■ William C. Gussow Geoscience Conference Water Resources & Energy Development
■ William C. Gussow Geoscience Conference Water Resources & Energy Development
■ ‘Professional Societies serve to enrich your careers…’
An interview with Presidents of geotechnical/professional societies and associations
■ ‘Professional Societies serve to enrich your careers…’ An interview with Presidents of geotechnical/professional societies and associations
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New ventures. Exploration. Economics. Exploitation. Drilling. Production. Delivery. Acquisitions and Divestitures. Wherever your opportunities take you, IHS Energy supports you every step of the way.
CSPG OFFICE
#160,540 - 5th Avenue SW
Calgary,Alberta,Canada T2P 0M2
Tel:403-264-5610 Fax:403-264-5898
Email:cspg@cspg.org Web:www.cspg.org
Office hours:Monday to Friday,8:30am to 4:00pm
Business Manager:Tim Howard
Email:tim.howard@cspg.org
Office Manager:Deanna Watkins
Email:deanna.watkins@cspg.org
Communications Manager:Jaimè Croft
Email:jaime.croft@cspg.org
Conventions Manager:Lori Humphrey-Clements
Email:lori@cspg.org
Corporate Relations Manager:Kim MacLean
Email:kim.maclean@cspg.org
EDITORS/AUTHORS
Please submit RESERVOIR articles to the CSPG office.Submission deadline is the 23th day of the month,two months prior to issue date. (i.e.,January 23 for the March issue).
To publish an article,the CSPG requires digital copies of the document.Text should be in Microsoft Word format and illustrations should be in TIFF format at 300 dpi.For additional information on manuscript preparation,refer to the Guidelines for Authors published in the CSPG Bulletin or contact the editor.
COORDINATING EDITOR & OPERATIONS
Jaimè Croft
CSPG
Tel:403-264-5610
Fax:403-264-5898
Email:jaime.croft@cspg.org
TECHNICAL EDITOR
Ben McKenzie
GEOCAN Energy Inc.
Tel:403-261-3851
Email:bjmck@telusplanet.net
ADVERTISING
Kim Maclean
Corporate Relations,CSPG
Tel:403-264-5610,Ext 205
Email:kim.maclean@cspg.org
Advertising inquiries should be directed to Kim MacLean.The deadline to reserve advertising space is the 23th day of the month,two months prior to issue date.All advertising artwork should be sent directly to Kim MacLean.
The RESERVOIR is published 11 times per year by the Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists.This includes a combined issue for the months of July/August.
Advertisements,as well as inserts,mailed with the publication are paid advertisements.No endorsement or sponsorship by the Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists is implied.
The CSPG Rock Shop is an attractive and affordable way for advertisers to present their services to the CSPG readership.Spaces are sold at business card sizes (3.5” wide by 2” high). To reserve space or for more information,please contact Kim MacLean at 403-264-5610,ext.205.
The contents of this publication may not be reproduced either in part or in full without the consent of the publisher.
copies of the
CONTOURING
Faulted contours
Isopachs
Volumetrics
Grid operations
New flexing options
CROSS SECTIONS
Digital and/or Rastor
Geocolumn shading
Multiple rasters/well
Stratigraphic/Structural
Shade between crossover
Dipmeter data
MAPPING OPTIONS
Bubble maps
Production charts
Log curves
Posted data
Highlighted Symbols
CROSS PLOTS
Log crossplots
“Z” crossplots
Lithologies to facies
Pickett plots
Regression curves
User defined overlays
PETRA® delivers the industry’s only easy-to-use and affordable integrated solution for today’s workflows. It provides multi-user access to large projects through geological, petrophysical and engineering analysis tools. The PetraSeis™ option extends PETRA® into 2D/3D seismic interpretation with practical tools such as RasterSeis™ Download a trial version at www.geoplus.com, or call us at 888-738-7265 (in Houston, call 713-862-9449) for more product information.
PETRA
DECLINE CURVES
Compute EUR, RR, etc.
Hyperbolic or exp.
Rate/Time or Cum P/Z
User defined Econ. Limit
User defined Extrap. Time
CORPORATE MEMBERS
THE CSPG GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES ITS *CORPORATE MEMBERS:
ABU DHABI OIL CO., LTD. (JAPAN)
ARCHEAN ENERGY LTD.
BURLINGTON RESOURCES CANADA ENERGY LTD.
CALPINE CANADA
CANADIAN FOREST OIL LTD.
CONOCOPHILLIPS CANADA RESOURCES LIMITED
CORE LABORATORIES CANADA LTD.
DEVON CANADA CORPORATION
DOMINION EXPLORATION CANADA LTD.
DUVERNAY OIL CORP.
ECL CANADA
EL PASO OIL & GAS CANADA, INC.
HUNT OIL COMPANY OF CANADA, INC.
HUSKY ENERGY
IHS ENERGY
IMPERIAL OIL RESOURCES LIMITED
LARIO OIL & GAS COMPANY
MJ SYSTEMS
MURPHY OIL COMPANY LTD.
NCE RESOURCES GROUP INC.
NEXEN INC.
NORTHROCK RESOURCES LTD.
PENN WEST PETROLEUM LTD.
PETRO-CANADA OIL AND GAS
REEVES WIRELINE
SAMSON CANADA
SHELL CANADA LIMITED
SPROULE ASSOCIATES LIMITED
SUNCOR ENERGY INC.
TALISMAN ENERGY INC.
TOTAL E&P CANADA LIMITED
UPTON RESOURCES INC.
*CORPORATE MEMBERS AS OF DECEMBER 24, 2003
CSPG MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE 2004 MEMBERSHIP SURVEY
The CSPG Membership Committee will be launching its survey in February/March and encourages you to participate.This year’s investigation will include,as in the 2002 survey, questions on remuneration and other compensation.The information you supply will,of course,be completely anonymous.Following analysis,results will be published on the CSPG website and in the Reservoir.
The previous survey,conducted in October 2002, marked the first time you,the members,had been polled in the last decade,and elicited an outstanding response.You were asked to participate through an e-mail invitation.This was found to be the most efficient way of proceeding.If you have not already done so,please supply the CSPG office with your current e-mail address so you can be included in the survey.
This year’s survey has been built upon your responses to the 2002 questions,as well as feedback from other CSPG committees.Some questions have been reworded,others expanded,still others removed.Our goal is to obtain meaningful results, while making this web-based survey as quick and efficient as possible for you to answer.Results will
inform your Society and its committees of your needs and desires,help the CSPG in setting goals and directions,and maximize benefits and satisfaction to you.
A more specific objective of this survey is to explore ways of making membership in the CSPG more relevant to more people,and encourage new and more established professionals alike to join and participate.We want the CSPG to be vibrant and essential to every earth scientist in this country.In addition to ongoing demographics and organizational queries,you will be asked about your career goals,your place of work,your satisfaction with your professional situation,and your interest in the various CSPG activities.Remember,this survey is strictly confidential.
Already,member volunteers of your Society are using responses from the previous survey to tailor the CSPG’s programs to meet your needs and aspirations.
2003 has come and gone and with it,my first year of service on the Executive.The time has passed very quickly and there has been a lot to learn about the operations of the Society.
The one thing that has made a significant impression on me during the year is the number of volunteers we need to staff our technical and social committees and to organize the events and programs,which we all enjoy and value as part of our membership.These are dedicated people who willingly donate their time and talents for the benefit of the members.Thanks to all of you! We have to take care that these volunteers don’t burn out and that they get a chance to take a “break”.If you haven’t volunteered,or have not done so for a while, consider doing so to help keep our Society strong.
As you know,our industry is changing. Commodity prices are high,drilling is at a record pace,and companies are very profitable.However,we are not seeing a surge in hiring and we are therefore faced with relatively few young geologists finding work in the industry while the majority of us are moving closer (some closer than others) to retirement.Coupled with the decrease in hiring,corporate training programs have often been cut back significantly,particularly in larger companies.The volatility of oil and gas prices,as well as a recognition of need for cost controls,have contributed significantly to the current situation.Therefore,as your new Executive takes over,we are faced with the question:“What does this mean for the future direction of the CSPG?”
On an annual basis,the committees of the Society,and the Executive go through a strategic planning process so that we can continue to build a 5-year plan for the growth and operations of the Society.As you will have seen through past comments in this column,we are in a strong financial position but are faced with aging demographics and an industry which is slow to recognize the future potential lack of geoscientists.We will therefore be looking at our plans critically,to assess what initiatives and strategies will have to be implemented in the future to meet the
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
needs of the membership.This will be especially important as we face strong possibility of decreasing numbers.
If you have any ideas on things the Society should be doing,either from an operational or technical perspective,please contact me or any others on the Executive.We would be pleased to hear from you! In the meantime, we have initiated some plans which we hope will benefit our members – as well as our industry – in the short term as well as in the longer term.
To encourage young students to pursue the geosciences as a career requires a significant outreach initiative.We will continue to contribute to the Educational Trust Fund and will assist the ETF Board in strengthening its membership and activities.This will allow it to achieve a level of capitalization that will be self-sustaining in its outreach activities.We will also be working with other geoscience organizations in Canada through the “Presidents Council” – a revised form of the Canadian Geoscience Council – to develop outreach programs in elementary and secondary schools.These will encourage young people to consider geology as a viable career possibility.
There is also a recognized need to provide more opportunities for our members to access training opportunities so that they can continue to grow professionally.Therefore,in addition to the annual conferences,which are a vital part of this initiative,we are reestablishing mini-conferences,which will provide venues for more in-depth discussion and presentation of ideas on specific topics. The first of these is a core conference,the theme of which is:"Dolomites – The Spectrum:Mechanisms,Models,Reservoir Development".This will be followed,in March,by a 2-day mini-conference on “Water Resources and Energy Development”.The latter conference is the first William C. Gussow Geoscience Conference,which will be held annually and will no doubt be seeded by ideas from our Technical Divisions.A third initiative has been to revive our Continuing Education Committee,which is currently planning to offer courses,on modern concepts and methodologies,at costeffective prices,to our members.
Your new Executive is looking forward to the year ahead as we work to keep the Society strong.We cannot do it alone and I therefore want to thank outgoing members of the 2003 Executive,and the office staff,for their help in preparing us for the challenges ahead.I would also like to thank our corporate sponsors for their significant role in supporting our programs.
Craig Lamb President
FEBRUARY LUNCHEON
Understanding the impact of variations in incised valley fill systems on reservoir development:examples from the Pennsylvanian and Cretaceous strata of the Rocky Mountain region
SPEAKER
David W.Bowen, AAPG Distinguished Lecturer Consultant,Bozeman,Montana
11:30 am Tuesday,February 10,2004
TELUS CONVENTION CENTRE CALGARY, ALBERTA
Please note:
The cut-off date for ticket sales is 1:00 pm,Wednesday,February 4th. Ticket price is $28.00 + GST.
Incised valley-fills are a significant reservoir class throughout North America,accounting for many billions of barrels of oil and trillions of cubic feet of gas.Understanding the stratigraphic complexities of these systems is a critical step in maximizing the output from this resource.Reservoir trapping mechanisms and productivity is highly facies dependent in these incised valley-fill systems.Incised valley-fill heterogeneity varies along-valley as facies tracts are transected and also locally,due to highfrequency sea level cycles that complicate internal facies tract dislocations.
This talk will focus first on a Lower Pennsylvanian Morrow Formation incised valley-fill system located in eastern Colorado and western Kansas.This is a
unique petroleum-producing valley-fill system because of the extensive drilling and production along a 175-mile segment, and the high degree of variability in production.Three facies tracts with unique reservoir properties characterize this incised valley-fill:(1) the updip facies tract is dominated by amalgamated fluvial channel sandstones,(2) the transition facies tract consists of fluvial channel sandstones interbedded with finer grained estuarine sandstones,and (3) the downdip facies tract consists of ribbon-like fluvial channel sandstones isolated within estuarine shale.These facies tracts reflect the response of valley-fill sedimentary processes to high-frequency relative sea level changes resulting from glacio-eustacy. This stratigraphy is shown by a crosssection through one incised valley-fill drainage trunk with continuous control for 175 miles (283 km) down depositional dip.Along this traverse,internal valley-fill strata change significantly as a function of the interplay of varying depositional systems down-gradient in the valley.Key contrasts in reservoir performance are documented as a function of changes in reservoir characteristics,trap controls, and trap configurations from updip to downdip within this valley.
The strata of the Morrow Formation were deposited during an icehouse phase of the Earth’s history in a cratonic basin.Highfrequency changes of sea level across an extremely low-gradient depositional surface controlled erosion and deposition.The resultant valley-fill systems have many characteristics in common with published valley-fill models but have significant differences as well.The second part of this talk will discuss comparisons of the Morrow
FEBRUARY LUNCHEON
Underbalanced drilling as a reservoir exploitation tool:assessing the potential of underbalanced drilling in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin
SPEAKER
Dave Kimery
Weatherford Underbalanced Systems
11:30 am Tuesday,February 24,2004
TELUS CONVENTION CENTRE
CALGARY, ALBERTA
incised valley-fill system with published valley-fill models,and also will also compare and contrast the Morrow incised valley-fill systems with other North American examples of incised valley-fills from both icehouse (Pennsylvanian) and greenhouse (Cretaceous) periods of geologic time.
A more detailed discussion of this subject can be found in Bowen,D.W.and P.Weimer,2003,Regional sequence stratigraphic setting and reservoir geology of Morrow incised-valley sandstones (lower Pennsylvanian), eastern Colorado and western Kansas: AAPG Bulletin,v.87,no.5,p.781-815.
BIOGRAPHY
David W.Bowen graduated in 1978 with his B.S.Honours in Geosciences from Hobart College,he then went on to receive his M.S.in Earth Sciences from Montana State University in 1980 and he received his Ph.D.in Geology from the University of Colorado in 2001. Between 1981 and 1990 David worked for Champlin Petroleum Company and then Union Pacific Resource Company,during which time he held various positions.From 1994 to 2003 David was an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Montana State University.From 1997 to 2000 David was a Reservoir Geology Consortium Researcher at the University of Colorado. Presently David is an Associate Research Professor at Montana State University and president of D.W.Bowen Exploration Inc.
David has authored and co-authored 20 publications on clastic depositional systems and petroleum geology.David is involved with the AAPG,Rocky Mountain Association of Geology,Society for Sedimentary Geology, Geologic Association of America,and the Montana Geological Society.
Please note:
The cut-off for purchasing tickets is 1:00 p.m.,Wednesday,February 18th. Ticket price is $28.00 + GST.
Although the technology of underbalanced drilling in its current form has been employed since the early
1990s,it has yet to achieve widespread acceptance throughout the petroleum industry in western Canada.There are several reasons to explain this phenomenon,including – but not limited to – increased drilling costs, perceived additional safety and environmental risks,and a lack of a method to properly evaluate the economic benefit that underbalanced drilling can provide.There are, however,significant gains to be realized through the proper application of this technology to the appropriate candidates.
This presentation will outline the findings of an intensive evaluation of gas reservoirs within the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin that could greatly benefit from the proper application of underbalanced drilling.The industry is beginning to realize the need of many operators, particularly junior oil and gas companies,to implement year-round drilling programs in order to achieve continual growth and smooth out cash flow throughout the year instead of focusing drilling activity on the traditionally busy winter months.In recognition of this necessity, initial screening considered the regions of Alberta with year-round access.Recognizing the relative economics of applying underbalanced drilling,the study focused on intermediate depth reservoirs (1000 - 3000m TVD) where the economics are most favourable.Due to the prevailing high prices for natural gas and accompanying high demand,only gas reservoirs were reviewed during the course of the analysis. Notwithstanding these seemingly tight restrictions,several candidate reservoirs were identified,examined,and ranked according to the economic benefit that underbalanced drilling can provide over conventional drilling, completion,and stimulation techniques.In addition to the analytical evaluation,case studies of proven underbalanced drilling success will be presented to support the assessment.
BIOGRAPHY
Mr.Kimery has several years of experience in both conventional and underbalanced drilling technology in both the service sector and with major E&P companies.This experience was gained through both field and office assignments and involved engineering design,planning,and implementation.Throughout his career with Weatherford,Dave has been involved in both domestic and international underbalanced drilling projects,including work in Egypt,Pakistan, United Arab Emirates,and Indonesia.Most recently,Dave has been involved in developing tools and processes suitable for assessing the applicability of underbalanced drilling to candidate reservoirs and determining a risked economic value for the expected benefit.
INTEGRATED DECISIONS BRING BETTER EVALUATIONS.
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Geologists can now generate multiple sensitivity models in just a few minutes and seamlessly share them with reservoir engineers all in this same Windows®-based application. And Petrel allows for innovative and flexible rescaling of 3D grids to ensure the right amount of detail is provided to various team members.
Heavy Oil demands increased precision in areas such as petrophysical property distribution, well trajectory design and reservoir simulation all situations where smallinaccuracies can quickly result in failed extraction attempts and costly downtime in this more complex environment. Petrel delivers the details you need to your desktop.
www.sis.slb.com/Petrel
Geologists can now generate multiple, highly accurate and detailed sensitivity models in minutes something that would have taken days before Petrel workflow tools.
Now HEAVY OIL can flow in CANADA.
a Schlumberger product group
MARCH LUNCHEON
“If the bus stops at the bus station and the train stops at the train station,what happens at the workstation??”
SPEAKER
Easton Wren, Consultant
11:30 am Tuesday,March 9,2004
TELUS CONVENTION CENTRE CALGARY, ALBERTA
Please note:
The cut-off date for tickets sales is 1:00 pm,Wednesday,March 3rd.
Ticket price is $28.00 + GST.
The huge volumes of 3D datasets recorded in the 1970s created the need for a machine to handle the tasks associated with routine picking of seismic events,their posting,and subsequent mapping.It was not possible to cope with the rapidly escalating data volumes on paper sections.
Just like other early developments of calculating devices (abacus,log tables, slide rule,hand calculator) The early workstations did not have too many frills: simply elementary operations without too much demand for computing power. However,the human operator was always in charge.This is a non-trivial aspect of the human-machine interaction. Also there were no statistical estimates or assumptions with these early operations.They were precise.
Early workstations had no capacity for processing,calibration with and generation of synthetic seismograms, phase filtering,or inversion.They could not handle anything but the input data volume.The fundamental advantage then became the routine process of pick, post,and map.Contemporary work stations are precise in their ability to pick and transport data to mapping packages.However,contemporary workstations do not always satisfy the seismic interpreter’s objectives to go beyond this pick-post-map process.
Seismic interpreters are forced to produce interpretation maps of multiple data sets in relatively short time.The main complaint from the interpreter is that it is not possible to do everything to fine-tune a seismic prospect with the current crop of workstations.It is desirable to be able to investigate the quality of the seismic data processing and the final seismic product before committing to a well location.Often it is necessary to investigate the pre-stack data base (CDP gathers,offset gathers, cross-plotting,etc.) to establish any AVO signature that might be critical in addition to assessing the quality of processing.
Therefore,much of the essential work that should be performed on the workstation cannot be done.
This presentation will take a historical look at the process of computation and suggest where we might be headed in the future with respect to the workstation world.
Happy New Year!
BIOGRAPHY
Easton Wren is well known in Canada and recognized internationally as an innovative geophysicist who is a leader in the application of new seismic techniques.
He received his B.Sc.(Hons) in Geology in 1960 and his Ph.D.in Geophysics in 1968 from the University of Glasgow in Scotland. His professional experience includes positions with Ray Geophysical Company in Libya,the United Nations in Uganda,Amoco Canada, and PanCanadian Petroleum in Calgary.In 1978 he founded Petrel Consultants and was President and General Manager of the company until 1986.Since that time he has been an independent consultant.
Dr.Wren is current in state-of-the-art seismic methods,has lectured at U.S.and Canadian universities,has developed and presented industry-oriented training courses to a wide variety of audiences.His “Geophysics for Geologists”has been presented in Calgary annually for over twenty years.
Easton was elected President of the Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists for 1981, received the Society’s Best Paper award in 1974,the Meritorious Service Award in 1977, and Honorary Membership in 1988.He has authored several papers on seismic processing and interpretation,is a past editor of the Journal of the CSEG,and Bulletin of the CSPG,and was General Chairman of the joint CSEG-CSPG Convention,Exploration Update,in 1979.
In 1987,he was Distinguished Lecturer for the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG).He is also an active member of SEG,CSEG,and APEGGA.He was the host of the CFAC-TV Calgary “Science Spectrum”documentary programme.
Santa and his elves surprised us with a visit at the December 9 Technical Luncheon to bring some holiday cheer and “Mini-me’s” to everyone.Lots of laughs and conversation were had by all.Special thanks to our sponsors for a wonderful event.
The CSPG would also like to thank the Calgary and their professional staff for their assistance with this event. Wishing you all the best in 2004!
Baker Atlas
PETROLEUM INDUSTRY COURSES
Photo: Bill Ayrton
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
New geologists, engineers, geophysicists and landmen, as well as summer students entering the industry for the first time will find the courses a very beneficial introduction to the petroleum industry. These courses will be extremely useful to nonprofessional and support staff in the oil and gas industry, as well as accountants, lawyers, brokerage and financial personnel working primarily alongside the oil and gas industry.
TO REGISTER
To request a brochure, to register, or to obtain additional information regarding in-house and upcoming courses contact:
Ayrton Exploration Consulting Ltd.
Tel: (403) 262-5440
Email: ayrtonex@telusplanet.net
Or visit our website: www.ayrtonexploration.com
OVERVIEW OF THE OIL & GAS INDUSTRY IN WESTERN CANADA
Date: February 17 & 18, 2004
Cost: $856 incl. GST
Instructor: Bill Ayrton
Effective for personnel just joining the oil patch, or for financial, accounting, and information systems personnel.
•Learn about the many facets of the industry.
•Oil finding, land acquisition, drilling, seismic, well completion, jargon and terminology.
GEOLOGY FOR NON-GEOLOGISTS
Date: March 9 & 10, 2004
Cost: $856 incl. GST
Instructor: Bill Ayrton
Effective for geological technicians or secretaries, or for those who just want a better understanding of geology to appreciate the world around us.
•Learn about earth structure, geologic time-scale and processes, Western Canada geology, and interesting nearby locations.
•Participate in a rock identification exercise, contouring project and a mini-field trip in downtown Calgary.
GEOLOGY OF THE WESTERN CANADIAN SEDIMENTARY BASIN
Date: March 23, 24 & 25, 2004
Cost: $1284 incl. GST
Instructor: Bill Ayrton
Ideal for those who wish to improve their geological understanding of where and how we look for oil and gas fields in Western Canada.
•To visualize what Western Canada looked like throughout the stages of history, for example, the position of the sea versus land, what sediments were deposited, and what type of life that existed and evolved.
•To review the importance of each major stratigraphic unit, i.e. Devonian, Mississippian, Cretaceous, etc.
•Discuss the geological and seismic expression of typical oil and gas fields in each unit.
UNDERSTANDING OIL & GAS MAPS, CROSS-SECTIONS & ILLUSTRATIONS
Date: April 20 & 21, 2004
Cost: $856 incl. GST
Instructor: Bill Ayrton
Since we show our ideas, our prospects, our oil and gas fields, etc., primarily on maps and cross-sections, this course is important to those working in the oil and gas industry who prepare, use or review this information. Exploration technicians, technical staff new to the oil patch, the management and financial personnel who evaluate our "show and tells" and recommendations will find this useful. We will:
•Review concepts incorporated into maps and cross-sections.
•Examine different types of maps and cross-sections used to identify oil and gas traps and the significance of each.
•Complete hands-on mapping exercises.
"Rundle Rock" (Triassic Spray River Formation) Thunderstone Quarry at Pigeon Mountain, AB
MARCH LUNCHEON
The two facies of Piscichnus, water-bound vertebrates are Gemini:paleogeography and process ichnology using feeding traces and trace fossils
SPEAKER
Murray Gingras University of Alberta
CO-AUTHOR
Ian Armitage
11:30 am
Tuesday,March 23,2004
TELUS CONVENTION CENTRE
CALGARY, ALBERTA
Please note:
The cutoff date for ticket sales is 1:00 pm,Wednesday,March 17th. Ticket Price is $28.00 + GST.
The trace fossil Piscichnus represents the vestige of subaqueous feeding behavior. The trace fossil typically resembles a conical- or bowl-shaped structure, depending on the caliber and cohesiveness of the sediment.Although the behavior is normally interpreted to represent water jetting by an animal into a substrate,some types of digging activities might produce similar trace fossils.Drawing from two distinctive examples,this paper contrasts occurrences of modern and ancient Piscichnus and reveals a range of behavioral inferences that might be applied to rock record occurrences of Piscichnus
The first example,observed in great abundance on tidal flats in the Bay of
Fundy,comprises a crescent-shaped impression and a plug-shaped excavation. The morphology of the trace strongly links it to foraging Atlantic sturgeon. Surfaces characterized by numerous occurrences of the feeding trace,contain a variety of organisms including mollusks, polychaete worms,and amphipods. Analysis of the distribution and orientation of the feeding traces shows that feeding activity is greatest within 500m of the mean high-tide mark and coincides with the maximum concentration of the amphipod Corophium volutator.Within this zone,voluminous quantities of mud and silt are resuspended by the feeding activity of sturgeon. Extensive soupy substrates result from suspension deposition of silts and muds at slack tide as well as the impoundment of seawater within the feeding excavations. Thus,it is suggested that feeding by the Atlantic sturgeon locally represents one of the chief erosional/depositional agents on the intertidal mudflat zone with the upper reaches of the Bay of Fundy.
Our second example focuses on Piscichnus observed in gravelly Pleistocene deposits adjacent to Willapa Bay,Washington,which are co-occurent with bivalve trace fossils.The suite of biogenic structures manifest two distinct occurrences:(1) symmetric or asymmetric u-shaped structures with flared limbs containing occurrences of graded bedding (Piscichnus) and (2) vertical to sub-vertical columns where laminae and bedding deflect downward (bivalve burrows). Piscichnus cross-cut the bivalve-generated structures and are interpreted to represent a predatory relationship.Several animals have been reported to feed on bivalves including:
elasmobranch fishes,crabs,sea stars,sea otters,whales,and walruses.In particular, walruses generate distinctive excavations on the sea floor as they root for prey with their snouts and emit a hydraulic jet that liquefies the substrate where a bivalve has burrowed.Earlier documentation of seafloor furrows and pits produced by the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) provides modern analogues for the aforementioned structures.The presence of these trace fossils is significant in that: (1) given the growth rate of likely tracemakers,the bivalve-made structures probably developed over 20 to 60 years—thereby a temporal significance can be attached to the observed surface; and,(2) if feeding excavations in paleoWillapa Bay,Washington were produced by walruses,their herds must have wandered along the northern Pacific rim from their present habitat in the Bering Shelf and Chukchi Sea whilst enjoying a colder (glacial?) climate.
BIOGRAPHY
Murray Gingras received his Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in 1987,a B.Sc.from the University of Alberta in 1995 and his Ph.D.from the University of Alberta in 1999.Dr.Gingras has worked professionally in the hydrocarbon industry,at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, and as an Assistant Professor at the University of New Brunswick.His research focuses on using sedimentology and ichnology to interpret sedimentary rock successions.This broad field has strong links to the hydrocarbon industry,is used extensively in paleogeography,and is applied in modern sedimentary environments.
To develop high quality,financially responsible communication products for the CSPG membership,the Geoscience Community,and the public at large.To work with my member volunteers,not only to create the best possible product for the Society,but to manage and nurture their skills,making volunteering a positive and rewarding experience.To support and assist in fulfilling the mandate of the Society,as well as the needs of our members.
MY BACKGROUND
I am a graduate of the University of Calgary with two degrees:one in Communications (1993) and the other in Anthropology (1993).In the fall of 2002 I completed the Publishing Certificate program offered by Mount Royal College.I have also completed several courses in website development.I have been an employee of the CSPG for nine years and have over 15 years experience working with associations and volunteers.
MY CURRENT POSITION
Working hand in hand with the Communications Director and the Communications Committee,I manage and coordinate all projects,ensuring that our committee is focused,projects are on budget and on time,and handle the day to day maintenance required to make Communications a success.In addition to providing assistance to our members,I specifically:
Assist in the coordination of all printing projects,from idea development,budgeting,coordination of production,marketing of the product,through to delivery and sales.
Yearly development of the Communications Business Plan,as well as the Operations Manual and Submissions
Standards for publishing
Act as Coordinating Editor and Manager of Operations for the Reservoir
Act as webmaster for the CSPG website,handling all areas of maintenance and expansion
Monitor production of the CSPG Bulletin
Layout,design,and print of all in-office and Public Relations promotional materials
Management of sales and inventory of all publications and product
Management of all consignment publications
Coordination of CSPG off-site sales via consignment agreements with other Societies and resale venues
Development and coordination of bids and contracts for all communication projects
Development and coordination of the CSPG Centre for both the annual and AAPG conventions
Maintenance of the CSPG photo archive
Management of all communication-related vendor contracts and relationships
Maintenance of the CSPG publications archive and development of the digital archive via AAPG Datapages
Design and layout of the new series of promotional materials including a brochure series,presentation folder,posters,booth displays,etc.
Management of Reservoir and Bulletin subscriptions
Processing of all copyright approvals
As well as…
TECHNICAL LUNCHEONS
Coordinate luncheon events with the Marriott and Convention Centre
Management of all contract negotiations
Management of ticket sales including in-office sales and the external Ticket Representative program
OFFICE ADMINISTRATION
Incoming/outgoing & pre-paid mail administration
Shipping/receiving of all publication orders and inventory
Assistance to the Business Manager as required
Reception and customer service
MY “OTHER” LIFE
When not working with the CSPG,I spend most of my time with my five-year-old son,Julian.We enjoy exploring all the world has to offer,most often through camping,travel,long days at the Family Leisure Centre,and keeping active via Tae Kwon Doe.I am continuing my studies in desktop publishing and intend to pursue my Masters in Communications next fall.When I get a chance to relax,trips to my family condo in Mexico are the best.
The role of the office is to provide administrative support to the Society’s many committees,enabling volunteer members to focus on delivery of top-notch technical programming for the membership.The growth of office staff is a direct reflection of this focus.Stabilization of logistical functions has had a meritorious effect in communications, conventions,finance,and – most recently– corporate relations.As integration of more and more of the Society’s data management functions takes place through the office,the Society will be better able to track and benefit from the inter-relationships already in existence throughout the operations and services.
EMERGING PETROLEUM RESOURCES DIVISION
Landfills:Bio-gas reservoirs?
SPEAKER
J.Patrick A.Hettiaratchi
Associate Professor, Environmental Engineering Program
12:00 Noon
Wednesday,February 11,2004
ConocoPhillips Auditorium (3rd Floor – west side of building) 401-9th Ave SW (Gulf Canada Square) Calgary, Alberta
The vast majority of biodegradable organic solid waste produced in the world usually ends up in landfills,where biodegradable organic matter undergoes anaerobic decomposition.Anaerobic biodegradation of solid waste,rich in organic matter,is known to produce large quantities of landfill gas (LFG),which
consists primarily of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2).Both these gases are greenhouse gases,and uncontrolled escape into the atmosphere is a concern. Furthermore,methane,if found in sufficient quantities could be used for energy generation.Therefore,there is renewed interest in extracting landfill gas both as a gas management strategy and as a source of energy.
Gas extraction and utilization has been a common operation strategy applied at traditional landfills in North America where large quantities of waste are concentrated in small areas.Although traditional landfills are not designed or operated for optimum gas production, gas extraction with vertical wells is practiced to prevent lateral gas migration and escape into the atmosphere.In recent times,designers have understood the value of landfill gas as an energy
STRUCTURAL DIVISION
The Phanerozoic thermochronological “footprint” on the Canadian Shield
SPEAKER
Kirk Osadetz
Geological Survey of Canada (Calgary)
AUTHORS
K.G.Osadetz & P.K.Hannigan
Geological Survey of Canada
B.P.Kohn,M.Lorencak & A.J.W. Gleadow University of Melbourne
R.A.Everitt
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited
12:00 Noon
Wednesday,February 18,2004
EnCana Amphitheatre, Tower Center, Room 498 (TC498), 2nd Floor - East End of the Calgary Tower Complex
1st St and 9th Ave SE Calgary, Alberta
Phanerozoic successions are not preserved in large parts of Canada, making difficult the inference of the
youngest parts of the tectonic history. Some of Canada’s largest Phanerozoic structures are incompletely described and not well related to the tectonics of the preserved Phanerozoic intracratonic sedimentary basins between the areas where the Canadian Shield crops out.In regions like the Canadian Shield,it is possible to infer aspects of the Phanerozoic geological and tectonic history using thermochronological studies like apatite fission-track analysis. A thermochronological reconnaissance of the Canadian Shield in Saskatchewan, Manitoba,and Ontario indicates that Phanerozoic successions were once widely distributed and thickly developed in regions where only Precambrian rocks now crop out but that the sedimentation, tectonic,and thermal history of the Canadian Shield differs from that of the intracratonic basins.This provides data that helps constrain the history and mechanisms of intracratonic basin formation,wherein much of our energy resource occurs.As well,it provides the youngest and most relevant history of the Canadian Shield for the design and selection of possible repositories for residual materials from energy minerals.
source,and have started to design and operate landfills for maximum gas production.Such landfills,known as bioreactor landfills,are rapidly replacing the traditional landfills.
The potential to extract methane from traditional landfills and use as an energy source will be explored.The new advances in landfill technology in relation to optimum gas production are discussed.Case studies will be used to introduce the new concepts of landfilling – the Bioreactor Landfill and the Sustainable Landfill.
INFORMATION
All luncheon talks are free – please bring your own lunch.If you would like more information about future EPRD activities, please join our e-mail distribution list by sending a message with the title “EPRD list” to caddelem@bp.com.
BIOGRAPHY
Kirk Gordon Osadetz is a graduate of the University of Toronto,Ontario (B.Sc,,1978; M.Sc.1983).Mr.Osadetz is the Manager of the Earth Sciences Sector’s Gas Hydrates –Fuel of the Future? Program;the Head,Energy and Environment Subdivision,at the Geological Survey of Canada’s Calgary Office; and the leader of a project of Petroleum Resource Assessment Methodological Development for the Project of Energy Research and Development.Mr.Osadetz has performed studies of petroleum resource evaluation,as well as having research interests related to petroleum system characterization.He is a former Director of the CSPG and he has been actively involved in several committees and Divisions.
INFORMATION
There is no charge.Non-members of the CSPG are also welcome.Please bring your lunch.Beverages are provided by HEF Petrophysical.For details or to present a talk in the future,please contact Luc Lalonde at 403645-5528,e-mail:Luc.Lalonde@EnCana.com or Eric Hanson at 403-233-3250,email: Eric.S.Hanson@conocophillips.com
For
www.cspg.org or call
ATTENTION!!
ALL PAST AND PRESENT CSPG VOLUNTEERS! You are invited to attend the 1st CSPG Volunteer Appreciation Day When: February 10th, 2004 10:30am – 11:30am (Prior to the Technical Luncheon) Where: Telus Convention Centre Why: To THANK the many WONDERFUL CSPG Volunteers!
2003 Volunteer Awards will be presented at the Technical Luncheon and prize draws will be announced … Including a Radisson Weekend Getaway in Canmore!
We hope that all CSPG Volunteers and persons interested in becoming a CSPG Volunteer will attend.
Reception will include cocktails and finger food sponsored by:
PALAEONTOLOGY DIVISION
Super deadly killer dinosaurs?
T.rex’s biomechanical truce with incompetence
SPEAKER
Eric Snively University of Calgary
7:30 pm Friday,February 20,2004
Mount Royal College, Room B108 4825 Richard Road SW Calgary, Alberta
Tyrannosaurid dinosaurs,including Albertosaurus and Tyrannosaurus rex,are culturally notorious as avatars of destructive force.Recent research has brought their behaviour into the realm of quantitative testability.Deductions about their predatory ecology are possible,if variably certain.Tyrannosaurids were unusual as the only large carnivorous animals in their habitat.This raises the question of whether and how tyrannosaurid adaptations contributed to monopolization of their niche.
Tyrannosaurids possessed escalating adaptations for dismembering prey,but their bodies and limbs represent compromises for circumventing decreased agility at large sizes.The jaws and neck of Tyrannosaurus rex are seen as uniquely powerful amongst terrestrial vertebrates, with high measured and calculated bite forces,and neck muscles that exerted immensely high torque for tearing flesh and bone from prey.As a biped with a mass up to 10 tonnes and high turning inertia, catching prey was more problematic. Tyrannosaurus rex and other giant carnivorous dinosaurs had bodies proportionally short from nose to tail, which reduced their rotational inertia sufficiently for procuring live food. Uniquely for large predatory theropods, the feet of tyrannosaurids became stronger the harder they tried to maneuver.This paradoxical adaptation probably assisted tyrannosaurids in bringing down comparatively agile or dangerous prey,such as adult pachycephalosaurs,juvenile duckbilled hadrosaurs,and adult horned ceratopsians.
BIOGRAPHY
Eric Snively received a B.A.in integrative Biology from the University of California at Berkeley,and an M.Sc.from the University of Calgary.He has done fieldwork with the Royal Tyrrell Museum the last three summers.
Eric is currently working on a Ph.D.at the University of Calgary with Dr.Anthony Russell. His research involves computer modeling of tyrannosaur and bird neck muscle function, and electrical activity of neck muscles in predatory birds.And yes, T.rex is the coolest dinosaur by an absurd margin.
INFORMATION
This event is jointly presented by the Alberta Palaeontological Society,Mount Royal College and the CSPG Paleontology Division.For information or to present a talk in the future please contact CSPG Paleo Divison Head Philip Benham at 403691-3343 or programs@albertapaleo.org. Visit the APS website for confirmation of event times and upcoming speakers: http://www.albertapaleo.org/
WATER RESOURCES & ENERGY DEVELOPMENT
Abstract Submission Deadline: December 10, 2003
Registration Opens On-Line Monday, January 5, 2004
Tuesday, February 17 th 2004
Fairmount Palliser Hotel, Calgary
Past Presidents Reception 6:00 PM
Dinner 7:00 PM
Price $60/ticket (Plus GST)
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Corporate Tables for 8/10, $480/$600, plus GST
Come Join Us in Recognizing this year’s Award
Recipients for Professional and Technical Excellence
President’s Award
Honorary Membership
R.J.W. Douglas Medal
Medal of Merit
Stanley Slipper Gold Medal
Link Award
Graduate Thesis Awards
CSPG “Tracks” Awards
For more information/tickets contact the CSPG office at (403) 264-5610 or email cspg@cspg.org
TRENDS IN THE CANADIAN OIL PATCH
New Rules for Reporting Oil and Gas Reserves in Canada
What do NI 51-101,PUDs,and COGEH (only in Canada would we dream up an acronym ending in ‘EH’) have to do with geology and exploration?
The 1990s saw a number of reserve reporting irregularities that caused the downfall of companies and considerable angst in the investment community.These have led to the introduction of National Instrument 51-101 by the Canadian Security Administrators, which provides new rules for public companies reporting oil and gas reserves. These rules and supporting documentation in the “Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook” (COGEH) – it runs to two volumes of exciting reading – provide the background for consistent calculation and reporting of corporate reserves.The rules will apply to all public companies reporting reserves starting December 31st 2003.
I think we would all agree that it is vital for the credibility of the petroleum Industry that clear,consistent,and accurate reserve reports be prepared;however,I don’t think we have recognized the potential impact on the leading edge (exploration) of this Industry.
A recent publication suggested that:“New entities,not previously evaluated,will likely be evaluated more conservatively under NI 51101” (AJM Petroleum Consultants Newsletter: FYI,Fall 2003).Successful exploration clearly creates a new entity
Historically,reserve bookings have fallen into three categories: Proved,Probable, and Possible These classifications have now been more rigidly defined around P90,P50,and P10 values where P90 (Proved) indicates a 90% certainty that the remaining quantities recovered will equal or exceed the reported value.P50 (Proved + Probable) defines the most likely case and P10 (Proved + Probable + Possible) indicates only a 10% certainty that the remaining quantities recovered will equal or exceed the reported value.Movement of reserves from lower certainty to higher certainty over time is to be expected. However,downgrading of reserves from the Proved category should rarely occur and could result in severe scrutiny and penalties for a company and their independent evaluators (i.e.,there is no incentive to be optimistic in the reporting of proved reserves!).
The Proved Undeveloped Reserves (PUDs) designation was commonly used for successful exploration wells,however these reserves must be proved and economically producible at the 90% confidence level or they will be downgraded to the Probable or Possible classification.The same problem will arise with unconventional resources such as coalbed methane.Without a history of commercial production there will be no ability to credit a company with Proved reserves.
Stories of significant reductions in reserves for non-producing properties are already starting to emerge and will increase over the coming months.If reserves are reduced, reserve life index (RLI) declines,which in turn,impacts the potential borrowing power and equity value of a corporation.
International data suggests that Canada already has the highest cost of finding and development (COF&D) in the world (J.S. Herrold Conference,2003).Apparent COF&D is likely to increase with these changes.
Potentially,NI 51-101 will make it more difficult for companies to justify exploration
BY DAVE RUSSUM
in Canada,accelerate risk-adverse trends such as royalty trusts,and expand Canada’s role as a ‘cash cow’ to finance international activities.Time will tell…
BIOGRAPHY
Dave Russum has spent more than 25 years exploring for hydrocarbons.He recently completed an exhaustive study of Canada’s future gas supply and demand.He has developed some unique approaches to both shorten the timeframe and improve the results of exploration activities.More information can be found at www.geohelp.ab.ca.
INFORMATION
This is part of a series of snapshots of the Canadian industry designed to provide up-to-date information and give possible insights into the future of oil and gas exploration.Comments are strictly the views of the author;however,your feedback is encouraged (dave@geohelp.ab.ca).
Thanks to Hugh Mosher and Phil Kandel for explaining this to me.Contact them at AJM Petroleum Consultants (hmosher@ajma.net and pkandel@ajma.net) if you need more information.
WILLIAM C. GUSSOW GEOSCIENCE CONFERENCE
WATER
RESOURCES
& ENERGY DEVELOPMENT
MARCH 19 – 20,2004
RADDISON HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTRE, CANMORE, ALBERTA
The introductory Gussow Geoscience Conference focuses on the role of water resources in energy resource development. This exciting two-day mini-conference will be held at the Radisson Hotel in Canmore, Alberta March 19-20,2004,an ideal intimate setting where the issues can be clearly explored and discussed amongst your industry peers and invited speakers.
Building on the success of the earlier “Banff Conference” style of a single topic miniconference,this year’s Gussow Geoscience Conference is specifically designed to explore this topical issue.The idea is to examine all groundwater issues related to energy resource development—resource availability for heavy oil and bitumen steam floods,coalbed methane produced water disposal,aquifer and surface water contamination issues,etc.in separate sessions where you can focus on the topic and not worry about what session you need to go to next.The wrap-up session will compile the audience and panel questions and comments and develop a road map of where we’ve been and where we need to go.
The list of speakers that will be attending guarantees a very informative conference – one that is designed generate discussion and inform all participants of issues around water resources.The organizing committee is very excited this convention,a one-of-a-kind event.
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
SEE THE CSPG WEBSITE AT WWW.CSPG.ORG FOR DETAILS
SESSION THEMES
SESSION SPEAKERS THAT HAVE ACCEPTED TO DATE:
RESOURCE CONFLICT
(Dave McGee,Alberta EnvironmentChair); Industrial impacts on surface and shallow groundwater resources.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dr.David Percy,Dean of Law,U of A “Canadian Approaches to Industry and Water “
SESSION SPEAKERS
Lorne Terns, LOB “Native Consultation and Water”
Steve Wallace,Hydrogeologist,AMEN “The Water Act and Conflict Resolution”
WATER RESOURCES FOR PETROLEUM EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION
(Dr.Kevin Parks,Alberta Geological Survey - Chair); Resources for waterfloods,steam generation,etc.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dr.Marios Sophocleous, Kansas Geological Survey "Water Resources Sustainability and its Application in Kansas"
SESSION SPEAKERS
Brenda Austin,AEUB “Oilfield Use of Surface Water and Groundwater in Alberta,An Overview”
Dr.Allan Crowe, NWRI/Environment Canada
“Impacts of Oilfield Development on Groundwater Quality - The National Experience”
John Fennel,Komex Intl.Ltd
“Integrated Surface Water and Groundwater Resource Investigations for Heavy Oil Development,Alberta”
HANDLING AND DISPOSAL OF PRODUCED WATER
(Dr.Ian Hutcheon,University of Calgary - Chair); Coalbed Methane waters,co-produced freshwaters from shallow gas,SAGD produced water, treatment and compatibility,disposal of acid gases into aquifers,etc.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dr.Bill Gunter, Alberta Research Council
"A Potentially New Industry for Western Canada:Geological Storage of CO2 - The Effects it will have on our Water Resources"
SESSION SPEAKERS
Dr.Ernie Perkins, Alberta Research Council
"Water for heavy oil/bitumen recovery"
CALL FOR POSTER ABSTRACTS DEADLINE EXTENDED
While the sessions will be by invitation only,delegates are encouraged to submit abstracts for poster presentations pertaining to the subject of the three main themes of the conference.Please see the for guidelines for abstracts and forward your complete abstract to Steve Grasby at SGrasby@NRCan.gc.ca.
Sponsored By:
JACK PORTERVIGNETTES OF CANADIAN PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
Continued from the January Reservoir
The Mid-Eighteenth Century Challenge to the Hudson’s Bay Company’s Monopoly in Rupertsland
The authenticity of Henry Kelsey’s inland journey of discovery during 1690 - 1692 from York Factory to Western Canada’s Prairie belt,as revealed in his journal (Kelsey Papers),was challenged in 1749 by an Irishman,Arthur Dobbs,before a committee of the British Parliament. Dobbs had previously been a member of the Irish House of Commons.Apart from being a person of power and influence with the British Government, he was,nevertheless,a bitter and persevering adversary of the Hudson’s Bay Company.Dobbs had,for some eighteen years previously,been censuring the Company for its dereliction of the provisos set forth in its Royal Charter granted by King Charles II to:“The Governor and Company of Adventures of England trading into Hudson’s Bay.” Foremost,in Dobb’s list of criticisms,was the Company’s lethargy in not aggressively pursuing the search for: “The Discovery of a New Passage into the South Sea (Pacific).” Charles II had considered this proviso to be the principal objective of the Charter’s provisos and,indeed,was the basis for it being granted.(1900,Bryce,George:The Remarkable History of the Hudson’s Bay Company;pub.,Sampson Low,Marston and Company,p.62).Dobbs’ ulterior motive,stemming from his long-standing attack directed at the Company’s performance,was to influence the British Parliament to rescind,or at least revise, the Hudson’s Bay Company’s Charter. He rationalized that should his course of action be successful,it would conceivably afford an opportunity for him and his principals to be granted a charter,whose area would comprise a portion of the Company’s Rupertsland.He was fixated in believing that the legendary Strait of Anian was not a myth and that its Atlantic entrance lay to the northwest of Hudson Bay,which would provide a navigable route to the Pacific Ocean.
The Hudson’s Bay Company acquiesced to Dobb’s diatribes by sending in 1736 two sloops,the Churchill and Musquash, up the west coast of Hudson Bay in search of the elusive passageway,which Dobbs believed to commence at Rankin Inlet (Pistol Bay).The two vessels arrived there in July where,after reconnoitering the Inlet and communicating with the local natives,the two captains concluded that they had reached an impasse. Captain James Napper of the Churchill died on the eighth of August,ten days before his ship arrived back at Fort Prince of Wales.(1939.Morton,Arthur S.:A History of the Canadian West to 1870-71,pub.Thomas Nelson and Sons, London,pp.138,139).
Dobbs,disappointed but undaunted,was successful in lobbying the British Government to continue the search.An attempt was made the following year to obtain the service of a Captain Middleton to lead the expedition.He was in the employ of the Hudson’s Bay Company and was considered to be the most outstanding of its captains.Initially, he refused to leave the Company,but owing to a disagreement,he resigned in 1740.The following May,Captain Middleton,in command of the British pink (small gunboat) Furnace and the sloop Discovery ,departed down the Thames River and arrived in Hudson Bay in August of the same year.It was too late in the season to proceed up the northwest coast of the Bay,resulting in the two ships and their crews wintering at Fort Prince of Wales (Churchill). During the ensuing winter,eleven of the combined crews from the Furnace and Discovery succumbed to scurvy owing to a shortage of fresh meat.On the eighteenth of June,the two British naval vessels as well as the Hudson’s Bay’s sloop, Churchill,set sail for exploration along the northwest coast of Hudson Bay.For the following seven weeks, detailed scientific observations,involving tides,soundings,currents,and weather phenomena were made to ascertain evidence of a Northwest Passage.It was
to be of no avail.Captain Middleton, after visiting and naming Rankin and Wager Bay,continued northward,only to have his ships blocked by impenetrable ice in Frozen Strait,so named by Middleton.The three vessels returned to Wager Bay from whence Captain Middleton and his crews sailed the Furnace and Discovery back to England, with the Hudson’s Bay Company’s sloop, Churchill returning to Fort Prince of Wales.(Ibid.,1939,Morton --- pp.208, 209 & 210);(1936,MacKay,Douglas:The Honorable Company,pub.McClelland & Stewart,pp.76,77).
Dobbs was not to be deterred by Captain Middleton’s performance and, with renewed vigor in pursuing his objective,he accused Middleton of ineptitude and,further,that he had colluded with his former employer,the Hudson’s Bay Company in falsely altering his ship’s log in return for accepting their bribe for his cooperation.In 1744, Dobbs petitioned Parliament:“That two proper Vessels be provided for the Western American Ocean,which is so near brought to perfection,” or if such ships could not be spared because of Britain’s involvement in a war with France,that they instead offer a sufficient reward for its discovery so that the participants could defray the costs of their private expeditions.The British Government elected to pursue the reward route and in May,1745, Parliament enacted a bill:“offering the reward of 20,000 pounds to such British subject or subjects as should discover the Northwest Passage.” (Ibid.,1939, Morton -- pp.212,213).Its ratification resulted in Dobbs and his partners, known as the Northwest Committee, raising 10,000 pounds,through public subscription to enable them to participate in the search under the name,Dobb’s Company.
Two ships,named Dobbs Galley and California,were purchased and outfitted in England and were commanded by Captain William Moor and Captain
Francis Smith respectively.Arthur Dobbs did not partake in the expedition. However,he appointed Henry Ellis as his agent and historian aboard the Dobbs Galley and a Mr.Drage,whom he assigned to the California as his clerk.Leaving the Thames River in May,1746,the two vessels were convoyed from the Orkney Islands out into the Atlantic,beyond possible encounters with French privateers,by H.M.S.Shark under command of Captain Middleton,late of the Hudson’s Bay Company and the victim of Dobb’s torment.Incongruously, they were also accompanied,part way,by a Hudson’s Bay Company’s ship escorting the resident governor of York Factory, James Isham,back to his post.
In early August,the expedition arrived near Marble Island,laying off Rankin Inlet, where several days were spent discerning tidal conditions.Realizing that it was too late in the season to proceed northward, where access to a safe winter’s harbour was highly improbable,they veered south in the direction of York Factory where the two ships anticipated securing a safe berth for the winter.
On August 25,1746,the two vessels, flying British flags,anchored off York Factory.Governor Isham,although suspecting they were Dobbs’ ships, nevertheless awaited for delivery by the captain(s) of an official introductory letter from the Hudson’s Bay’s Governor and Committee in London or the British Government which would serve to acknowledge the two captains as well as granting permission to berth their vessels at the fort’s moorings.Since Britain was at war with France at this period,Isham took the necessary precautions to remove the buoys and beacon defining the navigable channel leading into Hayes River.He rationalized that although the two ships were flying the British ensign,their display could, nevertheless,be a diversionary tactic should the vessels conceivably be French.The Dobbs Galley and California delivered a seven-gun report to the occupants of York Factory but Governor Isham ignored their salutation.When a sounding crew was sent overboard to assess the main channel of the Hayes River,rather than proceeding to his docking facilities,Isham,presuming their
2004 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
DATE: March 19-20,2004
EVENT: Water Resources & Energy Development - William C. Gussow Geoscience Conference (A CSPG Seminar)
LOCATION: Raddison Hotel,Canmore,Alberta
INFORMATION: SESSIONS:
Water resources for petroleum exploration and production (Dr.Kevin Parks,Alberta Geological Survey - Chair);Resources for waterfloods,steam generation,etc.
Resource Conflict (Dave McGee,Alberta Environment - Chair):Industrial impacts on surface and shallow groundwater resources.
Handling and disposal of produced water
(Dr.Ian Hutcheon,University of Calgary - Chair); Coalbed Methane waters,co-produced freshwaters from shallow gas,SAGD produced water,treatment and compatibility,disposal of acid gases into aquifers,etc.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:
Dr.Marios Sophocleous,Kansas Geological Survey
Dr.Bill Gunter,Alberta Research Council
Dr.David Percy,Dean of Law,University of Alberta
CALL FOR POSTERS:
Oral talks will be by invitation only.However delegates are welcome to submit abstracts for poster presentations pertaining to the subject of the three main themes of the conference.Deadline for abstract submission is December 10,2003.For more information,registration,and electronic submission of abstracts contact Lori Humphrey-Clements at (403) 264-5610,Ext.202 or email to lori@cspg.org.
DATE: April 18-21,2004
EVENT: AAPG Annual Convention
LOCATION: Dallas,Texas
INFORMATION: For more information visit www.aapg.org
incivility,fired a warning shot from the fort’s two twelve-pounders.He later reported in his journal,relating to York factory’s daily activities,that this maneuver,“Brought Ym too.” (Ibid.,1939, Morton -- p.214).the Governor then dispatched a boat with a messenger carrying his letter to the ships’ captains entreating them to produce an official letter,endorsed by either the Crown or the Hudson’s Bay Company’s Governor and Committee in London,allowing them refuge for their vessels and crews at York Factory.Since the captains had no such documentation,a council was convened and Isham acquiesced to their predicament by allowing the two ships to enter the river.rather than mooring at the fort,the vessels proceeded approximately thirty miles upstream to the confluence of Ten Shilling Creek with Hayes River where the two ships were secured for the impending winter. Nearby,the crews erected a large,twostoried,log building,which was named “Montague House” after the Duke of Montague.The latter was a close
Continued on Page 22 ...
DATE: May 10-13,2004
EVENT: 2004 CSEG National Convention Theme:Great Explorations – Canada and Beyond LOCATION: Calgary,Alberta
INFORMATION: For more information visit www.csegconvention.org
INFORMATION: For more information watch the Reservoir and CSPG website.
DATE: September 19-22,2004
EVENT: ICAM 2004,8th International Congress on Applied Mineralogy
LOCATION: Aguas de Lindoia,Brazil
INFORMATION: For more information contact EPUSP,Av.Prof.Luciano Gualberto,Trav.3,nº 380,05508-900,Sao Paulo,SP, Brazil;(55) 1130915420;fax (55) 38145909; www.icam2004.org.
DATE: May 2 - 4,2004
EVENT: Twelfth Williston Basin Horizontal Well & Petroleum Conference
LOCATION: Holiday Inn Riverside,Minot,North Dakota
INFORMATION: Informal talks,poster discussions,and workshops on new technology and developments in petroleum exploration and production within or applicable to the Williston Basin.Conference is co-sponsored by the North Dakota Geological Survey and the Saskatchewan Industry and Resources.For information call either (701) 328-8000 or (306) 7877662.Registration information and forms will be available at www.state.nd.us/ndgs or www.ir.gov.sk.ca in mid-January 2004.
associate of Dobbs and the principal patron of the expedition.It was to be the living quarters for the seamen,with the officers of the Dobbs Galley and California occupying the upper story and their respective crews the main floor. Auxiliary cabins were constructed for food preparation and workshops.This was to be their domicile until their embarking in the early summer when navigation in the Hudson Bay would be feasible.Governor Isham was acutely aware that the sailors were inadequately clothed to withstand the rigors of the forthcoming winter and,as a compassionate gesture,loaned the officers and their crewmen forty-five fur coats.
The severe winter of 1746-47 had exacted a toll on the billeted crews,despite the governor having given as much assistance as the fort’s limited resources could provide.The fort’s native hunters had,at the onset of winter,left to pursue the caribou in their winter quarters of the forested regions.This circumstance, compounded with the paucity of rabbits and partridges,during the early part of the winter,was coincident with the outbreak of scurvy amongst the sailors.However, the entire compliment of the two vessels managed to have survived the winter, including Kitty,the only woman listed in the expedition’s roster.She was the wife of Captain Smith of the California. Morton notes that Kitty was:“the first English woman on record as trading the soil of York Fort.” (Ibid.,1939,Morton --- pp. 214-216).
After wintering icebound at Ten Shilling Creek,the two ships weighed their anchors on June 24,1747 and sailed north along the west coast of Hudson Bay hoping to affirm Dobbs’ contention that a passage leading to the Pacific Ocean could be accessed southwestward from Rankin Inlet.During the ensuing nine weeks,Captain Moor of the Dobbs’ Galley and Captain Smith of the California, together,investigated three of the major reentrances along the northwest coast of Hudson Bay.They discovered that Rankin Inlet was fed by a stream originating from a nearby lake.After exploring Chesterfield Inlet for a considerable distance,the two captains affirmed that its fresh water content,particularly at
low tide,was evidence that this inlet was an estuary of a large river.Like Rankin Inlet,Wager Bay was found to be an impasse,it being sourced by a large lake. The crews of the two vessels concluded their exploration in the Bay on August 25 and arrived back at the Thames River on October 14 in the same year.Dobbs’ expedition had served to only reaffirm Captain Christopher Middleton’s conclusion that no passage existed, following his investigation,five years earlier,of the same region of Hudson Bay.
Arthur Dobbs,no doubt,was bitter and disappointed that his enterprise,Dobbs Company,did not discover a North West Passage and,therefore,could not receive the 20,000 pounds reward,previously offered by the British Government.In a final act of recrimination,born of frustration,he posited that Chesterfield Inlet was the entrance of a passage that led to the Pacific Ocean and that the two captains of his expedition were negligent in not exploring its upper reaches.(1936, Gower,R.H.G.Leveson,The Beaver: Voyages for Discovery of the Northwest Passage,pub.Hudson’s Bay Company, June,Outfit 267,No.1).
As a digressional note of interest;Joseph B.Tyrrell of the Geological Survey of Canada led a party of eight,which included his brother,James,on a TransBarrens journey in 1893.Leaving Fort Chipewyan,his party proceeded east by canoe and foot across the north shore of Lake Athabaska to Black Lake,then north by way of Selwyn and Wholdiah Lakes to Dubawnt River,Dubawnt Lake,Thelon River and thence east to Baker Lake and Chesterfield Inlet on Hudson Bay.His party’s arrival overland from the southwest to the latter location,marked a lapse of 146 years since the arrival there by sea of Captain Moor and his vessel,Dobbs Galley and Captain Smith in his California in their search of Dobbs’ “North West Passage”.(1975,Zaslow, Morris:Reading the Rocks -- The Story of the Geological Survey of Canada 1842 - 1972,pub.,The Macmillan Company of Canada,p.162).
Early in 1748,Dobbs,having impugned the performance of the Hudson’s Bay Company for some eighteen years,
decided the time was opportune to publicly commence his long-standing plan.Accordingly,Dobbs petitioned the King and his Council to incorporate his North-West Committee as a company, with entitlements to land grants,which would be contingent on their discoveries and the introduction of settlements. Further,they would be granted the same privileges and rights as those accorded the Hudson’s Bay Company under their Charter of 1670.Dobbs and his NorthWest Committee had rationalized that, because their efforts in 1746-47 to discover a North West Passage had met with failure,they were unable to claim the reward.This,coupled with the financial losses incurred from their venture,was reason to influence the King and his Council to ratify their petition.
Early in January,1748,Dobbs’ petition was submitted to a Committee of the Privy Council,who in turn referred it to the Attorney-General and SolicitorGeneral for their opinions.The Hudson’s Bay Company’s submission of defence of their adherence to the provisos of their Charter of 1670 as well as their conduct and performance of trade practices, directed from their establishments on the southwest coast of Hudson Bay,were also taken into account by the two Law Officers of the Crown.Henry Kelsey’s inland journey figured prominently in their defence.The Privy Council’s decision,which was given in August of the same year,ran counter to recommending that a charter be granted to Dobbs and his North-West Committee.
Dobbs was undeterred by the unfavorable decision by the Privy Council and,as a final recourse,he submitted his petition to the House of Commons.The subsequent support elicited from the British public was reinforced by a number of submissions to Parliament from merchants challenging the Hudson’s Bay Company’s monopoly,failed to sway Parliament and Dobb’s petition went down to defeat in May,1749.He resigned from his causecelebre with dignity.Five years later he was appointed Governor of North Carolina,where he died in1765. (Ibid.,Morton -- pp.217-219,225 & 226).
To be continued ...
‘PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES SERVE TO ENRICH YOUR CAREERS…’
An interview with Presidents of geotechnical/professional societies and associations
This is the first part of an article that appeared in the December issue of the CSEG Recorder.The remainder of the article will be printed in the March issue of the Reservoir.Permission to reprint the article is gratefully acknowledged.
The RECORDER Editors recently approached the Presidents of a variety of geotechnical/professional societies and associations.The aim was to get their views on a wide range of topics,and gain an understanding of issues that members appear to be curious or doubtful about.Our questions elicited interesting and insightful responses from these industry leaders.(Please note just as this article goes to print in October/November the 2003 SPE President Andrew Young hands over to the new 2004 President Kate Baker).
1Could you briefly review your educational background and professional experience for the information of our members?
Peter Duncan,President SEG:
I received my B.Sc.in 1973 at the University of New Brunswick (Physics and Geology),and my
M.Sc.(1975) and Ph.D.(1978),both at the University of Toronto,both in Geophysics.
I began my career as an exploration geophysicist with Shell Canada,before joining Digicon Geophysical,first in Calgary then in Houston.In 1987 I helped Digicon found ExploiTech Inc,an exploration and production consultancy.I was named President of ExploiTech when it became a subsidiary of Landmark Graphics in 1989.In 1992 I was one of three founders of 3DX Technologies Inc.,an independent oil and gas exploration company where I served as Vice President and Chief Geophysicist.Finally,I was the founding President of MicroSeismic,Inc.a Houston based geophysical service company.
Bill Goodway,President CSEG:
I obtained a B.Sc.in Geology from University of London in 1977 and an M.Sc.in Geophysics from University of Calgary in 2001,after what might be a record 13 years of geophysical course work!
Since 1985,I have been with PanCanadian Petroleum,now EnCana,in positions with titles that varied from Processing Specialist through
Advisor,to my current designation as Team Lead of the Seismic Analysis Group.This is a group of specialists involved in acquisition design, processing,complex imaging,experimental projects such as multi-component applications, and new AVO interpretation methods.
I have presented and co-authored a number of papers at CSEG,EAGE and SEG conventions and research workshops on seismic acquisition and processing,borehole geophysics,anisotropy, multi-component recording and AVO.
For my efforts I have been honoured to receive both the CSEG’s annual “Best Paper Award”,and the CSEG convention “Best General Paper” award on two separate occasions.I am a member of the CSEG,SEG,EAGE,APEGGA and the SEG Research Committee.
John Hogg,President CSPG: I earned my B.Sc.in Geology from McMaster University in Hamilton,Ontario Canada in 1981. After graduation,I joined Gulf Canada
Continued on Page 26 ...
NATIONAL ENGINEERING & GEOSCIENCE WEEK 2004: VISIONS OF THINGS TO COME
What does the future hold? When it comes to geology,geophysics, and engineering the sky truly is the limit.From collecting new data about the composition of the Earth,to discovering more about Mars and the outer limits of space,the opportunities seem endless. As we look towards the future,it is exciting to imagine how many of these new developments will be brought to us thanks to visionary geoscientists and engineers.
National Engineering & Geoscience Week (February 27 –March 7) is an annual event designed to increase public awareness about the important role that geologists, geophysicists and engineers play in the everyday lives of Canadians.The theme,“Visions of Things to Come” reminds us that there is still much more to come from these dedicated and talented professionals.Across the country,events and activities will be held to showcase the impressive work done by geoscientists and engineers on a daily basis.
In Alberta,the Association of Engineers,Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGGA) promotes both the work of these professionals and the importance of science and technology. APEGGA sponsors a number of events across the province during National Engineering & Geoscience Week.
APEGGA is set to host kick-off events at the city halls in both Calgary and Edmonton on February 27.The events will feature a
corporate challenge competition between teams of local geoscience and engineering professionals.
The APEGGA Science Olympics take place February 28 in Calgary and March 6 in Edmonton.Five hundred students in each city are expected to compete in a variety of events.These include projects the teams construct prior to the competition and bring with them for testing as well as spontaneous activities revealed to teams on the day of competition.Science Olympics are scheduled for Grand Prairie on March 13 and Fort McMurray on March 20.
APEGGA also sponsors the Provincial School Challenge.It gives students across Alberta a chance to use the principles of physics in combination with structural and materials engineering principles.This year’s bridge building challenge asks students in grades 1-12 to design a craft stick bridge that can hold the most weight.Winning teams will receive a cash prize for their school.
Other events taking place around the province include science nights at elementary schools and science exhibits in shopping malls.
For more information on what’s happening throughout Alberta during National Engineering & Geoscience Week,please visit APEGGA’s website at www.apegga.org/NEGW or contact Heather Frantz in Calgary at (403) 262-7714,hfrantz@apegga.org or Tara Madden in Edmonton at (780) 426-3990,1-800-661-7020,tmadden@apegga.org.
Resources,and worked for three years exploring for oil and gas in the Sverdrup Basin in Canada’s high Arctic.
I began my work as an Exploration Geologist in Atlantic Canada in 1984 with Husky Oil Operations.Since then,I have been directly involved in the drilling of more than three dozen exploration and delineation wells on the Scotian Shelf and the Grand Banks with Husky Oil, Petro-Canada,PanCanadian and now EnCana.
I’m employed at EnCana as Vice President of Atlantic Canada and am responsible for a multidisciplinary team of two dozen explorationists that work a variety of exploration plays on the Scotian Shelf and Grand Banks of Newfoundland,and offshore Western Greenland.
Other than my CSPG involvement,I also have volunteer efforts with the AAPG,Ocean Drilling Program,and APEGGA.
Steve Sonnenberg,President AAPG: My educational background includes: B.Sc.,Geology,Texas A&M University; M.Sc.,Geology,Texas A&M University; Ph.D.,Geology,Colorado School of Mines.
I have over 25 years experience in the industry. I have worked for a major company,an
independent,myself (independent),and am currently with a large independent,EnCana Oil and Gas (USA) Inc.
Andrew Young,President SPE: I hold a BE degree in chemical engineering from Melbourne University and a MBA degree (Hons) from the University of Rochester,New York.I am a senior advisor and regional director for Gaffney,Cline & Associates’ (GCA) technical and management team in Sydney,providing advisory services in Australia and Asia and supporting other project teams internationally.
Prior to joining GCA in 1999,I served as managing director of Century Drilling Ltd.,an Australian oil/gas,mineral and geothermal drilling contractor.From 1994 to 1997,I was General Manager of Operations for the New Zealand Natural Gas Corp.,responsible for gas processing and high-pressure pipeline operations.I also spent 11 years at Bridge Oil Ltd.,where I was production manager,and eight years with Esso Australia Ltd.in various technical and management positions.
In addition to my SPE Presidency role,I currently serve on the Advisory Board of University of New South Wales School for Petroleum Engineering,recently completed a four-year term as a director of the National
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Mike Smyth,President APEGGA: I’m a professional engineer (P.Eng.) with a B.A.Sc.(Civil) from the University of Waterloo in 1980 and an M.Sc.in Structural Engineering from the University of Calgary in 1990.I was registered as a professional engineer in 1983, and have had an array of experience in business, consulting and project management over the past 23 years.I am currently Senior Project Manager at Optima Engineers and Constructors of Calgary.
2What made you offer your services for the position of President of the Society/Association you are serving?
Peter:
I have been involved with the SEG since I served as CE Chairman for the CSEG in 1984.After moving to Houston I served as CE Chair for the SEG.That led to a year on the SEG Executive Committee in 1992-93.The experience of being on the Executive Committee with the likes of Mike Schoenberger,Rutt Bridges,Ian Jack,Sally Zinke,Pat Lindsey and Marion Bone was so positive that when I was asked to run for office again I didn’t hesitate.
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Bill:
As a member of the CSEG,I obtain significant benefit from unparalleled opportunities for further education and technical exchange amongst geophysicists dealing with general seismic exploration issues and challenges peculiar to the Canadian setting.Innovation and breakthroughs in technology made by members of the CSEG continue to be recognized worldwide and these individuals who are based in Canada are leaders in many areas of seismology.Consequently when I was asked to volunteer on the Executive I was both honoured and proud to accept.I also wanted to ensure the continued success and enhancement of this technical prowess within the society as defined by our mandate and to promote the CSEG’s activities and publications more widely.
John:
I have always believed that we need to give back to the societies and associations that helped us to discover our professions.I have been involved in some aspect of volunteerism with the CSPG for more than 20 years,and will continue to volunteer well after serving as President.
Steve:
I have a strong belief in supporting the profession that I work in and the easiest way is to get involved in the professional society pertaining to
the profession.The road to the Presidency took many years of professional society work.
Andrew:
I firmly believe in the Society of Petroleum Engineers’ goals and missions.I believe that the Society offers many benefits to industry professionals worldwide,including the publications it offers,the Web site,meetings and conferences, local Sections,continuing education,and much more.SPE has made it its goal to disseminate technical information to E&P professionals globally. I am passionate about promoting professional excellence in our industry,and SPE is the perfect vehicle to do this,being an industry-based organization.In this role I have been keen to develop a Society that is inclusive of all professionals wherever they may reside.
It has been an honor and a privilege to work with SPE and help build on and further this mission.As part of that,SPE has opened a fifth office in Dubai,U.A.E.,to service members in the Middle East and Indian sub-continent. During the past year,SPE also has reorganized and improved the Web site so members can access information more readily.
Mike:
I have been an APEGGA volunteer for more than 15 years,starting with the Calgary Members
Liaison Committee.I have made it a part of my professional practice to get involved in my community,public life and professional activities beyond the immediate demands of my employer. There is always more to be gained by being actively engaged with these broader aspects.
3
What is your perception of the role of a professional society in the scientific community?
Peter:
The SEG and perhaps most such societies exist to foster the science,to promote the professional practice of the science and to provide a community for the practitioners of the science.
Bill:
My belief is that a professional society,or more appropriately,a scientific society,has a primary responsibility to ensure that its members have the opportunity to maintain and advance their technical competence through on-going education and formal meetings to exchange new ideas.I also believe that the CSEG plays a significant role in generating enthusiastic interaction within a scientific community that is
Continued on Page 28 ...
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engaged in the search for improved and more cost effective methods.
Recently the CSEG has expanded beyond its mandate “to promote the science of geophysics” into the business world of setting guidelines for standard practices such as the MLA.There is a case to be made that standards by which the seismic industry conducts business should be clear and well established.However, this is not the case as industry has dealt with its own specific needs for contracts,agreements and methods to control data exchange practices.Societies such as the CSEG and the SEG have seen the need to get involved but it is still unclear as to whether this responsibility is best handled by scientific societies.I am not suggesting that we stop the current effort but we may need to have a clear plan with other societies or regulatory bodies such as APEGGA, CAPP,CAGC and CAPL before we contemplate any future initiatives.Consequently,we continue to have further discussion with these groups focused on synergies that might help members conduct their business.
John:
I think that most professionals would view professional societies as providing services to the members that would include a monthly publication,scientific publications,a yearly conference and field trips and short courses both at the annual convention and throughout the year.As an involved member,I see many other roles for the professional society including the above plus,public outreach,student outreach, industry relations,and building our relationships with other sister societies and associations.
Steve:
The role is to advance the science,to promote technology,to foster the spirit of scientific research,to disseminate information pertaining to the science,and to inspire a high standard of professional conduct.
Andrew:
A professional society should be a resource for its members.It should disseminate information to its members in an effective and efficient manner,to keep them aware of the latest best practices and innovations in the industry.A professional society should provide expert technical information that its members can rely on.A society also should educate the public about what its industry does and how it affects them.It should give its members opportunities to network with other industry professionals and also opportunities to further their careers through continuing education.
Finally one should note that SPE is not solely a discipline–based Society but is inclusive of all professionals who work in the industry and academia,to add value to their stakeholders. Generally today this is in multi-disciplinary
teams and accordingly SPE believes it underpins the very modus operandi of our corporations, while still providing specialized media to disseminate specific-discipline technology.
Mike:
APEGGA is more of a regulatory agency than a professional society,but also directs efforts in meeting the needs of professionals in their recognition and development.
4What does your society do for students at their career-decision stages with respect to career opportunities in geosciences/geoengineering?
Peter:
The SEG supports kindergarten through grade 12 programs in the earth sciences both directly with our Geoscience Education Program and its traveling Geophysical Display,and through the programs of the American Geological Institute. Recently we have supported the development of a Seismograph and Earthquake Training Kit aimed at middle and high school science teachers.Each year at the annual meeting,the SEG runs a half-day program directed at local middle and high school students.Last year’s program,for example,featured Dr.Robert Ballard of Titanic fame,who gave an impassioned description of the adventures a career in the earth sciences can offer.
At the University level,SEG has 117 student sections in more than 30 countries.Student members get price breaks on courses and convention attendance.Each year through the SEG Foundation we distribute more than $200,000 in undergraduate scholarships to earth science students.We are co-sponsors, with AAPG,of a student expo (a job fair) twice a year,an event that will soon go virtual with a web presence opening next spring.
Bill:
We have a number of initiatives within the CSEG, including scholarships that identify and recognize accomplished students through our Scholarship Fund.Other events offer direct career information and advice through industry/student contact such as the APEGGA Geoscience Sponsored Mixer,student receptions at conventions,outreach such as “Geophysics in the Mall”,and the annual “Fall Honorary Address” sponsored by the CSPG,CSEG and APEGGA. Through intersociety discussion with the CGC and CSPG we plan to improve our outreach initiatives to promote and disseminate information on the geosciences to encourage students to consider a geoscience career,as well as informing the public across Canada.
John:
CSPG works through our Education Trust Fund to fully sponsor our very successful student
industry field trip in the spring of each year and work with the various university student conferences to provide a lecturer and awards for each of them.We also work with the universities to provide a CSPG Student membership for each of the geology clubs in Canada.
Steve:
Career opportunities in the geosciences are good,especially considering the average age of current workers in the industry.The average age of an AAPG member is 49,which probably also represents the average age in the industry. There should be abundant jobs available as this group begins to retire.AAPG is sponsoring Job Expositions at many of our section meetings. We are also working on a virtual student exposition that should go live next year.
Andrew:
SPE provides an online Career Center.A big part of student membership is discounted rates or sometimes free registration to meetings around the world.At these meetings,students are able to network with professionals in the industry,therefore building relationships that will guide them into their careers.SPE also has a partnership with Worldwideworker to organize and manage Oil career fairs at several SPE conferences throughout the year.These career fairs attract major industry companies and their HR representatives,to recruit students.At the Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition,SPE arranges sessions for the students and provides opportunities to hear from industry leaders who can guide and give advice on entering into this field.
Mike:
APEGGA reaches into elementary and secondary schools to build awareness of the amazing career choices in engineering and geosciences.APEGGA volunteers are present and active at career fairs with information about the education and training needed for professional recognition.
5Are there any increased opportunities for women or minority groups within the technical/professional societies? Could you base your answer on factual numbers pertaining to membership within your Society/Association?
Peter:
Increased opportunities? At SEG we make every effort to be race,nationality and gender blind.We do not request any information of that sort from our members nor keep any such records.I believe about 10% of our committee chairs are female.We have had females serve in every position on the Executive Committee,including President. Our current Executive Director,head of our Tulsa based staff,is a woman.
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I think every opportunity exists for all who want to participate.
Bill:
From my perspective within industry and in the CSEG,I believe that opportunities for women within geophysics are good and improving.I believe that there is no inherent gender-based impediment to obtaining a career in the geosciences and there is certainly no restriction for opportunities within our technical/professional societies.In fact during my career,the restriction on the number of women that we could hire was dependent on the number graduating from universities and not on internal corporate limitations.However,I believe the number of women graduates has increased from 10% to 20% over the past 20 years.In the same two decades within PanCanadian,I estimate that women made up between 25% to 30% of geophysicists.However, I do believe that this number was and still is unusually high in the Oil and Gas industry.In the last CSEG member survey in 1997,all women members including geophysicists accounted for only 9% of membership in the society.This number has improved slightly and now stands at around 10%.
More importantly I think that the opportunity for advancement to top management levels for women within the Oil and Gas industry is still restricted by various company cultures and I hope that my generation will be the last to adhere to this anachronistic attitude.
John:
We do not track the opportunities for volunteers by gender or minority.The CSPG volunteers are not selected by race or gender and everyone has always been welcomed to participate in the societies volunteerism.This year,for example,our Executive Committee of eight has four women! I personally see our industry employing the best and brightest, without restrictions of culture,race or religion.
Steve:
Opportunities for women and minorities within professional societies are good.AAPG recently had its first female president of the organization. We have minorities and women throughout our committee system.We also have a special ad hoc committee on Diversity to help us focus on the issues.
Andrew:
SPE has a worldwide membership of more than 55,000 industry professionals.This includes members of both sexes (7 % female) and more than 110 nationalities.Based on my travels among Sections I believe the percentage of women involved in officer positions is substantially higher than at the general membership level.
Each member of SPE receives the same benefits and opportunities through the society. Membership dues are based on tiers depending on where members reside and their financial capacity to pay,therefore making it easier for professionals in less developed countries to join.
Mike:
We believe that the engineering and geoscience professions have always offered,and continue to offer attractive and rewarding career opportunities for women and minority groups. Enrollment in approved courses at postsecondary programs in engineering and geoscience is now around 25% female,and this is changing the face of the professions.Although we do not have programs directed explicitly at minority groups we make sure that all qualified people are welcome regardless of being a member of a visible minority.
6How much education should I get? In general,it is believed that the more education you have,the more money you earn.Is that true?
Peter:
The latest (2002) SEG salary survey showed the opposite.Our highest paid member segments were those with Bachelors and Masters level degrees.Ph.D.s had slightly lower salaries on average as they tend to work in research oriented companies or divisions where the pay scale seems to be lower than on the front lines of operations.It is certainly true that without some university level degree there is a ceiling that is practically impossible to break through. Beyond that,no degree is a guarantee of success.Seeking a higher degree should be a choice based on your desire to stay in school and dig a little deeper into the science.It’s a matter of personality more than practicality. Once in the work world it is diligence,industry, creativity and honesty that will drive your career and earning power.
Bill:
Generally,this would be the case.However, there is a minimum requirement of a B.Sc. degree and the trend has been to favour M.Sc.s as they have had a chance to cover more applied seismology courses as well as having potentially had some work experience in either summer jobs or co-op programs.Some Ph.D.s could be too specialised and employers run the risk that these employees might eventually return to university as professors,as this was their original goal.
John:
In Canada,a B.Sc.from a Canadian university is sufficient for a position in most of the oil and gas companies in Calgary.A Masters is preferred by some of the major companies and all companies have a certain quantity of PhD’s for the research necessary in most of our organizations.
Steve:
I believe that for geoscientists,the Masters degree is necessary.For the engineering side of the business a Bachelors degree is the minimum. Our industry is cyclic and advanced degrees should help employees survive the cycles.
AAPG salary survey information shows that the M.Sc.,and Ph.D.degrees earn similar amounts of money.Both earn more than B.Sc. degrees,in general.
Andrew:
SPE offers continuing education opportunities for any one who is interested,no matter where they are in their career.The question of “amount of education” is very subjective.One may learn “on the job” (experiential),from one’s peers and superiors,via company in-house courses or through formal external education.What SPE offers is a range of learning media that is very much at the control of the member.These include all the journals,short courses, Distinguished Lecturers,monthly meetings, books,conferences,forums,ATWs etc.One can always learn,and I would certainly encourage everyone to maintain their currency of knowledge,in order to add the most value and enjoyment in their job.If this logically adds value to your employer,then yes,one would presume it flows through to one’s compensation. Unfortunately I do not have salary data at present to quantify comments with respect to higher tertiary education qualifications.
Mike:
The basic educational requirement is an approved four year degree in engineering or the geosciences.Our salary surveys confirm that post-graduate degrees do correlate with increases in salaries.
7Training is more than formal education and degrees.A geoscientist’s/geo-engineer’s current training can get him/her a job,but will not keep him/her attractive as a consultant/employee throughout a decades-long career.How do you cater to such needs?
Peter:
At the SEG continuing education is one of our core values.We support the ongoing professional development of our members through publications,workshops,lectures,and CE short courses.International and regional meetings provide a prime opportunity for all of us to stay current.Finally,SEG has recognized the need to deliver more training opportunities over the web and we are working to meet that need.
Bill:
Primarily this is done through continuing education internally within organizations or
externally in the form of industry courses.The CSEG has recently ramped up opportunities for training during one’s career beyond university education.These opportunities include the popular CSEG DoodleTrain week and the SEG’s Distinguished Instructor Short Course program.However the majority of continuing education is undertaken by individuals attending courses throughout the year at various conventions and venues such as the GPDC facility,which the CSEG co-sponsors.
Beyond any formal training there is a general community of practice within a number of successful organizations where the mentoring of junior staff by experts is encouraged and allowed to flourish.However this aspect of an individual’s training continues to diminish as a direct consequence of a general management trend to fund projects that are solely driven by the bottom line.We have seen the demise of this mentoring expertise within a number of companies that have undergone mergers with the consequent lack of interest in encouraging any knowledge that might have been usefully applied to exploration challenges.There will be a price to pay from this reduction in a genuine desire to push the technological edge that would enthuse the brightest of new grads entering our industry.I am glad that I caught what I believe to be the last opportunity to
freely experiment where my imagination might take me.
John:
CSPG has long had a training component within the outreach of the society.Lately,we have worked more closely with the University of Calgary on training through their GPDC, (Geoscience Petroleum Development Centre) which was developed on Grants from AAPG, CSPG and CSEG.We also offer short course and field trips at our annual conference. Mentorship and networking are the responsibility of the professional in today’s world where most of the companies have decided to reduce their company training structures and offer only the most basic of courses and seminars.
Steve:
AAPG offers life long learning opportunities for members.Our publications,conventions,short courses,and field trips are all designed to help the employee keep up to date with the latest scientific information.
Andrew:
SPE not only offers Distance Learning,which is online courses for continuing education purposes,but it also offers short courses.Short courses are classes that are held in conjunction
with meetings around the world focusing on specific topics.During the Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition,there are eighteen short courses scheduled,meeting the needs of all different aspects of the industry.We also distribute the monthly publication,JPT (Journal of Petroleum Technology),which covers current topics in the industry.SPE provides a whole range of learning media.
Mike:
A few years ago APEGGA launched an ambitious program of mandatory reporting of Continuing Professional Development.This program underscored the point of your question.Keeping current with your profession through continuing professional development is both an ethical and a professional requirement,and incidentally keeps you attractive as a consultant or employee.A wide range of opportunities is available to our members.We are sponsoring a project to create an on-line learning market place through the PEGGasus initiative,as well as being very active in providing CDP opportunities ourselves.
To be continued ...
BOOKSTORE BULLETIN
field guide
The CSPG is re-publishing the most popular "Classic" Field Guides of the last 70 years,and is starting this collection with seven guides presented in binder format.More "Classic" Field Guides will be published on a regular basis,and can be added to this binder.
The Field Guides included in this "kick - off" volume are:
■ A Geological Guide of the Eastern Cordillera along the Trans Canada Highway between Calgary and Revelstoke. 1971
■ Late Paleozoic Shelf Deposits - The New Precision in Stratigraphy.1983
■ The Sedimentology of the Blood Reserve Sandstone in Southern Alberta.1983
■ Carboniferous Stratigraphy,Tectonics and Basin Development,Southwestern Alberta.1992
■ Sedimentology,Structural Geology and Exploration History of the Mississippian at Moose Mountain,Southwestern Alberta Foothills.1992
■ Structural Geology in Rocky Mountain Foothills and Front Ranges,Kananaskis Country,Alberta.1992.
■ The Lower Fairholme Reef Complex at White Man Gap, Canmore.1993
■ Geology and Palaeontology of the Burgess Shale,Yoho National Park,B.C.1999
Various Authors/Editors,Reprint 2000,binder,approx.120 pages, Code G22
field guide
CLASSIC
Volume 2 is our second reprint of the most popular CSPG Field Trip Guidebooks of the last 70 years.Includes divider tabs for inclusion in the binder from Volume 1.
Our second installment includes:
■ Stratigraphy and Sedimentary Environments of the JurassicCretaceous Kootenay Group and Adjacent Strata,Highwood Pass - Kananaskis Country Area,Alberta.1983
■ Savannah Creek Alberta - A Fractured Carbonate Reservoir in a Complex Structural Setting.1995
■ Anatomy of the Laramide Foredeep and the Structural Style of the Adjacent Foreland Thrust Belt in Southern Alberta. 1992
■ Upper Devonian Reef and Basinal Sedimentation,Western Alberta.1987
■ The Upper Devonian Ancient Wall Reef Complex,Jasper National Park,Alberta.1987
Various Authors/Editors,Reprint 2001,approx.400 pages,Code G23
To order these,and many other titles,please visit www.cspg.org.Order forms available online.
For any questions please contact Jaimè Croft,Communications Manager,at 403-264-5610 or jaime.croft@cspg.org.
BOOKSTORE BULLETIN
field guide
The CSPG is re-publishing the most popular "Classic" Field Guides of the last 70 years,and is starting this collection with seven guides presented in binder format. More "Classic" Field Guides will be published on a regular basis, and can be added to this binder.
The Field Guides included in volume are:
■ Geology of the Waterton Area, Alberta.1982
■ Structural Geology of the Alberta Foothills Front in the Calgary Region.1988
■ Cretaceous Depositional Facies in the Western Interior:The Souther Alberta Transect.1986
■ Sedimentology and Sequence Stratigraphy of the Upper Cretaceous,BearspawHorsehoe Canyon Transition, Drumheller,Alberta.1992
■ Stratigraphy and Depositional Facies Lower Cretaceous Blairmore - Luscar Groups, Central Alberta Foothills.1988
Various Authors/Editors,Reprint 2003,390 pages,Code G24
maps and travel guides
GEOLOGICAL HIGHWAY MAP OF ALBERTA (HWY1)
It's back…and it's better! The revised highway map is based on the new,recently published Geological map of Alberta produced by the Alberta Geological Survey.Material for the map has also been provided by the Geological Survey of Newfoundland and the Provincial Museum of Alberta.What's more,it works hand in hand with the very popular A Traveller's Guide to Geological Wonders of Alberta – highlighting a number of the sites detailed in the book.The new highway map includes sections on:
■ Basic geological concepts such as the geological cycle,plate tectonics and glaciation
field guide
DEVONIAN (FRASIAN) CYCLOSTRATIGRAPHY AT GRASSI LAKES TRAIL: IMPLICATIONS FOR SUBSURFACE RESERVOIR PREDICTION
Take the short (one-hour) hike to Grassi Lakes above Canmore and discover the relationship between the surface exposures of Frasnian stromatoporoid reefs (Cairn/Southesk formations) and the subsurface Leduc Formation.This new guidebook incorporates excellent graphics and text to illustrate the surface-subsurface relationships,is lightweight,and bound in waterproof covers.A road log is included with geological discussion of each stop.
2000,soft cover,approx.90 pages,Code G21
LIST PRICE – $32.00 CSPG MEMBER – $24.00 SHIPPING IN CANADA - $6.00 SHIPPING TO THE U.S.- $9.00
special publications
WESTERN CANADA SEDIMENTARY BASIN: A CASE HISTORY (S30)
The book integrates surface and sub-surface work, incorporates some of the latest research results and,with over 250 illustrations and extensive references throughout, provides a comprehensive introduction to the WCSB and an example of of Basin Analysis.Of great use to both students and professional geologists.
