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SA

SEG DISC 2019: Physics and Mechanics of Rocks: A Practical Approach

Tuesday, August 27, 2019
09:00
17:00

 See here for more details adn registration: https://seg.org/Education/Courses/DISC/2019-DISC-Manika-Prasad

Intended Audience

  • Seismic imagers and interpreters who want to learn how fluids, stress, and other environmental effects change seismic signatures
  • Geophysicists who wish to derive rock properties and constrain well-to-seismic ties
  • Geologists and sedimentologists looking to develop predictive models of sedimentary environments and stratigraphic events
  • Reservoir engineers to build porosity, permeability, and fluid coverage models for reservoir simulations using 3D and 4D seismic data
  • Basin modelers and completions engineers to evaluate stresses from well log and seismic data
  • Geoscientists doing formation evaluation and well logging interpretations
  • Basin managers and team leaders who wish to evaluate the accuracy of predictions and understand risk and errors in models

Prerequisites (Knowledge/Experience/Education Required)

Attendees should have an understanding of basic rock properties such as porosity, permeability, sediment compositions and depositions, and structural geology. It will be helpful to have familiarity, but not necessarily expertise, in seismic properties. The accompanying textbook will include mathematical details, data and problem solutions for mineral modulus calculations, rock stiffness calculations for textural symmetries, velocity binning in flow zones, pore stiffness, and Gassmann fluid substitution. The lecture will focus on fundamental rock physics principles, applications, and analysis of results.

Course Outline

The course is organized into two main sections: Section I. Rock Physics Fundamentals (introductory section) and II. Advanced Topics in Rock Physics (application section):

Rock physics fundamentals

In this section, I will:

  • Review fundamental principles underlying rock physics, and rock properties
  • Investigate the effects of fluids on rock properties
  • Derive basic rock physics correlations and explain why and how they work
  • Review rock properties that can be mapped with remote sensing

Advanced Topics in Rock Physics

In this section, the student is introduced to:

  • Poroelasticity
  • Attenuation and dispersion
  • Geomechanics
  • Complex electrical conductivity and permeability
  • Investigate the causes for complications and deviations from basic correlations
  • Examine existing empirical and theoretical models
  • Discuss selected case studies in rock physics

Learner Outcomes

On completion of the course, the learner should be able to

  • Describe and explain the applications of rock physics for reservoir characterization, formation evaluation, and field monitoring
  • Identify and evaluate existing and potential technologies applicable to rocks physics and rock mechanics for reservoir/formation studies
  • Identify, list, and describe the physical properties of rock, and relate these properties to the mechanical behavior of rocks
  • interpret and predict the effect of mineral properties (e.g. clay minerals) on the load-bearing capacity and strength of rocks
  • Integrate and model elastic wave propagation, electrical conductivity, and fluid flow in rocks
  • Evaluate and assess errors in experimental data, uncertainty, and the value of theoretical models
  • Develop expertise in rock physics interpretations of seismic and electrical conductivity to identify fluids and quantify saturations
  • Gather key strengths in rock physics interpretations by developing a broad understanding of existing or potential technology transfers between engineering and earth science fields that relate rock physics to reservoir geophysics and reservoir engineering
  • Gain knowledge and expertise to understand physical and mechanical behavior of rocks through examples of stress-dependent changes in strains, seismic velocity, electrical conductivity, and pore structure
  • Interpret rock physics and rock mechanics data and model elastic wave propagation, electrical conductivity, and fluid flow in rocks
  • Assess errors in experimental data, assess the uncertainty and the value of rock physics models
  • These learning objectives will allow geoscientists and engineers to:
  • Distinguish major trends in and control factors for velocity and impedance changes in the subsurface
  • Describe and evaluate velocity and impedance data for changes in fluids and stresses
  • Apply basic rock physics techniques to evaluate reservoirs
  • Identify and select the best practice workflows when using rock physics for seismic interpretations
  • Analyze complex conductivity data to interpret reservoir properties

 

Abstract

Rock physics is an interdisciplinary branch of geophysics that explains geophysical remote sensing data, such as seismic wave velocities and electrical conductivity, in the context of mineralogy, fluid content, and environmental conditions. Thus, rock physics interpretations often require inputs from physics, geology, chemistry, chemical engineering, and other fields. For example, seismic waves travel faster in cemented rocks than in loose sediments. Since the physical behavior of rocks controls their seismic response, rock physics brings key knowledge that helps with the interpretation of rock properties such as porosity, permeability, texture, and pressure. Rock physics combines indirect geophysical data (such as seismic impedance, sonic log velocities, and laboratory measurements) with petrophysical information about porosity, fluid type, and saturation for use in reservoir characterization, evaluation, and monitoring. Typically, rock physics is used by petroleum engineers doing reservoir simulations, geologists evaluating over-pressures and making basin models, and anyone doing a monitoring survey to map fluids from 4D seismic. For all such purposes, an understanding of wave propagation is required to relate seismic properties (e.g. velocity and attenuation) to the physical properties of rocks and to evaluate seismic data in terms of subsurface petrophysical parameters.  For example, an application of rock physics is seen in 4D seismic data (i.e. repeated seismic data acquired from the same field), where fluid saturation changes are evaluated from changes in velocity using fluid substitution models. Another rock physics application is to understand and predict the effect of clay minerals on the load-bearing capacity and strength of rocks using fundamental knowledge about the properties of clay minerals (e.g. CEC, surface area, dispersability, charge, sorption, plasticity, etc.), the clay water content, as well as the effects of their distribution within the rock. Thus, an effective prediction of rock properties from indirect measurements requires a solid understanding of the physical behavior of rocks under in situ conditions of pore and confining pressures and fluid saturations.

During this one-day short course, I will provide the earth scientist and engineer with a foundation in rock physics to describe the physical processes that govern the response of rocks to the external stresses essential for reservoir characterization. The course will also offer practical guidance to help better analyze existing data. A major goal of this course is to offer practical instruction and provide working knowledge in the areas of rock physics and rock mechanics for rock characterization.

SA Technical Night - Application of Gravitational Curvature Analysis to Structural Domaining of Geology

Wednesday, May 8, 2019
17:30
19:00

Details 

Time/Date: 5:30 pm for drinks and nibbles for 6:15 pm start on Wednesday 8th May

Title: Application of Gravitational Curvature Analysis to Structural Domaining of Geology

Speaker: Matthew Zengerer, Principal, Gondwana Geoscience

Cost: Free for members and students, $10 for non-members, includes drinks and nibbles

Venue: Coopers Alehouse, 316 Pulteney St, Adelaide, SA 5000

 

Biography

Matthew Zengerer is the founder of Gondwana Geoscience, a petroleum and mineral services consultancy operating since 2016. Matthew has an undergraduate Geoscience degree from Flinders University and a postgraduate Geophysics degree from the University of Tasmania. He has worked as both a geologist and a geophysicist, primarily the latter, beginning his career in geophysical and geological field data acquisition in 1998, before shifting into geophysical data processing in 2001. He subsequently moved into exploration, performing processing, modelling and interpretation services. He has worked for government, mineral, geothermal and petroleum commercial entities and trained and promoted geophysical and geological software to industry across the globe, and lived in Australia, the UK and France. Matthew is now considered a specialist in gravity gradiometry and potential fields, though he has worked at times in several geophysical disciplines. When he finds the time, he enjoys writing papers and presenting at international conferences.

 

SEG Distinguished Lecturer Tour: Boris Gurevich

Wednesday, March 13, 2019
17:30
19:00

2019 Pacific South Honorary Lecturer Tour

Seismic attenuation, dispersion, and anisotropy in porous rocks: Mechanisms and Models
Boris Gurevich, Curtin University and CSIRO, Perth, Australia

Understanding and modeling of attenuation of elastic waves in fluid-saturated rocks is important for a range of geophysical technologies that utilize seismic, acoustic, or ultrasonic amplitudes. A major cause of elastic wave attenuation is viscous dissipation due to the flow of the pore fluid induced by the passing wave. Wave-induced fluid flow occurs as a passing wave creates local pressure gradients within the fluid phase and the resulting fluid flow is accompanied with internal friction until the pore pressure is equilibrated. The fluid flow can take place on various length scales: for example, from compliant fractures into the equant pores (so-called squirt flow), or between mesoscopic heterogeneities like fluid patches in partially saturated rocks. A common feature of these mechanisms is heterogeneity of the pore space, such as fractures, compliant grain contacts, or fluid patches. Using theoretical calculations and experimental data, we will explore how this heterogeneity affects attenuation, dispersion, and anisotropy of porous rocks. I will outline a consistent theoretical approach that quantifies these phenomena and discuss rigorous bounds for attenuation and dispersion.

Time table

Date State Venue Start time Contact
13 March WA Celtic Club, 2nd floor, 48 Ord Street, West Perth 18:00 Heather Tompkins
15 March ACT Geoscience Australia 12:30 James Goodwin
19 March Qld XXXX brewery (Alehouse), Black Street, Milton 17:30 Ron Palmer
20 March NSW 95-99 York St 18:00 Mark Lackie
21 March Vic The Kelvin Club 18:00 Seda Rouxel
25 March SA/NT Coopers Alehouse 18:00 Kate Robertson
27 March Tas Geology Lecture Theatre, University of Tasmania 13:00 Mark Duffett

Biography

Boris Gurevich has an MSc in geophysics from Moscow State University (1976) and a PhD from Institute of Geosystems, Moscow, Russia (1988), where he began his research career (1981–1994). In 1995–2000 he was a research scientist at the Geophysical Institute of Israel, where he focused mainly on diffraction imaging problems. Since 2001, he has been a professor of geophysics at Curtin University and advisor to CSIRO (Perth, Western Australia). At Curtin he has served as Head of Department of Exploration Geophysics (2010–2015) and since 2004 as director of the Curtin Reservoir Geophysics Consortium. He has served on editorial boards of Geophysics, Journal of Seismic Exploration, and Wave Motion. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Physics and has more than 100 journal publications in the areas of rock physics, poroelasticity, seismic theory, modeling, imaging, and monitoring of CO2 geosequestration. His research achievements include development of advanced theoretical models of seismic attenuation and dispersion in heterogeneous porous rocks.

Sponsors

Platinum sponsors
Gold sponsor

SA/NT St

Friday, March 15, 2019
17:00
19:00

The Annual Student Pizza Night will be held on Friday March 15th, jointly with the Adelaide University Geological Society. Each year we hold this event at the University of Adelaide with the aim to promote the opportunities and benefits of studying geophysics to undergraduate students. We will have industry professionals giving talks on their careers along with pizza and drinks with a chance for industry professionals and students to network. We hope as many members as possible can make it to chat with the students and share their own experiences.

This year we will be joined by Dr Stephan Thiel from the Geological Survey of South Australia, and Bonnie Lodwick, from Santos. This represents a fantastic chance for students to hear about the breadth of opportunities that our industry can offer them and a great opportunity to network with industry and government geophysicists. The ASEG SA/NT Branch is very thankful for Stephan and Bonnie for agreeing to join us.

Please note that due to the Fringe the Mawson Building will be locked. Some members of ASEG will remain around the main entrance to let participants in. After the pizza and talks there will be ample opportunity for networking. Then there is the opportunity to continue networking a little more informally, and watch some live music at the RCC Fringe area (free entry before 9 pm) just outside the Mawson Building. After dark, 'Dusk till Dawn' transforms the grounds of RCC Fringe into a playground of music, art and light, with over 120 artists and musicians performing over five weekends. For more information, see here: https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/rcc-fringe-dusk-till-dawn-af2019

 

Title: Annual Student Pizza Night

When: Friday 15th March 2019

Time: Food, Drinks and Presentations from 6 pm; please be aware doors to the Mawson close at 5pm due to the Fringe, access via main (southern) entrance only.

Where: Sprigg Room, Upstairs in the western end of the Mawson Laboratories, University of Adelaide, corner of Frome Rd and Victoria Dr.

Cost: Members and students: Free, Non-members $10

SA/NT Technical night: Compressive Seismic Imaging

Wednesday, February 27, 2019
17:30
19:00

Compressive Seismic Imaging (CSI): Keith Millis, SAExploration

The Shannon-Nyquist Sampling Theorem has long governed seismic theory and formed the basis for proper seismic design. It states that a continuous function can be completely described by a series of discrete samples, provided the sample rate is at least two times the maximum frequency present within the signal. Compressive Sensing (CS) – a technique used in medical imaging and digital cameras – has shown that perfect reconstruction is still possible when the sample-rate criteria is not satisfied.

Compressive Seismic Imaging (CSI) is the application of CS theory to seismic. Through proper spatial sampling, known as Non-Uniform Optimal Sampling (NUOS), CSI has shown distinct advantages to seismic imaging, including drastic increases in fold, trace density and bandwidth; proper noise attenuation of previously challenging surface wave modes; improved imaging both generally and in areas with substantial infrastructure; footprint attenuation; among others. As the evolution of seismic imaging continues, we will highlight the impact of CSI, blended acquisition, and broad bandwidth, with examples from various case studies.

Cost

$10 for non members, free for students and members.

Cocktail food and drinks provided.

Biography

Currently Lead Geophysicist at SAExploration, Keith has as distinct passion for our profession and energy industry as a whole. An active member of the SEG, CSEG, and APEGA, Keith is currently a member of the CSEG Chief Geophysicists Forum. He has recently been on the CSEG Executive as Director of Communications, SEG Council, APEGA Executive, chair of the CSPG Honorary Address, and member of the GeoConvention Technical Committee. Throughout his career at Anderson Exploration, Devon Canada, BJV, with leadership roles at OptiSeis and SAExploration, he has pursued imaging improvements through innovative acquisition design, modeling, processing, and IFQC on seismic programs around the world. He has presented several times at GeoConvention, SEG Annual Meetings, and published papers in the CSEG Recorder. In addition to industry and volunteer positions, he is an avid musician who enjoys raising his two daughters and son.
 

SA/NT: Technical night & AGM

Monday, February 11, 2019
12:00
14:00

It is with great pleasure I write to invite you to our first technical event for the year- with the ASEG President Marina Costelloe from Geoscience Australia as our guest speaker, and a short AGM. 

The event will be held at the beautiful historic Ayers House, in the Ballroom. We will have a brief AGM followed by a presentation by Marina, “The Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists: The President, Diversity and Science.” A cocktail lunch and drinks will be served with a small cost of $5 for members and students, and $15 for non-members. Please see more details in the attached PDF. Tickets need to be purchased on Eventbrite by Sunday 3rd February for catering purposes. Please contact me at sa-ntpresident@aseg.org.au with any dietary requirements or questions. 

This event coincides with International Women and Girls in Science Day, as such I take this opportunity to suggest you invite any women (or men) geoscientists who may like to come along to this event. 

Lastly, a friendly reminder to renew your ASEG membership if you haven’t yet. 

I look forward to seeing you on February 11th!

Kate Robertson 

ASEG SA/NT President 

SA/NT Student night & Christmas party

Tuesday, December 11, 2018
17:30
19:00

Three talks are on offer.

'Geology from geophysics' by Joel Stockill (Santos)

'A multi-method hydrological study of Wither Swamp in the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia', by Robin Keegan-Treloar (Flinders University)

'Constraining the regional slope of Western Papua New Guinea: A study of Lithospheric Flexure' by Michael Rieger (Adelaide University)

Food & drinks from 17:30 in the upstaris bar

Presentations from 18:15

Students & Members: Free

Non-members: $10

There is a prize for best dressed so come in festive atire.

The night is sponsored by Santos.

Please contact Kate Robertson for more details

SA/NT Technical night: Industry sponsor talks and networking

Tuesday, November 27, 2018
17:30
19:00

The SA/NT branch' Technical Night is will consist of presentations from the branch' sponsors:

  • Government of South Australia Department for Energy and Mining
  • Heathgate
  • Beach energy
  • Minotaur Exploration
  • Zonge Vintage Energy

It will be an educational and networking opportunity for student, industry, consultant, research, and government geophysicists.

Drinks and food from 5:30 pm, in the upstairs bar
Presentations beginning at 6:15 pm
Members: free, Non-members $10, Students: free

SA/NT: Geofamily Christmas Picnic

Saturday, December 1, 2018
15:00
17:00

The final GeoFamily picnic for 2018 will be at the newly renovated Pityarilla Activity Hub (formerly Marshmallow Park) with a Christmas theme! All are welcome, families, friends and guests (no need to be a member, all are welcome!) Don't have kids? Come and enjoy the park and the social networking anyway. GeoFamily picnics are held to promote a healthy work/life balance, professional networking activities, and allow everyone a chance to be involved in our professional organisations. Its also a great way to foster a love of outdoors, adventure and nature play with the next generation of geoscience, engineering and metallurgy students...!

We will have some Christmas colouring, and other activities (games) and it would be great to see some Christmas cheer in action. There is a lot of shade, but remember to bring a hat and sunscreen also. There is space to scoot/ride too, and remember to pack a change of clothes as water play is a major feature of this park!

There is ample roadside parking, and some of the new facility features include:

  • Marshmallow Park is fully fenced
  • The rock hill with interactive water play features
  • BBQs and sheltered picnic tables
  • Lots of grassy spaces perfect for kicking a footy or having a picnic
  • Right next to the two fenced dog exercise areas
  • Brand new Exeloo toilets complete with toilet music

Please RSVP to morgan.blades@adelaide.edu.au

125.ausimm.com

This event is brought to you by The AusIMM Adelaide Branch, ASEG, GSA-SA Division, and the DEM.

Please join us for a fantastic event!

Geological Society of Australia Earth Sciences Student Symposium in South Australia

Wednesday, December 5, 2018
09:00
17:00

Geological Society of Australia Earth Sciences Student Symposium in South Australia. A conference designed to allow honours, masters and PhD students from three South Australian universities (The University of Adelaide, Flinders University and University of South Australia) to come together and present their earth sciences related research to the local scientific community. This second annual event will be held on Wednesday 5 December at the new University of Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building.

More information and to register

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