FAULT RISK DISTANCE LEARNING
Select and combine the modules you need
when you need them
with on demand distance learning
Our distinct modular teaching system provides a framework to dip in and out of the courses depending on individual needs and knowledge base. There are a wide range of tools useful for considering flow in groundwater, radioactive waste, mineral systems, oil and gas. While there are differences in use, base data and technology, there are significant similarities. We can help you make sense of the best tools and the best approach to ensure success.
Travel and location restrictions shouldn’t limit you or your team’s skill development in these key areas, which remain vital to achieving project deliverables.
FOUNDATION MODULES
Faults and fracture are ubiquitous and with tectonics control erosion and sediments. In most cases, they bring deeply buried ore closer to the surface. In groundwater regimes, faults/fractures guide flow and recharge. A systematic analysis of geologic structures will better define critical aquitard/aquifer geometry and allow for adequate parameterisation of models. This course provides an overview of examples and learning outcomes. Participants will better understand when structural support is needed.
MODULE 1A
INTRODUCTION TO CROSS-SECTION ANALYSIS
Cross-sections provide an invaluable view of the subsurface. They help all subsurface practitioners: understand stratigraphic thickness, erosion, and fault movement. They form a valuable part of any report. We will learn how to project well, seismic and outcrop data to sections. Understand the effects of a vertical exaggeration and orientation. Begin to interpret, faults and folds consistently.
Practice sketching structural evolution through time and review available structural modelling tools.
MODULE 1B
STRUCTURAL MAP ANALYSIS
In the time of 3D modelling, there is still a place for well-produced depth structure contour maps in reporting reserves and environmental assessments. We can use maps to assess fault geometries, relationships and regional statistics. During the training, you will learn how to use a set of easy to use quantitative tools to review and improve maps. Using high-quality maps and a set of geometric techniques, an understanding of how fluids may move around and through the subsurface geology is possible.
INTERMEDIATE TRAINING
Giving Experienced Subsurface Geoscientists ad Common Language
MODULE 2
AQUITARDS/SEALS AND MECHANICAL STRATIGRAPHY
A stratigraphic analysis is vital to evaluating flow in fractures and around faults. Similarly, some rocks define seals/aquitards. Participants will learn to identify ductile layers that are unlikely to fracture and rocks that will have well-connected fractures. Key learning will be the ability to use depositional models to identify broad regions of fracture-resistant, low permeability facies. Students will use the concept of mechanical stratigraphy to estimate fracture connectivity and storage.
MODULE 3
FAULT ARCHITECTURE, KINEMATICS AND STRUCTURAL VALIDATION
Faults and folds form due to tectonic and regional stresses. This training is an intermediate course for geoscientists and environmental scientist who have attended previous training. Students will learn how faults move and interrelate and link. Commonly faults in outcrop and subsurface are seen as static features; it is crucial to think of them as boundaries of moving bodies. Students will build on previous courses to validate the kinematics and architecture of folds and faults in 3D and 4D.
MODULE 4
FAULT AND FRACTURE STATISTICS
Faults/fractures are the strain responses to stress in the earth's crust. They form systematically, yet it is often hard to characterise rock material properties and strain history. We will use a range of concepts and tools to describe structural discontinuities systematically. Students will learn how to test interpretations and estimate the extent of undescribed discontinuities. A set of exercises will demonstrate how to calculate the probability of flowing features being unrecognised.
MODULE 5A
FAULT JUXTAPOSITION ANALYSIS
Faults may change the connection between aquifers/reservoirs and seals/aquitards. During training, students will hone their skills in fault QC and learn how to make displacement profiles and consider uncertainty. Building on module ?? flow stratigraphy will be defined. The fault and stratigraphy will be combined to build fault plane profiles (Allan Maps). Students will learn to confidently read, label and assess the validity of Allan Maps. Tips and tricks on presenting results will be shared.
MODULE 5B
FAULT ZONE GEOLOGY VIRTUAL FIELD TRIP
As faults move, on the sliding surfaces, rock is crushed to form a fault core. Around the core, strain generates fractures, deformation bands and subsidiary slip surfaces. Using virtual outcrops, we will explore the types of features commonly observed. During the "field trip", we will address issues of preservation and observational bias as well as measurement error. These observations will be drawn together into a conceptual model of structural features to allow us to infer potential hydraulic attributes.
ADVANCED
Workshop Master Class Training Delivering Specific Results
MODULE 6A
GROUNDWATER FLOW IN AND AROUND FAULT ZONES
Building on module 5A and 5B students will work through a conceptual model for flow across, up and along faults. We will work on a series of scenarios based on the geometry of the fault and flow within permeable versus fractured rocks. A summary of the commonly used fault seal algorithms will be provided along with case studies. A series of exercises will help participants to explore flow rates related to the models. Using case studies, we will explore the practical impact of fault-related flow.
MODULE 6B
ESTIMATION OF FAULT TRANSMISSIBILITY FOR SIMULATION / FLOW MODELLING
Many flow modelling exercises involve geologic faults. This primmer course will help students to understand how commonly used flow modelling codes explicitly represent faults. Students will better understand how reductions in permeability and fault rock thickness combine with geometry influence flow. Key learning will be an appreciation of geometric uncertainty and the influence this has on across layer flow. We will also review the relative impact of multiple-phase fluids and fracture flow.
MODULE 6C
INTRODUCTION TO STATIC CONCEPTUAL FRACTURE NETWORK MODELS
Fracture networks are inherently complex. With the addition of a permeable matrix, and or different fluid types, even more, complexity is added. During the course, we will work hard to use simple observations to constrain uncertainty. Using virtual outcrops, students will build up cartoon and statistical models of fractures in a range of host rocks. We will explore a variety of analytical approximations to assess fracture storativity and transmissivity.
MODULE 7
HYDROCARBON FAULTED TRAP ANALYSIS
A large proportion of hydrocarbon discoveries have a lateral seal against fault. Students will learn how to assess, define and catalogue trap elements. Students will work through a range of case studies of successful and unsuccessful wells. We will examine a variety of pitfalls related to facies changes and excess aquifer pressure. The module brings together a wide range of skills from previous modules providing a sound foundation for prospect assessment in oil/gas exploration.