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1. Petroleum Exploration
1. Objectives
Main Objective is to explore Hydrocarbon Trap either Structural or
Stratigraphical according to their geometry and facies.
Prospecting of Traps implies the following order:
a) Volume of Sedimentary Basin – To delineate Sediment – Basement Contrast
b) The geometry of layers in Basin – To identify structural and sometimes
stratigraphical traps by mapping intra-sedimentary contrast.
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2. c) The Facies within the sedimentary layers and their variations—To identify
some stratigraphic traps, reservoir seals by estimating physical parameters
that are specific to the formation
d) The petrophysical properties of porosity / permeability and nature of fluids—
To predict presence of deposits as well as their production potential from the
variations in physical parameters caused by voids and fluids in the rock.
e) The evaluation of basin potential.

3. The various Structural and Stratigraphical Traps at a glance

5. 2. Integration of Science and Technology:
o Combine geological, geophysical, and geochemical data with advanced
technology to enhance exploration success.
o Theories like plate tectonics, sedimentary basin evolution, and petroleum
systems modelling are foundational.
3. Cost-Benefit Analysis:
o Focus on projects that balance exploration costs with the potential
economic reward.
o High-risk prospects require higher potential returns to justify investment.
4. Sustainability and Ethics:
o Minimize environmental impact through responsible exploration practices.
o Respect local communities and align with regulations and policies.

6. Key Components of Petroleum Exploration
A. Geological Framework
Objective: Understand the Earth's processes and structures to locate
hydrocarbons.
Key Concepts:
a) Source Rocks: Organic-rich rocks where hydrocarbons are generated.
b) Reservoir Rocks: Porous and permeable rocks where hydrocarbons
accumulate.
c) Seals and Traps: Impermeable barriers and structures (anticlines, faults,
salt domes) that trap hydrocarbons.
d) Migration Pathways: Routes through which hydrocarbons move from
source rocks to reservoirs.

7. B. Petroleum Systems
A petroleum system is a geological model that links source, reservoir, seal, and trap.
It requires:
a) Charge: Sufficient generation and migration of hydrocarbons.
b) Timing: Trap formation must coincide with hydrocarbon generation and
migration.
c) Preservation: Conditions to retain hydrocarbons in the trap.
C. Exploration Techniques
1. Geological Studies:
Outcrop analysis, core samples, and sedimentology to understand the
depositional environment.
2. Geophysical Surveys:
Seismic reflection, gravity, and magnetics to map subsurface structures.
3. Geochemical Analysis:
Assess hydrocarbon potential through rock and fluid sampling.
4. Drilling:
Exploration wells are drilled to confirm subsurface interpretations and validate
hydrocarbon presence.

10. The Exploration Process
a) Opportunity Identification:
a. Define the exploration area (onshore, offshore, or deep water) based on basin
analysis.
b. Study geological history, tectonics, and regional petroleum systems.
b) Data Acquisition and Interpretation:
a. Collect seismic, well logs, and geochemical data.
b. Create geological and geophysical models of the subsurface.
c) Prospect Generation:
a. Identify leads and prospects: potential locations with the right combination of
source, trap, and seal.
d) Risk and Resource Assessment:
a. Assess geological, technical, and economic risks.
b. Quantify recoverable hydrocarbon volumes (e.g., P10, P50, P90 estimates).
e) Decision-Making:
a. Determine whether to drill or abandon the prospect based on risk, reward,
and technical feasibility.
f) Exploration Drilling:
Drill exploration wells to test the identified prospect.
Collect data to confirm hydrocarbon presence and reservoir properties.
1. Appraisal and Development:
Appraisal wells refine resource estimates and reservoir models.
Decide on field development strategies if resources are proven.

11. Decision making in Petroleum Exploration
Exploration decisions are shaped by the following principles:
1. Risk vs. Reward:
a) Balance exploration risk (geological, technical, financial) against potential
economic returns.
b) Use probabilistic methods like Monte Carlo simulation for resource
estimation.
2. The "Play-Based Exploration" Approach:
a) Evaluate an entire play (group of prospects with similar petroleum systems).
b) Focus on identifying and testing high-potential plays.
3. Portfolio Optimization:
a) Diversify exploration investments across high-risk/high-reward and low-
risk/low reward prospects.
b) Apply portfolio management techniques to maximize returns.

12. Challenges in Petroleum Exploration
Challenge Solution
Geological Uncertainty Use high-quality seismic data and probabilistic modelling.
Technical Limitations Apply advanced technologies like 3D/4D seismic, machine
learning, and AI.
Economic Volatility Focus on cost-effective exploration and partnerships.
Environmental Conduct environmental impact assessments and use eco-
Concerns friendly practices.
Regulatory Constraints Collaborate with governments and comply with local laws and
policies.
4. Continuous Learning:
a) Leverage lessons from previous successes and failures.
b) Update geological models as new data become available.

13. Key Deliverables in Petroleum Exploration
• Maps: Basin maps, structure maps, isopach maps, and prospect maps.
• Models: Geological, geophysical, and reservoir models
• Reports: Detailed technical evaluations, risk assessments, and resource estimates
• Recommendations: Drill/No-Drill decisions with supporting evidence.