An Interactive 5-Day Training Course
Mapping in Structurally Complex & Thrust Terrains
Mapping Structurally Complex and Thrust Terrains
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Duration
5 Days
Price
$ 3,500
Starting From
08 Nov 2027
Home Geology and Geoscience Mapping in Structurally Complex & Thrust Terrains
Mapping in Structurally Complex & Thrust Terrains
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Mapping in Structurally Complex & Thrust Terrains - GG-CMAP-PEA27
| Code | Date | Time | Duration | Location | Currency | Early Bird Fee Per Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GG-CMAP-PEA27 | 08 - 12 Nov 2027 | 10 AM CST | 4 Hours Per Day |
Online |
USD |
3500 |
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Mapping in Structurally Complex & Thrust Terrains
This training covers mapping in structurally complex and thrust terrains. It works through thrust belt geometry and kinematics, repeated and overturned section in wells, structural restoration as a mapping constraint, mapping overthrust and subthrust targets, seismic imaging problems in thrust belts, depth conversion with complex velocity structure, multi-sheet mapping and its presentation, volume calculation in thrust structures, uncertainty in complex terrains and the validation of complex structural maps.
Description
Mapping a thrust belt breaks most of the assumptions behind standard subsurface mapping. A single vertical well may penetrate the same stratigraphic interval several times, a horizon exists at several depths at the same map location, the stratigraphy may be overturned, the seismic imaging is poor beneath the thrust sheets and the velocity structure makes depth conversion unreliable. Mapping these terrains requires a structural model that is kinematically possible and a mapping approach that handles multiple sheets.
This training covers that specialist mapping. Thrust belt geometry and kinematics are established first, covering the structures that occur and the deformation that produces them. Repeated and overturned section in wells follows, covering the recognition and interpretation of structural repetition. Structural restoration as a mapping constraint is then developed, since a map that cannot be restored is not geometrically possible. Mapping overthrust and subthrust targets follows. Seismic imaging problems in thrust belts are then addressed. Depth conversion with complex velocity structure follows. Multi-sheet mapping and its presentation are then developed. Volume calculation in thrust structures follows. Uncertainty in complex terrains is addressed. The training closes with validation.
A map that cannot be restored is geometrically impossible. Structural restoration removes the deformation and returns the layers to their pre-deformation geometry, and a valid interpretation restores to a sensible undeformed state with consistent bed lengths and areas. An interpretation that restores to gaps, overlaps or impossible thickness changes contains an error, which can usually be located and corrected. Restoration is therefore a quality control tool for structural mapping, not only a research technique.
Subthrust targets are the prize and the imaging is worst there. The structures beneath a thrust sheet frequently contain the better reservoir and the undeformed trap, and the seismic image beneath the sheet is degraded by the velocity contrast, by scattering and by the steep dips above. Interpretations of subthrust structure therefore carry very large uncertainty, and drilling results in thrust belts show a high rate of structural surprises. Honest uncertainty statements are more important here than anywhere else in subsurface mapping.
Depth conversion in a thrust belt cannot use a layer cake model. The velocity at a given depth depends on which thrust sheet the point lies in and on the burial history of that sheet, which may differ from the sheet above. A velocity model built from depth trends will be systematically wrong, and the error varies across the map. Building a velocity model that follows the structural geometry, with velocities assigned by stratigraphic unit within each sheet, is the only approach that can work.
Finally, a single map cannot represent a thrust structure. At a given surface location, a horizon may exist in the hanging wall of one thrust, in the footwall, and again in a higher sheet. The mapping product is therefore a set of maps, one per structural sheet or per fault block, with their overlap relationships stated, plus cross sections that show how they relate. Presenting this clearly to non-specialists is part of the task, because a decision maker handed three overlapping maps of the same area will not necessarily understand what they show.
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
- Interpret thrust belt geometry and the kinematics that produce it
- Recognise and interpret repeated and overturned section in wells
- Apply structural restoration as a constraint on interpretation
- Map overthrust and subthrust targets
- Assess seismic imaging limitations in thrust belts
- Build velocity models that follow structural geometry
- Produce multi-sheet map sets and state their relationships
- Calculate volumes in thrust structures
- Quantify and communicate uncertainty in complex terrains
- Validate complex structural interpretations
The training works on thrust belt data sets including wells with repeated section. Participants interpret structures, restore their interpretations to test geometric validity, and map multiple sheets. Interpretations are compared against the drilling outcomes. Depth conversion is performed with layer cake and structurally consistent velocity models and the differences quantified.
Organisations sending participants to this training will:
- Produce kinematically valid structural interpretations
- Recognise repeated section correctly in wells
- Build velocity models suited to complex structure
- Map subthrust targets with honest uncertainty
- Present multi-sheet maps clearly
- Reduce structural surprises in thrust belt drilling
Participants will:
- Interpret thrust belt structures
- Recognise structural repetition in wells
- Restore interpretations as a validity check
- Map multiple structural sheets
- Depth convert complex structures
- Communicate complex structural uncertainty
- Structural geologists in fold and thrust belts
- Exploration geoscientists in complex terrains
- Seismic interpreters in thrust belt settings
- Well planners drilling complex structures
- Operations geologists in thrust belt wells
- Technical staff reviewing complex interpretations
- Geoscientists entering thrust belt exploration
Module 1 - Thrust Belt Geometry
- Fold and thrust belt settings
- Thrust fault geometry
- Ramps, flats and detachments
- Fault bend folds
- Fault propagation folds
- Detachment folds
- Duplexes and imbricate stacks
- Triangle zones
- Back thrusts and tear faults
- Foreland and hinterland geometry
- Thrust belt scale and taper
- Global thrust belt examples
Module 2 - Kinematics and Mechanics
- Thrust sequence and propagation
- Piggyback and overstep sequences
- Critical taper theory
- Detachment horizon control
- Salt and shale detachments
- Shortening estimation
- Displacement partitioning
- Out of sequence thrusting
- Syn-tectonic sedimentation
- Growth strata and timing
- Inversion in thrust terrains
- Kinematic plausibility tests
Module 3 - Repeated and Overturned Section
- Structural repetition recognition
- Repeated section in well logs
- Marker repetition and its interpretation
- Thrust fault cut identification
- Distinguishing repetition from facies similarity
- Overturned section recognition
- Younging direction indicators
- Dipmeter and image log evidence
- Biostratigraphic confirmation
- Section thickness anomalies
- Missing section from normal faults
- Building the well structural interpretation
Module 4 - Structural Restoration
- Restoration principles
- Line length and area balance
- Flexural slip and simple shear methods
- Section construction for restoration
- Balanced section requirements
- Pin lines and loose lines
- Restoring in stages
- Diagnosing errors from restoration failure
- Gaps and overlaps on restoration
- Admissible against inadmissible interpretations
- Three dimensional restoration in outline
- Restoration as a mapping quality control
Module 5 - Overthrust and Subthrust Mapping
- Hanging wall structure mapping
- Footwall structure mapping
- Subthrust target identification
- Subthrust trap types
- Imaging limitations beneath thrust sheets
- Projecting structure beneath a sheet
- Constraints from restoration
- Constraints from surface geology
- Well constraints on subthrust structure
- Alternative subthrust interpretations
- Risking subthrust targets
- Drilling results and structural surprises
Module 6 - Seismic Imaging and Depth Conversion
- Imaging problems in thrust belts
- Steep dip imaging
- Velocity contrast and scattering
- Statics and near surface problems
- Depth migration requirements
- Anisotropy in thrust belt imaging
- Interpretation in poor data
- Velocity structure in thrust sheets
- Sheet specific velocity assignment
- Why layer cake models fail
- Structurally consistent velocity models
- Depth uncertainty in complex structure
Module 7 - Multi-Sheet Mapping and Volumes
- Mapping by structural sheet
- Sheet boundary definition
- Overlapping map areas
- Presenting overlapping maps
- Fault polygon complexity
- Three dimensional model construction
- Cross sections as the primary product
- Fence diagrams and section sets
- Closure definition in thrust structures
- Volume calculation per sheet
- Aggregating volumes across sheets
- Communicating to non-specialists
Module 8 - Uncertainty and Validation
- Uncertainty sources in complex terrains
- Interpretational uncertainty magnitude
- Alternative structural models
- Depth uncertainty and its effect
- Volume ranges in thrust structures
- Probability of structural failure
- Validation against surface geology
- Validation against wells
- Restoration as validation
- Post-well structural review
- Learning from thrust belt drilling
- Honest uncertainty communication
Upon successful completion of this training course, delegates will be awarded an official Certificate of Completion issued by the Petroleum Engineers Association (PEA), an ISO 9001:2015 certified training organization. The certificate carries 10 Credits and formally records the total learning hours completed.
Each certificate is signed by the Course Facilitator and the CEO of the Petroleum Engineers Association, and serves as verifiable proof of professional training that delegates can present to employers and professional bodies worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
All course bookings made through PEA are strictly non-refundable. By registering for a course, you acknowledge and accept that all fees are payable in full and are not subject to refund under any circumstances, including changes in personal or professional commitments or partial attendance.
PEA reserves the right to make reasonable adjustments to course content, trainers, or schedules where necessary, without entitling delegates to a refund. Comprehensive details of each course — including objectives, target audience, and content — are clearly outlined before enrolment, and it is the responsibility of the delegate to ensure the course's suitability prior to booking.
For any inquiries related to cancellations or bookings, please contact our support team, who will be happy to assist you.
