Field Training on Geological Resources Investigation in South of France
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Description
FIELD TRAINING ON GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES INVESTIGATION IN SOUTH OF FRANCE
Alès Basin Multi Scale Integrated Study (Gard, Occitanie, FRANCE)
Characterize subsurface georesource targets through outcrop studies and field investigations (in English or in French)
MAIN OBJECTIVES:
Develop a solid understanding of geological and sedimentological concepts.
Gain insight into the distribution of georesources in a resource-rich area, including coal, bitumen, asphalt, phosphate, lead, zinc, iron, copper, silver, and gold.
Apply observations and interpretations to other domains as analogues.
Familiarize yourself with various sedimentary features and their heterogeneities, including sedimentary, stratigraphic, diagenetic, and structural aspects.
Engage with an actual active petroleum system.
LEARNING APPROACH:
The learning approach focuses on observation, application of relevant concepts, interpretation, and guided teamwork to develop coherent and predictive geological models. A field guide, containing essential information, will be provided to all participants, along with various exercises throughout the course.
The field course accommodates 8 participants who will collaborate using a shared field exercise notebook.
Each evening, daily summaries will be held in a relaxed, pre-dinner setting to review progress and future directions. At the conclusion of the course, each group will utilize their findings from the week to make predictions about an offshore petroleum system, including source rocks, traps, seals, and reservoirs.
INSTRUCTOR:
Dr. Geoffray MUSIAL, Geologist PhD., IMT Mines Alès
A dedicated Geologist and Sedimentologist with a broad expertise that ranges from large-scale basin geology to complex heterogeneity modeling. As a field geologist with a solid foundation in clastic environments, particularly fluvial and coastal settings, he specializes in ichnology, core and outcrop descriptions, and sedimentary characterization.
With fifteen years of experience as a consultant for the oil industry, he will impart his knowledge on georesources and reservoir characterization during this training.
Program
COURSE AGENDA:
Day 1: Basin overview and Paleozoic basement
Panorama of the basin - Folds/Faults/Sedimentation processes - The Cevennes Fault network – Magmatic/metamorphic rocks
Day 2: Carboniferous Coal System & Triassic unconformity
Fluvial deposits - Climatic changes – Eustatism - Depositional environments - A/S concept - Diagenesis - Fluid circulations - Mineralizations
Day 3: Jurassic & Cretaceous Carbonate platforms
Analogy with the Middle East carbonated platforms - Source rocks - Porous & Fractured reservoirs - Outcrops & Quarries
Day 4: Petroleum System of the Ales Basin
Eocene lacustrine sedimentation - Source rocks - Migrations - Reservoirs - Oligocene rifting
Day 5: Miocene Geological story
Mediterranean drying up (messinian event) - Miocene bioclastic seas - Onshore/Offshore transition (Gulf of Lion)
COST / DURATION / TRAINING PERIOD :
5 days fieldtrip: From Monday 9am (Alès train station) to Friday 5pm (Alès train station)*
April, May, June, September, October.
The cost of the field trip is 700 € per day per participant. The field course accommodates 8 participants.
This cost includes course manual, safety and geological equipments, 4 nights hotel stay, breakfasts-lunches-dinners, snacks and drinks in the field, transportation and fuel.
*The duration and services provided can be customized to meet specific requirements upon prior notice.
Prerequisites
HSE REQUIREMENT:
All participants are required to present a yearly medical certificate prior to attending this field course. Participants should be in good health and physical condition for participation. Fortunately, all outcrops and viewpoints are easily accessible and do not necessitate specialized training.
Attendees are advised to wear appropriate footwear for hiking on uneven terrain and to bring clothing suitable for warm daytime temperatures (such as a sun hat and sunglasses), as well as provisions for potential rain. Safety helmets and jackets will be provided.
Alès has a public hospital, private clinics, doctors, police, and fire services available as well.
Target audience
WHO ?
Professionals in the oil and gas upstream industry, including geologists, reservoir engineers, and geomodelers, as well as anyone interested in reservoir characterization and georesource forecasting, are the target audience for this field course. It is also designed to accommodate a diverse group of managers and engineers, providing an excellent opportunity for team building in a stunning location.
WHY ?
Discover the captivating geological history of the Alès Basin and its surroundings through various outcrops showcasing diverse depositional environments and lithologies. This small region in the southeast of France bears a striking resemblance to some of the world's major geological systems. The evident connection between tectonics and sedimentation, along with the outcrop analogue method, will capture interest. The geological richness of the area has led to significant georesource production throughout history, including copper during Roman times, iron in the Middle Ages, bitumen during World War II, and coal throughout the last century. This will also provide an opportunity to explore the potential for using and repurposing old quarries and mining sites, emphasizing a thoughtful and responsible approach.
