IPIMS Background Learning Topic Level e-Learning Courses (Content Order)

Petroleum Geology

Introduction and Overview

Topic Summary: An overview of the fundamentals, introducing the primary geological factors controlling petroleum generation and accumulation. Presents source rocks, primary and secondary migration and sealing conditions. Provides perspective on varying geological histories, basin configurations and economic considerations.

Estimated Time to Complete:
1 hour 40 minutes to 3 hours 20 minutes. (average of 20 to 40 minutes per Subtopic)

Subtopic Listing:

Basic Concepts of Petroleum Geology (s1004)

Petroleum Generation and Maturation (s1005)

Migration and Accumulation Processes (s1006)

Petroleum Exploration Overview (s1007)

References and Additional Information (s1008)

Hydrocarbon Properties

Topic Summary: Introduces the physical and chemical properties of petroleum, and the terminology explorationists use to classify and describe them. Explains how these properties affect the behavior of petroleum--its migration, entrapment and availability to exploitation. Outlines specific production problems when unfavorable petroleum properties are present.

Estimated Time to Complete:
1 hour to 2 hours. (average of 20 to 40 minutes per Subtopic)

Subtopic Listing:

Gas Properties and Classifications (s1009)

Crude Oil Properties, Classifications and Alterations (s1010)

References and Additional Information (s1012)

Subsurface Environment

Topic Summary: Establishes the general conditions of subsurface environments. Presents the nature and behavior of subsurface waters, fluid pressures, geothermal factors and the fluid dynamics of sedimentary basins. Discusses how these factors can affect petroleum in the subsurface environment. A reminder that for acquiring subsurface data, a dry hole can be as valuable as a producer.

Estimated Time to Complete:
1 hour 40 minutes to 3 hours 20 minutes. (average of 20 to 40 minutes per Subtopic)

Subtopic Listing:

Water Origins and Chemistry (s1013)

Temperature and Thermal Gradient (s1014)

Pressure Environments (s1015)

Fluid Behavior (s1016)

References and Additional Information (s1017)

Hydrocarbon Generation and Migration

Topic Summary: Traces the natural conditions leading to hydrocarbon generation and migration. Presents the effects of diagenesis and petrogenesis on organic matter. Discusses kerogen types, physical and chemical factors that affect the maturation level and geochemistry of petroleum, and the migration processes from petroleum source beds into the permeable carrier or reservoir rock.

Estimated Time to Complete:
1 hour to 2 hours. (average of 20 to 40 minutes per Subtopic)

Subtopic Listing:

Generation and Maturation Processes (s3562)

Migration Processes (s3563)

References and Additional Information (s3564)

Reservoirs

Topic Summary: Outlines basic characteristics of reservoir lithologies and discusses identification, measurement and evaluation of reservoir conditions in rocks. Considers reservoir properties which determine overall quality: porosity, permeability, and their interrelationship; diagenetic effects and reservoir continuity. Stresses the different requirements for evaluation of clastic and carbonate reservoirs.

Estimated Time to Complete:
1 hour 20 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes. (average of 20 to 40 minutes per Subtopic)

Subtopic Listing:

Rock Properties (s1018)

Diagenesis (s1019)

Reservoir Continuity (s1020)

References and Additional Information (s1021)

Traps

Topic Summary: Petroleum generated from source rocks moves up through permeable strata and would be lost at the earth's surface if not "trapped" on its way up. Describes the characteristics of the principal trap types, how they appear on geologic sections and maps, and how they are analyzed in terms of geologic history. Examines constraints on production imposed by variations in trapping.

Estimated Time to Complete:
1 hour 40 minutes to 3 hours 20 minutes. (average of 20 to 40 minutes per Subtopic)

Subtopic Listing:

Hydrocarbon Traps: Introduction (s1022)

Structural Traps (s1023)

Stratigraphic Traps (s1024)

Other Trap Types (s1025)

References and Additional Information (s1026)

Habitat of Hydrocarbons in Sedimentary Basins

Topic Summary: Provides the format for genetic classification of sedimentary basins, drawing together the principles of the previous six modules into the evaluation of the earth's plate tectonic framework. Explains identification and classification of sedimentary basins, their role in forming oil and gas, and the habitats of oil and gas within them.

Estimated Time to Complete:
2 hours 40 minutes to 5 hours 20 minutes. (average of 20 to 40 minutes per Subtopic)

Subtopic Listing:

Sedimentary Basins: Overview (s1027)

Cratonic Basins (s1028)

Divergent Margin Basins (s1029)

Convergent Margin Basins (s1030)

Downwarp Basins and Tertiary Deltas (s1031)

Basin Types: Review Exercises (s3565)

Petroleum Characteristics by Basin Type (s1032)

References and Additional Information (s1033)

Basic Skills of the Petroleum Geologist

Geologic Cross-Sections

Topic Summary: Teaches the construction of the two principal types of cross sections--structural and stratigraphic--and their extensions into three-dimensional (fence) diagrams. Introduces computer generation of maps and sections.

Estimated Time to Complete:
1 hour 40 minutes to 3 hours 20 minutes. (average of 20 to 40 minutes per Subtopic)

Subtopic Listing:

Cross-Section Elements (s1034)

Cross-Sections in Two Dimensions (s1035)

Cross-Section Diagrams in Three-Dimensions (s1036)

Cross-Sections: Computer Methods (s4653)

References and Additional Information (s4654)

Subsurface Mapping

Topic Summary: An integrated approach to subsurface mapping, discussing downhole data, correlations between wells, and how to depict surfaces and three-dimensional units on contour maps. Presents surface maps and geophysical or remote sensing surveys as aids in delimiting important structural and stratigraphic relationships. Stresses proper correlation and use of borehole information.

Estimated Time to Complete:
1 hour 20 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes. (average of 20 to 40 minutes per Subtopic)

Subtopic Listing:

Lateral Correlation of Logged Data (s1037)

Structural Contour Maps (s1038)

Isopach and Other Subsurface Maps (s1039)

References and Additional Information (s5191)

Prospect Generation

Topic Summary: Teaches how prospects are generated, emphasizing recognition of previously undelineated anomalies, and that although each prospect is unique, the general patterns of prospect generation are roughly similar. Presents learning basic patterns by using the experience of others and reviewing past cases.

Estimated Time to Complete:
1 hour 20 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes. (average of 20 to 40 minutes per Subtopic)

Subtopic Listing:

Prospect Generation: Basic Concepts and Definitions (s1040)

Prospect Generation in Frontier Regions (s1041)

Model Prospects (s1042)


Background Learning Topics (Content Order)

Alphabetical Order Content Order
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