International

RFG2018 is the first IUGS event to be held between Quadrennial IUGS International Geological Congresses, and the first to be focused on a specific topic. The conference will examine the critical natural resources that led to the development of the human race over the last 10,000 years, and remain fundamental to our existence – Energy, Minerals and Water. These themes will be looked at from the perspective of the Earth and the knowledge that underpins the future availability and responsible use of resources. Sessions will focus on the interplay among earth science, human ingenuity, new technologies, and environmental and human challenges, in the context of a world that is changing dramatically and unpredictably. This is a unique opportunity to participate in a conference with implications for a sustainable future.

The AGCC 2018 is partnering with the RFG2018 Conference.

The RFG2018 Conference website is here. Submissions for abstracts close 12 February, 2018.

Webinar (SAS): Introduction to Applied Depth Imaging

The Houston Geophysical Society advise of a webinar on Applied Depth Imaging to be held over four days.

The goal of this course is for the participant to gain an understanding of the basic concepts and practical aspects used in depth velocity model building and depth imaging in an intuitive manner. The participant will be exposed to depth imaging practices currently in use through the description of workflows illustrated with synthetic and field data examples for a variety of complex geology scenarios. The theoretical content is kept to a minimum required to emphasize the practical aspects. This course is designed for geophysicists, geoscientists, geologists, time processors, junior depth imagers and seismic and geologic interpretation specialists seeking a practical understanding of depth velocity model building and imaging.

1. Introduction to the course
2. Depth migration fundamentals
3. Understanding seismic velocities     
4. Practical understanding of velocity anisotropy
5. Review of velocity estimation methods used for depth imaging 
6. Seismic data conditioning for depth imaging
7. Isotropic and anisotropic velocity model building and imaging in practice
8. Optimization of seismic images for a more reliable geologic interpretation
9. Overview of emerging velocity model building and imaging methods

Ruben Martinez is a Petroleum Geoscience Consultant and Instructor with Reservoir Geoscience, LLC. He is author and co-author of more than 70 technical papers published and/or presented at international conferences and 12 patents on seismic data acquisition, processing and imaging. He has taught numerous courses, and conducted seminars and workshops on seismic processing and imaging.

More details, including pricing, can be found at the Webinar's website.

The 13th SEGJ International Symposium will be held at the International Exchange Building, National Olympics Memorial Youth Center, Tokyo, Japan.

The theme of the 13th symposium encompasses the role of applied geophysics in the sustainable development of human societes. All interested scientsts and engineers are invited to join a diverse group of specialists for stimulating discussions in face-to-face meeings. We welcome the contributon of younger colleagues.

Proposed technical sessions

• Environmental and Engineering Application

• Seismic/Geodetic Imaging Technologies

• Sensors and Acquisition Technologies

• Imaging/Interpretation Case Studies

• DC/EM Imaging Technologies

• Reservoir Characterization

• Time-lapse/Monitoring

• Rock Physics

• Mining Geophysics

• Gravity and Magnetics

• GPR Imaging Technologies

• Disaster Mitigation Applications

Critical Dates

• Call for Abstracts open: 20 January 2018
• Deadline for Abstract submission: 30 March 2018
• Call for Extended Abstracts open: 31 May 2018
• Deadline for Extended Abstract submission: 30 June 2018
• Registration open: 1 June 2018
• Deadline for Pre-registration: 10 September 2018
• On-site registaration: 12 - 14 November 2018

The Utah Geological Association is proud to host the AAPG 2018 Annual Convention & Exhibition (ACE) at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Perhaps the most geologically interesting state in America, Utah will be the perfect host for this year’s ACE. Salt Lake City’s proximity to a number of pre and post show field trips will be a significant draw of geoscientists from around the world. With easy access to some of the most extraordinary rocks in the world, Salt Lake City is the ideal location to combine fundamental geology with emerging innovation and technologies.

Call for Abstracts Now Open

Deadline for Submissions is 28 September 2017

With easy access to some of the most extraordinary rocks in the world, Salt Lake City is the ideal location to combine fundamental geology with emerging innovation. Don't miss your chance to share your knowledge and investigate all Utah has to offer.

The Technical Program Committee encourages abstracts with direct application to industry. In particular, abstracts that deal with the hottest, most relevant play areas, both domestic and international, are most desirable. We also encourage case studies that illustrate the successful implementation of new techniques and technologies. In addition, student participation is a priority ‒ AAPG ACE is an invaluable opportunity to showcase graduate research that advances the industry.

Theme Descriptions and Subthemes for ACE 2018 Technical Program

Theme 1: Siliciclastics

Theme 1 covers the full range of siliciclastic sedimentary systems, and the plays and reservoirs that they host. Of particular interest are submissions that emphasize the novel application of analogs, analytical tools, modeling methods, and big data analytics to aid understanding and prediction of siliciclastic reservoir distribution, character, and quality.

Subthemes:

• Analogs for siliciclastic reservoirs: Outcrops, modern systems, experiments, and numerical/digital models
• Continental depositional systems, plays, and reservoirs
• Shallow-marine depositional systems, plays, and reservoirs
• Deepwater depositional systems, plays, and reservoirs
• Diagenesis and reservoir quality in conventional and unconventional clastic reservoirs (Joint with Theme 5: Unconventional Resources)
• Big data in sedimentary geology: Integrating large datasets and analytics for uncertainty reduction (Joint with Theme 9: Energy Innovation)
• Capturing and evaluating the impact of sedimentologic heterogeneity in reservoir models (Joint with Theme 2: Carbonates and Evaporites)

Theme 2: Carbonates and Evaporites

Carbonate reservoirs hold more than half of the world’s hydrocarbon reserves, from the super giants of the Middle East to the largest oil field in Utah, Greater Aneth. Theme 2 will explore all aspects of carbonate reservoirs and applicable analogs including deposition, diagenesis, and reservoir modeling.

Subthemes:

• Carbonate and evaporite depositional systems: Subsurface, outcrop, and modern settings
• Carbonate diagenesis and reservoir quality
• Carbonates of Western North America
• Carbonate slope-to-basin depositional systems
• Microbial carbonates and reservoirs (Joint with Theme 7: Lacustrine Systems)
• Capturing and evaluating the impact of sedimentologic heterogeneity in reservoir models (Joint with Theme 1: Siliciclastics)

Theme 3: Unconventional Resources

Unconventional reservoirs are the dominant new drilling targets in North America and are rapidly gaining interest worldwide. Theme 3 addresses challenges and successes in unconventional resource plays ranging from early development to drilling and production. Abstracts should highlight multi-disciplinary approaches to advancing unconventional development.

Subthemes:

• Western U.S. unconventional systems - Bakken, Permian, Cretaceous Foreland Basin shales, etc.
• North American unconventional systems
• Global unconventional systems
• Unconventional drilling innovations: Extended reach laterals and other new ideas
• Using production data to further geologic understanding of unconventional systems
• Finding the sweet spot: Insights into resource plays
• New paradigms in petrophysical evaluation of unconventional resources (Joint with Theme 6: Geophysics)
• Diagenesis and reservoir quality in conventional and unconventional clastic reservoirs (Joint with Theme 1: Siliciclastics)

Theme 4: Geochemistry, Basin Modeling, and Petroleum Systems

Theme 4 explores advances in geochemistry from the molecular scale to petroleum systems modeling. Abstracts should present innovative and multidisciplinary approaches to solving current geochemical questions that face the petroleum industry.

Subthemes:

• Organic and inorganic geochemistry of source rocks
• Natural gas systems: Advances in understanding hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon gases
• Advances in molecular geochemistry: Unraveling fluid history
• Insights into production time scale processes: Integrating geochemistry and reservoir engineering
• Geochemical evaluation and petroleum systems modeling of Greater Rocky Mountain basins
• New applications and workflows in basin and petroleum systems modeling

Theme 5: Structure, Tectonics, and Geomechanics

Theme 5 seeks abstracts that address applied structural and geomechanical techniques, provide new process understanding, and highlight new modeling approaches across the range from lithospheric to pore-scale. Submissions that emphasize how integrated structural and geomechanical analyses influence subsurface decision making in exploration, appraisal, and production for conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon systems are of particular interest.

Subthemes:

• Lithosphere, plate, and regional tectonics
• Onshore basins: Advances in structural understanding
• Offshore basins: Advances in structural understanding
• Geomechanics in conventional and unconventional workflows
• Faults and fractures

Theme 6: Geophysics

Theme 6 will explore new advances in geophysics and the integration of geophysical, petrophysical, microseismicity, and non-seismic methods to maximize returns from existing fields, exploring for stratigraphic traps, tight reservoirs, and the potential applications and advances provided by geophysical exploration of geothermal resources.

Subthemes:

• Integration of non-seismic geophysical techniques
• Seismic imaging, processing, and acquisition: New techniques and breakthroughs
• Machine learning advances and applications (Joint with Theme 9: Energy Innovation)
• New paradigms in petrophysical evaluation of unconventional resources (Joint with Theme 3: Unconventional Resources)
• Microseismicity and induced seismicity: Insights on reservoirs, stress-fields, and development strategies (Joint with Theme 8: Energy and Environment)
• Searching for and discovering stratigraphic traps
• Integrating petrophysics, lab analyses, and geology
• Getting the most out of discoveries: Geophysical techniques and advances
• Hydrocarbons and geothermal exploration techniques: Opportunities for technical exchange and advance (Joint with Theme 9: Energy Innovation)

Theme 7: Lacustrine Systems

Exploration in lacustrine systems has seen a significant resurgence in the past decade with the discovery of massive oil deposits in the south Atlantic pre-salt play. With the 2018 ACE meeting in Salt Lake City, and its proximity to the most famous lacustrine rocks in the world, the Eocene Green River Formation, these unique deposits will take center stage.

Subthemes:

• Lacustrine hydrocarbon systems of the South Atlantic region: Source, reservoir, seal, and hydrocarbon quality
• Fluid flow in lacustrine basin carbonate and clastic reservoirs
• The Green River Formation and other ancient carbonate and siliciclastic lake systems
• Modern lacustrine analogues: Great Basin, East Africa, China, and others
• Controls on hydrocarbon play elements in extensional lake basins
• Lake basin analysis: Approaches, controls, and contrasts with marine systems
• Microbial carbonates and reservoirs (Joint with Theme 2: Carbonates and Evaporites)

Theme 8: Energy and Environment

The environmental impact of energy development has always been a very important subject for oil and gas companies, but recent high-profile events have brought this controversial topic to the forefront. Theme 8 will explore the science behind several environmentally sensitive issues and how companies can better communicate solutions to the general public.

Subthemes:

• Challenges to the social contract: Hydraulic fracturing, produced water, and seismicity
• Mitigating environmental impacts in the oil and gas industry
• Geochemistry of formation waters and fluid migration
• Surface and groundwater contamination and monitoring
• Carbon management: From emission through sequestration
• Fugitive gas emissions: Seeps, leaks, and well integrity
• Coastal and oceanic environmental challenges
• Microseismicity and induced seismicity: Insights on reservoirs, stress-fields, and development strategies (Joint with Theme 6: Geophysics)

Theme 9: Energy Innovation

Emphasizing innovation, Theme 9 will highlight emerging science and technologies destined to shape the use of natural energy sources over the next hundred years. Contributions will explore advances in the digital realm that aid geoscientists, nanoscience applications, renewable energy resources, and the resource potential of the solar system.

Subthemes:

• Machine learning for exploration and production (Joint with Theme: 6: Geophysics)
• Next generation knowledge systems to revitalize opportunities: Making more of what we already know
• Sensors to models: Real-time updating of geologic models and simulations
• New technologies for imaging, interrogating, and visualizing subsurface data in 3-D and 4-D
• Renewable energy integration: Geothermal, solar, wind, and biofuel
• Nanoscience for production
• New discoveries in the solar system: Implications for energy and mineral resources
• Hydrocarbons and geothermal exploration techniques: Opportunities for technical exchange and advance (Joint with Theme 6: Geophysics)

Theme 10: SEPM Research Symposium and Student Research Posters

Dynamics of Sediment Transfer Between Linked Depositional Systems: From Rivers to Lakes to Oceans

The SEPM Research Symposium focuses on records of sediment transfer, with particular attention to stratigraphic perspectives on sediment production, bypass, and storage. Studies may highlight allogenic versus autogenic signals, and the influence of long-term sediment extraction and preservation along source to sink networks in different tectonic settings, climate regimes, etc. Sessions will also explore the petroleum implications of such research, including source and reservoir rock characterization and prediction.

Theme 11: Student Research Poster Sessions

AAPG Student Research Poster Session

SEPM Student Research Poster Session

Special Session: History of Petroleum Geology

The History of Petroleum Geology Committee will again hold its annual forum at the AAPG 2018 ACE. We’re looking for papers that illustrate how petroleum geoscientists throughout history have applied the fundamentals of geoscience to innovative breakthroughs. From paradigm shifts in thinking to key technologies that changed our workflow, the industry is full of examples of how the basics were the key to discovery and to advancing petroleum geology.

Subthemes:

• Bridging fundamentals and innovation: examples from our past
• The game-changing discoveries, papers and technologies
• The history of petroleum exploration in Utah and surrounding areas

More information at http://ace.aapg.org/2018/

We live in the 21st century. The satellites cruising around the earth help our daily communication. The spacecrafts travel interplanetary space to collect information. Radio telescopes watch birth and death of stars. We try to understand what happened in the galaxies millions of light years away. Yet we cannot see what is behind the wall next to us or what is under our feet.

Geophysics is a tool to “see” the invisible. Any physical phenomenon provides hints to geophysics: vibration, sound, mass, electric and magnetic properties, heat, radiation, and cosmic rays as much as our imagination could lead us. With a clear understanding of the phenomenon, we can predict what is in the invisible space. With appropriate instrumentation, we can prove it. With the wildest imagination, we can develop ways to “see the invisible.” Geophysicists study the natural phenomena to understand the system. Some geophysicists design instruments right for observing the phenomena and some geophysicists interpret the data to “see” the invisible. Geophysics is a fun subject. It offers you a lot of challenge and a lot of reward.

This presentation guides you around the fascinating world of geophysics.

Koya Suto (Terra Australis Geophysica) will be presenting his talk A HitchHikers Guide to Geophysics at the University of Papua New Guinea as part of the SEG's South Pacific Honorary Lecturer Tour.

International Geoscientists Day

From a warmer Russia to a cooler Down Under, geoscientists urged to “hammer keyboards, not rocks” in online party to celebrate global #GeoscientistsDay

‘Social media street party’ to be held on Geoscientists Day (this Sunday, 2 April) to celebrate geoscientists and their contribution to society; engage the Australian public in this fascinating field of science; and promote geoscience as a fulfilling career path.
 

Also aims to connect Australian geoscientists with their international colleagues, to share the importance of their work and discoveries to the world we live in.
 

Geoscientists Day (originally Geologists Day) originated in Russia to mark the resumption of geological fieldwork after the long, cold winter. In Australia, it also marks the resumption of fieldwork — paradoxically, following our long, hot summer.
 

Follows success of the Australian Geoscience Council’s inaugural #OzRockStocktake, held last year, in boosting awareness of earth science via social media.

Simple steps to get involved:

• As a geoscientist, use the hashtag #GeoscientistsDay to post on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn your exciting geoscience research / work or a ‘selfie’ at an inspiring geological location or your real-life geological workplace.
• As a member of the public, post questions for geoscientists or follow the conversations using the hashtag #GeoscientistsDay. Questions can cover anything geoscience related — from finding out about geoscience as a career to learning about a fossil or rock you’ve found — or bigger questions about geoscience and this exciting multi-faceted field of science.

Australia’s peak body for more than 8000 geoscientists is urging the geoscience community, both in Australia and globally, to “hammer keyboards, not rocks” this Sunday as part of an innovative ‘social media street party’ to celebrate international Geoscientists Day (Sunday 2 April).
 
“Our virtual #GeoscientistsDay party aims to connect all Aussies, from seniors to students, with the geoscience community via social media to talk anything and everything geoscience or earth science related” said the President of the Australian Geoscience Council (AGC), Dr Bill Shaw.
 
“We hope to highlight exciting research and developments in geoscience; celebrate the contribution of geoscience to society; and boost the profile of geoscience as an inspiring career path at a time when this major scientific discipline can offer so much to the world and a positive future.
 
“And as well as connecting geoscientists with the Australian public, we also hope our #GeoscientistsDay social media party will connect Australian geoscientists and their international colleagues to celebrate and share their groundbreaking research and work.
 
“Geoscientists play an immensely critical role in society as we face the big challenges of our time.
 
“They are right at the centre of efforts to sustain and advance our way of life, including by meeting the growing demand for the mineral resources that are used in everything from hospitals to smartphones, as well as mainstream energy production.
 
“They are also at the centre of efforts to ensure groundwater is safe and food production is secure; conduct research to better understand climate change; and help to develop a cleaner energy future.
 
“They ensure the tunnels you travel through and buildings you work in are not in geological danger zones; and they help to predict and manage geohazards like landslides, earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis.
 
“Given the very significant role that geoscience will continue to play in our world into the future, it is critical that organisations like ours highlight the rewarding nature of a career in this compelling field of science.
 
“We hope that #GeoscientistsDay will harness the power of social media to create interesting and enticing conversations about geoscience, and emphasise the crucial role of this major field of science to society.”
 
Geoscientists Day celebrations began in the USSR in the mid-1960s at the start of summer, a time when fieldwork can be undertaken after the long, cold northern winter. The first Sunday in April is celebrated as Geoscientists Day to recognise geoscientists around the world and their contributions to society. In Australia, April marks the start of the fieldwork season for many exploration geologists — paradoxically because it signals the end of the long, hot summer. As the wet season is finishing in Northern Australia and extreme high temperatures diminish across the Red Centre, many Australian geoscientists are getting ready to roll back into the field for geophysical studies, geochemical sampling and drilling programmes. We wish them luck in their endeavours in supporting Australia as a world-leader in resource development!

A Live Webinar featuring, Christopher L. Liner, PhD, Former SEG President and Storm Endowed Chair of Petroleum Geology University of Arkansas

Duration/Format: 2 half-day interactive webinar sessions, April 25 & 26, 2017, 8:30 am to 11:30 am Central Time (Houston, USA)

This course is an overview of carbonates from geology to seismic interpretation, with particular emphasis on karst topography and seismic expression thereof. 
Carbonate reservoirs represent the majority of worldwide petroleum reserves, including emerging unconventional reservoirs. Unlike clastics, carbonate mineralogy is relatively simple, 
while complexity arises from depositional environment lateral variability, pore structure, digenesis and dissolution. These factors influence bulk rock properties and, in turn, seismic response. 
The course offers a broad overview of carbonate geology and properties that are mappable on a seismic scale as potential hydrocarbon reservoirs. To illustrate key concepts, field sites and case histories are presented from global locations.

Session 1: Geology
Session 2: Rock Physics
Session 3: Wireline
Session 4: Seismic 101
Session 5: Horizons
Session 6: Attributes
 

To register for the course please click here

Contributions are invited for oral and poster presentations on theory, developments and applications of 3D EM forward and inverse modeling in Earth science and other areas. We especially request papers on new applications and case studies, both fully successful studies and those with lessons learned for future work. Developments in fast and accurate 3D and 4D modeling and inversion algorithms are welcome, as are new techniques for accessing uncertainty and resolution. We emphasize that this symposium is really a workshop and we strongly encourage presentations of work in progress. Ample time will be allocated for discussion at the end of each session. Posters will have receive equal attention with devoted poster-only sessions during the symposium.

Planned sessions:
1. Forward modeling
2. Inversion modeling
3. Uncertainty and resolution analysis
4. Model studies
5. Applications 

Abstracts must be submitted *.pdf's rather than as *.word or LaTeX files, and no editing/debugging will be provided by the organizing committee. 

IMPORTANT DATES
December 17, 2016: Start of online registration and abstract submission
January 27, 2016: Deadline for submission of extended abstracts
February 17, 2017: Deadline for advanced registration

More details here.

More information here.