Oil and Gas
Oil and Gas | Stratigraphy
Sequence Stratigraphy and Subsurface Prediction: Methods, Limitations and New Developments
Format and Duration:
3 days
An appreciation of the assumptions behind sequence stratigraphic models and methods, and an assessment of the validity and limitations of these assumptions is critical for successful subsurface prediction. This course will explain these assumptions and demonstrate methods that can be used to move beyond them to make useful, scenario-based predictions. Case studies will be used to understand how strata are interpreted in standard sequence stratigraphic models (e.g. facies, surfaces, and stacking pattern response to relative sea level changes), to consider alternative interpretations, and to make an assessment of the uncertainty present in all the model-derived predictions. There will be an emphasis on critical thought, and the application of simple stratigraphic forward models to illustrate how multiple scenarios can help assess uncertainty in the application of sequence stratigraphy to subsurface evaluation. The course will cover: basic assumptions of the sequence stratigraphic models and methods, important limitations of these assumptions, recent developments in the models, and application of stratigraphic forward modelling as a tool to address some of these limitations.
Schedule
Duration and Training Method
A classroom course comprising presentations from the instructor and interaction from the participants, particularly focussed on a discussion of their own experience of the issues being presented. Practical exercises (some workstation based) are focused around the interpretation of subsurface data and the application of simple stratigraphic forward models to subsurface prediction.
Course Overview
Learning Outcomes
Participants will learn to:
- Judge the different sequence stratigraphic methods, models and predictions.
- Appraise all of the standard sequence and seismic stratigraphic methods such as interpretation of seismic reflections and terminations.
- Evaluate how additional variables not included in the standard models (e.g. variable sediment supply) may impact on seismic and sequence stratigraphic methods, uncertainty and predictions.
- Organise log and outcrop data in terms of a sequence stratigraphic hierarchy in addition to correlation and, away from data point predictions, reservoir and seal development, with a critical assessment of their underlying assumptions and the impact this has on the uncertainty involved in the prediction.
- Validate simple scenario methods based on output from stratigraphic forward modelling tools to help assess the degree of uncertainty present in predictions.
Course Content
- Standard sequence stratigraphic models and predictions, Part 1: Siliciclastic models.
- Exercise: the standard model and chronostratigraphic diagram exercise.
- Standard sequence stratigraphic models and predictions, Part 2: Carbonate models.
- Exercise: manual modelling of a carbonate platform.
- Model assumptions and consequences for prediction.
- Exercise: assumptions involved in log and outcrop correlations.
- Exercise: seismic interpretation, assumptions about timelines.
- Exercise: seismic interpretation, consequences of assumptions about lowstand bypass.
- The basics of stratigraphic forward modelling and why it is useful.
- Stratigraphic forward modelling exercise: reproducing basic sequence architectures.
- Stratigraphic forward modelling exercise: exploring non-uniqueness.
- Modifications to siliciclastic models.
- Stratigraphic forward modelling exercise: exploring the consequences of variable siliciclastic sediment supply.
- Stratigraphic forward modelling exercise: exploring the consequence of variable sediment transport rates.
- Modifications to carbonate models.
- Stratigraphic forward modelling exercise: exploring the consequences of variable carbonate production and transport rates.
- Sequence stratigraphic predictions based on modelling multiple scenarios.
- Stratigraphic forward modelling exercise: modelling multiple scenarios and creating predictive maps.
- Summary of consequences for subsurface prediction and mapping.
Who Should Attend and Prerequisites
Geoscientists with a good working knowledge and hands-on experience of sequence stratigraphic principles applied to subsurface prediction. The course would suit those working in exploration, appraisal, and field development where there is a benefit in looking at the field in a semi-regional context.
Instructors
Peter Burgess
Background
Peter’s post-doctoral research was at Caltech working with Mike Gurnis using numerical models of mantle convection linked to stratigraphic forward models. After Caltech, Peter’s postdoc was at Liverpool University with Steve Flint working on the Jurassic strata and petroleum systems of the Neuquen basin, Argentina.
For four years, Peter taught sedimentary geology and tectonics at the University of Cardiff. While teaching he also conducted research using seismic data, and created numerical models for carbonate and siliciclastic deposystems.
Peter joined Shell in 2002 to attain industry experience and worked on several projects around the world. In 2008, Peter returned to academia and in 2010 to take up a position at Royal Holloway, University of London as Professor of Sedimentary Geology where he teaches sedimentary and petroleum geology, and sedimentary basin tectonics and became the Head of the Earth Sciences Department in 2014. In 2016, Pete moved to the University of Liverpool.
Affiliations and Accreditation
PhD University of Oxford
MSc University of Keele
BSc University of Nottingham
Courses Taught
N269: Sequence Stratigraphy and Subsurface Prediction: Methods, Limitations and New Developments (Isle of Wight, UK)
N402: Seismic and Sequence Stratigraphy for Subsurface Exploration and Development
Accreditation and Certification
CEU: 2.1 Continuing Education Units
PDH: 21 Professional Development Hours
Certificate: Certificate Issued Upon Completion
RPS is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and is authorized to issue the IACET CEU. We comply with the ANSI/IACET Standard, which is recognised internationally as a standard of excellence in instructional practices.
We issue a Certificate of Attendance which verifies the number of training hours attended. Our courses are generally accepted by most professional licensing boards/associations towards continuing education credits. Please check with your licensing board to determine if the courses and certificate of attendance meet their specific criteria.