COURSE OVERVIEW:

Applied Structural Geology in Hydrocarbon Systems Analysis is a critical technical course designed to provide geoscientists with the tools to interpret complex tectonic environments and their influence on the petroleum system. Structural geology dictates the geometry of traps, the pathways for fluid migration, and the integrity of seals. This course emphasizes the transition from basic descriptive geometry to a process-oriented understanding of how rocks deform under subsurface stress.

The scope of this training involves the detailed analysis of faulting, folding, and salt tectonics across various tectonic regimes, including extensional, compressional, and strike-slip settings. Participants will learn to apply geometric and kinematic restoration techniques to validate their interpretations and ensure structural consistency. By integrating seismic data with outcrop analogs and well observations, the course facilitates a deeper understanding of how structural architecture evolves through geological time.

Furthermore, the course addresses the practical application of structural analysis in reservoir characterization and field development. This includes the study of natural fracture systems, which can significantly enhance or hinder reservoir permeability. Understanding the mechanical stratigraphy and the local stress state is essential for optimizing well placement and hydraulic fracturing operations. This course provides a comprehensive framework for reducing structural uncertainty in both exploration and production.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

• Interpret complex structural geometries from 2D and 3D seismic datasets.
• Distinguish between different tectonic styles and their characteristic trap types.
• Construct balanced cross-sections to validate structural interpretations.
• Analyze fault growth and linkage and their impact on hydrocarbon migration.
• Evaluate the influence of salt and shale tectonics on sediment distribution.
• Predict the orientation and density of natural fractures in different lithologies.
• Perform kinematic restorations to understand the timing of trap formation.
• Assess the risk of fault seal breach and top seal integrity in structural traps.
• Utilize strain and stress analysis to predict sub-seismic deformation.
• Integrate structural data into the construction of 3D static reservoir models.
• Identify the structural controls on stratigraphic development and unconformities.
• Apply geomechanical principles to determine the stability of structural features.
• Evaluate the impact of inversion tectonics on existing hydrocarbon accumulations.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Structural Geologists, Interpretation Geophysicists, and Exploration Geologists seeking to refine their subsurface mapping and validation skills.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.