■ Central Foreland Natmap Project Wraps Up at GSC Calgary
■ Central Foreland Natmap Project Wraps Up at GSC Calgary
■ CSPG 2002 Active Member Survey - Information for the Future ■ Methane Hydrates: an Exploration and Production Overview
■ CSPG 2002 Active Member Survey - Information for the Future ■
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
Please submit RESERVOIR articles to the CSPG office.Submission deadline is the 23th day of the month,2 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
All inquiries regarding advertising and technical specifications should be directed to Kim MacLean.The deadline to reserve advertising space is the 23th day of the month,2 months prior to issue date.All advertising artwork should be sent directly to Kim MacLean at the CSPG.
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) and will eventually fill an entire Rock Shop page. For more information or to book a space 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.
Design & Layout by McAra Printing
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
DEVON CANADA CORPORATION
DOMINION EXPLORATION CANADA LTD.
DUVERNAY OIL CORP.
ECL CANADA
EL PASO OIL & GAS CANADA, INC.
HUNT OIL COMPANY OF CANADA, INC.
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.
TOTALFINAELF E&P CANADA LIMITED
UPTON RESOURCES INC.
CONGRATULATIONS
To Seward Pon who won the Grand Prize trip for two to the MolsonIndy in Vancouver at the 2003 CSPG / CSEG Convention.
The CSPG Educational Trust Fund would like to gratefully acknowledge and thank their sponsors:
*CORPORATE MEMBERS AS OF MAY 24, 2003
Baker Atlas
Thanks to all who supported the Educational Trust Fund and we look forward to your support in the future.
CANADIAN SOCIETY OF PETROLEUM GEOLOGISTS CALL FOR NOMINATIONS 2004 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
In accordance with Article VI,subparagraph (a) of the By-Laws,the Nominating Committee hereby calls for Nominations to Stand for Election to the 2004 Executive Committee of the Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists.Nominations are to be made in writing,signed by at least twenty-five members in good standing and endorsed by the nominee who is consenting to stand for office.Nominations should be forwarded to the CSPG office by September 15,2003.The slate of candidates will be published in the November Reservoir and the election will take place on November 30,2003.The following vacancies exist for 2004:
Vice President
Assistant Finance Director
Assistant Program Director
Assistant Services Director
Successful candidates for the Directorships will serve two-year terms and the elected Vice President,a three-year term.Interested parties should contact the office for details and general requirements of service on the Executive.
As Assistant Program Director I am essentially an understudy to the Program Director,assisting with regular society activities and helping achieve the Strategic Objectives as set out in the CSPG Strategic Business Plan 2003. During the second year of my term I will assume the position of Program Director.The Director of Programs, Elizabeth O’Neil,provided a very good synopsis of ‘CSPG Programs’ in the March 2003 issue of the Reservoir detailing responsibilities,activities, current objectives,and what is provided for members.The overall vision of Programs is to ‘aim to maintain,improve and modernize technical standards of the CSPG as related to improving and expanding education,the technical divisions and the technical luncheons’. This I believe,includes a progressive, state-of-the-art approach to making technical and scientific information readily available so that the Society’s members can improve their professional abilities and successes.In my view,Programs is central to CSPG members,as it provides a valuable source of information.
To many members,the CSPG is mainly about INFORMATION.The majority of CSPG members are members because the Society is an essential distributor of petroleum geoscience information and knowledge as it relates to improving success in exploration and development of oil and gas and emerging energies in Canada and abroad.The society is also an invaluable facilitator for bridging the information exchange between industry, students,academia,and government. Currently,CSPG information is
disseminated through the CSPG Bulletin, Annual Conventions and Miniconferences,Technical Luncheon Presentations,Division Talks,CSPG Bookstore and Publications,Reservoir, Continuing Education and Short Courses and – most recently – the Geoscience Professional Development Center at the University of Calgary.The CSPG website and recent web-casting and web-archiving of some Technical Luncheon talks are exemplary to the way the Society has embraced the use of emerging technologies in order to provide additional information to its members. But,we need to continue to build on these initiatives.Just imagine what a queriable virtual library of web-cast Technical Presentations archived over a decade would hold for future petroleum geologists.We need to continue to search for innovative ways to improve access to information for all members,particularly addressing the members’ need for relevant archival and current Canadian petroleum geology information.This includes links to other databases with related information.Continuing Education is also a way to disseminate information to the Society’s members.One of the sub-strategies of the Education Objectives of Programs in the 2003 Strategic Business Plan is to ‘explore the possibilities of web-based education as it relates to some of the past,more basic CSPG continuing education courses’.This raises exciting possibilities.
Through Programs or other new initiatives,the CSPG should consider expanding its role and activity in digital archiving.The establishment of digital information libraries and information bridges to other digital libraries,for example,is forging ahead at record pace in many fields and in many societies these days.Related initiatives have been moving forward in a limited way in the CSPG,although plans are being made to increase ease of access to information held by other science societies and groups,and to web-education.Ashton Embry,Senior Managing Editor,for example,is in discussions to connect the CSPG to ‘Geoscience World’,an
INTERNATIONAL PETRODATA LIMITED
The Petrodata Network - The Industry’s “Open” System Solution
IPL’s Corporate Goal
IPL’s Corporate Goal
To ensure The Petrodata File is the most comprehensive and accurate database available.
To ensure The Petrodata File is the most comprehensive and accurate database available.
The Petrodata File Strengths
The Petrodata File Strengths
■ AccuracyOriginal source documents are
■ AccuracyOriginal source documents are
■ Completeness reviewed and utilized by our data technicians and analysts to create the database and ensure the accuracy and completeness of the file.
■ Completeness reviewed and utilized by our data technicians and analysts to create the database and ensure the accuracy and completeness of the file.
■ ConsistencyA network of over 800 regional cross sections are used by our geologists to ensure consistent formation tops for database searches, contour mapping and cross sections.
■ ConsistencyA network of over 800 regional cross sections are used by our geologists to ensure consistent formation tops for database searches, contour mapping and cross sections.
■ Currency Daily updates ensure the most current information.
■ Currency Daily updates ensure the most current information.
IPL Proprietary and Industry Data
IPL Proprietary and Industry Data
■ General Well Data (basic header, DST’s, IP tests, completions, porous intervals, etc.)
■ General Well Data (basic header, DST’s, IP tests, completions, porous intervals, etc.)
■ Formation Tops (correlated by IPL)
■ Formation Tops (correlated by IPL)
■ Fluid Analyses (oil, gas, water)
■ Fluid Analyses (oil, gas, water)
■ Core Analyses
■ Core Analyses
■ Directional Surveys
■ Directional Surveys
■ Grid and Culture
■ Grid and Culture
■ Production/Injection
■ Production/Injection
■ Gas Well AOFP
■ Gas Well AOFP
■ Oil Well BHP
■ Oil Well BHP
■ Reserves
■ Reserves
Vendor Partner Data
Vendor Partner Data
■ Land
■ Land
■ Pipelines/Facilities
■ Pipelines/Facilities
■ Interpreted DST’s
■ Interpreted DST’s
■ Field/Pool/Unit Outlines
■ Field/Pool/Unit Outlines
2003/2004 TECHNICAL LUNCHEONS
Effective September 1st the CSPG's Technical Luncheon Ticket Price will rise from the current $25.00 per ticket to $28.00 per ticket. This price increase is in response to a rise in costs at the Marriott Hotel,the caterer for our luncheons.Concurrent with this, prices have also been rising for audio-visual support and facilities rental at the Telus Convention Centre.While we always regret any price increase,our luncheon tickets are still competitive with other organizations offering like events in similar facilities.Despite the price increase,the Technical Luncheon budget for the coming year will continue to operate just at break-even.
CSPG Technical Luncheon Committee
It is once again time to plan for the CSPG bi-monthly Technical Luncheons.The CSPG has nineteen luncheons planned for the 2003/2004 Season.There are two methods for having tickets sent directly to a ticket representative in your office:
1.) For Corporate Members of CSPG
Corporate Members may order a set number of tickets per luncheon,which will be couriered to you with an invoice.For orders of less than 10 tickets per luncheon,a $5.00 handling fee will be added to the invoice.You must take the same number of tickets for each luncheon and returns are not accepted.The following month’s tickets will be sent out if the previous month’s invoice has been paid.Any changes to your standard number of tickets must be made well prior to tickets being sent out.Additional tickets may be arranged through the CSPG office.If you wish to use this option,you must register with the office by September 1,2003.
2). For those who are not Corporate Members - Prepayment:
For companies who are not Corporate Members you may elect to pre-purchase a set number of tickets for the 2003-2004 Season’s 19 luncheons.For orders of less than 10 tickets per luncheon,a $5.00 handling fee needs to be added to each mailing to cover courier/mailing/handling costs.Returns are not accepted and extra tickets can be purchased direct from the CSPG office.If you wish to use this option,you must register with the office by September 1,2003.Payment is required upon registration for this program.
If you do not wish to use either of these options tickets can be purchased directly from the CSPG office,using cheque,cash,debit,Visa,American Express or MasterCard.Luncheon tickets are $28.00 plus GST each and go on sale two months in advance.Please watch your Reservoir or visit www.cspg.org for luncheon abstracts.
TICKET REPRESENTATIVE REGISTRATION FORM
OPTION 1 – CSPG CORPORATE MEMBERS ONLY
NUMBER OF TICKETS FOR EACH LUNCHEON.
FOR TICKET ORDERS OF LESS THAN 10/LUNCH,A $5/MONTH HANDLING FEE WILL BE ADDED TO YOUR INVOICE.
OPTION 2 – PREPAYMENT
NUMBER OF TICKETS FOR EACH LUNCHEON.
PREPAYMENT DUE:_________ TICKETS X $29.96 (INCL.GST) X 19 (TOTAL # OF LUNCHEONS) = $ _____________.IF LESS THAN 10/LUNCH ORDERED,A HANDLING FEE OF $53.50 ($5.00 PLUS GST PER MONTH) IS INCLUDED IN THIS PAYMENT.
We accept Visa,MasterCard,American Express or cheque as payment.If paying by credit card:
Card # _____________________________
Expiry Date:_________________________
Signature:___________________________
SEPTEMBER LUNCHEON
Energy Supply/Demand Trends and Forecasts:
Implications for a Sustainable Energy Future for Canada
SPEAKER
and the World
J.David Hughes Geological Survey of Canada
11:30 am Tuesday,September 9,2003
TELUS CONVENTION CENTRE CALGARY, ALBERTA
Please note:
The cut-off date for ticket sales is 1:00 pm,Wednesday,September 3rd.
Ticket price is $28.00 + GST.
An analysis of world and North American energy production and consumption over the past several decades indicates strong growth.Even with the growth of “zero emission”
nuclear and large hydro projects, hydrocarbons (oil,gas,and coal) made up more than 85% of the world’s primary energy consumption in 2001,and are forecast to make up more than 80% of a greatly expanded energy demand by 2020.Energy demand in the developing world is forecast by the U.S.Energy Information Administration to grow by 115% through 2020,when this region will account for nearly half of the world’s energy consumption.The question is,are these forecast growth rates sustainable, given the magnitude and distribution of the world’s remaining energy reserves, and what are some of the political and social ramifications of maintaining this rate of consumption? Natural gas in North` America is of particular concern, as it is largely a captive market (with the exception of about 1% LNG at present) and demand,particularly for electricity generation,is forecast to grow dramatically over the next two decades.
SEPTEMBER LUNCHEON
Understanding North African & Middle East Basins: Whole Lithospheric Folding versus Disparate Rifting
SPEAKER
B.G.M.Wood
International Geological Consulting
11:30 am
Tuesday,September 23,2003
TELUS CONVENTION CENTRE CALGARY, ALBERTA
Please note:
The cut-off date for ticket sales is 1:00 pm,Wednesday,September 17th. Ticket price is $28.00 + GST.
For those working in the Afro/Arabic area with varying degrees of success or those intending to acquire acreage in the region,a new regional geological model will enhance exploration success on the ground.Hard data refutes the widely held belief that the troughs and ridges of
North Africa and the northern Middle East originated under extension during the disintegration of Gondwana since the Carboniferous.G&G data for Syria and Egypt demonstrate that these basins, which can be used as analogues throughout the region,originated in compression.Adherence to rift models has hindered discovery and development of new oil resources in the region.
Synthesis of an extensive volume of good quality seismic,well,magnetic,and gravity data from western Syria documents intraplate,lithospheric-scale compression folding of the northern Afro-Arabian Plate resulting in platescale,NE-oriented troughs and arches at least since the Carboniferous. Intermittent NW-oriented fracturing facilitated domino-like,counterclockwise rotation of inter-fracture platelets.Basement association with folding and fracturing is verified by seismic,stratigraphic sections,and
This talk focuses on the “Big Picture” and how Canada fits into it,as well as what must be considered going forward to assure a sustainable energy future.
BIOGRAPHY
David Hughes is a geologist with more than 30 years experience studying the energy resources of Canada for the Geological Survey of Canada and the private sector.He is the Leader of the National Coal Inventory, which is a digital knowledge base on coal and is used to determine the availability of resources for conventional and nonconventional uses such as coalbed methane production and the sequestration of CO2.He is also Team Leader for Non-conventional Gas for the Canadian Gas Potential Committee.For the past several years,he has developed a keen interest in the "Big Picture",as it relates to the longer term prognosis for continuity of energy supplies and some of the political and environmental ramifications concerning their use.
isocore maps of distinct,stacked, sedimentary sequences (basins).The ostensibly complex disintegration of the region occurred under a single, constant,NE-directed stress field.
The regional implications of lithosphericscale compression folding are considerable.First,the familiar passive, low-energy sedimentary sequences of the region were deposited in broad compressional downwarps open to the warm Tethys Seas.Second,regional terminations of these same sedimentary cycles synchronized with basin inversion, cross-basin fracturing,magmatic activity, trough narrowing,and basin dissection, together suggesting rapid,end-of-cycle, brittle failure of a compressed crust. Third,offset shearing along cross-basin fractures and a persistent counterclockwise rotation of the depositional (fold) axes of individual sub-basins,offers a mechanism for plate-scale rotation. Further,as end-of-cycle occurrences of
intense tectonic activity of northern Arabia (uplift,volcanism,shearing,plate rotation) coincide with periods of tectonic and magmatic activity as far afield as Europe and greater Africa,a tectonic-scale driving mechanism is clear.
This new model of plate-scale deformation fits well with the known geological history of Afro-Arabia.It offers improved prediction of basins of interest to the oil industry in areas of poor geologic control and enhanced fieldscale sedimentary and structural prediction as demonstrated by examples in the Western Desert and Gulf of Suez of Egypt.
BIOGRAPHY
Barry Wood graduated in 1972 from Queen’s University with a BSc(Hon) in geology,Barry joined Shell Canada in Calgary where he participated in exploration and basin analysis efforts in Canada’s East Coast,Arctic,Hudson Bay,and West Coast. After a short spell working the Western Canadian Basin with Western Decalta (later Pembina Pipeline),he shifted to international activities
moving through seven countries with his family while working on business development, exploration,and development across Southeast Asia,Europe,Africa,and the Middle East.
Following 25 years in the business and 16 years with Marathon Oil,Barry moved to London, England,in 1997 to conduct a three-year research project at Oxford University for which he was awarded a DPhil in 2001.His research centered on models of basin evolution in North Africa & the northern Middle East in a pursuit to understand reservoir and trap development in the region.
Barry currently advises companies on conducting business in his areas of experience.He is also a Director of PetroQuest International Ltd.,a company concentrating on exploration in Afro/Arabia.He is a Fellow of the Geological Society of London and an active member of the Petroleum Exploration Society of Great Britain and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.A committed traveler,he can best be contacted by e-mail,bgwood@mac.com.
Advancing the process of reservoir management
September
INTERNATIONAL DIVISION
Angola:the Emerging Petroleum Giant of sub-Sahara Africa
SPEAKER
Tako Koning
ChevronTexaco (retired) and presently Angola Residential Representative, Yme Foundation,Luanda,Angola
12:00 Noon Wednesday,July 23,2003
Encana Amphitheatre
2nd Floor, east end of the Calgary Tower Complex 1st St. and 9th Avenue S.E. Calgary, Alberta
Angola is currently producing about 900,000 bopd and is the second largest oil producer after Nigeria in the subSahara of Africa.The production is entirely obtained from the Lower Congo Basin which covers an area of over 100,000 square kilometers from shoreline to water depths of over 3,500 meters.Due to the exploration successes experienced by industry during the past seven years,Angola has become one of the premier countries worldwide for deepwater petroleum exploration.
Until 2001,almost all of Angola’s production was obtained from Albian shallow-water carbonates of the Pinda formation as well as from pre-salt Neocomian-age lacustrine clastics and carbonates.Recoverable reserves of about 3 billion barrels of oil have been discovered in the Pinda and pre-salt reservoirs.Salt rafting and down-tothe-basin gravity sliding of Pinda “rafts” have resulted in numerous oil fields which consist of separate blocks of carbonate,each with distinctive hydrocarbon contacts.Indeed,the global type area for raft tectonics is the continental margin of Angola.
In 1996,Elf discovered the Girassol field in Oligocene-age turbidite clastics.The water depth of the field is 1,400 meters and the reservoir is relatively shallow at 2,400 meters drill depth.Since 2001, Girassol has been on production at a
constant 200,000 bopd.Production of up to 30,000 bopd has been achieved from single wells.Since the discovery of Girassol,over 30 oil fields with recoverable reserves of some 10 billion barrels have been discovered in the Tertiary sediments of the Congo Basin. The reservoirs occur in Miocene and Oligocene turbidites associated with the ancestral Congo River drainage system.
The turbidite fields of Angola share many of the characteristics of such fields worldwide,including:(1) Reservoirs are typically thick,high net-to-gross sheet sands with aerially extensive well connected aquifers,(2) Flow rates of >10,000 bopd are not uncommon and typically are found in intraslope basins on above-grade slopes and at the base of graded slopes,(3) Excellent seismic imaging has led to the high rates of successes in areas like Angola where the exploratory drilling success rate exceeds 80%,(4) High-performance turbidite reservoirs such as in Angola have substantially heightened industry’s perception of the profitability of the global deepwater play.
Yearly investments in the oil sector in Angola are estimated at about $4 billion per year.This will result in Angola’s oil production reaching 1.7 million bopd by 2008.A $3 billion LNG project is being constructed in order to commercialize Angola’s gas reserves.Although the deepwater play in Angola is dominated by the large multinational oil companies, opportunities may be present for smaller oil companies due to possible availability of marginal oil fields in the shallow water areas.Furthermore,due to the ending in 2002 of thirty years of civil war and the restoration of permanent peace in Angola,onshore extensions of the Congo and Kwanza Basins are now becoming accessible for oil exploration and opportunities may be available for revitalization of old fields abandoned in the onshore areas.In conclusion,Angola is an emerging energy giant and will have an increasingly important role as an exporter of oil and gas to world markets.
BIOGRAPHY
Tako is a 1971 graduate of the University of Alberta with a B.Sc.in geology.He also obtained a B.A.in Economics in 1981 from the University of Calgary.He recently early retired from ChevronTexaco after 29 years in Canada,Sumatra (Indonesia),Lagos (Nigeria),and Angola.His work in the oil industry has ranged from being a mudlogger on wells on the Grand Banks of Newfoundland,to Vice President Exploration for Texaco Canada Petroleum,and most recently he was Kwanza Basin Exploration Manager for ChevronTexaco in Angola.He is currently with an Oslo-based Norwegian NGO,Yme Foundation,which focuses on community support projects in Africa including Sudan,Congo (Zaire),and Angola. With Yme,he is based in Luanda and is involved with drilling projects in the interior of Angola which provide drinking water to those affected by Angola’s recently ended civil war including refugees and internally displaced persons (IDP’s).
INFORMATION
There is no charge.Please bring your lunch. Refreshments are provided by Encana and ECL Canada.For more information or to give a talk in the future,please contact Geoffrey Say at 403-263-0449 or email at g.say@ecqc.com.
CSPG VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity within the CSPG,Blythe will be happy to help you find your volunteer niche.
She can also provide information about any of the Society’s numerous committees if you require it.
Blythe will also assist with finding replacements for current committee volunteers who need a change and help them to find different volunteer opportunities in the Society,if desired.
Blythe Lowe can be reached in Calgary at 403-290-3516. Give her a call!
HYDROGEOLOGY DIVISION - MINI-CONFERENCE
WATER RESOURCES AND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT
The CSPG Hydrogeology Division will not be running a fall field trip this year as the committee is busy organizing a two-day miniconference on “Water Resources and Energy Development”.This will be the first reincarnation of the Banff Conferences,now held under the title of ‘Gussow Series’.The miniconference will be held in Canmore March 4&5 2004 with three sessions followed by a wrap-up round-table discussion.Each session will have a moderator and several speakers.The intention of the conference is not only to present the current state of technical knowledge but also to create an atmosphere where discussions amongst the participants are encouraged to facilitate the sharing of ideas,problems and
solutions across disciplines.Speakers will be by invitation only,but we will have an open call for poster presentations.Watch for our upcoming announcements.Sessions topics are:
Handling and Disposal of Produced Water (Dr.Ian Hutcheon,U of C – Chair); coalbed methane waters,co-produced freshwaters from shallow gas,SAGD produced water,treatment and compatibility, disposal of acid gases into aquifers,etc.
Water Resources for Petroleum Exploration and Production (Dr.Kevin Parks,AGS – Chair);resources for waterfloods,steam generation,etc.
STRUCTURAL DIVISION - FIELD TRIP
Transverse Fault Geometries and Associated Deformation in the Lewis and Rundle Thrust Sheets - Part 2
FIELD TRIP LEADER
Deborah Sanderson EnCana Corporation,Calgary
Saturday,September 6,2003
This trip will take the group to a different location near Highwood Pass to continue the examination of transverse faults in the hanging walls of the Lewis and Rundle thrusts.
Last year,we hiked up the west side of the Elk Range above the Lewis Thrust fault to examine close-up the transverse faults in the Rundle and Spray Lakes Group.This year we will hike
up a ridge on the east side of the Elk Range and have an overview of the large number of transverse faults exposed above the Lewis Thrust.From this vantage point the geometry and inter-relationship of the faults will be clearly seen.Discussion will center on their possible origins with examples shown from other areas and fault modeling.
After we descend from the ridge,if time allows,we will walk across the highway to the hanging wall of the Rundle Thrust to examine fault surfaces in the Triassic Spray River Group. These display various fault surface movement indicators,and are associated with wellexposed joint and fracture patterns.Structural analysis of the movement striae will be shown.
For the overview,be prepared for walking up a moderate to steep grass-covered slope and
Resource Conflict (Dave McGee,Alberta Environment – Chair); industrial impacts on shallow groundwater resources,waterfloods and water disposal impacts on other producing or potentially producing horizons.
INFORMATION
If you would like more information please visit www.cspg.org or contact Lori HumphreyClements,Conventions Manager,at 403-2645610 or lori@cspg.org.
drainage.The distance is approximately two kilometers with an elevation gain of 500 m. On the east side of Highway 40 we may go partway up a drainage that has solid rock and loose scree,leather gloves are recommended.
The plan is to rent one or two vans and transport the participants together.The meeting location is in front of the Brentwood Medical Clinic at Brentwood Mall for 7:30am. Offers from companies to rent one or two vans would be appreciated.The trip may be cancelled if the weather is unsuitable.
INFORMATION
If you wish to attend please contact Deborah Sanderson by August 29th via email at deborah.sanderson@encana.com or phone 6455611.Please include your email address for last minute updates.
CareerSource
TRENDS IN THE CANADIAN OIL PATCH
The bar graph in figure 1 shows the number of wells drilled in Western Canada over the past 24 years.The blue line shows the annual active membership of the CSPG over the same period (Source:CAPP drilling data and CSPG Membership data).
CSPG regular membership peaked in 1986 and then declined steadily into the early 1990s.It has remained flat at about 2,600 members since that time.Conversely,drilling has increased dramatically over the same period.It can be assumed that not all CSPG members are actively involved in Canadian drilling nor do all geologists belong to the CSPG.However,this combination suggests that more wells are being initiated with fewer people.
In the future,we will have to drill many more wells just to sustain current production rates. Clearly our Industry has become much more efficient in drilling wells,but will we have the manpower to find sufficient new reserves in the future?
In figure 2,the ‘other’ membership categories of the CSPG have been plotted separately from the regular membership (active) since their numbers are considerably smaller (source:CSPG membership statistics).
Membership in these categories climbed rapidly in the early 1980s and has been reasonably constant at about 600 members since 1984.The change in the types of these members provides considerable food for thought as we look to the future.
The fastest growing group of members is the ‘emeritus’ (retired) group while the group with the steepest decline is the ‘student’ group.Clearly we can’t do much about growing old;but if student membership is a reflection of current interest in our profession we have to do some serious soul searching.
I read somewhere that geologists get better with age.We’d better hope this is the case or when we finally retire – don’t expect to sit back and turn up the thermostat!
To be continued ...
BY DAVE RUSSUM
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).
Figure 1. CSPG’s active membership compared to wells drilled in Canada.
Figure 2. CSPG membership in ‘other’ categories.
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Shorter tools. Faster logging speed. The highest data accuracy and state-of-the-art data delivery. Less time on the well. Faster decisionmaking. Lower total cost of operations.
CENTRAL FORELAND NATMAP PROJECT WRAPS UP AT GSC CALGARY
The Geological Survey’s Central Foreland NATMAP Project has officially wrapped up. Our focus now is to complete the production of the maps,papers,and bulletins that are still in the production stream.The Central Foreland NATMAP Project (1997-2003) focused on bedrock and surficial geological mapping in the Foothills of the northern Rocky Mountains of northeastern British Columbia,and the southern Franklin Mountains of the Yukon and Northwest Territories.The project area straddles the
eastern limit of Cordilleran deformation, marking the transition from undeformed sedimentary rocks of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin into deformed strata of the Foothills and Main Ranges.These areas are environmentally sensitive due to slope stability issues,as well as the unusually large and diverse indigenous animal populations,yet they are rich in natural gas and mineral potential.
The study area straddles a geologically unique transition on the northwest margin of the
BY LARRY LANE
Western Canada Sedimentary Basin.This transition is marked by a dramatic broadening and change in trend of the Cordilleran deformed belt,and by related changes in stratigraphy,sedimentary environments, paleogeography,and structural style. Regional geological mapping documents the surface expression of these dramatic changes. The new,more detailed maps have focused attention on the importance of structural and stratigraphic inheritance on the evolution of Cordilleran structures.The accompanying overview maps (Fig.1) illustrate the bedrock products that are currently available,together with those expected between late May and July,2003.Our surficial geology products document the glacial history as well as river and lake deposits.These maps identify terrain types,gravel sources,and landslide hazards (Fig.2),which are critical to land-use decisions such as road,bridge,and pipeline locations.
Major successes of the project include the timely release of a suite of over 60 maps, posters,and GIS datasets;over 30 Current Research-style publications;several dozen scientific papers;and several hundred conference presentations,with more to follow in the coming months.Part of this success lies with the commitment of the 200 individuals from governments,academia,and the private sector who have devoted significant effort in support of the scientific goals of the project. Many thanks to all of you for your contributions to the successes of this project.
These products can be purchased for a nominal cost at the GSC Calgary bookstore,403-292-7030.
2003 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
DATE: August 10-14,2003
EVENT: GeoSciEd IV:Earth Science for the Global Community
LOCATION: Calgary,Alberta
INFORMATION: The fourth international meeting for earth science teachers from elementary to university level,and for earth scientists who deliver educational outreach programs through their communities,museums,or science centres.The purpose is to share ideas and concepts in earth science education and in the development of programs that lead to an integrated understanding of the Earth.The innovative technical program will include keynote addresses,workshops, and oral and poster sessions.Field trips will visit many world-renowned sites of interest including the Rocky Mountains,the Burgess Shale,the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology,the Frank Slide,and the Athabasca Glacier. Please visit www.geoscied.org for details.
DATE: September 21-24,2003
EVENT: The Society for Organic Petrology (TSOP), 20th Annual Meeting
Abstracts due 4/15/03.Oral and poster sessions September 22-23.Topics include petroleum systems, source rocks,coalbed methane,coal characterization (Ron Stanton memorial session), government,and energy.Short courses (Sept.21) on trace elements in coal and health impacts of coal plus a core workshop on coal and petroleum source rocks of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska.Field trip (Sept.24) on geology and energy resources of the Triassic basins of northern Virginia.
DATE: October 15-16,2003
EVENT: Overview of the Oil & Gas Industry in Western Canada
LOCATION: Ramada Hotel Downtown 708-8th Ave.SW, Calgary,Alberta
INFORMATION: For more information,please visit: www.ayrtonexploration.com or contact 262-5440
• Effective for personnel just joining the oil patch or for financial,accounting,and information systems personnel
LOCATION: Ramada Hotel Downtown 708-8th Ave.SW, Calgary,Alberta
INFORMATION: For more information,please visit: www.ayrtonexploration.com or contact 262-5440
• 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 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
DATE: November 18-20,2003
EVENT: Geology of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin
LOCATION: Ramada Hotel Downtown 708-8th Ave.SW, Calgary,Alberta
INFORMATION: For more information,please visit: www.ayrtonexploration.com or contact 262-5440
• 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
DATE: December 2-3,2003
EVENT: Understanding Oil & Gas Maps, Cross-Sections and Illustrations
LOCATION: Ramada Hotel Downtown 708-8th Ave.SW, Calgary,Alberta
INFORMATION: For more information,please visit: www.ayrtonexploration.com or contact 262-5440
• Useful for exploration technicians,technical staff new to the oil patch,and the management and financial personnel who evaluate our "show and tells" and recommendations
• 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
Please visit www.cspg.org to download or print the monthly version of the calendar of events.
JACK PORTERVIGNETTES OF CANADIAN PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
Continued from the June Reservoir
The Extraordinary Odyssey of R. G. McConnell
Morris Zaslow explains the Geological Survey of Canada’s rational for George Mercer Dawon’s reconnaissance geological survey in 1887 of the Yukon district and the northern portion of British Columbia,as well as Richard George McConnell’s 1887 and 1888 exploration of the Yukon and MacKenzie basins (Zaslow,1975,Reading the Rocks – The Story of the Geological Survey of Canada 1842 - 1972,Pub.Macmillan of Canada,p.157) by stating:“Dawson and McConnell,assisted by McEvoy,embarked on one of the most remarkable reconnaissance explorations in the entire history of the Survey,that carried its work across the Arctic Circle for the first time.Most of southern and central British Columbia had been examined in a general way by 1887 but the geology of the northern half of the province and the Yukon country farther north was still unknown,apart from sketchy
descriptions by fur traders and by scientists who ventured through the region.The northern part of the Plains region – the district drained by the Slave,Liard,and Mackenzie Rivers – was somewhat better known,but much the same held true there also.By the mid-1880s,both districts were becoming accessible and were receiving the attention of hundreds of gold prospectors, mostly Americans,who flocked into the western part of the region to the Cassiar diggings in the upper Liard basin and the upper Yukon River.Their presence brought legal and administrative problems,notably in connection with the still-unmarked boundary between Canada and Alaska. Hence,it seemed important economically, scientifically,and nationally to have these northwestern districts explored and mapped by agents of the Canadian government.”
George Dawson,Richard McConnell,and James McEvoy left the Survey’s headquarters in Ottawa on April 22,1887 and travelled by
Canadian Pacific Railway to Vancouver and from there to Victoria.After an unforeseen delay due to sailing schedules,they embarked on an Alaskan mail steamer which took them to Wrangell,Alaska,located at the mouth of the Stikine River’s estuary.Their date of disembarkation was May 18th and it was from here that their respective surveys were to commence.Dawson and McEvoy proceeded by steamer to Telegraph Creek, the head of navigation,while McConnell remained behind to obtain canoes and natives for use in completing a “micrometer survey” of the Stikine estuary to Telegraph Creek.In the meantime,Dawson and McEvoy,utilizing pack horses,transported the party’s equipment and provisions along the trail which took them over the watershed divide.Arriving at Dease Lake on June 5th,they found the greater part of the lake to be covered with broken sheets of ice, which prevented passage until June 9th.Two men and a native packer had previously been sent ahead by pack horses to the vicinity of
the footsteps of
Pond,Mackenzie,Bell,McLeod,and Campbell
Canada’s far northwest.McConnell’s geological investigations of Western Canada’s plains,foothills, and Rocky Mountains from 1879 to 1886 stood him in good stead for his 4,000 mile odyssey of the Mackenzie and Yukon drainage basins during 1887 and 1888.Photo credit with permission:Geological Survey of Canada.
Richard George McConnell,one of the great 19th Century geologists and explorers – who was associated with the Geological Survey of Canada –followed in
frontier fur explorers;
in
Figure 1. Drainage Basins of the Mackenzie and Yukon Rivers.
Laketon,located on the northwest side of Dease Lake,for the purpose of constructing three wooden boats to be used by Dawson’s and McEvoy’s parties in their ascent of the Upper Liard River.The latter proceeded, along with their equipment,to the site of the boat builders to oversee the final completion of their boats.McConnell,in the meantime, had rejoined them in the company of two Tshimsian and three Stikine natives,who were to serve as boatmen for Dawson’s party.By June 16th,with the three boats readied,the entire group proceeded to Laketon.After having organized their equipment and supplies,Dawson’s outfitted party departed from Dease Lake on June 18th,descending along the Dease River.Five days later,they arrived at Sylvester’s Lower Post,located on the north bank of the Liard River at its confluence with the Dease. Sylvester,the post’s proprietor,was an independent trader who had established his post approximately a decade earlier.In order to eliminate competition,these free traders,operating in the late 19th century, were under constant pressure by the Hudson’s Bay Company to sell their posts or to relocate.
It was from the junction of the Dease River with the Liard that George Dawson,as party chief of the expedition,was to release Richard McConnell from his party:“with instructions to descend the Liard and make a geological examination of the valley,and with discretionary orders,when this was accomplished,either to winter in the country and continue exploration the following summer,or to make my way out by Slave River and the Athabasca and return to Ottawa the same season.” (McConnell,Part D.,Annual Report,1888-89;Report on an exploration in the Yukon and Mackenzie basins,N.W.T.)
On June 26th,1887,McConnell’s five-man party,consisting of voyageurs Louis Trépanier and John Mcleod,as well as two local natives, commenced their hazardous descent of the Liard River in one of the three sturdy wooden boats built at Dease Lake.The Liard, at this juncture,was at full flood owing to the spring run-off.The natives,who were hired to accompany McConnell some 60 miles down the river to Devil’s Portage,deserted shortly after his party’s departure.This particular portage,as its name reveals,is the most tortuous of all the portages along the entire course of the Liard River.The departure of the two natives,whom McConnell,out of necessity required,along
with Trépanier and Mcleod to transport their cumbersome craft across Devil’s Portage presented an dilemma.This portage is nearly four miles in length and requires the passing over of a hill some 1,000 feet in height with abrupt slopes on either side.McConnell,on arriving at Devil’s Portage,found its track overgrown with thickets of shrubs and small trees.The path had last been cleared 16 years earlier.Recognizing this to be an insurmountable obstacle,McConnell decided to abandon their wooden boat at the upstream side of the rapids.The ensuing six days were spent in manually transporting their food supplies and gear to the portage’s
downstream extremities.The immediate need for a lighter,more portable river craft to address such a situation was a scenario that Richard McConnell had taken into account prior to leaving Ottawa.Accordingly, he related in his report:“To meet such an emergency I had provided myself,before leaving Ottawa,with a roll of stout canvas sewn up in the shape of a boat,and this we at once proceeded to put into shape.It was stretched on a stout plank hewn out of a small pine tree.Spruce poles,to which the canvas was firmly sewn,were used as gunwales,and willow withers for ribs,while slips to lay between the ribs and the canvas Continued on Page 20 ...
were easily cut.We painted the canvas with half a gallon of oil,which had been brought for the purpose,but this did not prevent it from leaking badly,and we were obliged to give it a second coat,made up of everything oleaginous which we still possessed.This mixture consisted of sperm candles,gun oil and bacon grease,stirred up with spruce gum,and proved effective in keeping out the water.” (Ibid.,pp.46D and 47D)
After launching his canvas craft,McConnell and his two voyageurs made the descent of the Grand Canyon.This passage was interrupted by numerous sections of small rapids and stretches of riffled shallows,which necessitated numerous sessions of portaging. It is at the downstream end of Grand Canyon that the Liard River is diverted abruptly to the north and then,quite as suddenly,is deflected to the east by its course through imposing cliffs.This locale presents one of its most dangerous sites.Here,a veritable boiling whirlpool awaits the unwary traveller.A Hudson’s Bay Company clerk named Brown failed to accept the advice of his steersman and the canoe in which they were travelling was sucked into its vortex,resulting in the loss of the entire crew.It was subsequently
given the macabre,but precautionary,name; “Rapids of the Drowned.” (Ibid.,p.48D)
McConnell and the two voyageurs came upon their first meeting with natives since leaving the confluence of the Dease and Liard Rivers.The chance encounter was at the mouth of the Beaver River,which enters the Liard on its north side,some 20 miles upstream from where the Fort Nelson River joins the Liard.Apparently,they inhabited the Fort Liard area and were embarked on a hunting trip up the Beaver River.McConnell reports that:“We endeavored to buy some meat from them,but found that they were totally unacquainted with the use of money, and as we were not supplied with trading goods,or,in fact,with anything except what we were,it was found impossible to strike a bargain.” (Ibid.,p.51D)
Shortly after departing empty-handed,they met a party of Hudson’s Bay Company voyageurs under the guidance of a W.Lépine, who were attempting to ascend the Liard to Dease River.McConnell,on learning from Lépine that there was a food scarcity in the Mackenzie River District,decided to send his two men back to Dease River with the
Lépine party and to secure native canoemen for himself.Apparently,Lépine had become disillusioned about his difficult ascent of the Liard,owing to its spring flooding stage. McConnell’s reassurance convinced him to include Trépanier and McLeod in his party and continue on his original course. According to McConnell:“A small spruce bark canoe which an Indian and his wife built in an afternoon,in addition to the large birch canoe which he already possessed,furnished sufficient accommodation for his increased party,and on the 28th July,after a day’s delay, he proceeded up the river.I afterwards learned that with exception of one upset, caused by the unskillfulness of Trépanier,one of my men,the journey was successfully accomplished and Dease River reached in safety.” (Ibid.,p.52D)
After leaving Lépine,McConnell continued on a rather uneventful descent of the more quiescent lower Liard.Initially,he was able to obtain the service of a native canoeman to assist him,but for the greater part he was the sole navigator of his canvas craft to Fort Liard,where he arrived on July 29th.
To be continued ...
A Message to our Customers
As we enter our third decade of providing service to our customers, we wanted to find out how well we are meeting your needs.
We hired an independent market research firm to ask you, and the results were:
81% said they would recommend us to others;
95% said they would renew their contracts.
Only 6% said that their satisfaction with us had decreased.
Thank you for placing your trust in us. To the 6% of you that we disappointed, we'd like to apologize and promise to try harder next year.
- Thank you from all of us at geoLOGIC
CSPG 2002 MEMBERSHIP SURVEY, INFORMATION FOR THE FUTURE
Over the past year the Membership Committee has created, planned,executed,and analyzed the first membership-wide survey of the CSPG.The purpose of the CSPG Membership Survey,which was conducted in October 2002,was to:1) engage the general membership,2) provide valuable feedback to the Executive for future planning,3) gain membership consensus on CSPG activities and initiatives,4) provide tangible value to the members with a salary survey,and 5) create a base line to which future surveys could be compared.
We have all witnessed the increased activity of technical societies surveying their membership in the last few years due to a common concern of a decreasing membership base in the future.This phenomenon is widely attributed to the increasing average age of employees in our societies’ demographics (figure 1).Faced with a possible decreasing membership base in the future,most societies are trying to ensure that they deliver greater service and value to retain their current members and grow their membership base.Our membership base is further challenged by an acknowledged shortage of geoscientists coming out of the university system to keep the industry supplied with new employees.To complicate things further, unstable commodity prices along with the recent mergers in the last few years have created employment turmoil.Part of the purpose of this survey was to find out what role the CSPG can play for its members and how the society can add value to Geologists’ careers.
The survey was launched in October of 2002 and members were advised through an article published in the September Reservoir and through reminders at technical luncheons.Only those members who had functioning e-mail addresses registered with the CSPG office were sent e-mail invitations to participate.We recognize that this process excluded a large number of members but it was the most efficient method to handle the large volume of data we acquired.Unfortunately,the initial launch suffered some technical difficulties but our provider got the new and improved survey back up and running within a week.We thank those members who returned to fill out the survey a second time.
We are very pleased to report that we had an outstanding response level for the society’s first online survey.We sent out 1,715 e-mail invitations,of those we only had 1,450 valid addresses. From the 1,450 valid e-mail addresses,we had 532 respondents (37% response rate).Compared to the total society membership of 3,500,532 respondents represent 15% of the membership. Considering that the average response rate for most surveys is only 5 - 10%,we are very pleased with the members participation rate in our first survey.
The survey results are not truly statistically valid because this was not a random survey;however,we believe that the data is reliable and representative because of the high participation rate. Furthermore,figure 1 demonstrates that the survey’s age distribution is a very good representation of the actual age distribution collected when members fill out their annual renewal
BY PATRICK ELLIOTT & BILL COX
CSPG Demographics - Age (years)
Note: Not Applicable (N/A) = 0.9%,No Response (N/R) = 43.4%
form,providing further credence to the results. This article represents only a portion of the results.Due to the volume of information gathered,we have selected only pertinent highlights from the survey for this article.The full report with the responses to all the questions on the survey is available online at the CSPG website (www.cspg.org).Please take the time to review the full results online.
A review of age distribution (figure 1) shows a bimodal age grouping.There are a large number of respondents between the
Figure 1. Age of CSPG members.Red line derived from survey responses,blue line derived from annual renewal form responses.
Figure 2. What category of size best describes the exploration and production company you work for? Gas:Oil conversion rate 6:1,Mboe = 1,000 boe/d.
Figure 3. In your current position,how would you best describe your responsibilities at work?
ages of 40 – 50 and most likely represents the “baby-boom” demographics commonly witnessed in all aspects of our society. The other significant distribution is the age group in their mid-20s. This group is the new emerging geoscientists that our industry needs to fill the pending void as the “baby-boom” generation starts to retire.The question is,are there enough of them?
We would also like to acknowledge and congratulate one of our oldest members of the society,who,at the age of 92 took the time to go online and fill out the survey.Who said technology was just for the young!
One of the most important goals of this survey was to gather information about the Society’s members.A cursory look at some of the information gathered from this survey suggests that 64% of geologists have a B.Sc.,21% have a M.Sc.,and 8 % have earned a Ph.D.degree.In terms of regional responses,75% of respondents worked in Alberta,which is not surprising.In regards to our members employment information,85% of the respondents work in the Petroleum Industry,72% work as full-time employees,66% work in Exploration and Development companies,and 25% work in companies that produce > 200 mboe/day (figure 2). Unfortunately,the results of the questions directed towards the consultants in our membership survey did not yield meaningful responses.This failure was related to the limitations of the software.In future surveys,this issue will be addressed to ensure that we can provide results for our consulting members.
We discovered that 57% of the participants considered themselves to be “practitioners” (figure 3),which represents geologists who spend the majority of their time generating opportunities and/or conduct operations.We also found that 47% of respondents work for Canadian-based companies,22% for US-based companies and 7% for internationally based companies.
SALARY SURVEY
The Membership Committee wanted to provide a tangible benefit to its members by conducting a CSPG-sponsored salary survey. Again,we refer you to the web site for the full results.Overall,we had 80% of the survey respondents participate in the salary survey, 75% of the survey respondents would like the CSPG to make the salary survey an annual event and 56% of the respondents would prefer a more in-depth salary survey.We believe that this is a tremendous result and a strong indication that the membership wants the CSPG to provide this information.Figure 4 shows the frequency of salaries gathered from the confidential survey.Again, we notice the bimodal distribution of salaries,most likely reflecting the two different age groups mentioned earlier.In subsequent surveys an attempt will be made to cross-reference salary with years of experience.For the respondents who received a bonus (figure 5),the greatest number of responses was from $0 to $10,000 range.Unfortunately,the most frequent response was a non-response,which calls the results into question.Figure 6 shows that most members receive between 3-5 weeks of paid holidays from their employers,with the majority having 4 weeks.
Continued on Page 26 ...
Compensation in $000
Figure 4. In reference to your employment as a geologist only,what was your before-tax salary for the 2001 tax year?
Note: N/R=23.1%
5. If your company has an annual bonus program,what was the total dollar value of your 2001 bonus?
Note: No Bonus= 11.3%,N/A=4.7%,N/R=30.1%
Paid Holiday Weeks
6. How many paid holiday weeks do you receive from the company that you work for?
Years of Experience with Current Employer
7. How many years have you been employed with the organization you currently work for?
Figure
Figure
Figure
CAREER INFORMATION
The survey provided some interesting career information about geologists’ career choices.Figure 7 suggests that there is a wide range of years of service for geologists with their respective companies.The large group of 1 – 4 years may in part be related to the younger generation of geologists entering the industry. Figure 8 leads us to believe that most members are quite satisfied with their current employer.This obviously could be related to a wide range of issues but it reflects well on the profession.The issue of professional mobility was the intent of the question captured in figure 9.The graph can be interpreted to suggest that the range of years with a company is quite large or the results may be a reflection of how dynamic the industry has been in the last few years.Professionals working in this environment have had to learn to cope with that change and prepare to accept change as part of their career.Figure 10 suggests that the majority of our members will start to think about retirement during the next 5-15 years.The significant point to consider is that we do not yet know who will fill the employment gap when over half of our membership plan to retire within 15 years.
The CSPG has always provided training opportunities for its members as a cornerstone of the society.Figure 11 suggests that most members have an average satisfaction level with the amount and quality of training opportunities provided by their respective companies.The results from figure 12 suggest that 79% of the respondents are looking to the CSPG to provide training solutions.This data has already had a significant impact on the committees involved with membership training and initiatives are already in motion to position the CSPG as a technical training source for its members.
One of the most important questions we asked in the survey was captured in figure 13 – simply,are members satisfied with their membership.The results from figure 13 are favourable,however, the Society must endeavour to increase members’ satisfaction with the Society.More concerning is the response captured in figure 14 where the majority of the respondents felt the CSPG’s impact on their career was only “somewhat useful”.In order for our Society to flourish and entice more people to join,we must strive to have a positive impact on members’ careers.Finally,87% of the participants thought that this survey process should be an annual event,which is a clear mandate that is now incumbent upon the Membership Committee to follow through on.
We are very pleased to offer you this brief overview of the results from the 2002 survey and remind you again to visit the CSPG web site (www.cspg.org) to see the full results of the survey.In the future,the survey will be conducted in February and the results will be published in the July Reservoir.The information can then be used to assist the various committees design and budget for the new fiscal year in the fall.
The value of this data to the Society is enormous as it provides some direct feedback about what the members want and expect from their membership.Participants in this survey have done the CSPG a great service by sharing their opinion with us and this will
to 50% or less of your current amount as you prepare for retirement?
11. Based on realistic expectations,are you satisfied on the amount and quality of career training/education opportunities that you are receiving at your place of employment?
Figure 10. Based on a realistic personal forecast,when do you expect to significantly reduce your work contributions within the industry
Figure 9. Based on your situation today,how many years do you think you will stay with your current employer and not proactively seek a change in employment?
Figure 8. What is your level of satisfaction with your current employer?
Figure
Figure 12. Do you think that the CSPG should expand its role in providing an increased amount of career training opportunities for the CSPG members by means of specific training courses?
provide the Executive with a crucial database that will help them make plans for the future.It clearly demonstrates the power of utilizing web-based tools to keep the lines of communication open between the members and the decision makers.
Again,we thank you for your support and encourage you to participate in future surveys.All you have to do is ensure that the CSPG office has your current e-mail address.
The Membership Committee
Patrick
Elliott & Bill Cox
13. How satisfied are you with your CSPG membership and the value you receive from the society?
14. How useful is your membership in the CSPG to you and your career development?
Figure
Figure
EXPLORATION AND TECHNOLOGY UPDATE
METHANE HYDRATES: AN EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OVERVIEW
BY G.L. PROST, CONOCOPHILLIPS CANADA, CALGARY
ABSTRACT
Methane hydrates,a solid form of gas bound in ice crystals,are generally considered a hazard, but are also a potentially huge energy resource.Estimates of up to 320,000 tcf for North America,and 328 and 9,531 tcf for the Beaufort-Mackenzie basin have been published.These deposits are found at shallow depths,commonly 200-1,200 m below the surface,both onshore and offshore.Issues that must be resolved before hydrates become a viable resource include how one explores for them and how they are economically produced and transported.Exploration is presently based on mapping traps beneath permafrost and above conventional gas accumulations,mapping surface features indicative of vertical gas migration and seepage,and mapping seismic bottomsimulating reflectors.Production techniques
include heating the hydrates,depressurizing the deposits,injecting chemicals,and mining. Transportation may be by pipeline as free gas or by pressurized tankers in hydrate form.
INTRODUCTION
Hydrates are a current topic of interest for several reasons:they are a potential danger to drilling operations,they are a potential contributor to global warming,and they are a potentially huge energy resource.This review will focus on hydrates as an unexploited major source of energy.
Hydrates have been encountered in many parts of the world,both onshore and offshore,generally at depths between 200 and 1,200 m below the surface (figure 1).Methane hydrate molecules contains methane bound to the crystal lattice of ice such that one cubic
meter of hydrate contains approximately 164 cubic meters of methane (at standard temperature and pressure) and 0.87 cubic meter of water (Lowrie and Max,1999).The source of the methane can be either thermogenic or biogenic,according to carbon isotope studies.Thermogenic hydrates occur associated with deep natural gas accumulations and are thought to form by upward migration of these gasses to zones favorable for hydrate formation.Biogenic hydrates are felt to form at shallow depths due to bacterial activity in organic rich layers. Hydrates form in a rather limited environment:the stability field is a function of gas composition,temperature,and pressure (Dallimore and Collett,1998:Khairkhah, et al., 1999;Hyndman and Dallimore,2001;Suess, 2002).Most hydrates contain between 99.2 and 99.5% methane.Small amounts of ethane
Figure 1. World-wide distribution of hydrates.Locations referred to in the text are:(1) Beaufort-Mackenzie Delta;(2) North Slope Alaska;(3) Blake Ridge.Dots are marine hydrates;diamonds are permafrost hydrates.From USGS Fact Sheet FS-021-01,2001.
and propane increase the stability field for hydrates.Increasing pressure and decreasing temperatures also favor the formation of hydrates (figure 2).
Current natural gas usage in North America is about 22 trillion cubic feet (tcf) per year (Durham,2003).Although hydrates are widely dispersed,they are estimated to contain huge amounts of natural gas:upwards of 320,000 tcf of gas in the United States is thought to be bound up in hydrates (Collett and Kuuskraa,1998).Between 328 and 9,531 tcf are felt to be in the Beaufort SeaMackenzie Delta region (Collett and Dallimore,2000).Between 3.7 and 6.6 tcf may occur at depths from 965 to 1,148 m at Mallik on the Mackenzie Delta (Collett et al., 1999;Dabbs,2002).A consortium headed by the Japanese National Oil Company and the
ROCK SHOP
Geological Survey of Canada drilled a test well,the Mallik 5L-38,and two observation wells on Richards Island in the Mackenzie Delta during the winter of 2002.Gas flares indicate that hydrates were produced (Eaton, 2003).Finding a way to exploit this resource could go a long way toward energy independence for large consumers of energy such as the United States and Japan.
There are a number of issues that must be addressed before hydrates become a common source of energy.Among these are:
1.How does one explore for economic concentrations?
2.How can hydrates be produced economically?
3.How can hydrates be economically transported to market?
Figure 2. Phase diagram showing the relationship between pressure,temperature,and gas composition for various wells on the Mackenzie Delta.Small amounts of propane and ethane increase the range of temperature and pressure conditions favorable to hydrates.Refer to Figure 1 for location of the Mackenzie Delta.From Dallimore and Collett,1998. Used with permission of the authors.
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EXPLORING FOR HYDRATES
Hydrates have been found by fishermen dragging their nets on the sea bottom and by drillers on their way to deeper targets. Thermogenic deposits are thought to exist primarity in shallow structures or beneath permafrost seals that lie above deeper gas accumulations.It follows that one would look for hydrates where a favorable stability field exists above known gas deposits.In areas like the Beaufort Sea and Mackenzie Delta,hydrates have been mapped above and associated with deep gas fields (figure 3).Surface features that may be clues to hydrate deposits include anticlines,gas vents,mud volcanoes,ocean bottom slumps,and chemosynthetic mounds (mounds built by ocean bottom organisms that thrive around gas vents).Soil gas and piston coring would be useful geochemical tools in the search for hydrates,although
the signal may be subdued due to the presence of permafrost.
Another set of tools consists of existing shallow well logs (figure 4).By going back and examining logs from previously drilled wells, one should be able to identify zones with potential hydrates.Logs that are useful for this exercise include sonic,resistivity,gamma ray,and mud gas logs.Sonic logs show increased velocity in hydrate zones,whereas resistivity logs show increased resistivity. Gamma ray logs indicate lower radioactivity, and mud gas logs show higher concentrations of gas (Kleinberg and Brewer,2001).
Seismic exploration techniques have been proposed as well.A seismic "bottomsimulating reflector" (BSR) is expected where the base of hydrates correspond to a base of the stability field controlled by the ocean
bottom (figure 5).The BSR is a result of acoustically fast hydrates overlying slower free gas zones (Suess,2002).It has been pointed out that it may be difficult to distinguish a BSR from sea bottom multiples. Another seismic indicator that has been mentioned is "blurred wipeout zones" (Fischer,2000).The seismic signal may be disrupted as a result of hydrate plugs or active vertical gas migration.
HYDRATES PRODUCTION
There are several production issues that must be addressed before hydrates can be produced economically.Among these are low flow rates,low flowing pressures,the energy required to dissociate the hydrates,and disposal of produced water.
Because hydrates occur at shallow depths they have relatively low bottom-hole pressure.For example,the Mallik 2L-38 final shut-in pressure was 1,607 psi (11.1 MPa) at 1,100 m depth (Khairkhah, et al.,1999).Low production pressures will require compression before gas goes into standard pipelines.The cost of compression may be more than the gas is worth.
Low pressure is a major reason for low flow rates.Low permeability is another:pores are or become plugged by hydrates.The NW Eileen State 2 well in Prudhoe Bay field produced 3.9 mcf/d in 1972 (Fischer,2000); the estimated IP for the Mallik 2L-38 drilled in 1998 was 3.28 mmcf/d (93,000 m3/d; Khairkhah, et al.,1999).It will take many wells to make a significant contribution.A good analog might be coalbed methane,where many shallow,low cost wells are drilled to exploit this resource.
Four methods are proposed for extracting hydrates:applying heat,lowering pressure, chemical injection,and mining.It takes 500 kJ/kg,or 10-20 kcal/mole to dissociate methane from hydrates by heating (Khairkhah, et al. ,1999).Using heat to release methane from hydrates may be uneconomic unless a low-cost method can be found.Circulating hot water from deeper zones in a well,perhaps associated with hydraulic fracturing,has been mentioned as a potential low-cost means of applying heat to hydrate zones.
EXECUTIVE COMMENT
“online fully integrated aggregation of geoscience journals” under development by AAPG,GSA,SEG, SEPM,MSA,GSL,and AGI.The CSPG Bulletin has also moved toward offering partial digital access to past issues.At present,the first two pages (abstract plus a portion of the introduction) of papers published in 1999 and 2000 are available.Digitization of all past Bulletin abstracts (and perhaps more) and papers queriable against key-word information would provide a convenient and invaluable resource for members directly from their desktop or workstation.It would be a tremendous resource for members to have access to complete versions of all papers that have been published in the CSPG Bulletin Such is becoming common practice for many technical and scientific journals. Considering that the CSPG website
A MESSAGE FROM THE ASSISTANT PROGRAM DIRECTOR
receives 7,000-8,000 hits/day, undoubtedly we have potential to become a significant source of archival and up-to-date information for the membership and others world-wide.
There are numerous examples of existing geological digital data compilations in government,societies, and in the private sector.A line of digital databases and utilities for the petroleum geologist is provided by the AAPG,for example,with their newest initiative of a GIS-based digital archive of information deemed most relevant to global oil and gas,and in particular data which exists in paper only (e.g.,older USGS Reports).A similar ‘GIS compilation’ of various categories of ‘relevant’ earth science data is being undertaken by the Geological Survey of Canada under the Consolidating Canada’s Geological
PUBLICATION PIPELINE: GEOSCIENTISTS HELPING GEOSCIENTISTS; A PIPELINE THAT DELIVERS KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge Program.A GIS component to CSPG information should be given strong consideration.There are usually huge hurdles to GIS initiatives such as time-consuming data capture (putting the information into the system) and editing of information.That is not to say it is beyond the CSPG.
In the February 2003 Reservoir,John Hogg closed his President’s Message by emphasizing the value and necessity of input and feedback from members to the Executive.This is so true.I also urge you to contact either me or anyone on the Executive relating to the issues I have raised in this article as well as any others which may improve the CSPG.
Lavern D.Stasiuk
Assistant CSPG Program Director
In the last several years we have seen a downsizing of the oil business;megamergers,cost reductions,and a slew of early retirees.A consequence of all this is a surplus of geosciences libraries.This excess of material is further increased by online access to some journals such as the AAPG and by CD storage that reduces shelves of journals to one CD. The net effect of all this is that some companies and individuals have given their collections to local libraries.These are now saturated and the excess is dumpster bound.That’s a shame because many libraries overseas do not have any of these periodicals and books and have asked for them.
In Houston,a group of geoscientists banded together to form the Publication Pipeline Committee.This committee accepted donations of geosciences periodicals and books and then inventoried and stored the material in preparation for shipment overseas.
The committee now has about 20,000 pounds of publications awaiting shipment and has requests for publications from Indonesia,Sierra Leone,Nigeria,Bolivia, Argentina,and others.
To date 5,000 pounds has been sent to Nigeria and about 2,500 pounds to Thailand.
Shipment cost for a palette of journals and books is excessive for this committee;however,the cost is a minimal incremental cost as part of a containerized shipment by a company operating in that country.In return,the company garners the good will generated by the donation.
The group in Houston is run by several retirees under the umbrella of the AAPG and there is no reason why a similar group could not be formed in Calgary under the umbrella of the CSPG.
The Publication Pipeline Committee can be visited via WWW.AAPG.org under committees.
Continued from Page 30 ...
At present the most economical technique for producing methane from hydrates is by lowering the pressure.In the ideal case a free gas zone would be in equilibrium with an overlying hydrate seal.Drilling into the free gas zone and producing the gas would lower the pressure and cause the hydrate to dissociate,thus replenishing the free gas zone.
Chemical injection can be used to release hydrates.Inhibitors such as ethylene glycol (antifreeze) can be pumped down a well and circulated in the hydrate zone.This is an added expense and may have environmental ramifications.Carbon dioxide can be injected to free methane,as carbon dioxide substitutes for methane in the hydrate molecule (Hyndman and Dallimore,2001). This may also be an economical way of sequestering CO2,thus disposing of one greenhouse gas while producing another.
Another option is mining of hydrates.Where concentrations are of high quality and near the surface,open pit mines may prove economical.In a shallow marine setting, dredging the bottom for hydrates may be feasible.Obviously,there are environmental issues to be considered,and this has not been proposed as a serious option at this time.
Disposal of produced water must be addressed.With 87% of the hydrate molecule consisting of water,a lot of water would be produced.Re-injection is an expense,and surface disposal has environmental implications.Pore water salinities on the Mackenzie Delta are in the range 0.1-0.5 weight percent in shallow terrestrial units (Iperk Formation),and range from 0.5-3.5 weight percent in the marine Kugmallit and Mackenzie Bay formations (Dallimore and Collett,1998).Production of offshore hydrates and water disposal would require review and permission from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans,among others.
TRANSPORTATION OF HYDRATES
Transportation of hydrates is not often considered a problem:produce the methane gas and add it to a pipeline.Depending on location and availability of a pipeline,this may be the best method for getting the gas to market.Other options have been examined. Among these are reconverting the gas to a
Continued on Page 34 ...
Figure 5. Bottom simulating reflector,Blake Ridge.From Kleinberg and Brewer,2001.Figure by Barbara Aulicino/American Scientist.Reproduced by permission of American Scientist,magazine of Sigma Xi,The Scientific Research Society.
Figure 4. Some typical well log responses to hydrates.Logged on the Blake Ridge,Leg 164 of the Ocean Drilling Program.Expect higher resistivity,higher acoustic velocity,and higher gas saturation.Modified after Fig.6,Kleinberg and Brewer,2001.Figure by Barbara Aulicino/American Scientist.Reproduced by permission of American Scientist, magazine of Sigma Xi,The Scientific Research Society.
HOCKEY TOURNAMENT
Thursday September 4 to Saturday September 6, 2003
Calgary Centennial Arenas
This tournament is a fun,non-bodychecking hockey tournament open to all CSPG/CSEG members. Registration includes; at least three games, Saturday night windup banquet, jersey and door prizes. Each team will be comprised of players of all skill levels. Two divisions of four teams will play a round robin tournament with the top two teams playing in a final game late Saturday afternoon.
Primary Business (please circle one of the following): Oil and GasConsultingService CompanyStudent
CSPG/CSEG member? ❏ Yes, or ❏ No ❏ Male ❏ Female
SKILL LEVEL: Please indicate below:
Current League: _________________________________Highest Level Played: _____________________________________
POSITION: FORWARDDEFENSEGOAL (please circle)
FEES:Basic Registration (includes GST)
CSPG/CSEG member:$35.00 Non-member:$50.00
Guests are welcome to come join us for the windup banquet on Saturday night. The fees are as follows:
Registration for Windup Only (Includes GST): CSPG/CSEG member:$10.00 Non-member:$15.00
FEES TOTAL: $__________
Entry must be accompanied by the full fee.
Registration will be accepted on a first come first serve basis with priority given to CSPG/CSEG members until August 1, 2001.
Registration deadline is August 20, 2003 with no refunds after 5:00 p.m. August 29, 2003. Send cheques payable to the CSPG Hockey Tournament to the following address:
CSPG HOCKEY TOURNAMENT
c/o Continental Laboratories 3601-A – 21st Street NE Calgary, Alberta T2E 6T5
Due to the inherent risks and dangers associated with the game of hockey, the CSPG Hockey Committee, the CSPG and the CSEG are not liable for any injury or loss which a participant may experience over the course of this tournament.
Continued from Page 32 ...
hydrate and then transporting it in pressurized tankers or train cars.This may be economical when deposits are offshore or remote from pipelines.It may also be the best way to transport hydrates that have been mined.
CONCLUSIONS
Hydrates are a potentially large presently unexploited energy resource.Unresolved economic and environmental issues related to production and transportation of hydrates will have to be addressed before large-scale production can begin.Although hydrates are an active field of research,they have not been economically produced to date.
REFERENCES
Collett,T.S.,and V.A.Kuuskraa,1998,Hydrates contain vast store of world gas resources:Oil and Gas Journal,May 11,p.90-95
Collett,T.S.,M.W.Lee,S.R.Dallimore,and W.F. Agena,1999,Seismic- and well-log inferred gas hydrate accumulations on Richards Island:in S.R.Dallimore,T.Uchida,and T.S.Collett (eds.), Scientific results from Japex/JNOC/GSC Mallik 2L-38 gas hydrate research well,Mackenzie delta,Northwest Territories,Canada,G.S.C. Bull.544,p.357-376.
Collett,T.S.,and S.R.Dallimore,2000,Permafrostassociated gas hydrate:in Max,M.D.(ed.), Natural gas hydrate in oceanic and permafrost environments,Chapter 5,Kluwer Academic Publishers,Dordrecht,p.43-60.
Dabbs,F.,2002,Mallik flare was milestone in search for energy:Calgary Herald,Sept.20.
Dallimore,S.R.,and T.S.Collett,1998,Gas hydrates associated with deep permafrost in the Mackenzie delta,N.W.T.,Canada:regional overview:in Proc.7th Intl.Conf.on Permafrost, Yellowknife,Canada:Université Laval,Collection Nordicana,p.201-206.
Durham,L.S.,2003,The future looks to be gasfired:AAPG Explorer,February,p.12-14.
Eaton,S.,2003,Canada hydrates get close study: AAPG Explorer,January,p.14-31.
Fischer,P.A.,2000,Gas hydrate research continues to increase:World Oil v.221,no.12, 6 p.(available at www.worldoil.com).
Hyndman,R.D.,and S.R.Dallimore,2001, Natural gas hydrate studies in Canada:CSEG Recorder,May,p.11-20.
Khairkhah,D.,M.Pooladi-Darvish,P.R.Bishnoi,T.S. Collett,and S.R.Dallimore,1999,Production potential of the Mallik field reservoir:in S.R. Dallimore,T.Uchida,and T.S.Collett (eds.), Scientific results from Japex/JNOC/GSC Mallik 2L-38 gas hydrate research well,Mackenzie delta,Northwest Territories,Canada,G.S.C. Bull.544,p.377-390.
Kleinberg,R.L.,and P.G.Brewer,2001,Probing gas hydrate deposits:American Scientist v.89, p.244-251.
Lowrie,A.,and M.D.Max,1999,The extraordinary promise and challenge of gas hydrates:World Oil v.220,no.9,5 p.(available at www.worldoil.com).
Majorowicz,J.A.,and K.G.Osadetz,2001,Gas hydrate distribution and volume in Canada: AAPG Bulletin,v.85,no.7,p.1211-1230.
Suess,E.,2002,The evolution of an idea:from avoiding gas hydrates to actively drilling for them:JOIDES Journal,v.28 no.1,p.45-50.
USGS Fact Sheet FS-021-01,2001,Natural gas hydrates – vast resource,uncertain future:U.S. Dept.Interior,Geological Survey,2 p.
BIOGRAPHY
Gary Prost received his PhD from Colorado School of Mines and is presently working for ConocoPhillips Canada as an Exploration AdvisorCanadian Frontiers,and on development geology for the Parsons Lake gas field,Northwest Territories.
EXPLORATION AND TECHNOLOGY UPDATE
Reservoir readers are encouraged to submit short articles that focus on new exploration ideas or technological advances that are relevant to petroleum exploration on Canada.In particular, we are looking for articles on the following subjects:
1) very shallow gas plays in WCSB (i.e.,Quaternary,Edmonton,Bluesky,etc.);
2) hydrocarbon potential of the Mackenzie Corridor;
3) coal bed methane plays in WCSB;and
4) the remaining frontier of the fold and thrust belt in NE B.C.
Your contributions or your comments and suggestions on previous articles should be sent to Zeev Berger (tel:[403] 216-1845) by email at zeev@iitech.ca.For document format details, please see the Guidelines for Authors published in the CSPG Bulletin or contact one of the Reservoir’s editors.
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