This course covers the techniques required to confidently map sub-surface structures in 3 dimensions from well data. Not just a collection of rules of thumb, this class presents the fundamental techniques used to reconstruct structures accurately and effectively in 3-D so that you will get the most out of your data. Techniques are taught in easy-to-learn forms for manual use with tracing paper, graphs, and a calculator, but the corresponding computer-mapping strategies are presented and illustrated throughout. Participants will be prepared to develop more accurate structural models of reservoirs, find new traps in old fields, extract the maximum information from exploration wells, and validate or recognize errors in existing interpretations. Experience and confidence is developed by applying the techniques in numerous practical exercises.

At the end of course participant will be able to:

1.      Apply quantitative contouring techniques

2.      Recognize common contouring pitfalls

3.      Find thickness in deviated wells

4.      Use thickness maps to interpret structure

5.      Construct predictive cross sections

6.      Apply the best techniques for projecting data

7.      Map faults and integrate them into horizon maps

8.      Build a complete 3-D interpretation

9.      Recognize valid and invalid fault surfaces

10.   Interpret folds and faults from dipmeters

11.   Construct juxtaposition (Allan) diagrams for fault trap and seal analysis

12.   Map structures with multiple overlapping faults

1.      Contouring techniques

2.      Using dip in mapping

3.      Different measures of thickness

4.      Thickness in deviated wells

5.      Isopach and isocore maps

6.      Dip-domain cross sections

7.      Data projection

8.      Trend and plunge of folds on tangent diagrams

9.      Composite-surface maps

10.   Fault shapes and displacement distributions

11.   Heave and throw from stratigraphic separation

12.   Stratigraphic seperation from structure contour map

13.   Constructing fault-plane maps

14.   Faults on isopach maps

15.   Combining fault and horizon maps

16.   Contouring across faults

17.   Structural quality-control techniques

18.   Multiple-surface map compatibility

19.   Map validation using implied fault contours

20.   Finding faults and fault orientations with SCAT analysis of dipmeters

21.   Juxtaposition diagrams for trap and seal analysis

22.   Fault-cutoff lines in computer mapping

23.   Soft linked and hard linked faults

24.   Relay and branching fault patterns

25.   Mapping sequential cross-cutting fault

·        Development geologists and those exploring mature areas.

·        Early-career geologists and technologists who make structure maps.

·        Those who need to judge the validity of maps and cross sections.