Petroleum Exploration A Quantitative Introduction

This book is about exploration for oil and gas and focuses particularly on seismic exploration in the hunt for hydrocarbons. The first part, "The Hunt for Hydrocarbons," gives general background informa tion, with an introductory chapter on the beginnings of the oil business followed by three chapters that in clude elements of petroleum geology, geophysical methods, and drilling and logging. The second part, "Seismic Exploration for Hydrocarbons," consists of two chapters that describe rudiments of the seismic method and velocity measurements; two chapters dis cussing theory based on wave propagation and the convolutional model; and a chapter devoted to each of the three phases of seismic exploration: acquisi tion, processing, and interpretation. I have concen trated on seismic exploration because most of the oil and gas that has been found has been located by this method, and it is the only method that has the poten tial for the increased precision needed in what Hal bouty (1982) calls "the deliberate search for the subtle trap. " In contrast to elementary and introductory books that present the seismic method superficially and qualitatively, this book develops the method quanti tatively, using only elementary mathematics (algebra and trigonometry), so that readers should be able to do things afterwards that they couldn't do before, and thereby get a deeper appreciation of the business of hunting for hydrocarbons. The book also probes into some sophisticated topics that wouldn't be mentioned IX x use in short courses at a variety of levels.

This book is about exploration for oil and gas and focuses particularly on seismic exploration in the hunt for hydrocarbons. The first part, "The Hunt for Hydrocarbons," gives general background informa tion, with an introductory chapter on the beginnings of the oil business followed by three chapters that in clude elements of petroleum geology, geophysical methods, and drilling and logging. The second part, "Seismic Exploration for Hydrocarbons," consists of two chapters that describe rudiments of the seismic method and velocity measurements; two chapters dis cussing theory based on wave propagation and the convolutional model; and a chapter devoted to each of the three phases of seismic exploration: acquisi tion, processing, and interpretation. I have concen trated on seismic exploration because most of the oil and gas that has been found has been located by this method, and it is the only method that has the poten tial for the increased precision needed in what Hal bouty (1982) calls "the deliberate search for the subtle trap. " In contrast to elementary and introductory books that present the seismic method superficially and qualitatively, this book develops the method quanti tatively, using only elementary mathematics (algebra and trigonometry), so that readers should be able to do things afterwards that they couldn't do before, and thereby get a deeper appreciation of the business of hunting for hydrocarbons. The book also probes into some sophisticated topics that wouldn't be mentioned IX x use in short courses at a variety of levels.

This book is an introduction to oil and gas designed to be both accessible to absolute beginners who know nothing about the subject, and at the same time interesting to people who work in one area (such as drilling or seismic exploration) and would like to know about other areas (such as production offshore, or how oil and gas were formed, or what can go wrong). It begins by discussing oil and gas in the broader context of human society, and goes on to examine what they consist of, how and where they were formed, how we find them, how we drill for them and how we measure them. It describes production onshore and offshore, and examines in detail some instructive mishaps, including some that are well known, such as Deepwater Horizon and Piper Alpha, and other lesser known incidents. It looks at recent developments, such as shale oil, and concludes with some speculation about the future. It includes many references for readers who would like to read further. Mathematical content is minimal.

This unique text offers a friendly, fascinating introduction to the world of petroleum exploration for readers with little or no technical background on the subject. Refreshingly clear and jargon-free, the book covers a wide range of topics, including the underlying rationale for exploration, essential basic geological and geophysical exploration techniques, drilling and logging wells, reserves, and an outline of reservoir geology. A helpful case history of exploration in the North Sea is presented to illustrate how the numerous processes work together, and a lengthy glossary of technical terms serves as an invaluable aid for those approaching the subject for the first time. Perfect for all those interested in petroleum exploration, the book will be especially welcomed by students and by non-geologists working in industry, such as draughtspeople, engineers, accountants, and lawyers.