COURSE DESCRIPTION

Sequence stratigraphy, based on sedimentary response to changes in relative sea level gives the explorationist and the development geoscientist a powerful new predictive tool for regional basin analysis, shelf to basin correlation and reservoir heterogeneity. Perhaps most importantly, sequence stratigraphy gives the geoscientist a superior framework for the integration of geologic, geophysical and engineering data and expertise.

We will develop the basic concepts of sequence stratigraphy such as the integration of eustasy and tectonic subsidence which gives rise to the basic cycle hierarchy that can be observed in the geologic record. Using these basic concepts we will build a general predictive stratigraphic model emphasizing the petroleum system and particularly stressing shelf to basin correlation.

The particular strength of this seminar is the application of these basic principles to actual subsurface data sets gathered into a series of well-founded exercises. In recent courses the data sets included Miocene delta complexes in Venezuela Cretaceous incised valleys in the US, Paleozoic mixed carbonate clastic basin floor fans and low stand prograding complexes in the US and Jurassic basin floor and slope fans in France.