Structural Geology Must-Knows

Course Description

The objective of the course is to cover the structural geology concepts that all geoscientists need to know in order to build or validate static models and carry out fault interpretation. These concepts have been identified as the "Structural Geology Must Know's" by the lecturer over his 30 year career in the oil industry. These cover what he  has been using in reviews, peer assists, coaching and training sessions with geologists and geophysicists primarily, but with other disciplines too. 

The course covers fundamental understanding or rock failure, fault growth, fault geometries, structural styles and how these fundamental concepts can be used for production and exploration projects alike (and all sub-surface projects in general).

At the end of this class, the participants will gain a sound understanding on how rock deform throughout the geological history, how rock properties influence the geometry of faults in the sub-surface and how the faults must and can be simplified, with the appropriate audit trail, in maps and 3D static and dynamic models alike. 

Examples of exploration and production scale case studies will be used throughout the course to ensure a business context to the learnings.  The course will help the participant to create robust and appropriate map and 3D model linked to the maturity of their project and their business objectives.

Course Outline

Day 1:  Class room 

• Course introduction. Why are we here today 

• Structural geology foundation concepts recap  

• Understand how rock break and the impact on fault geometry (Mohr circle introduction, stress and strain exercises) 

• The pole of the Mohr circle introduction and exercises (A tool to assess the likelihood of fault reactivation) 

• Structural evolution lecture and exercises (Use detailed observations on cross-sections to unravel faulting history)  

Day 2: Class room  

• Recap of day 1 

• Fault geometries, fault growth, fault segmentation lecture and exercises 

• Fault QA-QC, fault resolution lecture and exercises 

• Fundamentals of strike-slip deformation lecture and exercises 

• Structural style and fault kinematics interpretation exercise based on map

*This course has originally been designed in Oman where and additional field trip can be organised. Additonal field course to apply the lessons learned from the class could also been consider in other part of the world.

Day 3: Field trip - Jebel Shams dip slope 

Faults in map view and cross-section; Fault seal potential in limestone; Damage zones around faults;  Fault geometries – fault growth, fault segmentation; Impact for seismic interpretation and static model building; Link to drilling and dynamic simulation 

Day 4: Field trip - Jebel Madar 

Fault mapping at smaller scale (production scale); Link smaller scale observations to larger scale regional evolution and vice versa; Impact of fault geometry on fault seal potential; Fault geometries – fault growth, fault segmentation; Impact for seismic interpretation and static model building; Link to drilling and dynamic simulation 

Recap of the entire course in small syndicates.

*An alternative one day of Collaborative Virtual Geology Field trip in Jebel Madar is also available. This is carried out using VRExplorer software from the company VR2Planets.

Participants’ Profile

This course is suitable for both new hires and experienced geoscientists. Its exercise-based approach allows participants to build on their existing knowledge. Professionals from all subsurface disciplines involved in subsurface projects will find it beneficial.

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of geosciences and petroleum geology in general are preferable. Awareness of structural geology will be beneficial but not mandatory.

About the Instructor

Pascal Richard Holds a PhD in Earth Sciences from the University of Rennes (1991). After spending 30 years in the Oil Industry, as a recognized structural geology expert, Pascal can now concentrate on one of his passions which is teaching structural geology, fault geometry and fractured reservoirs charactersation and modeling. Pascal is a passionate teacher and coach. He also actively supports academia work contributing to master and PhD programs. His knowledge is based on numerous integrated projects, both at Exploration and Production scales, and on numerous training run since the beginning of his career.   

Pascal joined Shell in 1991. He initially spent 5 years in the Shell Research lab where he developed, with the team, some of the foundation concepts of modern structural geology. He has led the sandbox laboratory and run numerous experimental programs covering all structural styles.  

He has then spent 3 years in Oman in Exploration as a seismic interpreter and in a structural geology support role. This was followed by 4 years in Shell Carbonate Development Research Team focusing on Fractured reservoirs. Pascal went back to Oman for 7 years to implement fractured reservoir software technology and act as a focal point for structural geology in the Middle East.  He finally spent 10 years in Shell Global Solutions working as a global consultant, working on projects and training. He has spent the last 3 years as the head of the structural geology discipline in Shell.

Currently Pascal is working as an independent structural geology expert delivering courses and technical consultancy projects. He is currently focussing on developing collaborative virtual reality field trip.