Exploration and Reservoir Geology

This course aims to review and supplement knowledge of fundamental concepts concerning the formation of the oceanic crust and its relationship with magnetism and hydrothermalism, the origin, functioning, and dynamics of subduction zones (formation of active margins and back-arc basins), the mechanisms of subduction and continental collision (formation of the orogenic prism, post-orogenic extension, and exhumation). The links between tectonics and surface processes will also be discussed.

These concepts will be supported by theoretical and physical models, extensively illustrated by natural case studies (Himalayas-Tibet, Taiwan, Alps, Western Pacific, Sumatra, Mediterranean). One class will be dedicated to the Archean (geodynamics and georesources).

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This teaching unit presents the fundamentals of structural geology at master's level. It focuses on the analysis of the various objects and mechanisms involved in the deformation of the Earth's crust from the surface to the base of the crust. Deformation is presented using examples from the field, samples, thin sections, and experiments. These observations are compared with theory and analogical, analytical, and numerical modeling.
Key topics covered:
(1) analysis of deformation at all scales and associated tectonic regimes
(2) typology and kinematics of structural features (e.g., faults, fractures, folds, shear zones),
(3) balanced structural section,
(4) link between different scales and depths of deformation,
(5) different rheological and structural contexts (brittle and ductile structural levels, compressive and extensive regimes, homogeneous and stratified environments),
(6) presence of fluids and their role in deformation.

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Analysis of the formation of sedimentary basins through the interaction of internal forces (lithospheric processes) and external forces (processes in the Earth's outer layers).
Analysis of post-depositional evolution leading to the formation of natural resources (energy and minerals).

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This module is an in-depth training course in sedimentology that includes a lecture component (classroom) and a practical component (fieldwork). After an overview of sedimentary recording mechanisms, hydrodynamic processes, and associated sedimentary features and structures, the different environments of terrigenous and carbonate detrital deposits are reviewed, sweeping across the sedimentary landscape from upstream to downstream.

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This module aims to provide the basics of geophysical imaging of geological formations, both near the surface and at the lithosphere scale. We will focus here on seismological methods (volume and surface wave tomography, receiver functions, ambient noise), gravimetry, and magnetotellurics. We will also present the basics of seismic reflection (acquisition and processing). A case study seen in practical work will highlight the importance of combining these methods to best describe the environment and its properties, particularly in terms of fluids.

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This fieldwork internship takes place at the beginning of our Master's program. It aims to characterize the succession of processes involved in the formation and subsequent dismantling of the Variscan orogen, through a thematic study of the Montagne Noire massif. Particular attention will be paid to (1) the study of sedimentary cover deformation and the geodynamic evolution of basins; (2) the analysis of ductile deformation and associated metamorphism in the deepest crustal levels; and (3) the study of late-orogenic basins. This teaching unit consists of three successive stages: the preparation phase based on the study of cartographic documents in the classroom, fieldwork and the writing of a report, and finally a critical study of the bibliography.

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This course aims to standardize the knowledge of students from different educational backgrounds. The course focuses in particular on mineralogy, magmatic petrology, and associated metal deposits. These disciplines are approached in a comprehensive and holistic manner, integrating processes and linking the main mineralogical and geochemical reservoirs. The courses are supported by practical work in magmatic petrology and metallogeny through the study of rock and mineralized samples, both macroscopic and microscopic.

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Contribution of geochemistry, geothermochronology, and petrology to our understanding of:
- the major stages in the formation, deformation, and evolution of sedimentary basins and their substratum
- the formation, origin, age, and evolution of metal deposits

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The introduction covers concepts relating to the economics of primary resources and the history of mineral resources. The course then moves on to examining the main metallogenic processes in relation to geodynamic contexts. The concepts of metallotectics are explained in detail through an understanding (description, formation processes) of the main exogenous and endogenous mineral deposits. Practical work allows students to deepen their knowledge of the specific mineralogy of metal-bearing mineralizations.

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Key points covered: the concept of sea level, sedimentary records of sea level variations, the notion of deposit sequences, the origin of sequences, sequence recognition, and areas of application (basin/reservoir architecture, reservoir prediction).

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Case study of the Montpellier overlap front, SW zone of St Paul-et-Valmalle: Mas d'Arnaud – Mas de Fabre – Le Castellas.
Structural geology, conventional and digital field mapping, facies sedimentology, GIS, detailed geological map.

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Field application of knowledge acquired in the analysis of sedimentary basins using a multidisciplinary and multiscale approach combining sedimentology and tectonics. This work is carried out by integrating field observations and subsurface data in the case of a foreland basin.

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This EU presents the mechanical behavior of rocks based on the results of laboratory work. The different types of laboratory experiments are described and the various mechanical behaviors are discussed and illustrated with experimental data. Hydrostatic compression, uniaxial compression, and triaxial compression tests are described. Elastic, plastic, and viscous behaviors are considered, and the combination of these behaviors is applied to describe the behavior of rocks.
Concepts related to the behavior of discontinuities and fracture mechanics are discussed. The concepts of creep and delayed behavior will also be discussed in order to consider the long-term behavior of rock masses.
In order to quantitatively consider mechanical behaviors, the concepts of stress tensor and deformation will be discussed. These will enable the introduction of elastic deformation calculations based on elastic moduli. The calculation of stresses on planes, based on knowledge of the stress tensor, will be discussed in general terms and illustrated using Mohr's representation.

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Reflection seismics are widely used in exploration, both offshore and onshore, regardless of the geological context. Although initially developed by the oil industry, they are now used by industry (oil and mining) as well as by research and design offices. It can be deployed to image the subsurface on both a local and regional scale. Students will therefore learn to interpret sedimentary, structural, and fluid features identified on 2D and 3D seismic profiles. Particular attention will be paid to the resolution of the interpretation based on the initial data.

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Definition, typology, and in-depth analysis of naturally fractured reservoirs (NRF) in different geological contexts: different rock types (carbonates, clays, bedrock), burial, diagenesis, exhumation, folding, fault damage, cooling, mineralogical change. Anthropogenic induced fracturing systems (hydraulic, thermal), applications to shale plays, cap rocks and storage sites.
Integration of this knowledge into the exploration and exploitation of fractured reservoirs.
Concept and workflow for editing DFNs (discrete fracture networks).
Two-day presentation by Bertrand Gauthier of Total, free of charge: Static and dynamic properties of fractured oil reservoirs.

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Training in the evaluation and numerical simulation of fractured reservoirs.
Workflow for structural model construction in Petrel, from seismic logging to DFN (discrete fault/fracture network) construction, including the integration of structural well data and structural model restoration.

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Organic matter (OM) accounts for only a small proportion of sedimentation. Unlike other deposited particles, it can evolve rapidly during burial by interacting with the grains of the host rock and producing fluids (gases and liquids) that are highly mobile. Due to its degradation by bacteria, its preservation depends on many parameters, but above all on the fine grain size of the grains deposited at the same time. Thus, clays represent the most favorable environment for the preservation of OM, but their complex mineralogy makes them a special material that will also transform during burial. The products of their interactions have naturally been of interest to the mining and oil industries, since these processes are responsible for the formation of large coal deposits and the production of hydrocarbons. Recently, however, studies have increasingly focused on these two elements as tracers of the origin of sediments and as markers of burial, which is of major interest in understanding the filling of basins and their post-depositional evolution.

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Mineral deposits, exploration techniques, geostatistics, mining economics. The training focuses mainly on presentations by professionals (mining and quarrying). Two days of fieldwork illustrate certain exploration methods, notably through the study of uranium and gypsum mineralization.

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• Introduction and review of the objectives of log interpretation
• Pre-processing and data correction
• Determination of reservoirs and caps
• Conventional deterministic approach (clay volume, porosity, saturation)
• Quicklook processing chain
•    Final estimation (cutoff, "net to gross")
• Implementation using TDs and then Techlog software (Schlumberger).

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• Presentation of methods for deep drilling, taking into account both the technological aspects of drilling and mud and chip control ("mud logging").
•    Presentation of geophysical methods in drilling or "deferred logging" (electrical, nuclear, acoustic, and seismic methods, as well as techniques developed for measuring temperature, pressure, or permeability in situ).
• Use of these methods for petroleum and environmental applications.

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Key topics covered: Petrophysics, carbonate rocks, siliciclastic rocks, oil flows, diagenesis

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The focus will be on weathering processes and fluid/rock interactions, but above all on structural and textural constraints, enabling us to propose innovative and original models of constrained deposits. In this course, we will emphasize the structural specificity of each deposit and the dangers of blindly applying textbook models.

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This EU presents the fundamental concepts needed to understand the formation and functioning of geothermal reservoirs.

First, the different types of geothermal energy, from very low energy to high energy geothermal energy for electricity generation, are discussed in detail and examined through real-life case studies. A global overview is provided in order to assess the energy potential of geothermal resources.

The EU will then focus on several points specific to geothermal energy, such as mass and heat transfer mechanisms in reservoirs. These will be addressed and illustrated using real-life cases via numerical modeling. The geological signature of geothermal reservoirs, such as mineral alterations, will also be studied in detail through case studies.

The issue of storage will be addressed by considering applications such as underground storage of CO₂, heat, or energy. The influence of the mechanical properties of reservoir rocks, as well as the interactions between stored fluids and host rocks, will be highlighted in order to assess the feasibility and sustainability of these storage systems.

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Key points covered:
- Fault and top seals (juxtaposition, SGR, mechanical and diagenetic seals).
- Fault zoning,
- Deformation mechanisms,
- Deformation bands in porous sandstones,
- Permeability of fault zones.

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This course unit consists of two resource assessment projects based on case studies applied to the mining and oil industries. Students will have access to the digital imaging platform. They will be introduced to the use of specific interpretation and evaluation software that will enable them to manipulate the data sets provided (software such as Techlog, Coralis, Petrel, etc.). The results of the interpretation of this data will be summarized and presented in two reports or presentations.

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5-6 month internship in a company, design office, or laboratory.

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