COURSE OVERVIEW:

Structural restoration and balanced cross-section techniques are essential validation tools used to ensure that subsurface geological interpretations are geometrically and physically possible. The fundamental principle of balancing is that the volume or area of rock must remain constant before and after deformation, assuming no significant material is lost or gained. This course provides geoscientists with the mathematical and geometric frameworks required to deconstruct complex structures and "un-deform" them to their original depositional state.

The scope of this course covers the various algorithms used for restoration, including line-length, area, and flexural slip methods. Participants will learn how to construct balanced cross-sections from sparse data sets and how to use restoration to identify "impossible" geometries in seismic interpretations. The curriculum emphasizes the kinematic evolution of structures, allowing geoscientists to determine the timing of fault movement and fold growth, which is critical for understanding the temporal relationship between trap formation and hydrocarbon migration.

Coverage includes the practical application of 2D and 3D restoration software to model salt movement, fault-related folding, and regional crustal shortening. The course details how to quantify tectonic extension or compression and how to use these measurements to predict sub-seismic deformation and fracture intensity. By mastering these techniques, explorationists can significantly reduce structural risk and produce more accurate depth models for reservoir development.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

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

• Explain the fundamental laws of conservation of volume and area in structural geology.
• Differentiate between balanced, retro-deformable, and restored cross-sections.
• Construct manual balanced cross-sections using the kink-band and busk methods.
• Apply line-length balancing to validate extensional and compressional structures.
• Utilize area-depth relationships to predict detachment depths and fault geometries.
• Perform kinematic restoration to determine the sequence of structural events.
• Analyze the evolution of growth strata to date the timing of deformation.
• Implement flexural slip and trishear algorithms for folding and faulting restoration.
• Evaluate the validity of seismic interpretations through geometric restoration.
• Model the restoration of salt-related structures and diapiric movement.
• Estimate regional tectonic shortening and extension percentages.
• Use 3D restoration techniques to identify areas of high strain and potential fracturing.
• Formulate a structural validation workflow for complex exploration targets.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Structural Geologists, Senior Seismic Interpreters, Exploration Geologists, and Geomodellers working in complex tectonic settings.

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.