Clastic Sedimentology for Exploration and Development (GG18)


DATE	LOCATION	FEES		REGISTRATION


2011	tba		Course Fee: tba

Instructor

John Collinson

Course Level: Basic

This 5 day course covers the basics of clastic sedimentology at scales that are appropriate for both regional exploration and detailed reservoir characterisation. The main types of sedimentary basin are briefly reviewed in the context of crustal dynamics and plate tectonics and the production and transport of clastic material in different tectonic, topographic and climatic settings are described. The course discusses processes of erosion, transport and deposition of sediments by water, wind and ice. Sedimentary fluid dynamics are related to sedimentary bed forms which, in turn, are related to the lamination and bedding styles that characterise most sandstone. These principles are applied to different depositional settings, focusing on the nature of sediment supply, the distribution of processes in space and time and the resultant organisation of depositional facies. Alluvial, deltaic, coastal, shallow-marine, slope, deep-marine and aeolian settings are all discussed in terms of processes, facies and facies organisation. Particular attention is given to the principles by which depositional settings are interpreted using both outcrop and sub-surface data and to the correlation methods that are appropriate in different settings. Facies organisation at a wide range of scales is reviewed in the context of syn-depositional tectonics, base-level changes and sequence stratigraphy. Discussion of reservoir characterisation includes an appraisal of deterministic and stochastic approaches to modelling, the role of analogue data and constraints on sandbody connectivity. The course emphasises the practical interpretation of subsurface data for facies analysis and reservoir characterisation, with coursework designed to reinforce lectures and provide access to a variety of data types. Exercises involve interpretation of seismic, core and wireline log data, with examples drawn from different facies, ages and basinal settings.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

The large-scale tectonic setting of the main types of sedimentary basin and the relationship between structural style and patterns of sedimentary fill.

The major tectonic, topographic and climatic controls on the generation of clastic sediments.

The basic mechanics of sediment erosion, transport and deposition and resultant bedforms and sedimentary structures. Post-depositional processes and products.

The processes, facies and facies organisation of major environments of deposition
– Alluvial
– Deltaic
– Coastal
– Shallow-marine
– Slope
– Deep-marine
– Aeolian
– Lacustrine

The effects of base-level changes and syn-depositional tectonics on patterns of sediment distribution.

The different approaches to correlation and the role of analogues in building reservoir models in different depositional settings.

OUTLINE

Types of sedimentary basin in different tectonic contexts

Sediment generation and supply in different settings

Fluid dynamics of erosion, transport and deposition

Review of sedimentary environments For each environment:
– Processes
– Facies and facies distribution
– Base-level, topographic and tectonic controls on sediment distribution
– Sedimentary geometries, source rocks and reservoir sandbodies
– Main constraints on correlation and reservoir modelling

During the course, lectures and practical exercises are used to teach techniques to evaluate the depositional settings and interpretation of seismic and well log data. These cover the fundamentals of stratigraphy, facies analysis, sequence stratigraphy, and an introduction to reservoir modelling.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND
The course is designed for exploration and development geologists, geophysicists and reservoir engineers. No previous oil industry experience is required as the basics of well log interpretation are covered. Basic geological knowledge is assumed.

COURSE VENUE:

INSTRUCTOR

John Collinson