COURSE OVERVIEW:

Outcrop Analog Studies for Reservoir Characterization explores the vital link between visible surface geology and the hidden complexities of subsurface reservoirs. This course focuses on how geoscientists use high-resolution data from outcrops to bridge the gaps in seismic and well-log data, which often fail to capture small-scale heterogeneities. Participants will learn how to identify depositional architectures, fracture patterns, and facies transitions in the field that serve as direct models for predicting fluid flow and recovery in the subsurface.

The coverage includes the quantitative measurement of geological features, such as channel dimensions, lobe geometries, and the connectivity of sand bodies. Attendees will study various depositional environments—from fluvial and deltaic to deep-water turbidites and carbonate platforms—and learn how to translate these field observations into "geocellular" model parameters. The course emphasizes the use of analogs to reduce uncertainty in reservoir connectivity and to improve the placement of horizontal wells in complex stratigraphic settings.

Furthermore, the course addresses modern digital technologies used in outcrop studies, including UAV (Drone) photogrammetry and LiDAR, which allow for the creation of Virtual Outcrop Models (VOMs). Participants will learn how to extract "pseudo-wells" and "pseudo-seismic" from these models to test the limits of subsurface interpretation. By the end of the course, participants will be able to select appropriate analogs for their specific reservoirs and utilize field-derived data to build more realistic and predictive reservoir simulations.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

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

• Define the concept and value of outcrop analogs in reservoir characterization.
• Identify key depositional architectures across different sedimentary environments.
• Quantify the dimensions and orientations of sand bodies and facies tracts.
• Utilize outcrop data to estimate reservoir connectivity and "net-to-gross" ratios.
• Analyze natural fracture networks in the field for dual-porosity modeling.
• Translate field observations into input parameters for 3D static models.
• Use analogs to predict the impact of diagenesis on reservoir quality.
• Create Virtual Outcrop Models (VOMs) using photogrammetry and LiDAR data.
• Extract statistical distributions for object-based and pixel-based modeling.
• Evaluate the limitations and scaling issues of using surface analogs for the subsurface.
• Compare different depositional systems (Clastics versus Carbonates) via outcrop.
• Assess the impact of sub-seismic heterogeneities on fluid flow and sweep efficiency.
• Develop "pseudo-well" logs from outcrop sections for blind-test correlations.
• Formulate a fieldwork strategy for specific reservoir characterization problems.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Reservoir Geologists, Geomodellers, Sedimentologists, and Reservoir Engineers who aim to improve the realism of their subsurface models.

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.