Exploration and Reservoir Geology

The aim of this course is to recall and complete the knowledge on fundamental notions concerning the formation of the oceanic crust and the relationships 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 couplings between tectonics and surface processes will also be addressed.

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

See full page

This teaching unit introduces the fundamentals of structural geology at Master's level. It covers the analysis of the various objects and mechanisms of deformation in the Earth's crust, from the surface to the base of the crust. Deformation is presented using field examples, samples, thin sections and experiments. These observations are compared with theory and analog, analytical and numerical modeling.
Key points covered:
(1) analysis of deformation at all scales, and associated tectonic regimes
(2) typology and kinematics of structural objects (eg: faults, fractures, folds, shear zones),
(3) balanced structural cross-section,
(4) links 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.

See full page

Analysis of the formation of sedimentary basins by the interaction of internal forcings (lithospheric processes) and external forcings (processes in the Earth's outer envelopes).
Analysis of the post-deposition evolution that leads to the formation of natural resources (energy and mineral).

See full page

This module is an in-depth training in sedimentology that includes a lecture (course) and a practical (field) part. After a framing on the mechanisms of sedimentary recording, hydrodynamic processes and associated sedimentary figures and structures. The different environments of terrigenous and then carbonate detrital deposits are reviewed by scanning the sedimentary landscape from upstream to downstream.

See full page

The aim of this module is to provide a basic understanding of geophysical imaging of geological formations, both near-surface and on a lithospheric scale. The focus is on seismic 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 practical case study will highlight the importance of combining these methods to provide the best possible description of the environment and its properties, particularly in terms of fluids.

See full page

See full page

This field placement comes at the beginning of our Master's program. Its aim is to characterize the succession of formation and dismantling processes of the Variscan orogen, through a thematic study of the Montagne Noire massif. Particular attention will be paid to (1) the study of the deformation of the sedimentary cover and the geodynamic evolution of the 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 is made up of three successive stages: the preparation phase based on the study of cartographic documents in the classroom, field work and the drafting of a report, and finally a critical study of the bibliography.

See full page

The aim of this course is to harmonize the knowledge of students from different backgrounds. The course focuses in particular on mineralogy, magmatic petrology and associated metal deposits. These disciplines are approached with a synthetic and global approach, integrating processes and linking the main mineralogical and geochemical reservoirs. The course is supported by practical work in magmatic petrology and metallogeny, involving the study of macroscopic and microscopic rock and mineral samples.

See full page

The contribution of geochemistry, geo-thermochronology and petrology to our knowledge of:
- the major stages in the formation, deformation and evolution of sedimentary basins and their bedrock
- the formation, origin, age and evolution of metal deposits

See full page

Notions concerning the economics of primary resources and the history of mineral resources are addressed in the introduction. This training then consists of understanding the main metallogenic processes in connection with my geodynamic contexts. The notions of metallotects are detailed through the understanding (description, formation process) of the main exogenous and endogenous mineral deposits. The practical work allows you to deepen the specific mineralogy of metalliferous mineralization.

See full page

The main points covered were the concept of sea level, the sedimentary recording of sea level variations, the notion of deposition sequences, the origin of sequences, sequence recognition and fields of application (basin/reservoir architecture, reservoir prediction).

See full page

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

See full page

Putting into practice in the field the knowledge acquired in the analysis of sedimentary basins by a multi-disciplinary and multi-scale approach combining sedimentology and tectonics. This work is done by integrating field observations and sub-surface data in the case of a forechain basin.

See full page

This course presents the mechanical behavior of rocks, based on the results of laboratory-scale work. The different types of laboratory experiments are described, and the various mechanical behaviors are discussed and illustrated with experimental data. Hydrostatic, uniaxial and triaxial compression tests are described. Elastic, plastic and viscous behaviors are considered, and the combination of these behaviors is applied to the description of rock behavior.
Notions relating to the behavior of discontinuities and fracture mechanics are addressed. The notions of creep and deferred behavior will also be covered, in order to consider the long-term behavior of rock masses.
In order to consider mechanical behavior quantitatively, the notions of stress and strain tensors will be covered. These will be used to introduce elastic deformation calculations based on elastic moduli. The calculation of stresses on planes, based on knowledge of the stress tensor, will be covered in the general case and illustrated by Mohr's representation.

See full page

See full page

Seismic reflection is widely used in exploration, both at sea and on land, regardless of the geological context. Although it was initially developed by the oil industry, it is 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 the sedimentary, structural and fluid objects identified on the 2D and 3D seismic profiles. Particular attention will be paid to the resolution of the interpretation according to the initial data.

See full page

Definition, typology and in-depth analysis of naturally fractured reservoirs (NRF) in different geological contexts: different rock types (carbonates, clays, basement), burial, diagenesis, exhumation, folding, fault damage, cooling, mineralogical change. Anthropogenic induced fracturing systems (hydraulic, thermal), applications to clay reservoirs (shale plays), cap clays and storage sites.
Integration of this knowledge into the exploration and exploitation of fractured reservoirs.
Concept and workflow for editing DFNs (discrete fracture networks).
Free 2-day talk by Bertrand Gauthier from Total: Static and dynamic properties of fractured petroleum reservoirs.

See full page

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

See full page

See full page

Organic matter (OM) represents only a small part of the 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 will be very mobile. Because of 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 favourable environment for the preservation of OM, but their complex mineralogy makes them a particular material that will also be transformed during burial. The products of their interactions have of interest to the mining and then to the oil industry, of course, since these processes are at the origin of large series of coal and the production of hydrocarbons. But recently, studies have been increasingly interested in 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-deposition evolution.

See full page

Mineral deposits, exploration techniques, geostatistics, mining economics. The training is mainly focused on interventions by professionals (mining and quarrying). Two days of field work illustrate certain exploration methods, in particular through the study of uranium mineralization and gypsum.

See full page

• Introduction and reminders of the objectives of a diagraphic interpretation
• Data pre-processing and correction
• Determination of tanks and roofs
• Conventional deterministic approach (clay volume, porosity, saturation)
• Quicklook processing chain
• Final estimate (cutoff, "net to gross")
• Implementation using tutorials and then Techlog software (Schlumberger).

See full page

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

See full page

Major points addressed: Petrophysics, carbonate rocks, silico-clastic rocks, oil flows, diagenesis

See full page

The emphasis will be on alteration processes and fluid/rock interactions, but above all on structural and textural constraints to propose constrained, innovative and original deposit models. In this course, we will insist on the structural specificity of each deposit and on the dangers of the sometimes blind application of book models.

See full page

This course introduces the fundamental concepts needed to understand the genesis and functioning of geothermal reservoirs.

Initially, the different types of geothermal energy, from very low-energy to high-energy geothermal energy for electricity production, are discussed in detail, with real-life case studies. A global overview is provided to assess the energy potential of geothermal resources.

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

The problem 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 interactions between stored fluids and surrounding rocks, will be highlighted, with the aim of considering the feasibility and durability of these storage devices.

See full page

This course details the internal structure, mineralogical composition and petrophysical properties of faults as well as the geological conditions (stresses) that control their tightness and integrity in faulted reservoir environments. We discuss the different types of fault seals and the tools commonly used in the geological reservoir industry to predict fault permeability.
Major points discussed:
- Fault and top seals (juxtaposition, SGR, mechanical and diagenetical seals).
- Fault zoning,
- Deformation mechanisms,
- Deformation bands in porous sandstones,
- Permeability of fault zones.

See full page

This course consists of the realization of two resource evaluation projects based on case studies applied in the mining and petroleum fields. The student will have access to the digital imaging platform. They will be introduced to the use of specific interpretation and evaluation software that will allow them to manipulate the data sets provided (software such as Techlog, Coralis, Petrel, etc.). The results resulting from the interpretation of these data will be relocated in a synthetic and argued way in the form of two reports or presentations.

See full page

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

See full page