M2 - Exploration and Reservoir Geology

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

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

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Organic matter (OM) accounts for only a small portion of sedimentation. Unlike other deposited particles, it can change rapidly during burial by interacting with the grains of the host rock and producing fluids (gases and liquids) that will be highly mobile. Because it is degraded by bacteria, its preservation depends on numerous factors, 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 unique material that will also undergo transformation during burial. The products of these interactions have naturally attracted interest in the mining and petroleum industries, since these processes are responsible for the formation of major coal deposits and the production of hydrocarbons. Recently, however, studies have increasingly focused on these two elements as tracers of sediment origin and, subsequently, as markers of burial, which is of major importance for understanding the filling of basins and their post-depositional evolution.

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Mineral deposits, exploration techniques, geostatistics, mining economics. The course focuses primarily on presentations by industry professionals (mining and quarrying). Two days of fieldwork are dedicated to illustrating certain exploration methods, particularly through the study of uranium and gypsum mineralization.

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• Introduction and overview of the objectives of log interpretation
• Data preprocessing and correction
• Reservoir and cap identification
• Conventional deterministic approach (clay volume, porosity, saturation)
• “Quicklook” processing pipeline
•    Final estimation (cutoff, “net to gross”)
• Implementation using technical drawings followed by Techlog software (Schlumberger).

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• Overview of methods for deep drilling, covering both the technological aspects of drilling and mud and cuttings control (“mud logging”).
•    Overview of geophysical methods used during drilling, or “delayed logging” (electrical, nuclear, acoustic, and seismic methods, as well as techniques developed for in-situ measurements of temperature, pressure, and permeability).
• Application of these methods in the oil and gas industry and environmental contexts.

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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 the structural and textural constraints that enable 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 the sometimes indiscriminate application of textbook models.

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This learning unit introduces the fundamental concepts needed to understand the formation and operation of geothermal reservoirs.

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

The EU will then focus on several topics specific to geothermal energy, such as mass and heat transfer mechanisms in reservoirs. These will be discussed and illustrated using real-world examples through 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 examining applications such as the underground storage of CO2, heat, or energy. The influence of the mechanical properties of reservoir rocks, as well as the interactions between the stored fluids and the surrounding rocks, will be highlighted in order to assess the feasibility and sustainability of these storage systems.

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This course details the internal structure, mineralogical composition, and petrophysical properties of faults, as well as the geological conditions (stresses) that control their impermeability and integrity in faulted reservoir environments. We cover the different types of “fault seals” and the tools commonly used in the geological reservoir industry to predict fault permeability.
Key topics covered:
- Fault and top seals (juxtaposition, SGR, mechanical and diagenetic seals).
- Fault zonation,
- Deformation mechanisms,
- Deformation bands in porous sandstones,
- Permeability of fault zones.

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This course unit consists of completing two resource assessment projects based on applied case studies in the mining and petroleum sectors. 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 analyze the provided datasets (software such as Techlog, Coralis, Petrel, etc.). The results of the data interpretation will be summarized and presented in a concise and well-reasoned manner in the form of two reports or presentations.

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A 5- to 6-month internship at a company, engineering firm, or laboratory.

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