COURSE OVERVIEW:

Carbonate Geology Applied to Conventional and Unconventional Plays is a comprehensive technical course that examines the dual nature of carbonate systems as both high-porosity reservoirs and tight source-rock-reservoir hybrids. This course provides an in-depth exploration of the biological, chemical, and physical processes that govern the distribution of carbonate facies across various tectonic settings. By integrating modern sedimentological theories with practical subsurface data, participants will learn how to predict the spatial variability of reservoir properties in both traditional structural traps and modern continuous-accumulation plays.

The scope of this training includes the characterization of carbonate platforms, ramps, and basinal settings, with a specific focus on the unique challenges posed by unconventional carbonate reservoirs. Participants will analyze the role of organic-rich carbonate mudstones as source rocks and how their geomechanical properties influence their potential as shale-oil or shale-gas targets. The course emphasizes the importance of mechanical stratigraphy and the impact of mineralogy on the effectiveness of hydraulic fracturing in these brittle, heterogeneous systems.

Furthermore, the course addresses the integration of sequence stratigraphy and seismic geomorphology to map carbonate play fairways. Attendees will explore how sea-level fluctuations and climate changes control the stacking patterns and early diagenesis of carbonate sequences, which are critical for determining the viability of a play. By the end of this course, geoscientists will be equipped with the analytical tools necessary to evaluate the risk and resource potential of diverse carbonate systems, ensuring a robust approach to both exploration and development.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

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

• Differentiate between conventional and unconventional carbonate petroleum systems.
• Identify key carbonate depositional environments and their associated reservoir facies.
• Evaluate the impact of biological evolution on carbonate factory productivity through time.
• Analyze the geomechanical properties of carbonate rocks for unconventional development.
• Predict the occurrence of organic-rich intervals in basinal carbonate settings.
• Integrate sequence stratigraphy to identify play fairways in complex platforms.
• Assess the role of fractures in enhancing unconventional carbonate play productivity.
• Utilize seismic attributes to map carbonate build-ups and platform margins.
• Interpret core data to characterize the pore architecture of tight carbonate reservoirs.
• Relate mineralogical composition to the "frackability" of carbonate-rich shales.
• Evaluate the risks associated with fluid migration in unconventional carbonate plays.
• Construct integrated geological models for carbonate reservoirs at various scales.
• Apply play-based exploration techniques to high-grade carbonate opportunities.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Exploration Geologists, Reservoir Geologists, and Petrophysicists involved in the assessment of limestone, dolomite, and hybrid carbonate-siliciclastic plays.

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.