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Instructors: James A. Helwig, Ph.D.
Course Length: 5 days
Course CEUs: 4.0
Course Description
The course begins with a review of the working geometric description and classification of geological structures. The study of modes of rock deformation is integrated with concepts of stress and displacement transfer to provide a framework for understanding how the geometry of fold and fault systems in sedimentary basins is related to the progressive development of simple strain templates. Numerous examples are analyzed in problem sets including outcrop photos, geologic maps, and subsurface/seismic data. The principles of cross section balancing are presented and reinforced with cross section model construction. Exercises are designed to apply interpretation methods to typical oil field scale structures involving both detached and basement-involved compressional, extensional and wrench structures. Structures studied include Suppe-type folds, basement uplifts, inversion structures, wedge structures, and triangle zones. Growth structures and diapiric and salt structures are briefly treated. The limitations and pitfalls of seismic data are reviewed and examined in examples. For complex or poorly imaged structures, ambiguity of interpretation is analyzed with emphasis on structural models, balancing, tectonic setting, and the concept of structural sequence.
Learning Outcomes:
- Define, identify, and classify structural elements and systems
- Understand and use deformation principals, models, and mechanical stratigraphy
- Apply cross section balancing concepts to interpretation
- How to work with the seismic image: interpretation techniques and pitfalls
- Select best structural models for complex and superposed structures
Who should attend
Exploration and development geologists and geophysicists or anyone requiring knowledge of structural geology and balancing.
Course Content
- Descriptive structural geology
- Geometry of fold and fault systems
- Rock deformation and transfer, partitioning, and linkage of structural elements
- Cross section construction and balancing
- Structural sequence and progressive deformation
- Problem solving in compressional, extensional and wrench structures
- Detached and basement-involved structures
- Examples and exercises on typical oil field scale structures
- Limitations and pitfalls of seismic data
- Complex structures: hybrid, reactivated, inverted and superposed structures
The course includes course notes and the book "Applied Subsurface Geological Mapping, with Structural Methods", 2d Edition, by D.J. Tearpock and R.E. Bischke (2003).
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