Discipline Courses

Subject matter courses on background content and practical applications to the HC industry. 

Courses consist of live-taught online sessions of 3.5 hrs length, in a 5-session or 2-session format. 

Certificates and manuals will be provided.  All times in Central Time US (Houston)

Single Participant Option
Regular and discount price*, scheduled
*currently unemployed and academics
Multi-client Option
Up to 5 participants from one company, open-access
Inhouse Option
Up to 25 participants from one company, exclusive

UPCOMING COURSES

“ADVANCED Structural Modeling with LithoTect Software” 
by Catalina Luneburg

This short workshop provides an overview of the tools and techniques for balancing and restoring cross sections using LithoTect Software such as different structural modeling tools and techniques for a variety of tectonic settings from compression to extensional and salt-dominated. 
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  • Overview of main LithoTect functionality and modeling capabilities
  • Kinematic models in compressional and extensional restoration
  • Modeling tools: interactive slip, transform, fault and hangingwall prediction
  • Time-step restorations
  • Backstripping workflows with decompaction, subsidence and isostatic adjustent
  • Advanced interactive balancing workflows
  • Fault-related folding models: fault bend, fault propagation, trishear

Aug 30 – Sept 3, 2021
5-session live online course
Mon -Fri,  8:00 – 11:30 am CT
Single Participant 975/900*;
Multi Client 3,250; Inhouse 4,250

“Quick guide to Cross-section Balancing” 
by Catalina Luneburg

This short course provides a quick and simplified overview of the practices of cross-section balancing. What are the concepts behind balancing, what are the techniques and mainly what are the benefits for our structural interpretation? Manual balancing methods are applied in real-world scenarios. 
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  • How we interpret
  • Why it is critical to balance 
  • Basic concepts of balancing
  • Manual techniques
  • How to get it right from the start
  • Various applications from different tectonic settings

September 8-9, 2021
2-session live online course
Tue -Wed,  8:00 – 11:30 am CT
Single Participant 425/375*;
Multi Client  1,400; Inhouse 1,700

“Sequence Stratigraphy from the Ground Up – Every Day Applications”
by Katie Joe McDonough

This course introduces sequence stratigraphic concepts by reviewing sedimentologic processes and the resulting facies, depositional systems and cyclicity. For better predictability at the regional and reservoir scale, ground your interpretation in sequence stratigraphy. Exercises reinforce recognition of vertical and lateral stratigraphic signatures in  various data sets.
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  • Cycle recognition across depositional systems
  • Stacking patterns in up-dip and down-dip positions
  • Stratal geometries and systems tracts
  • Combining different scales & types of data
  • Why stratigraphy matters in mudrocks
  • Correlation scenarios and examples from various basins
  • Petroleum systems and sequence stratigraphy

September 13-17, 2021
5-session live online course
Mon -Fri,  8:00 – 11:30 am CT
Single Participant 975/900*;
Multi Client 3,250; Inhouse 4,250

Download Flyer
Register here

“Structural Geology applied to the HC industry”
by Catalina Luneburg

This course provides an overview of the Structural Geology concepts and methodologies relevant to hydrocarbon E&P workflows. Starting with the basic theories of stress, strain and mechanics, we apply the concepts and learn interpretation techniques for various HC tectonic settings and their structural development and geometric patterns. 
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  • Structural styles and HC settings
  • Structural geology concepts
  • Stress, strain, rheology and mechanics
  • Extensional styles, rifting to passive margins
  • Normal fault systems
  • Salt tectonics
  • Compressional Styles
  • Fold- and Thrust Belts
  • Strike-slip tectonics
  • Inversion tectonics
  • Fractures

September 20-24, 2021
5-session live online course
Mon -Fri,  8:00 – 11:30 am CT
Single Participant 975/900*;
Multi Client 3,250; Inhouse 4,250

“Carbonate Sequence Stratigraphy – Built on Sedimentology”
by Katie Joe McDonough

This workshop explores sedimentologic processes and cyclic facies successions in carbonate environments. How best to exploit this cyclicity to achieve our goal of reservoir predictability? Exercises emphasize and reinforce building the stratigraphy from a sedimentologic foundation.
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  • Component grains, textures, classification, facies
  • Cycle recognition in platform, ramp, shelf, deep water environments
  • Cycles, parasequences, systems tracts, sequences
  • Stacking patterns, unconformities, condensed sections
  • Stratal geometries and systems tracts in carbonates
  • Correlation scenarios and examples from various basins
  • Petroleum systems recognition in carbonates

October 4-8, 2021
5-session live online course
Mon -Fri,  8:00 – 11:30 am CT
Single Participant 975/900*;
Multi Client 3,250; Inhouse 4,250

Download Flyer

How to risk exploration prospect seal failure”
by John F. Karlo

Top seal is not usually a yes-no question of risk but is much more a question of how much column a seal can retain. Fault seal can occur by a  variety of mechanisms each with different controls on column heights. Workshop details quantitative assessment of top and fault seal mechanisms and how to apply them to estimating prospect volumes.
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  • The factors for formation of Shale Smear, mechanical contrast in shale smear
  • When and how to evaluate Shale Smear controls on column height
  • Empirical studies as basis to and calibration of Shale Gouge seals
  • Application of SGR, Fault plane profiles, triangle diagrams
  • The physics of capillary membrane seals
  • Predicting trapped column height

October 11-15, 2021
5-session live online course
Mon -Fri,  8:00 – 11:30 am CT
Single Participant 975/900*;
Multi Client 3,250; Inhouse 4,250

Download Flyer

“Structural Validation and Cross-section Balancing” 
by Catalina Luneburg

This workshop combines seismic interpretation and structural validation techniques in order to create a balanced interpretation from the start. Seismic interpretation pitfalls are discussed and the seismic expression of main structural features is  studied in different examples. Methods are demonstrated that validate the seismic interpretation of faults and folds by predicting a valid fault trace and hangingwall shape using manual tools.
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  • Recognizing stratigraphic and structural features in seismic section
  • Seismic interpretation of different structural styles
  • Interpretation validation techniques
  • Method of fault prediction and depth to detachment
  • Forward modeling techniques to model shape of hanging wall
  • Examples of balancing while interpreting

November 8-12, 2021
5-session live online course
Mon -Fri,  8:00 – 11:30 am CT
Single Participant 975/900*;
Multi Client 3,250; Inhouse 4,250

Download Flyer

“A Practical Guide to Volumetrics and Risking”
by Erik Scott

This course will cover the considerations needed when calculating in-place hydrocarbons and the chance of finding it.  The mechanics of calculating volumes will be covered, however the focus of the course is on understanding how to determine appropriate rock and fluid property input ranges, implications of the different methods of volume calculation and how the output volumes are modified.  
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We will also relate the output range of hydrocarbon volumes with different types of risk involved with the oil and gas industry. We will conclude with a discussion on how the volumes and risk numbers are used in economic analysis. 

  • Different methods, from simple to more complex, of calculating in-place hydrocarbons
  • Ascertaining appropriate input ranges for rock and fluid properties
  • Understanding what the outputs of volume calculations represent
  • Relating risk to volumes

November 15-19, 2021
5-session live online course
Mon -Fri,  8:00 – 11:30 am CT
Single Participant 975/900*;
Multi Client 3,250; Inhouse 4,250

Download Flyer

Interpreting Fault and Fracture networks
by Catalina Luneburg

This short course introduces the concepts of faulting and fracturing from the mechanics to the development of fault and fracture patterns in a variety of tectonic settings. We will discuss  methods to predict fractures and to interpret subseismic resolution subsidiary faults.

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December 14-15, 2021
2-session live online course
Tue -Wed,  8:00 – 11:30 am CT
Single Participant 425/375*;
Multi Client  1,400; Inhouse 1,700

PAST COURSES – available inhouse

“Identification of sweet spots in shale oil/gas plays: best practices in analyzing shale oil/gas plays”
by Ursula Hammes

How stratigraphic and depositional processes influence regional correlations and facies variations of organic-rich mudrocks with respect to calcareous, siliceous and clay-rich shales. Apply sequence stratigraphic principles to identify best organic-rich and frackable intervals.
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  • Predict most prolific source intervals.
  • Diverse sedimentary structures, fauna, depositional processes and their inter- and intrabasinal variations and factors determining organic-rich deposits 
  • Factors such as paleogeography, ocean chemistry and tectonic influences derived from modern examples 

January 18-22, 2021
5-session live online course
Mon -Fri,  8:00 – 11:30 am CT
Single Participant 975/900*;
Multi Client 3,250; Inhouse 4,250

Download Flyer

“Geomechanics for Today’s Oil and Gas Industry”
by Amy Fox

In order to dig into the important topics of today, it is important to understand the basic elements of geomechanics and to examine how the discipline has evolved over time. This workshop teaches the data types and workflows for building a geomechanical model, which can then be applied to exploration, drilling, completions and full field development. 
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  • The Big Picture: Overview and History (and future!) of geomechanics in oil and gas
  • Basic Theory: In situ stresses, Pore pressure, Rock mechanics, Borehole stresses and wellbore failure types, Natural fractures and faults
  • Geomechanical Model:  drilling experience, stress directions.  overburden,  min stress, pore pressure, rock mechanical properties, max hor stress
  • Geomechanics Applications in More Detail

FEBRUARY 10-11, 2021
2-session live online course
Wed -Thu,  1:00 – 4:30 pm CT
Single Participant 425/375*;
Multi Client  1,400; Inhouse 1,700

Download Flyer

“Fracture Systems and Reservoir-Scale Structural Geology from Borehole Images”
by Al Lacazette

Borehole images provide detailed information on reservoir fractures, reservoir neostress (present-day stress), reservoir-scale structural geology that can control fracture development, sedimentary facies and structures, and other features.  The course will focus on basic and advanced methods to characterize natural and induced fractures, breakouts, and other features required to understand earth stress and fine-scale reservoir structure.  
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  • Borehole imaging technologies and their strengths and weaknesses.
  • Identifying and measuring breakouts and induced fractures.
  • Identifying and measuring natural fracture types.
  • Identifying faults and fault zones – the most commonly misidentified features in image logs.
  • Integrating petrophysical and borehole image data.
  • Data collection for detailed structural interepretation.
  • Case studies, preferably with the client’s own data.

FEBRUARY 16-17, 2021
2-session live online course
Tue -Wed,  8:00 – 11:30 am CT
Single Participant 425/375*;
Multi Client  1,400; Inhouse 1,700

“Fracked Reservoir DFN Modeling”
by Sherilyn Williams Stroud

How to use microseismic data to build a fracture network model, interpret structural features, and generate fracture properties for reservoir simulation. Learn about aspects of structural analysis  related to natural fracture development, induced and reactivated fracturing from hydraulic fracture stimulation, and state of stress. 
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  • Models of the relationships of natural seismicity to faults and induced microseismicity to reservoir fractures
  • Methods of microseismic data acquisition, microseismic mapping results, methods to generate flow properties for stimulated reservoirs.
  • Methods for developing fracture constraints to use in geologic  models that include fracture flow properties are discussed and demonstrated

MAR 29–APR 1, 2021
5-session live online course
Mon -Fri,  8:00 – 11:30 am CT
Single Participant 975/900*;
Multi Client 3,250; Inhouse 4,250

“Structural Modeling with LithoTect Software” 
by Catalina Luneburg

This short workshop provides an overview of the tools and techniques for balancing and restoring cross sections using LithoTect Software such as setting up the  project and data base, basic interpretation tools such as fault prediction  and  structural modeling tools and various restoration methods. 
Read More

  • Overview of main LithoTect functionality,  LithoTect project and data base, I/O
  • Kinematic models in compressional and extensional restoration
  • Fault slip modeling and interactive modeling, Transform restoration
  • Fault Prediction tool and depth to detachment
  • Forward Modeling, Time-step restoration and backstripping

April 5-9, 2021
5-session live online course
Mon -Fri,  8:00 – 11:30 am CT
Single Participant 975/900*;
Multi Client 3,250; Inhouse 4,250

Download Flyer

“Petroleum Systems and Basin Analysis”
by Afshin Fathi

 

The aim of this course is to introduce applications of organic geochemistry data in basin analysis studies and its applications in petroleum exploration; it stresses the importance of basin evolution to petroleum generation, migration and accumulation. You will learn to evaluate petroleum systems and their hydrocarbon potential. 

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  • Organic geochemistry of oil and gas resources
  • Exploration
  • Basin modeling data analysis and interpretation
  • Source rock evaluation
  • Understand basin-forming processes and basin architecture
  •  Sediment generation, transport and deposition
  • Review key analytical techniques with a focus on burial history analysis
  • Apply and integrate datasets to model basin evolution

APRIL 12-16, 2021
5-session live online course
Mon -Fri,  8:00 – 11:30 am CT
Single Participant 975/900*;
Multi Client 3,250; Inhouse 4,250

“Geochemical tools to characterize shale oil/gas plays: organic and inorganic geochemical techniques to identify sweet spots”
by Ursula Hammes

Inorganic geochemical techniques will teach the instrumentation used to generate inorganic data used to identify favorable frac intervals and compare to petrophysical logs (e.g., XRD, ICP, XRF instruments). 
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  • Interpret organic-matter type and richness
  • Maturity and interpretation of geochemical results incorporating TOC
  • Rock-eval and biomarker data.

APRIL 26-30, 2021
5-session live online course
Mon -Fri,  8:00 – 11:30 am CT
Single Participant 975/900*;
Multi Client 3,250; Inhouse 4,250

“The Role of Geomodeling in the Multi-disciplinary Team”
by David Garner

The concepts to models, related workflows and practices embody technical themes that influence strategies for integrated subsurface teams and their economic decision making. The seminar will provide a discussion of geomodeling processes and topics in their integrated context related to general forecasting workflows and will include a discussion on improving the effectiveness of geomodeling within teams. 
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Geomodeling is advanced platform to integrate and bridge the technical disciplines. There are three core competencies underpinning the geomodeling discipline for proper execution. Developing geomodeling sadvaophistication leads to the ability to reframe subsurface practices, mitigate bottlenecks and improve subsurface cycle time.

  • An overview of geomodeling processes and contex
  • A breakdown of three core competencies and best practices

MAY 17-21, 2021
5-session live online course
Mon -Fri,  8:00 – 11:30 am CT
Single Participant 975/900*;
Multi Client 3,250; Inhouse 4,250

“The Practice of Maturing a Prospect”
by Farrukh Ahmad

This short course outlines the processes of how an oil/gas prospect is worked on, evaluated for viability and made ready for drilling
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JUNE 08-09, 2021
2-session live online course
Tue -Wed,  8:00 – 11:30 am CT
Single Participant 425/375*;
Multi Client  1,400; Inhouse 1,700

“Overview of Typical Fold- and Thrust Belts” 
by Steven Boyer

This course provides an overview of the typical thrust-belt architecture and the structural variation  and complexity. We take a critical look at the complex deformational history of thrust-belt structures and implications for the validity of cross-section balancing. We also analyze the implications of fold- and thrust belt mechanics and kinematic for HC systems.
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JUNE 15-16, 2021
2-session live online course
Tue -Wed,  8:00 – 11:30 am CT
Single Participant 425/375*;
Multi Client  1,400; Inhouse 1,700

“Fundamentals of Extensional Basins”
by James W. Granath

Continental extensional terranes or “rifts” are some of the most hydrocarbon productive provinces in the world.  This workshop focusses on the seismic expression of features in continental rifts and the basics of extensional deformation, i.e. normal faulting, and the character of the rift structural style. 
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  • Stress during normal faulting and tectonic conditions conducive to normal faulting
  • Anatomy and kinematics of normal faults and normal fault systems
  • Graben, half graben, and domino structural styles and their interrelationships across scales
  • Implications of fault linkage to sedimentation, topography, and petroleum systems
  • Relationship of rifting to thermal history and to magmatism and volcanism

June 21-24, 2021
5-session live online course
Mon -Fri,  8:00 – 11:30 am CT
Single Participant 975/900*;
Multi Client 3,250; Inhouse 4,250