Sedimentary basins are first-order geological structures capable of hosting abundant reserves of non-renewable resources (e.g., oil, gas, coal) and renewables (e.g., geothermal energy). Their sustainable exploitation is of vital importance to face the growing global energy demand in the coming decades, respecting the environment, with special regard to the impact of energy production on climate change and to ensure a gradual and balanced transition from fossil energy sources to renewable sources. The aim of the course is to provide students with a theoretical and practical basis (through the use of modern quantitative analysis techniques) for the reconstruction of the dynamics, internal architecture and thermicity of sedimentary basins for “responsible” energy exploration and production.
teacher profile teaching materials
Sedimentary basins, natural and energy resources. Energy needs today and in future decades: predictive models. Sustainability and energy transition.
PART 1 - Principles for the study of sedimentary basins -Generalities: 1. What are sedimentary basins; 2. Sedimentary basins as complex systems, controlling factors; 3. Main characteristics in comparison: Duration; Heat flow; Fate; Subsidence; Sediment production; Preservation potential (uplift and exhumation); 5.From sedimentary basin to the definition of oil systems (conventional and unconventional) and geothermal systems (medium and low enthalpy); Characters of a storage site (examples).
PART 2 - Dynamics of sedimentary basin formation 1. extensional basins; 2. flexural basins
PART 3 - Subsidence and burial: 1. compressibility and compaction of porous sediments; 2. porosity and permeability of sediments and sedimentary rocks; 3. subsidence history and backstripping; 4. tectonic subsidence; 5. one-dimensional modelling (exercise from well log)
PART 4 - Thermal history: Arrhenius equation and indices of thermal maturity; 2. Factors influencing temperature and palaeo-temperature in sedimentary basins; 3. Thermal and thermochronological calibration methods and parameters (Organic matter dispersed in sediments; Low-temperature thermochronology; Clay mineralogy; Correlations) 4.
Sedimentology of parent rocks for the production of hydrocarbons 1. Composition and production processes; 2. preservation and accumulation of organic matter dispersed in the sediments; 3. classification and theories on the origin of kerogen in the eo-genetic phase; 4. mechanisms and processes of parent rock formation (current and past case histories with some examples from around the world); 5. catagenesis and metagenesis; 6. one-dimensional modelling (exercise on well log and geochemical database)
From the petroleum system to the geothermal system
Selected scientific papers
Original handouts
Programme
IntroductionSedimentary basins, natural and energy resources. Energy needs today and in future decades: predictive models. Sustainability and energy transition.
PART 1 - Principles for the study of sedimentary basins -Generalities: 1. What are sedimentary basins; 2. Sedimentary basins as complex systems, controlling factors; 3. Main characteristics in comparison: Duration; Heat flow; Fate; Subsidence; Sediment production; Preservation potential (uplift and exhumation); 5.From sedimentary basin to the definition of oil systems (conventional and unconventional) and geothermal systems (medium and low enthalpy); Characters of a storage site (examples).
PART 2 - Dynamics of sedimentary basin formation 1. extensional basins; 2. flexural basins
PART 3 - Subsidence and burial: 1. compressibility and compaction of porous sediments; 2. porosity and permeability of sediments and sedimentary rocks; 3. subsidence history and backstripping; 4. tectonic subsidence; 5. one-dimensional modelling (exercise from well log)
PART 4 - Thermal history: Arrhenius equation and indices of thermal maturity; 2. Factors influencing temperature and palaeo-temperature in sedimentary basins; 3. Thermal and thermochronological calibration methods and parameters (Organic matter dispersed in sediments; Low-temperature thermochronology; Clay mineralogy; Correlations) 4.
Sedimentology of parent rocks for the production of hydrocarbons 1. Composition and production processes; 2. preservation and accumulation of organic matter dispersed in the sediments; 3. classification and theories on the origin of kerogen in the eo-genetic phase; 4. mechanisms and processes of parent rock formation (current and past case histories with some examples from around the world); 5. catagenesis and metagenesis; 6. one-dimensional modelling (exercise on well log and geochemical database)
From the petroleum system to the geothermal system
Core Documentation
Philip A. Allen, John R. Allen, 2013. Analysis: Principles and Application to Petroleum Play Assessment, 3rd Edition Basin. ISBN: 978-0-470-67377-5. 632 pagesSelected scientific papers
Original handouts
Type of delivery of the course
Frontal lectures and exercises through the use of software for one-dimensional modelling of well data using portable PCs. Classroom analysis of scientific articles for the drafting of summary sheets of datasets to be modelled. Discussion session on the results of the exercises carried out through short reports by the students.Type of evaluation
Presentation of a modelling case in a regional context to be selected (Creation of the geological-geochemical database; One-dimensional modelling; Final report; ppt).