Exploring For Oil

How is science involved in the exploration for oil and natural gas? Requires an understanding of geology.

How is technology involved in this exploration? Computer models are generated Seismic surveys Satellites are used to collect data.

How did oil and natural gas begin? Plants and animals

Briefly explain the role of sedimentation and dead organisms in producing oil and natural gas. Organisms died Covered by layers of sediment Over time, alternating layers of dead organisms and sediments were formed. As the layers stacked up, the tremendous heat and pressure converted the dead organisms into oil and natural gas.

Why do oil and natural gas move upwards towards the surface? Oil is less dense than water.

Difference between reservoir rocks and impermeable rocks- Reservoir rocks have pores Gas and oil pass through them. Impermeable “trap” rocks trap fluids and gases so they cannot pass through

Explain how the rocks below the surface of the earth cause this difference to occur Oil seeps through the surface = reservoir allowing it to pass through. Oil is below the surface = impermeable rock prevented the oil from seeping through.

Through what type of rock are geoscientists trying to access oil and natural gas today? Impermeable

Sound waves to locate oil on ground- Sonic sound waves shot through the ground Computer records how long it takes for the waves to echo off each layer of rock. Data are used to create maps

Sound waves to locate oil and natural gas below the seafloor? Submerge an air gun and shoot bursts of sound. Hydrophones pick up reflected sound waves. The data is collected onboard or by satellite.

How do geoscientists use computer modeling with the data gathered through sound waves? Make 3-d map

What are the three dimensions referred to in the term “3D”? Height Width depth

What is the fourth dimension referred to in the term “4D”? time

Why is the fourth dimension important in mapping oil and natural gas? Oil migrates

Why are “virtual drilling” and visualization rooms so important to geoscientists? Drill efficiently

What is an exploratory well? Drilled to determine whether oil or natural gas is present.

When is an exploratory well drilled? When a 4-d map shows oil/ gas

What are the four aspects that geologists must consider before recommending additional wells for production to occur? Amount that can be produced Technology required to bring it to the surface Cost of getting it out of the ground Time required to start and to maintain production.

What happens if an exploratory well finds little or no oil or natural gas? The well is termed a “dry hole” and is sealed to protect the environment.