Seismic Interpretation & Basin Analysis of Rift Basin Systems

Introduction

Rifts are key to understanding the evolutionary sequence of crustal and upper mantle stretching, which results in normal faulting from extension. Although rift basins are limited to specific areas of the globe, they are crucial for comprehending a significant part of Earth's geology. These basins are present throughout geological history, with examples from the Palaeozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic eras.

Beyond their role in geological history, rift basins also constitute hydrocarbon provinces. Despite their limited spatial extent, they account for 12% of the known oil reserves.

This Seismic Interpretation & Basin Analysis of Rift Basin Systems training course will cover the tectonic settings, structural styles, stratigraphy, and hydrocarbon production characteristics of rift basins. Selected basins will serve as case studies, including the Lusitanian Basin, Portugal, Potiguar Basin, Brazil and Orange Basin, Namibia, with multiple examples and exercises on seismic lines and data.

 This GLOMACS training course will feature:

• Sedimentary Basin types
• Introduction to Rift Basins
• Tectonic Evolution and the Structural Setting of Rift Basins
• Identification of Rift phases and the Stratigraphy of Rift Basins
• The Development of Petroleum Systems in Rift Basins
• Case Studies of Rift Basins including the Lusitanian Basin, Portugal, Potiguar Basin, Brazil and Orange Basin, Namibia.

Objectives

 By the end of this training course, participants will be able:

• To understand the earth's processes that form rift basins
• To identify and interpret seismic the main structural features characteristic of rift basins
• To interpret the main stratigraphical phases characteristic of a rift basin
• To have an understanding of how petroleum systems develop in rift basins and also the geographical distribution of the main hydrocarbon plays
• To develop a good sense of where hydrocarbon traps exist in rift basins

Training Methodology

This training course will feature PowerPoint presentations combined with interactive individual and team exercises. Participants will engage in sessions based on real exploration and development case studies, designed to enhance their understanding of the seismic and geological characteristics of typical rift basins. Additionally, the seminar will cover the petroleum potential of each basin. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own stratigraphic data, logs, and seismic information when relevant, allowing for the review and interpretation of real-world examples from their own companies.

Organisational Impact

For the organisation, the benefits will include:

• Maximize the value of costly seismic and well data
• Forecast play trends for potential new acreage acquisitions
• Enhance the accuracy of geological risk assessments for prospects
• Discover new plays, leads, and prospects
• Equip staff with advanced oil-finding skills for immediate application in exploration projects
• Improve the precision of Expected Monetary Value (EMV) estimates for prospect economic evaluations

Personal Impact

Personal impact includes:

• Identify key structural and stratigraphic geometries in rift basins and recognize them on seismic data
• Understand the primary hydrocarbon trap types in rift basins and their locations
• Develop skills to assess the presence and effectiveness of hydrocarbon source rocks and their connectivity to reservoirs
• Enhance the ability to predict the presence and distribution of clastic reservoirs and identify new plays, leads, and prospects
• Improve skills in geological risk assessments for leads and prospects in rift basins
• Enhance oil-finding abilities, leading to better professional and company recognition