Understand Subsurface Geology

3.1. Present in a tabular form the kinds of information that it is possible to obtain from a
single hole or test well and the ways of its determination.
3.2. Enlist the kinds of subsurface geologic maps.

3.3. Describe the following types of subsurface geologic maps.

a) Structural Maps and Sections.
A map portraying structural surface such as top or bottom of a stratigraphic unit; marker
beds and horizons; and surfaces of unconformity, of fractures, of mineral deposits, and
of aquifers.
The data used in constructing a structure-contour map may be obtained from geological
surveys, the drilling of holes, mining, or geophysical investigations. On the basis of
these data, the depth of the structural surface is established at various points in the
area under study. The form and depth of occurrence are portrayed by means of
structure-contour lines, which are constructed in much the same way as contour lines
on a topographic map; the structure-contour lines take into account all the data on the
geologic structure of the area. The scale used depends on the maps purpose. Smallscale maps (1:1,000,000) are generally used for depicting the surface of the foundation
of a craton. Large-scale maps (1:50,000, 1:10,000, or larger scales) are employed for
determining modes of occurrence, planning exploration, and calculating mineral
reserves.
Structural cross sections illustrate structural features such as dips, faults, and folds.
They are usually prepared to study structural problems related to subsurface units, fault
geometry, and general correlations. Such problem-solving is accomplished by enabling
us to visualize the subsurface structure in a vertical plane. Electric well logs can be
used in the construction of structural cross sections. There are times when electric logs
are not available and other data must be used. These data could include drill-time logs,
core data, and lithology logs prepared from cuttings descriptions.
b) Isopach Maps.
An isopach illustrates thickness variations within a tabular unit, layer or stratum.
Isopachs are contour of equal thickness over an area. Isopach maps are utilized in
hydrographic survey, stratigraphy, sedimentology, structural geology, petroleum geology
and volcanology.
3.4. Outline classification of reservoir rocks

Reservoir rocks are broadly classified into two types;

i.

Sandstones

ii.

Carbonates

3.5. Describe nomenclature of reservoir rocks.

Sandstone Reservoirs:
Sandstones are composed of sand-sized particles containing textural features indicative
of the environment in which they were deposited like ripple marks (alluvial/fluvial),
cross-bedding (alluvial/fluvial or eolian), graded bedding (turbidity current). Typically
sandstones are light in color and can also be dark brown to rusty red. Sandstone
porosity is in the range of 10-30%. Intergranular porosity is largely determined by
sorting (primary porosity). Poorly indurated sandstones are referred to as fissile (easily
disaggregated when scratched), whereas highly indurated sandstones can be very
resistant to weathering and erosion.
Classification:
Arkosic Sandstone
Sandstones can be further classified according to the abundance of grains of a
particular chemical composition (i.e., common source rock); for example, an arkosic
sandstone (usually abbreviated ark. s.s.) is a sandstone largely composed of feldspar
(feldspathic) grains
Quartz Sandstone:
Sandstones composed of nearly all quartz grains are labeled quartz sandstones
(usually abbreviated: qtz. s.s.)
Carbonate Reservoir Rocks:

3.6. Outline particle size classification of clastic rocks according to U. S. Bureau of

Solids.

3.7. Describe graphic method (Ternary Diagram) showing the composition of Sediment
having three components.
3.8. Explain importance of clay in the geology of petroleum

3.9. Describe the phenomenon of cementation of fragmental reservoir rocks.

3.10. Describe various types of chemical reservoir rocks.
See Carbonate Reservoir Rocks
3.11. Explain various miscellaneous types of reservoir rocks.
3.12. Outline the points suggesting differentiation between marine and non-marine
rocks.
4.