Unconventional gas and oil development: what does it mean for future geoscientists?

“Unconventional” reservoirs have changed the gas and oil supply picture in North America, and the movement is spreading around the world, with the latest news being shale gas discoveries in Europe and South America. Geoscientists are at the forefront of unconventional exploration and development, and our careers are profoundly affected. And it’s not only petroleum geologists – demand for other resources associated with unconventional development, particularly water and sand – impact other geoscientists as well.
To understand these changes, it’s important to understand “unconventional” reservoirs. What makes them “unconventional”? Why are they so important compared to conventional reservoirs? Where are they? How do we explore for and develop them?After reviewing the petroleum geology of unconventional reservoirs and unconventional play types, we will examine the related roles of other geological disciplines. For example, stratigraphers and hydrogeologists identify subsurface aquifers to supply large volumes of water for unconventional well completions, and to accept contaminated waters for safe disposal. Geophysicists use a variety of remote sensing methods to map reservoir stratigraphy, assess fracture stimulations, and characterize shallow aquifers. Quaternary geologists and Precambrian stratigraphers assess potential sources of high-grade sand required for unconventional reservoir completions and stimulations.
Development of unconventional gas and oil reservoirs will greatly increase available petroleum resources around the world. Geoscientists will lead the way in identifying these resources and guiding their economic development. We must also ensure, with sound geological and geophysical work across many disciplines, that environmental and societal impacts of unconventional hydrocarbon development are minimized.

Brad J. Hayes, Ph.D., P.Geol.
President,
Petrel Robertson Consulting Ltd.
Winter 2014 CSPG University Lecture