EXPLORATION GEOPHYSICS

Exploration geophysics is the applied branch of geophysic which uses surface methods to measure the physical properties of the subsurface earth, along with the anomalies in these properties, in order to detect or infer the presence and position of oreminerals, hydrocarbon, geothermal reservoirs, groundwater reservoirs, and other geological structures.

Exploration geophysics is the practical application of physical methods (such as seismic, gravitational, magnetic, electrical and electromagnetic) to measure the physical properties of rocks, and in particular, to detect the measurable physical differences between rocks that contain ore deposits or hydrocarbons and those without.

Exploration geophysics can be used to directly detect the target style of mineralisation, via measuring its physical properties directly. For example one may measure the density contrasts between iron ore and silicate wall rocks, or may measure the electrical conductivity contrast between conductive sulfide minerals and barren silicate minerals.

OIL AND GAS

Seismic reflection techniques are the most widely used geophysical technique in hydrocarbon exploration. They are used to map the subsurface distribution of stratigraphy and its structure which can be used to delineate potential hydrocarbon accumulations. Well logging is another widely used technique as it provides necessary high resolution information about rock and fluid properties in a vertical section, although they are limited in areal extent. This limitation in areal extent is the reason why seismic reflection techniques are so popular; they provide a method for interpolating and extrapolating well log information over a much larger area.

Gravity and Magnetics are also used, with considerable frequency, in oil and gas exploration. These can be used to determine the geometry and depth of covered geological structures including uplifts, subsiding basin, faults, folds, igneous intrusion and salt diapirs due to their unique density and magnetics susceptibility signatures compared to the surrounding rocks.

PETROLEUM GEOLOGY

Petroleum geology is the study of origin, occurrence, movement, accumulation, and exploration of hydrocarbon fuels. It refers to the specific set of geological disciplines that are applied to the search for hydrocarbon oil exploration

Petroleum geology is principally concerned with the evaluation of seven key elements in sedimentary basin

• Source
• Reservoir
• Seal
• Trap
• Timing
• Maturation
• Migration

Evaluation of the source uses the methods of geochemistry to quantify the nature of organic-rich rocks which contain the precursors to hydrocarbons, such that the type and quality of expelled hydrocarbon can be assessed.

The reservoir is a porous and permeable lithological unit or set of units that holds the hydrocarbon reserves. Analysis of reservoirs at the simplest level requires an assessment of their porosity(to calculate the volume of in situ hydrocarbons) and their permeability (to calculate how easily hydrocarbons will flow out of them). Some of the key disciplines used in reservoir analysis are the fields of structural analysis, stratigraphy, sedimentology, and reservoir engineering

The seal, or cap rock, is a unit with low permeability that impedes the escape of hydrocarbons from the reservoir rock. Common seals include evaporites, chalks and shales. Analysis of seals involves assessment of their thickness and extent, such that their effectiveness can be quantified.

The trap is the stratigraphic or structural feature that ensures the juxtaposition of reservoir and seal such that hydrocarbons remain trapped in the subsurface, rather than escaping (due to their natural buoyancy) and being lost.

Analysis of maturation involves assessing the thermal history of the source rock in order to make predictions of the amount and timing of hydrocarbon generation and expulsion.

Finally, careful studies of migration reveal information on how hydrocarbons move from source to reservoir and help quantify the source (or kitchen) of hydrocarbons in a particular area.

PETROLEUM GEOLOGIST

A petroleum geologist is a geoscientist which can occupy in the field of petroleum geology that involves all aspects of oil discovery and production. Petroleum geologists are usually linked to the actual discovery of oil and the identification of possible oil or leads. It can be a very labor intensive task involving several different fields of science and elaborate machinery. Petroleum geologists look at the structural and sedimentary aspects of the stratum/strata to identify possible oil traps.

OIL AND GAS COMPANY IN MALAYSIA

PETRONAS

EXXONMOBIL

SHELL

TOTAL E&P

BP

PETROFAC

MUBADALA PETROLEUM

SAPURA KENCHANA PETROLEUM

MURPHY OIL MALAYSIA
TALLISMAN

BHPBILLITON

PETRON

SCHLUMBERGER

CONOCHOPHILIPS

TECHNIP

MALAKOFF

LUNDIN

HALLIBURTON

BAKER HUGHES

ASIANGEOS

TANJUNG OFFSHORE
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