Course Description

One of the most revolutionary, most effective, yet most under-utilized tools introduced into exploration this century is that of seismic stratigraphy. It is not a tool exclusive to geophysicists, nor is it a tool only for geologists. Seismic stratigraphic techniques are based upon an integration of firm, well-established geological and geophysical fundamentals. When properly applied, seismic stratigraphy provides a powerful foundation for geohistory analysis, helping describe a basin’s evolution and the resulting effects upon its spatial and temporal variation in hydrocarbon potential. Seismic stratigraphy chronostratigraphically constrains both the sedimentological and fault-mechanical stratigraphy of a basin. Furthermore, it can provide a predictive model extrapolated beyond the borehole as to aspects of the quality of potential reservoirs and seals, their sedimentary environments of deposition, and in some cases, even their paragenesis. 

Course Goal

To enhance the participants’ knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to  apply the seismic stratigraphic method to optimizing their exploration efforts.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participant will be able to:

• Apply geophysical fundamentals to uncovering the geological information embedded within seismic.
• Understand the premises behind the Vail seismic sequence paradigm.
• Construct and interpret chronostratigraphic charts, sea level curves, and seismic facies maps.
• Interpret clastic and carbonate depositional system responses to allocyclic and autocyclic processes and the effects upon reservoir architecture and seal potential.
• Systematically reconstruct a basin’s geohistory which provides the critical foundation for its petroleum system analysis and effective exploration.

Who Can Benefit

Geologists, geophysicists, biostratigraphers and engineers (with some knowledge of geology).