This book explains in detail how to use oil and gas show information to find hydrocarbons. It covers the basics of exploration methodologies, drilling and mud systems, cuttings and mud gas show evaluation, fundamental log analysis, the pitfalls of log-calculated water saturations, and a complete overview of the use of pressures to understand traps and migration, hydrodynamics, and seal and reservoir quantification using capillary pressure. Also included are techniques for quickly generating pseudo-capillary pressure curves from simple porosity/permeability data, with examples of how to build spreadsheets in Excel, and a complete treatment of fluid inclusion analysis and fluid inclusion stratigraphy to map migration pathways. In addition, petroleum systems modeling and fundamental source rock geochemistry are discussed in depth, particularly in the context of unconventional source rock evaluation and screening tools for entering new plays. The book is heavily illustratedwith numerous examples and case histories from the author's 37 years of exploration experience. The topics covered in this book will give any young geoscientist a quick start on a successful career and serve as a refresher for the more experienced explorer.
"It becomes an easy reference guide for earth scientists who have practiced their "art" for many years as well as the industry newcomer. ... the book is a map on how to improve the search for hydrocarbons. The content of this book will be invaluable to our industry for years to come. The author has done us a great service." (John B. Thomas, AAPG Bulletin, Vol. 101 (8), August, 2017)
"Mr. Dolson's book is a long overdue work, filling a critical knowledge gap that has spanned decades of exploration and has resulted in billions of dollars in dry holes. ... His years of experience with major oil companies, as well as teaching and consulting, provide an exceptional perspective on this critically important subject. ... this book is an absolute must read and keep for explorationists at all levels as well as managers and engineers. ... this book is highly recommended." (David Blanchard, GEOExPro, Vol. 14 (3), May, 2017)
"This is intended as a text for professional geologists beginning a career in oil and gas exploration. The work is based on the author's more than three decades of experience, mostly in Egypt, India, and Russia. ... book is divided into nine chapters, each leading with an abstract and ending with a summary and references. Chapters are profusely illustrated with charts, diagrams, and occasional photos, mostly clear and easily readable ... . Summing Up: Recommended. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates; professionals." (P. Larsen, Choice, Vol. 54 (6), February, 2017)
"Mr. Dolson's book is a long overdue work, filling a critical knowledge gap that has spanned decades of exploration and has resulted in billions of dollars in dry holes. ... His years of experience with major oil companies, as well as teaching and consulting, provide an exceptional perspective on this critically important subject. ... this book is an absolute must read and keep for explorationists at all levels as well as managers and engineers. ... this book is highly recommended." (David Blanchard, GEOExPro, Vol. 14 (3), May, 2017)
"This is intended as a text for professional geologists beginning a career in oil and gas exploration. The work is based on the author's more than three decades of experience, mostly in Egypt, India, and Russia. ... book is divided into nine chapters, each leading with an abstract and ending with a summary and references. Chapters are profusely illustrated with charts, diagrams, and occasional photos, mostly clear and easily readable ... . Summing Up: Recommended. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates; professionals." (P. Larsen, Choice, Vol. 54 (6), February, 2017)