Tutor(s)
Gary Hampson: Professor of Sedimentary Geology, Imperial College London.
Matthew Jackson: Chair in Geological Fluid Dynamics, Imperial College London.
Overview
This course provides a field-based overview of reservoir characterization relevant to carbon capture and underground storage (CCS) and focuses on widely exploited reservoir depositional environments and their associated heterogeneity. The course links geological heterogeneity observed in well-exposed outcrop analogues with flow and transport processes during CO2 injection and plume migration, and also discusses the characterization and modelling of heterogeneity using typical subsurface datasets. The concepts are illustrated using numerous practical examples.
Duration and Logistics
A 5-day field course with a combination of field activities and exercises, plus classroom sessions. A manual and exercise materials will be distributed to participants on the course. Transport is by small coach.
Level and Audience
Intermediate. The course is intended for professionals with experience of, or background in, a related subsurface geoscience area, and / or recent graduates in a relevant topic.
Exertion Level
This class requires an EASY exertion level. Field locations are mainly accessed by hikes of 1–2km (roughly 1 mile) across some irregular terrain, including sandy beaches, coastal paths and pebbly / rocky beaches.
Objectives
You will learn to:
- Describe and explain types of geological heterogeneity associated with reservoirs, storage units and aquifers developed in common depositional environments.
- Evaluate how these heterogeneities can be characterized and quantified in the subsurface and represented in static and dynamic reservoir models.
- Consider the impact of these heterogeneities on fluid flow and transport in the context of CO2 storage.
- Understand reservoir characterization requirements for the prediction of CCS.