Among the branches of geology and the topics that geology students study, petroleum geology is one of the most outstanding because it is part of the activities that contribute the most to the economy of the countries and in many applications of daily life, in this article we will know all the important aspects on this subject.
What is petroleum geology?
Petroleum geology is a branch of earth sciences and geology that is responsible for the study of the origin and distribution of hydrocarbons such as oil and natural gas that occur in the subsoil. Also, it is in charge of applying techniques to find, develop and properly produce these hydrocarbons.
Those in charge of applying these preparations are petroleum geologists, but they are also helped by specialized geologists such as geophysicists, geochemists, sedimentary geologists, structural geologists, and paleontologists.
All together pool their knowledge with the aim of finding large deposits of oil and natural gas.
Today these hydrocarbons have applications in almost all activities of human beings. From transportation, medicines, clothing, personal care items and makeup, hydrocarbons are present. Therefore, the petroleum geology It is one of the most important disciplines and sciences of geology.
Some general aspects and competencies
- It studies the source rocks that are rich in organic matter, that is, the source rock of oil and natural gas.
- It analyzes the geological structures and stratigraphic layers that allow oil accumulations to form in the subsoil (traps and seals).
- Defines the characteristics of porous underground rock formations that store oil and natural gas (petroleum reservoirs).
Importance of Petroleum Geology
The petroleum geology It is important because it makes the exploration of hydrocarbon resources more efficient. In addition, it manages to define several parameters of the deposits that help petroleum engineers efficiently extract those hydrocarbons, even taking care of the environment and the subsoil.
Here are some aspects of why this science is important:
- Petroleum geologists manage to define geological structures with more potential to harbor hydrocarbons.
- Petroleum geology applies appropriate techniques to reduce time and costs in the exploration of hydrocarbons.
- Thanks to the geology of petroleum, it is possible to define suitable terrestrial geological environments that could have generated a large amount of hydrocarbons.
- Thanks to this science, it is possible to define potential petroleum systems, hydrocarbon generation and migration processes.
- This branch of geosciences generates a great economic contribution in the countries that benefit from the extraction of oil and gas.
- Petroleum geologists using their knowledge manage to expand existing deposits, that is, they aim to increase hydrocarbon reserves in oil fields already in exploitation.
- Petroleum geologists carry out the study of subsurface rocks, examine fossils, sedimentary structures, components, etc., and use these data to deduce the geological history of the earth and the study areas.
- Geologists analyze data from drill core, rock, drilling fluids, and geophysical data to make 3D models of oil reservoirs.
Petroleum Geology Applications
In general the petroleum geology It is applied in the efficient exploration of oil fields in the subsoil. For this purpose it relies on the knowledge of geologists, geophysicists, geochemistry, structural geology, stratigraphy-sedimentology and geological history.
In general, petroleum geology serves to:
- Exploration of oil fields in the subsoil
- Expansion of resources and reserves of oil fields in operation
- Define geochemical anomalies and drilling targets
- Define geological conditions of oil and gas fields
- Analysis of geological, geophysical and geological data to define conditions of the oil deposit that will serve for the extraction of hydrocarbons
Petroleum geologists
All professionals involved in the oil industry play very important roles, including the oil and gas geologist, they are essential because they recommend drilling targets and areas of possible hydrocarbon deposits.
What do they do?
Petroleum geologists perform various activities in the field, in the office, and in laboratories. They analyze geological data, make 2d and 3d maps, and spend much of their time making geological reports.
Next, I describe some activities that they carry out:
- They determine areas to carry out drilling in search of oil and gas both on the continent and in the sea (off shore).
- They carry out the economic and feasibility analysis of oil and gas projects.
- They analyze geological, structural, and sedimentary data, seismic data, geochemical data, and geophysical data to determine prospective zones, zones of possible hydrocarbon accumulation, migration zones, and exploration targets.
- They can also carry out activities for industrial safety.
- They are in charge of defining resources and reserves, in addition, they carry out studies to expand existing ones.