Hydrocarbon Formation and Petroleum Exploration

This course will introduce the students to applied concepts of petroleum exploration using the hydrocarbon composition (including biomarkers) in oils. Using practical examples, the students will learn how to interpret petroleum geochemical data in order to determine (i) the origin and correlation of source rocks, oils and condensates, (ii) oil maturities, (iii) biodegradation and (iv) controls on the gas-oil ratio in a petroleum accumulation.

By the lecturer: Lecture, Written handout
By the students: Practical exercise, Seminar presentation, Written final report.

- To obtain a good overview on advanced geochemical exploration methods
- To understand oil and gas formation, migration and in-reservoir alteration
- To gain practical experience in solving exploration problems: e.g. establishing oil-source correlations and alteration histories using petroleum geochemical data.

written report

schriftlicher Bericht

Tisso, B.P. and Welte, D.H. (1984) Petroleum Formation and Occurrence (2nd Edition, Springer-Verlag, Berlin)

1st SWS: Origin and Preservation of Organic Matter
2nd SWS: Hydrocarbon Formation (The "Petroleum System Concept")
3rd SWS: Reservoirs Characteristics and Processes
4th SWS: Source and Migration
5th SWS: Selected Case Studies
6th SWS: Practical Training/Exercise
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Tabellenkalkulation mit Excel