Course 1. Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd November

A Short Course on Molecular Geochemistry: Biomarkers-Isotopes-Diamondoids-CSIA

Mike Moldowan

Standford University, Biomarker Technology Co.

A Short Course on Molecular Geochemistry: Biomarkers-Isotopes-Diamondoids-CSIA” presents an in-depth and detailed review of molecular geochemistry as it relates to oil and gas exploration. This course offers enough detail that graduates can makes informed decisions about methods selection and even make preliminary interpretation of biomarker and diamondoid data, for example. New technologies of diamondoids and CSIA are featured topics.

Course Contents Summary :

Part I. Introduction to Biomarker and Isotope Methods

• Learn molecular geochemistry from fundamentals to application.

• What paleoenvironmental conditions led to source rock formation?

• Predict source rock quality from analysis of oil.

• Link biomarker fingerprints and composition of crude oil to:

  • Source input

  • Depositional environment

  • Thermal maturity

  • Biodegradation

• Use age-related biomarkers in oil to determine source rock age.

• Choose analytical methods and protocols to deliver critical information

• Receive an introduction to gas geochemistry

• Learn fundamentals of reservoir geochemistry: communication, allocation

Part II. Diamondoids, Compound Specific Isotope Analysis (CSIA)

• Learn how these new technologies can be used to:

• Determine and de-convolute mixed-oil accumulations

• Reveal deep gas generated beneath established oil provinces

• Identify source of cracked condensate/gas even when mixed with black oil from another source

• Find oil, condensate and gas seeps from piston core samples. 

Cost: US $475 (Coffe Breaks and course material included)