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Sinai provides a superbly exposed Tertiary rift, with outcrop analogous to many clastic reservoirs. Deformation is visible over a range of scales from millimetres to kilometres, and continuity of exposure allows 3D visualisation of structures. This enables an excellent understanding of the range and geometry of structures from core to seismic scale to be gained. Emphasis is placed during the course on practical application of techniques learned in the field to interpretation and modelling problems.

Course modules

The area provides a platform for discussing exploration and development geology issues. We will cater for the specific challenges of your team and have designed four course modules which can be moulded for your team needs. More than one module can be studied during the course. From the information gathered at look-see outcrop locations, by bringing work analogues to the field, through undertaking field exercises and classroon discussions, we will provide an interactive course relevant to your team.

The course usually lasts a week, with travel via London to Sharm-el-Sheik, and on by jeep to the hotel where the course is based.
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General structural geology module
If you are seeking to enhance your general structural geology skills, Sinai provides an excellent opportunity to study reservoir analogues in the field at several different scales. From uncertainties in the interpretation of 2D or 3D seismic data and mapping of faults to the structural evaluation of core - all can be reduced with an improved understanding of structural geology. Sinai presents an ideal location to achieve this. Bring examples of the problems you face with you, and we can demonstrate how addressing these in a field environment can help resolve them.
We address in the field:
  • extensional tectonics and modification by inversion.
  • tilted fault blocks and footwall uplift
  • fault displacements, linkages, lengths at several scales
  • stress indicators in relationship to fault orientations and rift architecture
  • restoring and balancing cross sections
  • effect of structure on sedimentation
  • cataclastic deformation in sandstones
  • fractured carbonates

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Catacalsis-thin section
Exploration module
Good structural interpretation and mapping are critical in hydrocarbon exploration. Sinai offers great exposure to seismic scale extensional structures in the Suez rift, and provides the opportunity to study rift architecture, fault geometries, linkage and fault orientations in detail. The effects of late stage modification to extensional fault geometries are also visible. Fault properities can be examined and measured in the field on a range of scales, and an excellent understanding of these structures gained. The area represents a superb location for visualising what 'real' structures, equivalent to those that can be interpreted and mapped from seismic data, look like. We address in the field:
  • large scale tilted fault blocks
  • displacement transfers on faults
  • large scale hangingwall inversion
  • architecture of syn-rift alluvial fans
  • seismic scale faulting and associated deformation
  • mapping and linkage of small scale faults
  • practical methods of improving mapping
  • complexity of subseismic scale faulting and its implications for prospectivity
  • principles and application of fault seal evaluation
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Tilted fault block on seismic
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Interpreted cross section
 
Fault seal module
The Sinai exposures also offer the opportunity to study field development and production problems at a variety of scales, from field compartmentalisation to assessing the impact of small scale structure.
Fault seal mechanisms along large scale compartmentalising faults are discussed and processes viewed in outcrop. Methods of predicting and quantifying fault seal using fault geomtery, throw and mapped stratigraphy are outlined. An assessment of the pros and cons of various fault seal algorithms is included.

In addition small scale structures associated with reservoir damage are investigated. The imact of these on cross fault fluid migration can be dramatic. Their character, distribution and architecture are visible in the field, and methods of quantifying and modelling them are reviewed.

The module provides an excellent workshop aimed at addressing key factors affecting seal in reservoirs, from structure and stratigraphy.		 {short description of image}
Fault at outcrop
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Small scale structures
 
 

Reservoir charcterisation module
Full-field reservoir models currently incorporate only large scale structure very simply. Seismically resolvable faults are readily mapped into the 3D modelling domain, but current models do not take account of the smaller scale structuration, such as the damage zone envelope surrounding faults, related to these larger features.

Studies indicate that the sum of these smaller features may have a greater impact on permeability and reservoir performance than the large scale features they are derived from.

Structural studies at all scales, and their spatial organisation, can be easily illustrated in the field. Their properities are discussed and techniques for quantifying and predicting their distribution outlined.
The ability to describe subsurface reservoir geology / engineering problems in the 3D space of the outcrop and the reservoir model simultaneously is invaluable, both to the geological specialist, and the multi-disciplinary team.





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Outcrop at sub-surface
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Mapped structure
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Permeability modifier
 


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