Course Overview

Day-by-Day Outline

Day 1 – Principles of Subsurface Mapping

• Role of subsurface maps in exploration and development
• Types of subsurface maps: structure, thickness, isochore, facies, net pay
• Coordinate systems, scales, and mapping grids
• Data sources: seismic, well logs, core data
• Exercise: Create a simple structure map from synthetic well data

Day 2 – Well Log Correlation and Structural Mapping

• Correlating stratigraphic markers across wells
• Building cross-sections for structural interpretation
• Fault identification and mapping techniques
• Depth conversion of seismic horizons
• Workshop: Correlate synthetic well logs to identify structural highs and lows

Day 3 – Stratigraphic and Isochore Mapping

• Concepts of stratigraphic pinch-outs, onlaps, and truncations
• Isochore (thickness) and isopach mapping techniques
• Mapping depositional environments and facies changes
• Integrating core and seismic data with stratigraphic maps
• Exercise: Build an isochore map from correlated well data

Day 4 – Reservoir Property and Net Pay Mapping

• Calculating net sand, net pay, and net-to-gross ratios
• Mapping porosity, permeability, and saturation from petrophysical data
• Integrating production data for dynamic mapping
• Common pitfalls in property mapping
• Workshop: Create a net pay map using real well log data

Day 5 – Mapping Integration, Uncertainty & Reporting

• Combining structural, stratigraphic, and property maps for prospect evaluation
• Assessing mapping uncertainties and risk implications
• Presenting maps effectively to stakeholders
• Case studies: subsurface mapping in successful and failed exploration campaigns
• Capstone Project: Build a full mapping package for a hypothetical exploration block, including structure, isochore, and net pay maps

Expected Learning Outcomes

•  Create accurate structural, stratigraphic, and property maps from subsurface data
•  Interpret well log and seismic data for subsurface mapping
•  Identify structural traps and stratigraphic features critical for exploration success
•  Integrate multiple data types to reduce uncertainty in prospect mapping
•  Communicate subsurface mapping results clearly to exploration teams and management