91446 - Oil Geology 1

Learning outcomes

The rationale of this course is to develop a mature and comprehensive understanding of the natural geological systems that generate fossil hydrocarbons such as oil and gas. These insights form the basis for the successful exploration and production of these important natural resources. At the end of the course students will have full control on the following topics: Role of fossil hydrocarbons in modern societies and perspectives upon sustainable energetic transition; the global carbon cycle; burial and maturation of organic material, source-, reservoir- and cap rock; hydrocarbon migration and accumulation. Students will have the tools to evaluate the oil potential of conventional plays (sedimentary successions) and of the most common types of unconventional plays. They will be familiar with stratigraphic and structural traps and will receive information on exploration and production approaches and techniques in various types of geological settings.

Course contents

- The chemistry of petroleum

- Productivity and preservation of organic matter

- The petroleum system

- The kerogen

- The source rock

- The reservoir

- The seal

- The traps (structural, stratigraphic)

- Resource assessment

- Production methods

- Oil and gas in Italy

- Exploration techniques

- Unconventional resources

Readings/Bibliography

Petroleum Geoscience: From Sedimentary Environments to Rock Physics, 2015 edition, by Knut Bjorlykke, Springer.

Notes from the lessons and slides from the lecturer.

Teaching methods

Frontal teaching by the lecturer and class discussion of a selected number of relevant scientific papers.

Assessment methods

Oral examination.

Office hours

See the website of Giulio Viola