In the current cost-constrained environment for hydrocarbon exploitation, increasing emphasis is being placed on robust subsurface description and a clear understanding of the range of uncertainty associated with reservoir models. Structural heterogeneity, particularly at the subseismic scale, forms an integral part of these refined descriptions as it allows greater prediction of subsurface flow characteristics. This volume examines the best current practice and new challenges in hydrocarbon reservoir characterization and modelling of small to subseismic deformation features through case studies, experimental results and modelling. The papers follow four themes: characterization of deformation in porous sandstones, novel characterization techniques, quantifying and characterizing deformation in carbonates, and modelling small-scale features.

In the current cost-constrained environment for hydrocarbon exploitation, increasing emphasis is being placed on robust subsurface description and a clear understanding of the range of uncertainty associated with reservoir models. Structural heterogeneity, particularly at the subseismic scale, forms an integral part of these refined descriptions as it allows greater prediction of subsurface flow characteristics. This volume examines the best current practice and new challenges in hydrocarbon reservoir characterization and modelling of small to subseismic deformation features through case studies, experimental results and modelling. The papers follow four themes: characterization of deformation in porous sandstones, novel characterization techniques, quantifying and characterizing deformation in carbonates, and modelling small-scale features. It includes a collection of papers from a two-day international conference that brought academic and industry geoscientists and engineers together to discuss best current practice and new challenges in reservoir characterization and modelling of small to subseismic deformation features. The volume should be of interest to geoscientists, petrophysicists, reservoir engineers and modellers.

Geological Society Memoir 52 records the extraordinary 50+ year journey that has led to the development of some 458 oil and gas fields on the UKCS. It contains papers on almost 150 onshore and offshore fields in all of the UK’s main petroliferous basins. These papers range from look-backs on some of the first-developed gas fields in the Southern North Sea, to papers on fields that have only just been brought into production or may still remain undeveloped, and includes two candidate CO2 sequestration projects. These papers are intended to provide a consistent summary of the exploration, appraisal, development and production history of each field, leading to the current subsurface understanding which is described in greater detail. As such the Memoir will be an enduring reference source for those exploring for, developing, producing hydrocarbons and sequestering CO2 on the UKCS in the coming decades. It encapsulates the petroleum industry’s deep subsurface knowledge accrued over more than 50 years of exploration and production.

Introduction to geologic fracture mechanics covering geologic structural discontinuities from theoretical and field-based perspectives.

Deep subsurface characterization technologies and demands are changing rapidly within the energy industry. In this swiftly evolving landscape, the wide range of analyses performed on the rocks and fluids obtained from cores remain fundamental tools in managing subsurface uncertainty and associated risk. During the energy transition large volumes of newly acquired and legacy core will be accessed to better understand both existing hydrocarbon resources and other subsurface energy-related systems, particularly for carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), geothermal energy and the long-term storage of nuclear waste. Through state-of-the-art reviews and case studies this volume illustrates how innovative approaches continue to create value from both new and historical cores recovered for deep subsurface reservoir characterization and storage complex evaluation. Such an assessment is timely given that the sector sits at a pivotal point in terms of changing technologies, economics, demographics, skillsets and energy solutions.

This book explores the industrial use of secure, permanent storage technologies for carbon dioxide (CO2), especially geological CO2 storage. Readers are invited to discover how this greenhouse gas could be spared from permanent release into the atmosphere through storage in deep rock formations. Themes explored here include CO2 reservoir management, caprock formation, bio-chemical processes and fluid migration. Particular attention is given to groundwater protection, the improvement of sensor technology, borehole seals and cement quality. A collaborative work by scientists and industrial partners, this volume presents original research, it investigates several aspects of innovative technologies for medium-term use and it includes a detailed risk analysis. Coal-based power generation, energy consuming industrial processes (such as steel and cement) and the burning of biomass all result in carbon dioxide. Those involved in such industries who are considering geological storage of CO2, as well as earth scientists and engineers will value this book and the innovative monitoring methods described. Researchers in the field of computer imaging and pattern recognition will also find something of interest in these chapters.