 29 Petroleum Club of Houston, Page 33

NO ONE HAS MORE WAYS TO OPTIMIZE YOUR RESERVOIR.

[email protected] 24-hour wellsite service hotline: 713-328-2121

36 Houston Geological Society Bulletin April 2009 GEO EVENTS Thursday Friday Saturday

2 34 HGS Guest Night AEG – Texas Golf Benefit “In Search of the First Americans: Recent Bear Creek Park Discoveries and the Role of Geology in the Upcoming GeoEvents Pursuit of the Past,” Michael R. Waters, Page 59 May 4 – 7 PhD, Departments of Anthropology and 2009 Offshore Technology Conference Geography, Texas A&M University Houston, Texas Downtown Aquarium May 11 General Dinner Meeting 9 10 11 Dr. Lesli J. Wood, Senior Research Scientist, Bureau of Economic Geology Source-to-Sink Linkages between Clinoform Architecture and Deepwater Deposits, Eastern Mexico Margin, Southern Gulf of Mexico May 12 – 14 TCEQ 2009 Environmental Trade Fair and Conference Austin Convention Center, Austin, Texas 16 17 18 May 14 SIPES Luncheon HGS Continuing Education “"Send in the Clowns"” Reservoir Engineering Tools for Dan Smith, Sandlewood O&G Geoscientists John R. Farina, Petroleum Engineer Petroleum Club Page 39 May 15 HPAC Annual General Meeting and Luncheon Houston Racquet Club 23 24 25 May 19 Northsider’s Luncheon Deepwater Hydrates in the Gulf of HGS Central Texas Field Trip Mexico, Bob Hardage, Distinguished Page 17 Lecturer, The University of Texas at Austin June 7 – 10 AAPG Annual Convention Denver, Colorado Members Pre-registered Prices: June 20 30 9th Annual GSH / HGS Saltwater HGS Continuing Education General Dinner Meeting ...... $28 NOW Tournament “Petroleum Geology of Deep-Water Nonmembers walk-ups...... $35 you can make Tackle Box Storage & Fish Spot Clastic (Turbidite) Depositional Env. & Eng...... $25 Marina, Texas City Luncheon Meeting ...... $30 your reservations Systems” on-line at June 21 – 29 Roger M. Slatt, Professor of Petroleum Nonmembers walk-ups...... $35 HGS Grand Canyon Field Trip Geology and Geophysics International Explorationists ...... $28 www.hgs.org North American Expl...... $28 June 27 University of Oklahoma Emerging Technology ...... $25 26th Annual HGS Skeet Shoot

Collarini Energy Staffing Inc. Full–Time and Temporary Exploration and Production Personnel Geoscience Facilities Drilling Production Reservoir Engineers Landmen Management Procurement Information Technology Health and Safety Accounting Administrative Support 11111 Richmond Avenue, Suite 126 www. collarini.com 4200 South I-10 Service Road, Suite 230 Houston, Texas 77082 Metairie, Louisiana 70001 Phone (832) 251-0553 Phone (504) 887-7127 Fax (832) 251-0157 Connecting the Industry’s Experts Fax (504) 887-7162

April 2009 Houston Geological Society Bulletin 37 38 Houston Geological Society Bulletin April 2009 g n

SIPES Luncheon Meeting i t e

“Send in the Clowns Wait –They’re Already Here” e M Musings on Washington, D.C., our Energy Industry, and n o

Bringing Science to Government e Dan Smith h c n u L

IPES members across the country have been very active along with members of other professional societies, especially those of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, in representing the geological community regarding critical issues affecting their S

S E livelihoods. While the current economic crisis has shifted attention away from energy, President Obama and the Congress are planning P to return to the topic. Putting political rhetoric aside, the challenges facing the United States in the realm of energy security, the envi - I S ronment, and other issues involving earth science deserve serious attention and careful policy solutions. These solutions must be based on science and fact, not wishful thinking.

In 2005, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists took deliberate action to bring science to our nation's policy makers by estab - lishing the Geoscience and Energy Office Washington D.C. (GEO-DC). The mission of this group is to provide the scientific and energy expertise of AAPG members (many of whom are also SIPES members) to the policy making process. There are two points of focus:

1. Advise and educate government officials and science and energy policy organizations; and

2. Communicate to the geological community timely information on relevant legislative and regulatory actions.

This talk will discuss current political realities, activities of GEO-DC, and the policy challenges facing the 111th Congress. I

Biographic Sketch DAN SMITH has over 50 years of oil and gas exploration and production experience. His background includes prospect generation, property evaluation, structural and stratigraphic interpretations, well log analysis, geophysics, and business and financial management. He has been responsible for discov - ering numerous new fields. Mr. Smith started his career at Amoco after graduation from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in geology. He became Executive Vice President and part owner of Texoil after a period at Roberts and Whitson Petroleum. In 1992, he joined the Meridian Resource Corporation as a consultant, accepting a position as Vice President in 1996. He continued with Meridian until 1999, when he again became an independent. Mr. Smith joined Sandalwood Oil & Gas, Inc. as Executive Vice President in 2001. He also manages his own independent company.

Mr. Smith has served as the Houston SIPES chairman, president of the SIPES Foundation, and president of both the HGS and AAPG. He received the Distinguished Service and Honorary Life Membership Awards from HGS and GCAGS, and the HGS's highest honor, the Gerald A. Cooley Award. He also received the Distinguished Service and Honorary Member awards from AAPG as well as the Honorary Member award from the House of Delegates. Mr. Smith is currently the AAPG representative to the AGI Member Council and is Vice Chairman of the AAPG Washington D.C. Office Governance Board. He has been the Political Affairs Chairman of the Houston SIPES Chapter for approximately 15 years.

Thursday, April 16, 2009 Houston Petroleum Club in the Discovery Room, 800 Bell St. (downtown Houston). Social 11:15 AM, Luncheon 11:45 AM Reservations Required: Make reservations by telephone (713-651-1639), fax (713-951-9659), website (www.sipes-houston.org), or e-mail [email protected] to B. K. Starbuck-Buongiorno by 12:00 noon on Tuesday preceding the meeting. You can now sign up for the meeting online at www.sipes-houston.org, but payment is still required by regular mail or at the door. Cost: $30 for SIPES Members and Chapter Affiliates who register by 12:00 Noon Tuesday; $35 for new registrations at the door. The price for guests, non-members and walk-ins is $35. No-shows will be billed .

April 2009 Houston Geological Society Bulletin 39 40 Houston Geological Society Bulletin April 2009 r t t f o T o s S n T G o s C o d w A e e e h i e e f f f i f o h d l a x p i s e c s

i

e i t t e t t t s r t e e c o h c t o h h i

u h

m a l h

u k b c

n a ( h i

l f e r a r r 2 g L e o e a s i e n e c e d o

e e r 0 n s h l

a n h D

d d g e e

e l 0

i s m h g t o - l h n

t a

9 y t i u p E p r q

B o e h g u n d o g

o e o r r O r r u y m e i a n i

k s o m e r o n o

, n a a a e

n e )

n d o j G j

l d e

p g e a l L

e

e r o d

i i f t f c p d r

e r e n a c v t e p h

c g c t

r e y i o a t t a n i l s g h a G e y s f

, d s i h a t . g l

f h . g

m

g

e e o u

T e e g p e e e l a e T i n r e g i r r o r g

a h n o h m

s n

e e h t y h l o a

s t h o e o s d i s p a n , k e

i p f

o s

l s f n a f t

L

s a a h t i t h o

r o r m

P g n .

d

D s e

t y e p u i t l g u h a T e d h

s o o c o s s e r l E r n e l e t p

e - a h w e i e e

p T a s m a O h d a c i c t s o

. e p e n r a -

h n r e L s o e

T c

’ c s q h a g c s

a f ; a e E

a h h m w

i h t h u r s e a r v

r m O n

n c

e p a

h t

e a t s f y i a h t p v s a o h t r

n p l i

c o o n e p

i - c t

i e p r v e r t l p e g e r a p n i d a r e i o y

h i o l

r a

n r o l i D i d s f s t

c p e i y o c t n i n

v g - k e j n e i h e v s s r e j o e D m i r n

e o l i

k i

e c d s p d c a f d c a a c t s s

t n o

s e e p o t

r n t i i o s

r w . e v n s n o e h h t f

n h n e d C ,

r i s s i

i t i e b s s i d a o t n a , o e g t

, c o i

h e h r

h r e n C o u n m h f f p s G a l t r c e w

o u

n d c t y l i e r a a l a

a i

s e c t r m w i

s c

e

r g t t u

n v e y m o

l m E e h h a t l h e o s d i

i d n w c i d

d e b a

e s c r t r n a p

a h

s t o

s r e t a l l e b h

t t t u e d b a

u e o t p o t h d o i e t r n g h o w m

e . y r o s n e

L e

i p - e A e .

m a t

e y n P n

g D i T

e O . t l f L

s w o s n h r h

n

. l e o t D E

a o a d b n

e M e p r l y

i m n r y a O t n

e y g w s E d E a s g l h

e d o s e i

; b

i g e O H t

w s c

c c c d r w B a h l

e M a

r e h o o f v u s

n i

i

r e a

i e i u i t c c t p ; a s a e p o r

s a d r i

o e s r o k e l

o t r a e

t a r k d t i

m h o r r o s u i e o g t l g i n n a o

i

n

h n a . n n r h i o e l e F w a s n n d d l t c

y e e e s s t t f f l , . G

h F e o o o l r o l c p l t g g a p v P A O o h a m h s t d

l g i u h u o o n e e n r g p i r i o e r a O s i p r o c d o o e n n u o e n r h d

d e m g e a a s e u e r p e s g e n m z d r t

e

c l e

. e r t

a d o p r d a e h l p

u d t S s n p

e a T

a t p i e s , y

s i a b o c

i v a a e t t

m . n a d h t . a s s s P s r c t

i d g d i

a b F i r

o i

o g t t t i e i . c T e e n i

i i a r y e G i o s e s e

u n n l n a s a t c a . l

g e c r h y

x r i

i l r

f . g s i l h y e h d

u n

e o p p s i c e a B

i a

s i s e n a n

e r k e f s r n e

a , n u t d a o e v r

m s s B k s d s r . i v t l d d f i l s e . i t n i

u e e e

e

e i r s o o e a n

a e t t t d H e g s s c n v l a i s n i n r r o t i n g t

d e o u

o n r . i d e i c e o

i p

o

c g n s m t A k e n h r a t

t s f h h s n a a s e u h b , h

u s

i o

t e . r e

f

h

o o a y

e i r e i u t i t t

l i

n o v n i l n o

f G

l s e o s

s s l e a c B

e n o s t

e

i t f f t s w c t l o n

y t o o

R o s o t h i i e r h e t

l p c f g t f r h p o e h r e e s

i u r

e k y

n g i e e s r

e s a m t e a

d M t

i e e i h h

v r e r

o

i r c n y e a o f e o v f a o a a e

e o f l a i

r g W

a t n r f e c

n l r o

l r c y e v t

r

i

w e c c e e

i d f h h n o

o w i i o n n t h

b w

e ( n i e e

t e u i n R f s n e t o t h o

v

g b e

i y

l

L m G t L g e e s

r b i G n y c s t e

s e a D s s s k o h i

a s

, r

a . e s i e

t

o c i p

n f

s o e e E w e r t o s D a f M o

t m a e

l i o

m u O l h r t s n i n M s g l i o h d u c

e a p i s

a e e e c e

g c f s h a n

e r r a

o

t

d i l

y t c g

p r E e M n y u

c r m h r r i

n e s G e t r

a o a i

c d a o e e h

o t o o n

n

e e n n n r h m e a

a i O f v s e e t

t d o n O d r g

e b d c h h 1 i

t c e

c u e

d i

r O o G 9 h o u s f h e c t l

O e e p f p u 5 u r o d e n o c

e i p

s n i ) s

e 3 d c c t a s f t c o c e t h p s w

c

i

s e e . n e i n s p

a a a a n i r i

a

u , , O e l

f p i

p o h r

n d o e i i g n i L r b a n c n s c d y j p d n f o

e D

n

h

s Y t s

b k l o i D r

e w c e i i i M s o d n e s e E u

c t c

t r

e r u i s e r

o

n f p a s e b O n h a o e i i a s

a T t s f s h l p b a t r i g

r

u i

t l

m u o g h h t i a a r l i o e i r t n e n n n h h c b

n h a g r a a 4 l i s h d g g y e e e e e e e c 3 - s s t ,

4 1 Geologic Website of the Month A S G OOD A S O UR W ORD TAP INTO OUR RESERVOIR

www.dawson3d.com 508 West Wall, Suite 800 Midland, Texas 79701 432-684-3000 800-D-DAWSON Houston, Texas 713-917-6772 Denver, Colorado 303-409-7787 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 405-848-7512 Michigan 248-446-9533

EXPERIENCE For over a half-century Dawson has helped its clients succeed. In both seismic acquisition and processing, we deliver high quality data that gets clear-cut results. From field equipment to software, we put the latest technologies into the hands of seasoned professionals who have geophysical knowledge specific to all major U.S. basins. Decades of acquiring data and imaging objectives to provide total subsurface picture. That's what our experience gives you.practice every day.

Planning • Design • Acquisition • Processing • Results

42 Houston Geological Society Bulletin FebrAuapryil 2009 c o L y T U R t M G A h o e c D h i p n a e r e a v r e e i e r

E a i n e v l

E s

s n L O p h a s T v l e E t i c r 2 r e o h

e n a c i e f o v - D 0 o

r n r o u a a h s r a i c

s r s t i o o 0 n l l e t d o f r m o d e c n h e E i e t t 9 l v o s

t n t t a

r m u t h r d

i

h o r O

b y i i a n d i a L t n o d t n e

i P ’ . o g e i u n s

i m

n g I a o

b s s e A e y e r o

o a i n

k s t e f

e m s

s v o n i r n f s u l e c e i a a s t

s

e a e c e i

n n l t , c n , o t t s t

r o s r s s o

n r

h u d o d

i n r

e c e a t a v n a y

c t t a t e d

a r , r e h

o n e d u

c

h h n a i t W

e d t k o t r

n n

p - o d t i . h t e e c d e

E i i c

c o D e r e

a

r h

F n s f s e

t

r e e d n o a e f u

s h w

,

e i r o g u u n a a O t

s i u

a n r o o n e , o

n h n N

t i e t o

t l t t m

b

t d s u p b

m

w n s h e s o e

h e r e C a b t e t s a r r r e

l

v i e s a a s e o n e a w a g t

t d m t o r o w . e r t h b

y r n u

l

s d a n

' i v g r o o l e

l T i

e h s e a i t u

e t t y a s Y a b f r

E t i

n s

r a

e

h o o a e

m w t c l a o e e r d a t f t v o o a d r e n h e e

o a h l a r s e r e

r

n g r c s b

r . e

h e t c l k t b y

o w e g c l

h i s

T l

b i h o i o ’ c u

a s n k i t o

a e n s p e h m e h

i a h o a b

n n r

s l

t a O f f e e l e m f c p b o U e a t e u a o a . e t

r n

e

f

r : u b o l w i n e s c t d L

n s c T t p e

t e t

s , s c r t d u s s o s i D h

m l i u

h i e a h o f o e

e e c v c a o t f l i r a s n l n d a e h E l i c s l e o

m

n v e

l c e t

y v t g l a f w i o r r e O f u m a e , c

a i

e i e r s e n c

v

r h f o , t l d a a t

i n

t t

t e o o g t o t i t i a r M i g e a n e

f s t h e r e o y s n l o r r c b a d i s

c d d p l

e a

a l y o n m h o

t n i o l e

. w

h n n o

p m o m

o

o s o

u k c

( e p e

L

e h o

v h i h e e w k t L 2 n r c o e l

m D e n

e a a f y a i e i 0 e i k D t t r r c

i n r r t l

, a s n E h 0

e t c d

l i

t h s t

t g E e m l l h o e

h o e t O

f o

e e n r

h

h t t h a d

n O q m

t

e l e . h o s o g

f c h a i e C e

s u p o s

n ) e e r r a e

e e z p e c n a r

e i d o l - c n a v k a p i

i g e o i o H k

o s H s e o

e r l s r

t s s e i n

n n e e b n o c u

r d h 1 n e t

r s t u s h a a i o u y y g e e E - s n t 3 a m t , , s d

n u h n a , a t e 0 s o t b r

d n o

0 6 n t o o

i f n h d

0 0 a r f f G o

m e o p l a o s a e s d c C t r E b L i h d u t w w a m a g g n c e e n o n r

e u u D e i c n a i o o h v i i c s e g a

a s g n d l v e 4 m r i e i n a r d i c

l - E p m l 1 i n s

i

t n o a k l a d e n i s e t s s

e i s O h a p _ t S r o n a t

d e i i _ , i e s r i n i n d c

_ n

t ' n o k l c c s , l _ e

g s t s s a

h i _ y t e c k i h e t g

a r _ g n e t

t

t a s n _ c i

r i

s

i h a

_ s l e e

. o l a c i t a o _ n i , n

d l a b

y o t _

n T h n e a o t o n r _ s y e L n d p a

_

s f

n e

g y d _ n h c w p f s e t D t d B

w _ t

p

e o _ d

u d

e p d e i v h _ s u u t l r w

b _ n e E n n

s i m r i h _ u o i l p o e f

c r _ l e b c s e e O e o g _

o e w s c e o t t _

i a w p

t s e t s c _ m t e

e o o

t c i r w _ l i t n o

e a r l e _ i d a w t t

i g f _ e t f a

o i r r e d i _ l o r e

t t r i

_ r a s y t n f e a

c t s

_ a h h e c i

n t h a t _ . u d s c b a g a _ t s n h h d o e e p _ - s e t o

- l l , t r _ s a

_ h a i

n t _

t _ h p s _ w e t _

W a d O f e e _ h

_ i a o i n

_ i r s n _ e p b r n i r s _

t e l _ n t i s t l l d

l _ o c

d e e o i _ i d r _ t a

r n r s _ - e n o _ a

v m e

e c s _ o r g a _ r

s e e l

_ f c

a a t _ a o t . r M _

o i h i t s _ f r t S n _ n

h r s c h _ a t a t _ y g

h g h e _ i n e e u , _

l

r _ e

g a a l v c p _ r l

, _ e e r i n i e

L _ i s c n o _ w c s t

h _ a d e s t h p _ t e _

e u m a i

o _ h "

t i l _ l r a s , _ n h D y

l o

_ e c n f o _ t s

f n d _ i i o h i i _ o d w e n c

_ t t c e _ i

i n r

s " _ d . n

G s m _ m

V

_ c t

e O E _

e f e e _ o a x a r _ a w o m

_ n o n u c n _ t r l _ i o n i e e d e _ a t y n v _ g l

t s

_

.

g l e _

f i w e o o _ e o o c

. _ a (

f n r _ a f u h _ I 1

r

_ l L t t n _ a c 9 t

_ h w a _ d h t 0 g _ e

m _ i 6 r

o _ k n

f _ a - e _ a

o i g _ 1 p n n _ c c n _ 9 h l _ t i d t _ i 7 l r _ ' i c i

_ s 4 i c t _ k o e _ ) y s _ s s f _ , , , _ _ _ 4 3 Geologic Website of the Month 44 Houston Geological Society Bulletin FebrAuapryil 2009 e

Hard Time, Deep Time, Real Time m i

Neal Immega T

l a e R ust how do you go about teaching people how long geological The Grand Hall of the museum is perfect for this activity because e time is? One common ways is by analogy with the length of a it is more than 100 yards long. We laid out duct tape, stretching

J m football field. If you spread 570 million years (radioactive age from the Butterfly Center to the ticket counters, and marked off i T date for the beginning of animals with hard body parts during the geological periods. We made about 200 stick-on labels – each the Cambrian period) over 100 yards, trilobites appear at the five with a picture of an organism and its dates – for visitors to stick p e

yard line, mammals at the 88 yard line, and historic times (starting on the floor next to the timeline. They loved it, particularly the e

at about 10,000 years before present) in the last one-third of an parentally-suppressed young decorators. We had numerous visi - D inch. Just how well does the public grasp this analogy? We decided tors, including numerous geoscientists, walking the time line to , e to find out. HGS volunteers set up this analogy for visitors at the see when various animals appeared and how species progressed m celebration of Darwin Day (February 7, 2009) at the Houston from simple to complex. People frequently commented on just i T

Museum of Natural Science. how many things were crammed into the last foot (Pleistocene to

Recent). I think that visitors could better visualize time from this d r

linear model than from a verbal one. If you want to try this at your a

venue, I have placed all the computer files for the labels on the H publicly-accessible Houston Gem and Mineral Society web page (www.hgms.org) in the K-12 directory. You might get a better reception from the custodial staff if the labels had removable glue.

Many of the geo-volunteers involved thought we should bring in a pavement saw and make the display permanent. Geology professors from Blinn and San Jacinto Colleges were thinking about nice long sidewalks on their campuses where this kind of time line could be made out of brick and tiles. I

The timeline runs from the present to ….. Volunteer Janet Kid helping a young visitor to make his mark.

April 2009 Houston Geological Society Bulletin 45 Killer whales produce whistles, clicks, pulsed calls, low-frequency pops and jaw claps for two overlapping functions—to communicate and echolocate.

For years PGS has been communicating closely with operators in exploration basins worldwide to help locate new prospects, to expand production from existing ones and to lower finding and development costs. Recent significant successes from our depth imaging teams are giving geoscientists clear images by using state-of-the-art migration algorithms and advanced velocity model building workflows. To find out more about the bottom line benefits of PGS data processing, please contact Frank Dumanoir at (713) 509-8354.

A clearer image www.pgs.com

46 Houston Geological Society Bulletin April 2009 n o i

HGS Undergraduate Scholarship Foundation t a d

Presents Seven Scholarships n u o F

p i

he HGS Undergraduate Scholarship Foundation has been providing scholarships to deserving students since 1984. To date, over h s T$153,000 in scholarships have been awarded. This year the Foundation awarded seven scholarships totaling $10,500. Foundation r a

Chairman John Adamick presented the scholarships to the recipients at the February 9th HGS General Dinner meeting. Universities includ - l ed in the undergraduate scholarship program include Lamar University, Sam Houston State University, Stephen F. Austin State University, o h

Rice University, Texas A&M University, the University of Houston, and the University of Texas. c S

e

Vitae for our scholarship winners are listed below. These students are to be commended for their accomplishments. t a

Madelyn Percy James Burnes u d

University of Texas Lamar University a r g r

Madelyn Percy is a senior at the James Burnes grew up on a farm in Fred, e

University of Texas at Austin, double Texas. He is a senior at Lamar University d majoring in geology and anthropology, with a dual major in geology and history n U

with a concentration in archaeology. and minors in anthropology and earth Stating her goal of being the first ever science. James is also planning to take S

archaeologist AND geologist as early as several biology courses to help with his G kindergarten, she feels incredibly fortunate that she has been plans to study paleontology and obtain his Ph.D. and teach as a H allowed to pursue both studies. Madelyn’s research interests cur - research professor at the university level. James is currently treas - rently follow two trajectories, working with Dr. Charlie Kerans on urer of LUGS (Lamar University Geological Society), former a late Albian carbonate rudist reef complex in Medina County, president of the Lamar Anthropology Association, a member of Texas and with Dr. Fred Valdez, Jr. in Belize, studying the water the National Geographic Society, Safari Club International, and a management features and agricultural techniques used at a late current McNair Scholar. He is also a member of the Phi Kappa Classic Maya archaeological site. She is applying to Ph.D. pro - Phi national honor society, the Phi Alpha Theta International grams in both geology and archaeology, hoping to work in the Honor society for history, the Texas Academy of Science, and field of geoarchaeology. Outside of school, Madelyn is the direc - holds a student membership to the Geological Society of tor of an amateur production of the musical “Chicago” and loves America. James has spent the last two field seasons doing research to travel, swim, read, cook, and hike. I in Utah’s Uinta Basin searching for Eocene micro-mammal fos - sils. He also spent a month in Belize doing Maya archaeology Buck Johnson fieldwork with the University of Texas. James has co-authored an Stephen F. Austin State University abstract on the results of his Uinta field work and currently teaches an historical geology laboratory at Lamar University. His Buck Johnson is a senior at Stephen F. interests are wide-ranging and include paleontology, geology, Austin State University majoring in geol - biology, archaeology, and the history of science. When not study - ogy, with petroleum land management ing, teaching, or doing research, James likes to read and to spend as a minor. He serves as secretary for time with his grandfather and family up on the farm. I Sigma Gamma Epsilon and Geological Society of America for his chapter and is Ashley Jordan also a member of AAPG. Buck is on the President’s Honor Roll Texas A&M University and the Dean’s List. Special topics include: XRD and a two-week geochemical field study of the Southwestern United States. After Ashley Jordan is a junior in the geology graduation in fall of 2009, Buck intends to pursue his master’s program at Texas A&M University. She degree in geophysics. While not in class, Buck enjoys fossil collect - is a social chair in the Geology and ing, biking, hiking, and many other outdoor activities. I Geophysics Society. Her other school activities include the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and the Aggie Undergraduate Scholarships continued on page 49

April 2009 Houston Geological Society Bulletin 47 David Childers, ph: 281-872-5022, e-mail: [email protected] 16945 Northchase, Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77060

48 Houston Geological Society Bulletin April 2009 HGS Undergraduate Scholarships continued from page 47 ______n o i t a d

Speleological Society. She has gained experience through her Denet Pernia n internship with Schlumberger WesternGeco in Houston in the University of Houston u o summer of 2007 and with her job with the Bureau of Land F

Management at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Denet Pernia is a junior at the University p i

Preserve in Idaho during the summer of 2008. She plans on par - of Houston majoring in geology and the h s ticipating in undergraduate research this fall and will graduate in treasurer of the UH Geosociety. She r a

December. I works in the Earth and Atmospheric l Sciences Department at the University o h

Tabitha Bittinger of Houston where she carries out data c S

Sam Houston State University and site management for HNET (Houston Network of

Environmental Towers) along with instrument maintenance and e t

Tabitha Bittinger is a student at Sam trouble shooting. Denet is a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta a Houston State University currently fin - Honor Society and is also enrolled in the UH Honors College. u d

ishing her undergraduate geoscience Denet plans to attend graduate school after she graduates in May a r

degree with a minor in mathematics. 2010 to pursue a master’s degree in geology. Her interests include g I r She is active with the Sam Houston hiking, traveling, and volunteer work. e

Association of Geology Students d (SHAGS), planning and coordinating field trips and other events. n U

For the past three years, Tabitha has been employed as a geologi - cal technician with McAllen Oil and Gas. She has worked S extensively on projects focused on the Vicksburg sands of south G

Texas. Tabitha also teaches introductory geology laboratories at H Sam Houston State University and serves as a tutor for most other introductory level classes. She plans on attending graduate school, a decision that was solidified by attending a research Contract and Full Time Exploration and Production Staff expedition for undergraduates led by Professor Chris Baldwin to Geoscience, Management, Reservoir Engineers, Landmen, the Ainsa Basin in the Spanish Pyrenees during the spring of Information Technology, Production 2008. Tabitha’s current research interests combines aspects of We can provide you with the RIGHT people with the RIGHT skills and the RIGHT experience at the RIGHT price, time and location! basin sequence stratigraphy, sedimentology, and structural con - Why spend all your scarce management time looking for staff when we trols on basin development. I can do it for you? Founded in 1999, GeoExperts is staffed and led by E&P professionals with decades of experience in the worldwide oil industry Tel: 713-953-0823, ext. 13, Fax: 713-2953-1642 (we also have offices in Canada, London and West Africa) Mairi Litherland www.geoexperts.com Rice University

Mairi Litherland is a senior at Rice University majoring in earth science with a concentration in geophysics. She has worked on research projects studying mantle anisotropy in Alaska using S-wave splitting and modeling volcano forma - tion on different planets at the Lunar and Planetary Institute. Currently she is working with Dr. Fenglin Niu to do research on the inner core. Her other activities include writing and making cakes, and she is an active member of the Marching Owl Band and the Rice Light Opera Society. She hopes to attend graduate school to study seismology following her graduation in May. I

April 2009 Houston Geological Society Bulletin 49 Candidates for the 2009–2010 Executive Board HGS Election Voting Instructions he Houston Geological Society officer election voting period 4. On the voting page, input the unique voting ID number located Topens in April 2009 and continues to May 10, 2009. HGS on the email. Each member has a unique voting ID number. members can vote online for the following candidates: President- Please do not share your number with anyone. You will be Elect, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer-Elect, Editor-Elect and taken to the candidate list page. two HGS Directors. 5. Cast your votes by clicking on the boxes next to the candidate names. You will also see the candidate bio’s that you can read An email will be sent to active HGS members that will contain the to help you decide on the candidate you want to vote for. ballot web link. The highlighted link will take you to a secure webpage. 6. When you are done selecting candidates, click the “submit Follow the easy instructions and review the candidates. Vote for HGS vote” button at the bottom of the page. candidates of your choice using a personal Voting ID number. The HGS Website committee and HGS Webmaster have worked 1. Go to the HGS Website at www.hgs.org to make the online voting process efficient and easy to use. In 2. Logon to the HGS Website with your member user name and 2007, 949 HGS members voted. If you have suggestions for password (If you don’t remember your user name and pass - improvements or encounter any problems with the new online word contact the HGS Webmaster) voting process, please contact the Website Committee Chair (Bill 3. Click the link on the e-mail and you will be taken to the voting page Osten) or HGS Webmaster (Lilly Hargrave at [email protected]). I President-Elect (two candidates)

Cheryl Desforges John B. Tubb, Jr.

Education: Education: MBA Finance/International Ph.D Geology 1963 University of Illinois Business/Decision & Information M.S. Geology 1961 University of Illinois Sciences, University of Houston B.S. Geology 1959 Southwestern MS Physical Science/Geology, University Louisiana Institute (now called the of Houston CL University of Louisiana at Lafayette) BS Geology, Texas Christian University Experience: Experience: 1996 –present Consulting Geologist, currently with INEXS 2006 –Present Sabco Oil and Gas Company 1987 –1996 Japex, Exploration Manager 2004 –2006 Consultant, Ryder Scott Company, SCA 1985 –1987 Consulting Geologist 1998 –2004 Randall & Dewey, Inc. 1984 –1985 WR O&G, Senior Geologist 1995 –1998 Environmental Evaluation Partners, Inc., President 1981 –1984 Consulting Geologist 1989 –1995 Consultant in both the Petroleum and 1977 –1981 Michigan-Wisconsin Pipeline Company, District Environmental Industries Manager; Vice-President Exploration 1982 –1989 J.M. Huber Corp. 1969 –1977 Signal O&G, Senior Geologist; District Geologist; 1979 –1981 Diamond Shamrock Corp. Division Development Geologist 1977 –1979 Sonat Exploration Co. 1963 –1969 Tenneco Oil Company, Geologist 1975 –1977 Atlantic-Richfield Co. Professional Affiliations: Professional Affiliations: HGS, AAPG, DPA Certified Geologist, Licensed Professional Geoscientist, State of Texas # 2174 Texas Professional Geoscientist License # 503 Am erican Association of Petroleum Geologists – Certified Petroleum Geologist #2925 Professional Activities: Geological Society of America 2008 –2009 HGS Treasurer Houston Geological Society 2007 –2008 HGS Treasurer-elect Society of Exploration Geophysicist 2000 –2007 AAPG Delegate from HGS SEPM 1994 –1998 AAPG Delegate from HGS Cheryl Desforges continued on page 57 John B. Tubb, Jr continued on page 57

50 Houston Geological Society Bulletin April 2009 Candidates for the 2009–2010 Executive Board (continued)

Vice-President (two candidates)

Arthur (Art) D. Donovan Elizabeth Fisher

Education: Education: Ph.D. Geology Colorado School of Ph.D. Geoscience, The University of Mines Texas at Dallas M.S. Geology John Hopkins B.S. Physics, California Polytechnic State B.S. Biology & Geology University of University at San Luis Obispo Rochester Experience: 2008–Present Hess Corporation, Geophysical Advisor Experience: 1997–2007 Fugro-Jason, Technical Manager North and South 2008 –present BP North America Gas: Senior Geoscience America Advisor 1991 –1997 Amoco, Senior Geophysicist 2004 –2007 BP Exploration: Exploration Technical Assurance 1987 –1991 UTD, Research and Teaching Assistant, Amoco Team Exploration Intern 2000 –2003 BP Upstream Technology Group: Sed/Strat 1984 –1987 SEPCO, Geophysicist Discipline Lead 1982 Dresser Altas, Junior Field Engineer 1984 –2000 Exxon Production Research: Sequence Strat Specialist & Team Lead Professional Affiliations: 1978 –80 USGS: Eastern Regional Team Geologist HGS – Houston Geological Society SEG – Society of Exploration Geophysicists Professional Affiliations: HGMS – Houston Gem and Mineral Society American Association of Petroleum Geologists Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (#2025) American Geophysical Union Geologic Society Professional Awards: Houston Geological Society HGS Rising Star 2004 Society of Exploration Geophysicist Tanya Atwater Encourage Award 2002 – Association for Women Society of Economic Paleontologists & Mineralogists Geoscientists Women of Excellence Honoree 1996 – Federation of Houston Professional Activities: Professional Women 2008 GCAGS Technical Program Chair SEG scholarship (2 years) 2007 –present Adjunct Professor of Geology & Geophysics Geoscience Fellowship at University of Texas at Dallas TAMU 2005 –present Member North American Commission Professional Activities: Stratigraphic Nomenclature 2008 GCAGS Poster Chairman, October 2008 2004 –present AAPG International Conference Committee GCAGS/GSA Conference 1995 –present GSA Sequence Stratigraphy for Graduate 2004-2006 HGS Board of Directors Students Short Course Instructor 2004-2006 Association for Women Geoscientist scholarship 1990 –present Technical Session Chair: GSA, AAPG, & SEPM committee 1980 –present Over 50 published technical abstracts and papers 2002-2004 HGS Co-chair for Earth Science Week 2001 –2003 SEPM Nominations Committee 2001-present HMNS Certified Volunteer Geologist 2001 –2003 GSA Professional Development Committee 2000 Houston Gem and Mineral Society President 1999 –2001 Chair SEPM Sequence Stratigraphy Research 1997-1998 Houston Gem and Mineral Society Dealer Group Chairman 1997-2000 Geophysical Society of Houston newsletter staff

Arthur (Art) D. Donovan continued on page 58 Elizabeth Fisher continued on page 58

April 2009 Houston Geological Society Bulletin 51 Candidates for the 2009–2010 Executive Board (continued)

Secretary (two candidates)

Cecelia Baum Amy E. Sullivan

Education: Education: B.S. Geology, Columbia University University of Iowa M.S. Geology (1986) University of Iowa B.S. Geology (1983) University of Iowa, B.A. Archeology and Anthropology (1978), University of California at Bakersfield, Experience: Total Quality Management (1994-1995) 2007 –present Geologist, Mærsk Oil America 2007 Geologist, Fugro Multi Client Services Experience: 2001–present Shell International E&P, Brazil and Egypt deep- Professional Affiliations: water appraisal and development, Senior Staff HGS, AAPG, GSH, SEG Geologist and Team Lead 1999 –2001 ExxonMobil Production Company, Venezuela Professional Activities: Orinoco Heavy Oil Belt – Senior Staff Geologist 2008-Present Co-Chairman NeoGeos 1997 –1999 Mobil New Exploration Ventures, Peru Camisea appraisal – Staff Geologist Statement: 1990–1997 Mobil – San Joaquin heavy oil fields (Midway I am flattered to be nominated for the position of Secretary for Sunset, Belridge) – Staff Geologist the HGS and would be thrilled to serve the HGS community in 1986 –1990 Mobil – Kansas Hugoton Field – Production this capacity. Geologist

As co-chair of the NeoGeos, my interest in the workings of the Professional Affiliations: HGS has increased markedly. Working with a smaller group with - AAPG, HGS, GSA, SEG, SEPM in the HGS, I was able to experiment with and implement innovative ways of increasing membership, participation, and Professional Awards: communication, such as creating a Facebook Group Page, liaising 1985 American Association of Stratigraphic with the GSH for new member activities, and organizing partici - Palynologists, L.R. Wilson Best Student Paper pation for the Student Intern Party at Techno Fest. I look forward to bringing more innovation, enthusiasm, and energy to the HGS Professional Activities: board and would be honored to serve as Secretary for the HGS. I 2008 –2010 AAPG Energy Minerals Division (EMD) Secretary 2008 –2009 GCSSEPM Corporate Representative 2008 AAPG Annual Convention EMD Short Course and CASH BUYER Field Trip Chair 2006 AAPG Annual Convention EMD Short Course and Looking to purchase Field Trip Co-Chairperson Producing Royalty & ORR 2003 and 2004 HGS Earth Science Week Volunteer 2001 Joined HGS! Contact: David Ewing 1995-1996 SPWLA Publicity Officer for San Joaquin Well Ewing Exploration Company Logging Society Voice: 281.565.1884 Fax 281.565.1921 1994 Mobil, Bakersfield CA, United Way Chairperson

E-mail: [email protected] Statement: Why would I consider running for an HGS office? Having Amy E. Sullivan continued on page 58

52 Houston Geological Society Bulletin April 2009 Candidates for the 2009–2010 Executive Board (continued)

Treasurer-Elect (Two candidates)

Steven L. Getz David P. Meaux

Education: Education: B.S. Geology, University of New Mexico, MS Geology, University of Houston 1969 BS Geology, University of Houston

Experience: Experience: 2005 –present Chief Geologist Allen-Hoffman Exploration Co. 2006–present BP America, Staff Geophysicist-R&D 2003 –2004 Senior Geophysical Advisor—Santos USA 1998–2006 AOA Geophysics, Senior Geoscientist, Director 1980 –2003 Geoscience Consultant (Getz Exploration 1992–1998 Earthfield Technology, Project Geoscientist Consultants Inc.) 1989–1991 Shell Western E&P, Exploration Geologist 1978 –1980 Geophysical Consultant, Geoquest International 1969 –1978 Geophysicist, Cities Service Oil Company Professional Affiliations: AAPG, HGS, SEG, EAGE Professional Affiliations: AAPG, HGS, KGS, SEG, AIPN, SPE Statement: DPA Certified Geologist #4747 I would like to serve the HGS as the Treasurer-elect, and then Texas Professional Geoscientist # 6848 Treasurer. The HGS is a great organization which I have found SIPES very beneficial both in terms of professional development and career networking. I’d like to have the opportunity to serve the Professional Activities: HGS in a greater capacity and give back to this organization 2008-2009 HGS North American Group Chairman which has served me throughout my career. 2005-2008 HGS North American Group Treasurer 2005-2008 AAPG Alternate Delegate I joined the HGS in 1989 and soon after became involved as an 2002-2005 AAPG Delegate activities coordinator for the North American Explorationists Group. Since then I have maintained an active level of involvement Statement: in the HGS. In 1999, I assumed the coordinator role for the During my career I spent more than two decades running an University of Houston Geoscience Alumni Association independent consultant company. In that time, I learned the (UHGAA), where I established the annual HGS-UHGAA Robert value of maintaining a good fiscal stance in the face of a lengthy Sheriff Lecture series. For the past ten years I have worked closely industry decline. I plan to provide a 'prudent man' approach to with the HGS International Explorationists Group to organize HGS investments while attempting to streamline the economics and maintain this annual event which brings some of the best- of the society. I welcome the chance to serve as Treasurer of the known geologists and geophysicists in the world to the Houston Houston Geological Society. I community.

Great organizations like the HGS stay great because of the active involvement of its volunteers and its membership. In 2009, I’d like to utilize the experiences and skills I have gained as both an HGS volunteer and alumni coordinator, as well as those skills I have picked up along the way in my professional path, to contribute to this organization as your Treasurer-elect, and subsequent Treasurer. I

April 2009 Houston Geological Society Bulletin 53 Candidates for the 2009–2010 Executive Board (continued)

Director – Two-year term (four candidates) Vote for two candidates

Tarek Y. Ghazi Christina M. Higginbotham Education: MS Geology, Stanford University, 1982 Education BS Geology, Stanford University, 1976 B.S. Engineering Geology, Texas A&M University, 2001

Experience: Experience: 2007 –present Aramco Services Co. Geoscience Specialist 2003 –present Brown and Caldwell – Senior Geologist 2005 –2007 GeoKnowledge USA Technical Director 2001 –2003 TRC Solutions – Staff Geologist 2002 –2005 Gaffney, Cline & Assoc. Senior Geologist 1999 –2001 Texas A&M University - Electron Microprobe 2000 –2002 Delta R, LLC Co-Owner, Operations Mgr. Lab Technician 1996 –2000 Landmark Graphics Product Marketing Director 1976 –1996 Conoco, Inc. Staff Geologist Professional Affiliations: Houston Geological Society (HGS) Professional Affiliations: Texas Association of Environmental Professionals (TAEP) HGS, AAPG, SPE, SEG Texas Professional Geoscientist License 5204 Professional Activities 2004 –Present HGS Environmental & Engineering Group Awards: Committee Speaker Coordinator 2008 HGS President’s Award Statement: Professional Activities: I am elated to be nominated for the position of Director of the 2008 –present HGS Web Manager & “Email Blaster” HGS. I have been dedicated to the HGS Environmental and 2007 –2008 HGS International Explorationists Chairman Engineering group for the last four years. Although still relative - 2006 –2007 HGS International Explorationists Treasurer ly new to the community of geoscientists in Houston, the power 2004 –2005 AAPG Continuing Education Courses (2): of networking and building of professional relationships facili - Assessment, Classification and Reporting of tated by the HGS has been unmistakably rewarding. From Oil and Gas Reserves – Co-Instructor petroleum exploration to environmental remediation, we all 2007 –present SPE Books Committee member share the common fundamental interest in geology, and the 2003 –2006 SPE Forum Series – Co-Chairman for one joint focus on continuous training. We want to promote the Forum, and SPE Liaison for a second Forum geosciences and grow the organization. I would be honored to Also served on the Forum Series Implementation serve on the board and help to ensure that ideas and goals of the Committee - W. Hemisphere various committees are communicated and achieved. I

Statement Volunteering with the HGS has been one of the best decisions of my professional life. In each of my HGS roles, I have found plenty of meaningful work to do, and great people to work with. This year as HGS Web Manager and “Email Blaster” has been especially fun, as it has introduced me to an even wider circle of HGS friends and has made me aware of most of what goes on in our Society.

Tarek Y. Ghazi continued on page 58

54 Houston Geological Society Bulletin April 2009 Candidates for the 2009–2010 Executive Board (continued)

Director – Two-year term (four candidates) Vote for two candidates

Ray G. Martin Robert E. Pledger

Education: Education: MS geology (1965) University of MBA Business (1972) University of Tennessee Dallas BA geology (1963) Vanderbilt University BS Geology (1969) Lamar University

Experience: Experience: 2005 –Present Consultant, Martin Geoscience, Inc. June, 2008 –Present Consulting Geologist 1999 –2005 Geological Advisor, Total E&P USA, Inc. 1978 –2008 Benchmark Oil & Gas Company; Houston, Texas 1996 –1999 Senior Geologist, Elf Exploration, Inc. President & Founder 1992 –1996 Consultant, Pennzoil Exploration & Production 1991 –1998 St, Croix Resources, Inc.; Houston, Texas Co. President/ Co-Owner 1985 –1985 Senior Staff Geologist, Elf Aquitaine Petroleum 1986 –2001 Petroleum Consultant 1982 –1985 Senior Staff Geologist, Gulf Oil Exploration & 1986 –2002 Ashford Oil & Gas Company; Houston, Texas Production Co. Vice President/ Co-Owner 1980 –1982 Supervisory Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey 1978 –1980 Energy Securities Corporation; Houston, Texas 1967 –1980 Research Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey President/ Co-Owner 1976 –1977 Shenandoah Oil Corporation; Ft. Worth, Texas Professional Affiliations: Exploration Geologist AAPG, GSA (Fellow), HGS, GCSSEPM 1974 –1976 General American Oil Company of Texas; Dallas, Licensed Professional Geologist, State of Texas # 3833 Texas District Geologist 1973 –1974 May Petroleum Company; Dallas, Texas Vice- Professional Activities: President-Southeastern Region 1983 –1988 AAPG Stratigraphic Correlations Committee 1972 –1973 Taylor Publishing Company; Dallas, Texas 1983 –1992 AAPG Research Committee Manpower Schedule Coordinator 1980 –1988 GSA Continental Margins Transects Program 1967 –1972 Sun Oil Company; Beaumont, Texas Exploration and Development Geologist Statement: I am extremely honored to be nominated for the position of Professional Affiliations: Director of the Houston Geological Society. At this point in my Registered Professional Geoscientist professional career in research and exploration geology and geo - State of Texas, No. 2033 physics, I feel a strong obligation to repay the geoscience American Association of Petroleum Geologists community by taking an active role in guiding the Society Certified Geologist No. 3357 toward the continued fulfillment of its educational, professional, Society of Independent Professional Earth Scientists social, and community service responsibilities. I pledge to do Certified Geologist No. 829 my best to encourage a continued strong technical program that American Institute of Professional Geologists features high-interest, emerging trends in exploration, produc - Certified Geologist No. 2359 tion and technology, provides continuing education Geophysical Society of Houston requirements for State licensure, and encourages young people Houston Geological Society to seek careers in our profession. I Houston Producers Forum Houston Energy Finance Group Council Society of Exploration Geophysicists

Society of Petroleum Engineers Robert E. Pledger continued on page 58

April 2009 Houston Geological Society Bulletin 55 Candidates for the 2009–2010 Executive Board (continued)

Editor-elect (one candidate) Barry J. Katz 2003 –2006 AAPG Annual Conference and Exhibits Committee Education: 1995 –2006 AAPG Publications Committee Ph. D, University of Miami, 1979, 2005 Co-organizer AAPG Hedberg Conference Marine Geology and Geophysics “Origins of Petroleum” B.S., Geology 1974, Brooklyn College, 2004 –2005 AAPG Future of Earth Scientists Committee New York 1999 –2005 AAPG Convention committee, Technical Program Subcommittee, co-vice chair 1999–2001, chair 2002–2005 Experience 1982 –2003 AAPG Research Committee, chair 1994–2001 2005 –Present Chevron Corporation 2002 JOI Committee of the Corporation 2001 –2005 ChevronTexaco 2000 –2002 SEPM Research Concepts Committee 1979 –2001 Texaco 1989 –2002 Ocean Drilling Program - Pollution Prevention and Safety Panel Professional Affiliations 1998 –2001 Geochemical Society – member of Executive American Association of Petroleum Geologists, American Committee Organic Geochemistry Division Geophysical Union, European Association of Organic 2000 Co-Chairman Technical Program AAPG Geochemistry, Geochemical Society, Geological Society of International Conference and Exhibition, Bali, America, Geological Society (London), Houston Geological 2000 Society, International Association of Geochemistry and 1998 Co-organizer AAPG Hedberg Conference Cosmochemistry, Paleontological Society, Society of “Lacustrine Basin Exploration—Case Studies and Sedimentary Geology (SEPM), The Society of Organic Modern Analogues” Petrography 1987–1998 Associate editor for AAPG Bulletin Texas Professional Geologist no. 4169 1997 Co-organizer AAPG Hedberg Conference “Petroleum Systems of the South Atlantic Honors and Awards: Margins” AAPG Distinguished Service Award (2004) 1984–1996 AAPG Marine Geology Committee Best Paper Nigerian Petroleum Exploration Association (2001) 1995 Co-organizer AAPG Hedberg Conference ChevronTexaco Fellow (2001) “Lacustrine Basin Exploration in China and AAPG Robert H. Dott Sr. Memorial Prize for Outstanding Southeast Asia” Special Publication (2000) 1995 Editor, Springer-Verlag Casebook “Petroleum Texaco Fellow (1998) Source Rocks” AAPG Rocky Mountain Section Steve Champlin Memorial 1993 Co-editor AAPG Studies in Geology 37, “Source Award (1989) Rocks in a Sequence Stratigraphic Framework” University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and 1990 Editor AAPG Memoir 50, “Lacustrine Basin Atmospheric Sciences F. G. Walton Smith Prize (1979) Exploration—Case Studies and Modern Analogs” Brooklyn College Robert Perlmutter Award for Environmental Geology (1974) Statement: I was honored when asked to stand for HGS editor-elect. After Professional Activities: discussing expectations, I decided that I could serve the Society at 2006 –Present Member of the Advisory Editorial Committee – a level that would maintain the quality of the Bulletin . the Journal of Mining and Geology, Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society The Bulletin serves the membership as a newsletter. The Bulletin 2005 –Present AAPG Research Committee also provides an opportunity to capture and preserve the 2004 –Present Associate editor for AAPG Bulletin knowledge that has been gained by this membership. I hope that 2002 –Present Integrated Ocean Drilling Program – during my tenure as editor we begin capturing some of this Environmental Protection and Safety Panel, chair knowledge as the “great crew change” begins to accelerate. I

56 Houston Geological Society Bulletin April 2009 Candidates for the 2009–2010 Executive Board (continued)

continued from page 50 Cheryl Desforges —Candidate for President-Elect scientific investigative process, as well as in the range of natural, Professional Awards: historical variability in Earth systems. 2008 HGS Distinguished Service Award 2006 HGS February Volunteer of the Month In addition to actively promoting our current, very effective 2005 HGS President’s Award and February Volunteer technical and social programs, if elected President-Elect of the of the Month HGS, I will: 1990 Arthur J. Ehlmann Award for TCU Geology Alumni • Continue the current and past efforts to expand our active 1974 Sigma Gamma Epsilon, geology honor society, membership base. University of Houston • Expand our organizational structure to involve more active 1974 Gayle Scott Award for the Outstanding Geology participation of a significant portion of our membership in Senior, Texas Christian University educating the Houston-area population, including school children, in non-politicized Earth science and Earth history. I Professional Activities: 2009, et al Regional Science Fair Awards/Interns Selection continued from page 50 Committee John B. Tubb, Jr — Candidate for President-Elect 2008 –2010 AAPG House of Delegates 2007 –2008 GCAGS 2008 Houston Convention Treasurer 1983 –1985 AAPG Delegate from HGS 2005 –2007 HGS Treasurer/Treasurer-Elect 1974 –1975 Secretary of Lafayette Geological Society 2005 Co-Chairman “Coastal Subsidence, Sea-level and 1974 –1975 Chairman Resolutions Committee for AAPG the Future of the Gulf Coast Conference” House of Delegates 2003 –2004 Member and Chairman HGS Continuing 1973 –1975 AAPG Delegate from LGS Education Committee 2002 Volunteer Liaison Committee AAPG Convention Publications: 1985 –1989 Chairman HGS Publication Sales Committee Wanless, H.R., Tubb, Jr., J.B., Gednetz, D.E., and Weiner, J.L., Chairman 1963, Mapping Sedimentary Environments of Pennsylvanian 1982 –1984 AIPG Screening Committee Cycles: Geo. Soc. of American Bull. 74, pp. 437-486. Davis, C., J Tubb. Jr., C. H. Truss, R. Ostrander, D. Prator, G. Statement: Janik, E. Langhetee, D. We live in a period of time when “science”, particularly related to Giovanetti, and S. Buckart, 2008, Field study of South Pass 60 Earth Science, is being invoked for the purpose of promoting Field, offshore continental shelf (OCS): An integrated multidis - political and social changes of epic proportion. Unfortunately, ciplinary approach: Gulf Coast Association of Geological the general media and politicians who are most vocal do not Societies Transactions. v. 58, p 207-225. understand the scientific method of investigation or, for that matter, they do not even understand the selective results they Statement: pluck from literature to support their cause. A large portion of I am very honored to be asked to run for the President of the the general population is scientifically illiterate, and unable to HGS. I have served the HGS as a Delegate to the AAPG, recognize that they are only being told part of the complex Treasurer-elect, and Treasurer. These positions, especially the process of ongoing scientific investigation. Increasingly, science Treasurer’s job, have given me an insight to the inner workings of is being misrepresented and conclusions that ultimately will not the Society. One-third of my professional career has been in materialize are being promoted as the only truth. When the gen - Management positions. The training I received in these positions eral population realizes that they have been mislead, the future would be very valuable as HGS President. The fact that I am a pursuit objective, evidence driven science will be in jeopardy, Consultant at the present time would give me the option to because science will be disregarded as “unreliable.” We know if spend the time required to run the HGS organization. If given properly represented and applied, science has great value for the opportunity to serve as President of the Houston Geological solving problems and providing the resources to sustain and Society, I will strive to maintain the reputation of the HGS as a advance civilization. Because of our scientific training, work world class organization. experience, and general ability to connect seemingly disparate information, earth scientists are uniquely qualified to effectively The Houston Geological Society is a large professional organiza -

educate our elected officials and the general population in the tion with a budget of nearly John B. Tubb, Jr continued on page 51

April 2009 Houston Geological Society Bulletin 57 Candidates for the 2009–2010 Executive Board (continued)

continued from page 57 continued from page 52 John B. Tubb, Jr — Candidate for President-Elect Amy E. Sullivan — Candidate for Secretary

one million dollars per year, administered by two office man - contributed to the annual AAPG conventions, especially in 2006 agers, and the Board of Directors. The Board supervises several when HGS was the host society, I have received enormous per - Committees comprised of many volunteers. The HGS conducts sonal and professional benefits. Now it is my turn to bring this numerous meetings, conferences, field trips, and social activities experience back into HGS. The HGS Secretary records the throughout the year. Being the President of the HGS is a time monthly Board meetings and stewards the Membership consuming and demanding responsibility. I Committee. I am very willing to document HGS activities. Over the years and in many venues I have been involved in recruiting

continued from page 51 and mentoring of interns, new and experienced hires thus my Arthur (Art) D. Donovan — Candidate for Vice-President commitment to engaging new members is strong. I would really like to serve as your HGS Secretary. Statement: The primary role of the HGS vice-president is to organize and Members of HGS welcomed and involved me in professional coordinate the technical programs for the Society’s lunch and volunteer work when I joined in 2001. Because of this inclusion dinner meeting series. I believe my technical background, from HGS colleagues and their encouragement to volunteer in knowledge of petroleum exploitation from basins around the small ways I have become further involved in supporting world, experience in assembling technical sessions for various geoscience professional organizations. Networking and under - societies, as well as my geoscience peer network would allow me standing industry dynamics provides perspective to our to continue the HGS tradition of technical program excellence. changing industry. If given the honor and opportunity by the members, I would strive to develop cutting edge, timely, and informative technical continued from page 54 programs which serve the needs and interests of members of the Tarek Y. Ghazi —Candidate for Director society. Talks on new play types, non-conventional and challeng - ing reservoirs, industry trends, as well as step changes in I am happy to be nominated for a Director position, particularly technology will be central themes of the technical program I because I think that web and email matters are vital to the con - would assemble. I tinuing success of the HGS, and should be better represented on the Board. Regardless of the outcome of the election, I look for - continued from page 51 ward to continuing to serve in my current capacities or in other Elizabeth Fisher — Candidate for Vice-President areas where there is a need and a good match with my skills. I 1995-1996 Association for Women Geoscientists scholarship

committee continued from page 55

Statement: Robert E. Pledger —Candidate for Director It is an honor and privilege to be asked to run for Vice-President of the Houston Geological Society. Professional and Community Activities, Achievements, Presentations and Awards: The office of Vice President is responsible for the technical pro - Chairman, Advisory Board; Department of Space and Earth gram of the main lunch and dinner meetings. I have always been Sciences Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas impressed with the quality and variety of talks that are offered Member, Board of Trustees; Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas and would enjoy researching new topics and talks to bring to the Houston Geological Society: Society in the upcoming year. Vice-President 2002-2003 Chairman Continuing Education Committee, 1998- I have experience from a variety of organizations such as profes - 2002 sional organizations (HGS and GSH), community organizations American Association Petroleum Geologists (HGMS), and also from being on the Board of state and national Chairman, Short course Committee, 2002 National Political Action Committees (PACs). If elected, I will do my best Convention to serve the membership of the HGS for the next year . I Liaison between Division of Professional Affairs and Society of Independent Professional Earth Scientists 1998-2000

58 Houston Geological Society Bulletin April 2009 Candidates for the 2009–2010 Executive Board (continued)

continued from page 59

Robert E. Pledger —Candidate for Director

Alternate Delegate, House Representatives, 1986, 2002 Conventions 2003, 2004, 2005 Delegate, House Delegates, 2008-Present Guest Lecturer, Rotary Club, 2009, and various professional American Institute of Professional Geologists organizations world-wide District IV Representative, 1983-1985 Society of Professional Earth Scientists Statement: Chairman, Houston Chapter, 1984-1985 and 1990- Over the past 40 years of my professional career, I have had the 1991 fortune to have had mentors that helped me chart a course in my National Director, 1983-1986 career. As a member of various professional organizations, I Chairman, National Energy Advisory Committee, enjoy giving back the same at these mentors did for me. I am 1986-1987 honored to be asked to participate in helping chart the future of Chairman, Deal Buyer’s List, 1983 and 2002 one of the greatest professional organizations of my chosen pro - Chairman of the Board, West Houston Assistance Ministries, fession. Serving on the HGS Board would be an honor for me 2003-2006 and a privilege to be able in some small way to repay those that Chairman, Board Chair Breakfasts, United Way, 2005-2006 took the time and had the patience to help me along the way. I Guest Lecturer, National Association Lease and Title Analysts

Be sure to cast your vote in the HGS election by May 10, 2009.

April 2009 Houston Geological Society Bulletin 59 60 Houston Geological Society Bulletin FebrAuapryil 2009 s

Scott Tinker, AAPG President, Discusses Counter View é h c i l

Points to Energy Clichés C Linda Sternbach y g r e

cott W. Tinker, President of the AAPG 2008-2009, addressed a n E Scrowd of about 120 geoscientists at the Houston Geological o

Society General Dinner Meeting on Monday February 9th, 2009 t

with his “Energy Sound Bites and Counter Bites.” Dr. Tinker is s t

Director of the Texas Bureau of Economic Geology, the State n i

Geologist of Texas, and a professor of geosciences at The o P

University of Texas at Austin. w e HGS Vice President Art Berman welcomed attendees to the din - i V ner meeting. The first order of business was the annual r

Undergraduate Student Awards. Outstanding geology students, e t selected by their academic professors, attended the meeting, and n were introduced by John Adamick of TGS Nopec, chairman of u o

the undergraduate awards committee. Figure 1. C

John Adamick, HGS President Kara Bennett, AAPG President Scott s

Tinker, Past AAPG President Dan Smith, and Rosemary Mullin. e Dr. Tinker’s presentation opened with a listing of the common s s

sound bites heard in the media. He humorously suggested some u

Counter Bites: c s i D

1) We cannot drill our way out of an energy crisis. ,

Counter bite: We can “not-drill” our way INTO an energy crisis! t n

2) The United States should be energy independent. e

Counter bite: In reality, such independence will be unachiev - d i able for several decades, and the idea distracts us from the s e

more important goal of energy security. r P

3) Renewable energy will end dependence on foreign oil.

Counter bite: Fossil fuels are the bridge to an alternate energy G

future. Figure 2. P

4) Big Oil is evil. AAPG President and HGS Vice President Art Berman at February 9 A

HGS Dinner Meeting. A

Counter bite: Preserve Big Oil for global energy security. , 5) Americans are addicted to oil. r e

Counter bite: Healthy economies rely on energy. k n

6) Fossil fuels hurt the environment. i

Counter bite: Healthy economies allow for significant invest - T

t

ment in environmental stewardship. Fossil fuels are the path t

to a clean future! o c S The talk presented a discussion of the question of whether fossil fuels cause global warming by showing temperature charts that the current measured rise of earth surface temperature is based on 0.0001 % of the history of the Earth. He said, “We know the Earth has warmed in the past, and is likely to cool again in the future, based on the history of climate change over millions of years.” Figure 3. Dr. Tinker talked about energy usage dividing the discussion into Treasurer John Tubb, HGS Past Presidents John Amoroso, Dan Smith, liquids (oil), gas, coal, and unconventional resources like nuclear, Tony Reso, and Dean Grafton. wind, biomass, and geothermal. He said studies predict less use of Scott Tinker, AAPG President, Discusses Counter View Points continued on oil in the next 50 years and an increase of “non-carbon” energy. page 63

April 2009 Houston Geological Society Bulletin 61 62 Houston Geological Society Bulletin April 2009 Scott Tinker, AAPG President, Discusses Counter View Points continued from page 61 ______s é h c i l

In the future, petroleum will only account for 80% of total world Japan, France, and C

energy consumption and the remaining 20% will be fed by other countries. His y g increasing alternate energy sources like nuclear, hydrothermal, travels as AAPG r e

geothermal, biomass, and wind. Dr. Tinker was also optimistic President have taken n E

about the increasing role of natural gas in powering the energy him to the Middle o

future for the next 60-70 years. He talked about geothermal East and Asia. He spoke t

energy as a new career path for geoscientists, as the need for oil about air pollution in s t

exploration declines. Beijing, China, as a n i

by-product of the o P In the future, petroleum A graph showed oil price increased use of oil spikes since the 1970s and coal to fuel their w e and how these coincided economy. He was i

will only account for 80% V with recessions in the optimistic about the Figure 4. r United States and layoffs chances that future e of total world energy Martha Lou Broussard, Rice University t

in the oil industry. Dr. leaders in the Middle faculty, attended the meeting to see the n Tinker commented that East could reverse the Undergraduate Student Awards. u consumption and the o

today’s low oil prices, current anti-western C

remaining 20% will be after last year’s high oil sentiment. The audience had many questions and people stayed s e

prices , was predictable in after the night closed to get more information from the AAPG s fed by increasing I s

terms of 15-20 cyclical President. u

recessions in the economy. c s alternate energy sources He admitted that the i D

United States private oil like nuclear, hydrothermal, , business is not “as t n

geothermal, biomass, healthy” as in the past e and listed all the d i independent oil companies s and wind. e that have merged over r P the last ten years. G

Discussing wind power, Dr. Tinker noted the limited potential in P the amount of energy it can provide due to the large amount of A A

turbines and land needed. He said that replacing one coal-fired , electricity plant would need a wind farm the size of Los Angeles r e

(469 square miles). k Figure 5. n A poster about the oil potential of the Mozambique channel, i

Dr. Tinker was upbeat about increasing the use of nuclear power T

Madagascar by Scott Thornton of ROC Oil was displayed during the t

in the United States citing the successful use of nuclear power in social hour. t o c S

April 2009 Houston Geological Society Bulletin 63 t r o p

e W. L. Calvert Memorial Graduate 2008 Scholarship R

d Fund Report n u F

he W.L. Calvert Memorial Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to graduate students from nearby universities. Each p i Tyear a total of over $10,000 worth of scholarships are presented to deserving individuals. These reductions to the corpus h

s of the Fund are partially offset each year by donations from individual HGS members and friends. These donations allow us r to maintain the number and size of scholarships each year. The HGS and the Memorial Scholarship Fund Board gratefully a l acknowledge the following contributions to the Fund during 2008. The three categories of contributions are Patron ($500 or o I h more), Donor ($100 to $499), and Contributor (less than $100). c S Patrons ($500 or more) 8 Gibson, Eugene (In Memory of Elmer Dobbins) 0

0 St. Martin Family Trust (In Memory of Bevian C. St. Martin) 2 e

t Donors ($100 to $499) a Light, Walter u Bishop, Richard (In Honor of Carl Norman) d a Bishop, Richard r Hoffman, Paul F. G

l Ragsdale, James a i r Contributors (up to $100) o Alexander, Robert Meng,Hai-Zui m

e Baldwin, John S. Miskelly, Thomas E. Ballard, Jack W. Mitchum, Robert M

t Barba, Bob Moore, Craig r Bourgeois, Fay M. Moran, Sidney e v Casey, Joe E. (Jr.) Munn, Richard l a Christie, Ronald Neidell, Norman

C Clark, Jerry Pittman, William

. Cumming, H. Pusey, Walter L

. Davies, William Rahmatian, Mansour D'Onfro, Peter Rathke, Marvin W Doud, Kim Rensink, David Erigha, Eric Revilla, Charles Franey, Matthew Ronkartz, Rose M. Froming, George Schroeter, William Golas, Stephen M. Serguei, Goussev Gordan, Patrick Shaffer, Bernard Gorsuch, Rebecca Sholl, V.H. Harlan, W.E. Sirkin, Gerald L. Hay-Roe, Hugh Smith, Arthur E. (Jr.) Hefner, John Smith, Donald Hixon, S.B. Smith, George T. Hughart, Richard Sommer, Kurt G. Hussain, Moin Sweigart, Michael T. Jackson, Jim Bob Tollestrup, A. Kurt Janak, Peter M. Wall, Keith Kucewicz, John Waszczak, Ron F. Macdonald, Helen Yoakum, Thomas Mapes, G.H.

64 Houston Geological Society Bulletin FebrAuapryil 2009 HGS Welcomes New Members

Effective March 3, 2008 ACTIVE MEMBERS Carrie Kidd ASSOCIATE MEMBERS Sam Allen Nazim Louni Jeffrey Allen Nicholas Arcaro Leah Noll Sandy Campbell Niranjan Aryal Michael Nowicki Nicole Ferguson Philip Ball George Pritchard Ernesto Gallegos Kevin Bevis Bonner Sears Melissa Riepl Nick Butel Valerie Walker Michael Shearn Tim Campbell Steve Ward Jennifer Foley Keith Winfree Welcome New Members e c n a

Remembrance r b

JAMES (J IM ) H AWES RUFFIN m e m AMES IM AWES UFFIN

Houston geologist and palynologist J (J ) H R died suddenly at his Bellaire residence e

January 16, 2009 at the age 77. He was born during 1931 in Greensboro, NC. Mr. Ruffin served in the R U.S. Air Force and received an M.S. in geology from the University of Oklahoma. He worked for Pan Am (Amoco) in Tulsa before moving to Houston in 1961. In Houston, he worked for Texaco before working at Tenneco from 1964 to 1986. Mr. Ruffin taught night geology courses at University of St Thomas from 1969 to 1976. Following the break-up of Tenneco, he consulted for various clients.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years Janet Hull Ruffin, his daughter Leslie Ruffin Ramirez, and grandson Daniel Ramirez. Mr. Ruffin was very active musically with several groups including the Houston Concert Band and formed a German folk band. I

ENDEAVOR NATURAL GAS, LP Tauber Exploration & Production Co. Seeking Drill-Ready Prospects Seeking Ready to Drill Prospects Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast East Texas • North Louisiana Large working interest and operations Contact: Tim Tade or David Voight preferred but not required. (O) 713-869-5656 (F) 713-869-1997 Contact: Bruce Houff (O) 713 658-8555 • (F) 713 658-0715 55 Waugh Drive, Suite 601 • Houston, Texas 77007 (Email) [email protected] 1201 Louisiana, Suite 3350 • Houston, Texas 77002

April 2009 Houston Geological Society Bulletin 65 ds or A ! Col able Full vail ow A HGS Bulletin Instructions to Authors NAll materials are due by the 15th of the month, 6 weeks before issue publication. Abstracts should be 500 words or less; extended abstracts up to 1000 words; articles can be any length but brevity is preferred as we have a physical page limit within our current publishing contract. All submissions are subject to editorial review and revision. Text should be submitted by email as an attached text or Word file or on a clearly labeled diskette in Word format with a hardcopy printout to the Editor. Figures, maps, diagrams, etc., should be digital files using Adobe Illustrator, Canvas or CorelDraw. Files should be saved and submitted in .eps (Adobe Illustrator) format. Send them as separate attachments via email or CD if they are larger than 1 MEG each, accompanied by figure captions that include the file name of the desired image. DO NOT EMBED them into your text document; they must be sent as separate files from the text. DO NOT USE POWERPOINT, CLIP ART or Internet images (72-DPI resolution) as these do not have adequate resolution for the printed page and cannot be accepted. All digital files must have 300-DPI resolution or greater at the approximate size the figure will be printed. Photographs may be digital or hard copy. Hard copies must be printed on glossy paper with the author’s name, photo or figure number and caption on the back. Digital files must be submitted in .jpg or .eps format with 300-DPI or greater resolution at the printing size and be accompanied by figure captions that are linked by the file name of the image. The images should be submitted as individual email attach - ments (if less than 1 MB) or on CD or zip disk. Advertising The Bulletin is printed digitally using QuarkXPress. We no longer use negatives or camera-ready advertising material. Call the HGS office for availability of ad space and for digital guidelines and necessary forms or email to [email protected]. Advertising is accepted on a space-available basis. Deadline for submitting material is 6 weeks prior to the first of the month in which the ad appears. Random Inside Page 2 Inside Front Inside Back Outside Calendar Calendar (B&W) Cover Cover Back Cover Back Page (Black & White) (Full Color) (Full Color) (Full Color) (Full Color) (Full Color) No. of Random* Random* Random* Random* Issues Eighth Quarter Half Full Full Full Full Half Full Quarter 10 $823 $1,387 $2,488 $4,734 $5,680 $7,830 $7,560 $6,858 $6,750 $2,700 9 $823 $1,387 $2,488 $4,734 $5,680 8 $750 $1,260 $2,242 $4,307 $5,169 7 $665 $1,123 $2,014 $3,834 $4,600 6 $590 $990 $1,782 $3,392 $4,069 $1,890 5 $497 $837 $1,503 $2,860 $3,432 $4,698 $4,536 $4,104 4 $405 $683 $1,223 $2,326 $2,792 3 $327 $550 $990 $1,886 $2,262 $1,080 2 $232 $392 $704 $1,339 $1,607 1 $146 $246 $443 $842 $1,010 $1,404 $1,296 $1,080 $810 FULL COLOR AD BUSINESS CARD $135 per 10 Issues – Send two cards * add 30% to B&W charge for full (4) color ad ($30 for each additional name on same card)

Be a web page Sponsor Effective May 4, 2008 you can now have your company logo picture posted on every page (including Calendar, Articles, Events, JobBank, etc.) of the Website and not just the Entry page like it was before the redesign. To have an ad posted, you must provide us with the graphic and give us the URL it should link to when clicked. All ads appear in the “Our Sponsors” box in the upper left of the page. Each ad is displayed for a short time and replaced by the next ad in the list. Each ad will be randomly displayed on each page. All Sponsor logo images must be 55 x 166 pixels and be no more than 8 bits per pixel with a maximum of 256 colors. The format can be either GIF or JPG, preferably interlaced or progressive. It is important to make the image file size as small as possible so that it will transfer to the users' browser quickly. Home Page Website Business Web and Bulletin Newsletter Sponsor Personal Resumes GeoJobBank Logo 165x55 Card (with link) Business Card Banner Ad (with link) (Members only) Posting One year $1000.00 Free to members $135.00 $2000.00 $2,000.00 6 months $525.00 Free to members NA $1200.00 $1,150.00 3 months $270.00 Free to members NA $650.00 $600.00 1 month NA Free to members NA $250.00 Free $100.00

66 Houston Geological Society Bulletin FebrAuapryil 2009 A p r i l

2 0 0 9 Application to Become a Member of the Houston Geological Society

Qualifications for Active Membership Mail this application and payment to: 1) Have a degree in geology or an allied geoscience from an accredited college or university; or Houston Geological Society 2) Have a degree in science or engineering from an accredited college 14811 St. Mary’s Lane, Suite 250 • Houston, TX 77079-2916 or university and have been engaged in the professional study or Telephone: 713-463-9476 Fax: 281-679-5504 practice of earth science for at least five (5) years. Payment method: Qualifications for Associate Membership (including students) I Check, I VISA, I MasterCard, I American Express, I Discover 1) Be involved in the application of the earth or allied sciences. 2) Be a full-time student enrolled in geology or in the related sciences. Card # ______Apply online at www.hgs.org and click on Join HGS Expiration Date: ______Card I.D. ______Annual Dues Expire Each June 30. (Late renewals – $5 re-instatement fee) (Card I.D. – 3 or 4 digit number on front or back of card ) Annual dues are $24.00; full-time students and emeritus members pay $12.00. H o u K K s To the Executive Board: I hereby apply for Active or Associate membership in the Houston Geological Society and pledge to abide by t o n

K G its Constitution and Bylaws. Check here if a full-time student. e o l o g Name: ______School ______i c a l

S Address: ______Degree ______Major ______Year ______o c i e ______t y

B u Home Phone: ______Spouse’s Name: ______School ______l l e t i n Email: ______Degree ______Major ______Year ______Job Title: ______Company: ______Earth Science Work Experience ______Company Address: ______Work Phone: ______Fax Number: ______Circle Preferred Mailing Address: Home Office Applicant’s Signature ______Date ______Professional Affiliations: ______Endorsement by HGS member (not required if active AAPG member) K AAPG member No.: ______Professional Interest: Name: ______K Environmental Geology K North American E&P (other than Gulf Coast) K International E&P K Gulf Coast E&P (onshore & offshore) Signature ______Date ______6 7 Membership Chairman ______HGS Secretary ______

rev.08/11/2008 s

w Houston Petroleum Auxiliary Council News e Norma Jean Jones, HGS Liaison N l i c n u pringtime is at its finest during April in Houston, cool enough ions from Cold Water Creek and modeled by some of our very o Sto really enjoy outdoor activities and the beautiful flowers that lovely HPAC members. Norma Jean Bacho and Shirley Gordon C

appear in everyone’s front yard. Although the official first day of will be co-chairing this event. Look for more information on this y r spring was March 20, it is in April that we can really enjoy spring event in the May Bulletin . a i clothing like those we will see at the HPAC general meeting. Of l i course, Easter Sunday, which is on April 12th gives everyone an The Geowives annual road trip took place on Thursday, March x u excuse to go out and buy that new Easter outfit. Hats and gloves 12th. Martha Lou Broussard put together another interesting his - A

are not necessarily a part of that outfit anymore, but I can recall torical adventure combined with lunch, a little shopping, and when it wasn’t an Easter outfit if you did not have a new hat. time on the trip back for discussions about all they had seen and m

u Easter, of course, has nothing to do with clothes but has every - heard about “Victorian” Victoria. All who take advantage of these e l thing to do with something new. New hope is what Christians opportunities, to learn a little more about our state, come back o r celebrate when they celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the infinitely more informed and pleasantly entertained. Thank you, t

e son of God. Without Easter, without the Resurrection of Christ, Martha Lou, for another well-orchestrated Texas History Tour. P

there would be no Christian Faith. Christ’s resurrection is the Enjoy the springtime! We’ll have a Hot Houston Summer soon. n proof of his divinity. I wish you all a blessed Easter. o t See you at something geological! s

u The final 2008-2009 event for HPAC will be the annual general o meeting and luncheon which is scheduled for May 15th at the Norma Jean

H Houston Racquet Club. There will be a style show featuring fash -

You are invited to become a member of HPAC 2008–2009 dues are $20.00 Mail dues payment along with the completed yearbook information to Nan Pye , 18219 Longmoor, Houston, TX 77084 YEARBOOK INFORMATION

Last Name First Name Name Tag

Spouse Name Name Tag HGS Member’s Company

Home Phone Business Phone Business Fax

Street Address City Zip

Email Address Home Fax Please choose a committee assignment if you are interested. I Fall Event I Yearbook I SOS I Membership I Christmas Event I Spring Event I Notification I Game Day I May Luncheon I Courtesy

68 Houston Geological Society Bulletin FebrAuapryil 2009 April 2009 Houston Geological Society Bulletin 69 Wavefront LLC Oil & Gas Consultation since 1996 Steven “Eric” Getz IT Support Consultation (Geophysical & Geological) Network, Workstation, and Software Support Seismic Data Loading Seismic Modeling Synthetic Seismogram Construction (713) 305-5089 SMT Expert [email protected] Microsoft Certified

Sales Norm Stager Dave Spaulding William Zepeda

© Seismic Data Processing SeisUP Systems

[email protected]

70 Houston Geological Society Bulletin FebrAuapryil 2009 JAMES S. CLASSEN Looking for close-in deals BUS. 208-854-1037 P.O. BOX 140637 RES. 208-854-1038 BOISE, ID 83714 FAX. 208-854-1029 ARK-LA-TEX LOG LIBRARY 400 TRAVIS, SUITE 500 • SHREVEPORT, LA 71101-3113 (318) 227-1641 • FAX (318) 227-1642 WWW.ARKLATEXLOGLIBRARY.COM ELECTRIC LOG AND COMPLETION CARD COVERAGE: LOUISIANA • EAST TEXAS • MISSISSIPPI • SOUTHERN ARKANSAS JAMES B. BENNETT RANDALL SCHOTT SOUTHEASTERN STATES Geology Geophysics • PRIVATE WORK ROOMS • LOG & MAP COPIER • IHS/DWIGHTS - CD/ROMS PRODUCTION DATA • COMPUTERIZED LOG DATA BASE • CALL IN OR FAX DATA RETRIEVAL SERVICE 811 Dallas • EXTENSIVE INDUSTRY REFERNCE & TECHICAL MATERIAL • BAR CODED CHECKIN/OUT Suite 1020 Bus. (713)650-1378 CALL FOR INFORMATION ON CORPORATE AND INDIVIDUAL Houston, Texas 77002 MEMBERSHIPS OR DAILY USER RATES MARILYN KILBOURNE, MANAGER

3-D Seismic Interpretation, FTG Gravity Modeling, Seismic Inversion and AVO analysis 6001 Savoy, Suite 110 • Houston, Texas 77036 (713) 981-4650 • (281) 242-0639 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.hunter3dinc.com

Where is your card? $135 per year 10 issues 713-463-9476

Large acreage blocks available for lease in Goliad and Karnes Counties, Texas. On trend with Wilcox and other producing horizons. Re-entry opportunities. Contact Yanta Cattle Company at [email protected] for additional informa tion.

April 2009 Houston Geological Society Bulletin 71 7500 S AN FELIPE , S UITE 250 HOUSTON , T EXAS 77063

72 Houston Geological Society Bulletin FebrAuapryil 2009

Periodicals HOUSTON U.S. Postage GE OLOGI C AL SOCIE TY PAID 14811 St. Mary’s Lane, Suite 250 • Houston, TX 77079 Houston, Texas

Maximum reservoir performance Want to make the most of your valuable oil and gas reserves?

Roxar’s integrated technology solutions and services help companies of all sizes realize the full economic potential of their oil and gas resources.

• Innovative modeling and simulation software • Downhole monitoring and control systems • Reservoir production multiphase metering • Reservoir and production consultancy Roxar’s leading-edge technology solu - tions from reservoir interpretation through to production & process meet the changing needs of users in managing the entire reservoir lifecycle.

INTERPRETATION MODELING SIMULATION WELL & COMPLETION PRODUCTION & PROCESS