Oil & Gas Geology, Exploration and Production: 5-Day Professional Training Course

Course Overview

This comprehensive 5-day training program delivers integrated knowledge of petroleum geology, exploration techniques, and production operations for oil and gas professionals. Specifically designed for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Oman, GCC countries, and Africa, this course covers geological fundamentals, basin analysis, exploration technologies, drilling operations, and production optimization essential for discovering and developing hydrocarbon resources in diverse geological settings.

Target Audience

• Geologists and geoscientists entering oil and gas industry

• Petroleum engineers requiring geological knowledge

• Exploration geophysicists and seismic interpreters

• Reservoir engineers and production technologists

• Drilling engineers and operations personnel

• Asset managers and field development planners

• Technical professionals from Saudi Aramco, PDO, ADNOC, and African operators

• Graduate geoscience professionals

• Non-geologists requiring petroleum geology understanding

Day 1: Petroleum Geology Fundamentals

Morning Session: Origin and Occurrence of Hydrocarbons

Module 1.1: Introduction to Petroleum Geology

• Petroleum geology role in upstream operations

• Hydrocarbon exploration and production workflow

• Integration with geophysics, petrophysics, and engineering

• Geological time scale and sedimentary basin evolution

• Plate tectonics and basin formation mechanisms

• Regional geological settings: Arabian Plate, African rift systems

• Persian Gulf geological evolution

• Red Sea and East African rift petroleum systems

Module 1.2: Source Rocks and Hydrocarbon Generation

• Organic matter types: kerogen classification (I, II, III, IV)

• Source rock evaluation: TOC, Rock-Eval pyrolysis

• Thermal maturity and hydrocarbon generation windows

• Oil vs. gas generation zones

• Primary and secondary migration mechanisms

• Major source rocks in Middle East: Tuwaiq Mountain, Hanifa formations

• African source rocks: Cretaceous shales, Tertiary deltaic deposits

• Unconventional source rock potential

Module 1.3: Reservoir Rocks and Properties

• Reservoir rock types: sandstones, carbonates, fractured basement

• Porosity types and development: primary, secondary, vuggy

• Permeability and flow characteristics

• Rock quality and reservoir heterogeneity

• Diagenesis and reservoir quality evolution

• Arab D limestone reservoirs in Saudi Arabia

• Haushi and Khuff formations in Oman

• Niger Delta sandstone reservoirs

Afternoon Session: Petroleum Systems

Module 1.4: Traps, Seals, and Petroleum Systems

• Structural traps: anticlines, fault traps, salt domes

• Stratigraphic traps: pinch-outs, unconformities, reefs

• Combination and hydrodynamic traps

• Seal rocks and capillary pressure concepts

• Cap rock integrity and seal capacity

• Petroleum system elements: source, reservoir, seal, trap, timing

• Critical moment and preservation

• Play concepts and basin modeling

Module 1.5: Regional Petroleum Geology

• Arabian Peninsula geology: Paleozoic to Cenozoic sequences

• Ghawar field geological model (world’s largest oil field)

• Oman geology: Salt basins, Pre-Khuff play, tight gas carbonates

• GCC offshore: Arab formation carbonates, Jurassic sequences

• North Africa: Triassic reservoirs, Cretaceous source rocks

• West Africa: Deepwater turbidites, pre-salt plays

• East Africa: Tertiary gas discoveries, rift systems

• Unconventional plays: tight oil, shale gas, coal bed methane

Day 2: Exploration Methods and Technologies

Morning Session: Seismic Exploration

Module 2.1: Seismic Acquisition Fundamentals

• Seismic wave propagation: P-waves, S-waves, surface waves

• Reflection and refraction principles

• 2D, 3D, and 4D seismic survey design

• Land vs. marine acquisition techniques

• Source types: dynamite, vibroseis, airguns

• Receiver arrays and recording systems

• Survey planning and permit acquisition

• Desert seismic challenges in Saudi Arabia and North Africa

Module 2.2: Seismic Data Processing and Interpretation

• Processing workflow: deconvolution, stacking, migration

• Velocity analysis and depth conversion

• Seismic attributes and amplitude analysis

• Direct hydrocarbon indicators (DHI)

• Bright spots, flat spots, and AVO analysis

• Seismic stratigraphy and facies analysis

• Structural interpretation and fault mapping

• Time-lapse (4D) seismic for reservoir monitoring

Afternoon Session: Exploration Strategy

Module 2.3: Integrated Exploration Techniques

• Gravity and magnetic surveys

• Electromagnetic and magnetotelluric methods

• Geochemical exploration: soil gas, seep analysis

• Remote sensing and satellite imagery

• Basin modeling and petroleum system analysis

• Exploration risk assessment and probability mapping

• Prospect evaluation and ranking

• Play-based exploration strategies

Module 2.4: Well Planning and Exploration Drilling

• Exploration well types: wildcat, appraisal, delineation

• Well location selection and targeting

• Pre-drill geological models and prognosis

• Drilling program development

• Geological operations during drilling

• Mudlogging and formation evaluation

• Coring operations and core analysis

• Well testing and fluid sampling

• Offshore exploration in GCC waters

Day 3: Formation Evaluation and Reservoir Characterization

Morning Session: Petrophysics and Logging

Module 3.1: Wireline Logging Fundamentals

• Logging tool principles and applications

• Resistivity logs: laterolog, induction, microresistivity

• Porosity logs: density, neutron, sonic

• Gamma ray and spontaneous potential logs

• Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logging

• Formation imaging and dip determination

• Log interpretation workflows

• Quick-look and advanced interpretation methods

Module 3.2: Core Analysis and Rock Properties

• Coring methods: conventional, sidewall, pressure coring

• Routine core analysis: porosity, permeability, saturation

• Special core analysis (SCAL): relative permeability, capillary pressure

• Rock mechanics and geomechanical properties

• Thin section and SEM analysis

• Fluid analysis: PVT properties, composition

• Integration of core and log data

• Digital rock physics applications

Afternoon Session: Reservoir Characterization

Module 3.3: Geological Modeling

• Depositional environment interpretation

• Facies analysis and electrofacies

• Sequence stratigraphy and correlation

• Structural framework building

• Geostatistical property modeling

• Deterministic vs. stochastic approaches

• Uncertainty quantification in geological models

• Static model validation

Module 3.4: Reservoir Architecture

• Clastic reservoir architecture: fluvial, deltaic, turbidite systems

• Carbonate reservoir architecture: platforms, reefs, shoals

• Naturally fractured reservoir characterization

• Flow unit identification and zonation

• Heterogeneity analysis and modeling

• Connectivity assessment

• Upscaling for reservoir simulation

• Middle East carbonate complexity examples

Day 4: Drilling and Well Completion

Morning Session: Drilling Operations

Module 4.1: Drilling Engineering Basics

• Rotary drilling system overview

• Drilling rig types and capabilities

• Drill string and bottom hole assembly (BHA)

• Drilling fluids: types, properties, functions

• Drilling hydraulics and hole cleaning

• Directional and horizontal drilling

• Measurement while drilling (MWD) and logging while drilling (LWD)

• Drilling challenges in Middle East and Africa

Module 4.2: Well Control and Safety

• Formation pressure prediction

• Pore pressure and fracture gradient

• Kick detection and well control procedures

• Blowout preventer (BOP) systems

• H2S and sour gas drilling protocols

• High-pressure/high-temperature (HPHT) operations

• Lost circulation management

• Stuck pipe prevention and fishing operations

Afternoon Session: Well Completion

Module 4.3: Completion Design and Operations

• Completion types: openhole, cased-hole, liner

• Perforating strategies and techniques

• Sand control: gravel pack, frac-pack, screens

• Tubing and packer selection

• Well stimulation: acidizing and hydraulic fracturing

• Horizontal well completions

• Intelligent completions and downhole monitoring

• Multi-zone and multilateral completions

Module 4.4: Well Testing and Evaluation

• Drill stem testing (DST) procedures

• Pressure transient analysis basics

• Production testing and well deliverability

• Fluid sampling and PVT analysis

• Well productivity assessment

• Formation damage evaluation

• Data acquisition and interpretation

• Exploration well evaluation workflow

Day 5: Production Operations and Field Development

Morning Session: Production Systems

Module 5.1: Production Operations Fundamentals

• Natural flow and artificial lift systems

• Wellhead and Christmas tree equipment

• Surface facilities: separators, treaters, storage

• Oil and gas processing overview

• Production monitoring and optimization

• Water handling and injection systems

• Gas compression and export

• Production operations in harsh environments

Module 5.2: Reservoir Management Basics

• Primary, secondary, and tertiary recovery

• Reservoir drive mechanisms

• Pressure maintenance and waterflooding

• Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) overview

• Production forecasting and decline analysis

• Reservoir surveillance techniques

• Integrated reservoir studies

• Field development optimization

Afternoon Session: Field Development and Case Studies

Module 5.3: Field Development Planning

• Appraisal program design

• Development concept selection

• Well spacing and pattern design

• Facilities planning and engineering

• Economic evaluation and project sanctioning

• Phased development strategies

• Offshore vs. onshore development considerations

• Environmental and regulatory compliance

Module 5.4: Regional Geological Case Studies

Saudi Arabia - World-Class Reservoirs:

• Ghawar field: structural geology and Arab D reservoir

• Safaniyah offshore field: stratigraphic architecture

• Shaybah field: aeolian reservoir development

• Jafurah unconventional shale play

• Manifa field: complex carbonate reservoir

• Integration of geology and production performance

Oman - Diverse Petroleum Systems:

• Fahud field: naturally fractured carbonate reservoir

• Yibal field: Shuaiba limestone characteristics

• Khazzan tight gas: Khuff formation stimulation

• Mukhaizna heavy oil: reservoir characterization

• Pre-Khuff deep gas exploration

• Salt tectonics and petroleum trapping

UAE - Offshore Giant Fields:

• Upper Zakum field: carbonate reservoir heterogeneity

• Bu Hasa field: geological model evolution

• Offshore sour gas fields: reservoir challenges

• Onshore and offshore integration strategies

Kuwait - Heavy Oil Systems:

• Greater Burgan complex: Cretaceous sandstones

• Heavy oil reservoir characterization

• Horizontal well applications

• Reservoir management strategies

Qatar - Gas Condensate Leadership:

• North Field geology: world’s largest non-associated gas field

• Khuff formation reservoir properties

• Gas condensate behavior and management

• LNG development geological considerations

Africa - Emerging and Established Basins:

• Nigeria Niger Delta: depositional systems and stratigraphy

• Angola deepwater: turbidite reservoir architecture

• Egypt Western Desert: structural play types

• Mozambique Rovuma Basin: Tertiary gas discoveries

• Ghana Jubilee field: deepwater turbidite development

• Senegal/Mauritania: emerging offshore plays

• East African rift: exploration potential

Interactive Workshop Session

• Geological map interpretation exercises

• Seismic interpretation practical session

• Well log analysis workshop

• Prospect generation and risking exercise

• Field development scenario planning

• Integration of geology, geophysics, and engineering

• Regional play assessment activity

• Group presentations and peer discussions

• Expert Q&A panel session

• Course summary and action planning

Course Learning Outcomes

Participants will achieve:

• Fundamental understanding of petroleum geology principles

• Technical skills in exploration methods and data interpretation

• Practical knowledge of drilling and completion operations

• Integration capabilities across geology, geophysics, and engineering

• Regional expertise in KSA, Oman, GCC, and African geological settings

• Exploration mindset for prospect generation and evaluation

• Production awareness of field development and operations

• Risk assessment abilities for exploration and development decisions

• Multidisciplinary collaboration skills for upstream projects

Regional Geological Focus: KSA, Oman, GCC & Africa

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Arabian Platform geology, super-giant carbonate reservoirs, Paleozoic to Tertiary sequences, unconventional shale plays, structural and stratigraphic trap diversity, and Saudi Aramco’s geological expertise.

Oman: Salt basin tectonics, naturally fractured carbonates, Pre-Khuff deep plays, tight gas formations, heavy oil accumulations, and PDO’s geological innovations.

GCC Region: Regional stratigraphic framework, offshore carbonate platforms, sour gas reservoirs, Jurassic source-reservoir systems, and integrated development approaches.

Africa: Niger Delta clastic systems, West Africa deepwater turbidites, North African structural plays, East African rift exploration, pre-salt carbonates, and emerging frontier basins across Nigeria, Angola, Egypt, Mozambique, Ghana, and Senegal.

Training Methodology

• Interactive technical lectures with visual aids

• 3D seismic interpretation demonstrations

• Well log analysis practical exercises

• Core and outcrop sample examination

• Geological software demonstrations

• Field trip opportunities (where available)

• Regional geological case studies

• Group problem-solving workshops

• Video demonstrations of field operations

• Comprehensive course materials and atlases

Duration: 5 days (40 comprehensive training hours)
Delivery: In-person preferred, hybrid available
Language: English (Arabic support available)
Materials: Geological maps, well logs, seismic sections, reference guides
Certification: Professional development certificate

Keywords: petroleum geology training, oil and gas exploration course KSA, geological exploration Oman, GCC petroleum geology, African basin exploration, seismic interpretation training, reservoir characterization Middle East, drilling operations course, formation evaluation training, Saudi Aramco geology, PDO exploration, ADNOC reservoir geology, petroleum systems analysis, hydrocarbon exploration Africa, geological modeling course