Seismic Stratigraphic Interpretation in Different Basin Settings

Maarten Wiemer 
5 half-day sessions online (or 3 full days F2F classroom)

Business context

Throughout the exploration cycle, from play-based exploration to prospect maturation, from near field exploration to appraisal, a sound geological knowledge of basin type, sediment-fill, and deformation phases, should underpin the regional play and detailed prospect specific mapping, modelling and subsequent risk and volumetrics work.

The Seismic Stratigraphic Interpretation in Different Basin Settings course focuses on the application of seismic stratigraphic evaluation -together with case history examples and exercises- in structurally different basin settings. It will lead the delegates through passive, rift, convergent and obliques basin settings. Case histories and active delegate participation form a key part of the course and will stimulate linkage between course learnings and the actual exploration business.

Who should attend

The course is aiming at geoscientists working on play-based exploration and prospect generation / maturation projects as well as near-field exploration / appraisal.

Course content

The course will be delivered as a 5-session (half days) VILT course, or as a 3-day classroom F2F course.

  • This course is designed to teach about depositional systems and reservoir distribution in the context of Prospect Maturation and Play-based Exploration in different basin settings.
  • Course subjects include basic seismic / sequence stratigraphy ground rules and will discuss stratigraphic geometries in terms of accommodation space changes and systems tracts.
  • The interplay of stratigraphic geometries and structural deformation in different basins is a key theme.
  • Industry case histories in the form of examples and exercises are an integral part of the course.

Learning, methods and tools

  • The course makes use of data such as seismic, log, core, outcrop, and satellite images.
  • Method of teaching consists of a mix of lectures and hands-on exercises, while stimulating individual, team, and plenary discussion.

Day by day programme

SESSION 1 / DAY 1

Course Introduction

1.1 Seismic Stratigraphy: seismic reflections; depositional sequences, systems tracts; reservoir distribution
1.2 Exercise: South Africa regional line seismic stratigraphy
1.3 Plate Margins and Basin Settings: Link basin-fill to basin type
1.4 Exercise: Arabian Plate setting analysis

SESSION 2 / DAY 2

MCQ and Recap of Session 1 / Day 1

2.1 Passive margin seismic stratigraphy
2.2 West Africa case histories
2.3 Large Canyon systems - Opuama exercise (log and seismic evaluation)
2.4 Oman Cambro-Ordovician case history

SESSION 3 / DAY 3

MCQ and Recap of Session 2 / Day 2

3.1 Extensional (Rift-fill) basin seismic stratigraphy
3.2 Madagascar - Manandaza case history and exercise (core, log and seismic evaluation)
3.3 Salt Basin seismic stratigraphic (North Sea) case history and exercise (creating a Wheeler - time rock synopsis diagram from seismic)

SESSION 4 / DAY 4

MCQ and Recap pf Session 3 / Day 3

4.1 Convergent basin setting seismic stratigraphy
4.2 NW Borneo case history and exercise (seismic recognition of a combined structural / stratigraphic trap)
4.3 Pyrenean foredeep (Tremp Basin) example and Boixols exercise

SESSION 5 / DAY 5 MCQ and Recap of Session 4 / Day 4

5.1 Oblique basin setting seismic stratigraphy
5.2 Egypt Western Desert case history and exercise (regional seismic line evaluation)
5.3 China Bohai Basin case history and exercise (seismic and well log analysis