05-MMG-MR1 Continental Margin Resources (bis SoSe 2025)

This module will provide a basic understanding of ocean margin gas hydrate and hydrocarbon systems. Students will get a comprehensive insight into the physics, chemistry and geobiology of gas hydrates as well as into geochemical concepts of generation and migration of hydrocarbons. They will learn how biomarkers are used to identify origin, migration and alteration of hydrocarbons in marine sediments. In addition the module offers an introduction into the application of geoscience concepts in hydrocarbon exploration and development.

1) Students understand key concept in hydrocarbon exploration
2) Students understand the principles of gas hydrate formation and distribution on earth
3) Students understand oil and gas formation, migration and in-reservoir alteration
4) Students understand biomarkers as a tool to establish oil-source correlations and alteration histories using petroleum geochemical data

Background in basics of geophysics, sedimentology and structural geology

Course Type 1: Lecture, Exercise (L+E) 2.0 SWS ( 28.0 h)

Course Type 2: Lecture, Exercise (L+E) 2.0 SWS ( 28.0 h)

Course Type 3: Lecture, Exercise (L+E) 1.0 SWS ( 14.0 h)

Tutorial(s): with 1.0 SWS ( 14 h)

84.0 h presence time
60.0 h self-study
36.0 h exam workload

180 h total workload

combination exam

exam elements: 2
SL: 1

50 % written exam
50 % Presentation with written elaboration

Study performance: participation in group exercises.

Sloan, EDJ, and Koh CA (2007) Clathrate hydrate of natural gases (third edition). CRC press, Taylor & Francis Group, London, New York.
Rose, Peter (2001): Risk Analysis and Management of Petroleum Exploration Ventures (AAPG Methods in Exploration No. 12)
Jahn, Cook and Graham (2008) Hydrocarbon Exploration & Production (Developments in Petroleum Science)
Tisso, B.P. and Welte, D.H. (1984) Petroleum Formation and Occurrence (2nd Edition, Springer-Verlag, Berlin)