AAPG-HGS Launch New Deepwater Petroleum Reservoirs Event, Announces Study Results

Online, January 22, 2010 (Newswire.com) - AAPG-HGS Launch New Deepwater Petroleum Reservoirs Event, Announces Study Results

Getting the oil and gas out of deep-water reservoirs in the Gulf of Mexico could be dramatically improved by closing technology gaps, according to the results of a groundbreaking study to be presented at a new event, the AAPG-HGS Deepwater and Ultra Deepwater Reservoirs Geoscience Technology Workshop to be held in Houston, March 16-17. Accurate determination of how much oil and gas is in place could also be dramatically improved by employing new technology and new geological, geophysical, and engineering methods.

What makes this event unique is its blend of engineering, geology, and geophysical expertise along with small-group discussions, designed to encourage the sharing of experience and ideas. More than 20 industry experts will discuss new technologies and techniques. Papers and posters will be presented in the 2-day event, and the focus of small-group discussions, which will follow each cluster of presentations.

Mike Hudec, of the Bureau of Economic Geology, will be a keynote speaker.

Audience members will have a chance to hear and discuss an analysis of just-released data from reservoir studies across the deepwater Gulf of Mexico.

The sessions focus on practical solutions to real-life problems:

Session 1: Challenges in Deep-Water Appraisal and Development
x-What are the appraisal problems common to more than 30 deepwater reservoirs? How can new techniques help?
x-Lookback Study: How well have we predicted reserves in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico?
x-What are some of the connectivity issues in reservoirs?
x-What are lessons learned in reservoir management?

Session 2: Deepwater Exploration Frontiers
x-What are some of the regions with the biggest potential?
x-What are the new technologies and techniques that are helping identify new reserves?
x-How can we more accurately determine methane hydrate saturations?
x-What are some of the barriers that new knowledge can eliminate?

Session 3: Practical Solutions to Deepwater Geophysical Issues
x-Which new developments in imaging are most effective?
x-How can we accurately depth-calibrate in the presence of salt?
x-Which new acquisition technologies are most effective and where?

Session 4: The Value of Cross-Disciplinary Integration in Deepwater Exploration and Development
x-What works and what does not as people, processes, and technology are integrated?
x-What are some of the "big picture" issues that can be resolved by closing technology gaps?

The event is organized and hosted by AAPG, a worldwide geoscience organization, with more than 36,000 members worldwide, and Houston Geological Society, the world's largest local geological society, and will take place March 16-17, 2010, at the Norris Conference Center, CityCentre. Cost and registration information is available at the AAPG's website. A preliminary agenda is available at www.aapg.org/gtw/houston03mar162010.cfm. For questions, call Susan Smith Nash, Ph.D., Director of Education and Professional Development, AAPG, 1-918-584-2555.