GEO 142
Play-Based Exploration
COURSE OVERVIEW
In the increasingly demanding search for valid exploration opportunities more and more companies have adopted a Play-based Exploration (PBE) approach to their exploration evaluations. PBE is an evaluation process to arrive at an understanding of the fundamental logic of hydrocarbon plays and should lead to better recognition of (remaining) exploration opportunities in a basin. It also provides a sound technical basis for ranking and prioritizing all exploration projects and activities. The course explains all elements PBE approach in a practical workflow, illustrated with several real examples. The heart of the course is a day-long hands-on exercise. Based on real data from a rich HC province, groups of 4 to 6 participants will be charged with making A2-size structure, reservoir, seal and charge maps; the four main play elements. The produced maps must then be presented and will be discussed. In the following stage, each of the groups must combine the essential subsurface data and understanding in a Play Map.
COURSE SCHEDULE
| Code | Date | Location | price (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEO 142 | 19- 21 Jan 2026 | Online | 2000 |
| GEO 142 | 17- 19 Aug 2026 | Amsterdam | 2650 |
COURSE OUTLINE
5 days
Day 1:
o Introduction to PBE
o What is a play map (geology)
o What are CRS and CCRS maps (relative risk)
o Field-size distributions and lead count maps
o Play POS and Prospect POS
o Yet-to-find
o Prospect ranking (within plays)
o Play mapping
o The PBE pyramid
o Define petroleum plays and map key stratigraphic, areal elements.
o Apply play mapping concepts through group exercises and discussions.
o Understand basin evolution for improved prospect and opportunity assessment.
o Demonstrate PBE value using global case studies and exercises.
Day 2:
o Introduce Southern North Sea geology, petroleum systems, and plays.
o Work in groups using regional A1-scale geological maps.
o Create summary maps for Structure, Reservoir, Seal, and Charge.
o Develop a Play Map highlighting prospectivity and risk areas.
o Present group results and discuss key learnings.
o Construct CRS maps and integrate into a Combined CRS.
o Review 45 years of exploration outcomes in the region.
Day 3:
o Explain Play POS concepts and consistent application guidelines.
o Estimate Play and Prospect-specific POS through practical exercises.
o Construct and interpret field-size distribution plots.
o Analyze creaming curves to assess play maturity.
o Estimate “yet-to-find” volumes using statistical methods.
o Evaluate pitfalls and limitations of statistical approaches.
o Summarize key learnings and discuss remaining questions.
INSTRUCTOR
Instructors Profile
The course has 2 instructor:
The first instructor has 35+ years’ experience as Exploration Geologist for Shell in a/o Egypt, NW Borneo, Middle East and North Africa, China, Madagascar, North Sea, Oman and The Netherlands – Geology Research and Teaching. He has strong exploration evaluation and project leader skills, He has also a lot of experience with Opportunity Screening and Near Field Exploration / Appraisal. He is also specialised in Seismic Stratigraphy and Reservoir Characterization.
The second instrucor has a PhD in Geology from the University of Utrecht. He joined Shell in 1979 as exploration geologist, and worked in several locations around the world (Netherlands, Gabon, USA, Australia, Argentina, Malaysia) in technical and management positions. During the last ten years of his career he was responsible for the quality assurance of Shell’s exploration prospects in many parts of the world and for upgrading and replenishing Shell’s global exploration portfolio.
FAQ
DESIGNED FOR
Geologists, geophysicists, well-site engineers, at the start of their careers.
COURSE LEVEL
o Intermediate
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The course is full with exercises and opportunities for discussion, and will feel like a hands-on workshop. At the end of the course the participants will have a good understanding of the added value of the PBE approach, and should be able to apply this in their day-to-day work.
In addition to the day-long exercise of Day 2, there are many smaller exercises that should lead to a better understanding of the main messages and learnings. Several real examples will be presented of where the PBE approach has resulted in a better understanding and in insights that would otherwise probably not be gained.
REGISTER
Registration is now OPEN!
Ph.D. students, group and early bird registrants are eligible to DISCOUNT!
For more details and registration please send email to: register@petro-teach.com
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