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Mark D. Zoback

This interdisciplinary course encompasses the fields of rock mechanics, structural geology, earthquake seismology and petroleum engineering to address a wide range of geomechanical problems that arise during the exploitation of oil and gas reservoirs.

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This interdisciplinary course encompasses the fields of rock mechanics, structural geology, earthquake seismology and petroleum engineering to address a wide range of geomechanical problems that arise during the exploitation of oil and gas reservoirs.

The course considers key practical issues such as prediction of pore pressure, estimation of hydrocarbon column heights and fault seal potential, determination of optimally stable well trajectories, casing set points and mud weights, changes in reservoir performance during depletion, and production-induced faulting and subsidence. The first part of the course establishes the basic principles involved in a way that allows readers from different disciplinary backgrounds to understand the key concepts.

The course is intended for geoscientists and engineers in the petroleum and geothermal industries, and for research scientists interested in stress measurements and their application to problems of faulting and fluid flow in the crust.

What you'll learn

  • basic principles established in a way that allows readers from different disciplinary backgrounds to understand the key concepts
  • key practical issues such as:
    • prediction of pore pressure
    • estimation of hydrocarbon column heights and fault seal potential
    • determination of optimally stable well trajectories
    • casing set points and mud weights
    • changes in reservoir performance during depletion
    • production-induced faulting and subsidence

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Basic principles established in a way that allows readers from different disciplinary backgrounds to understand the key concepts
  • Key practical issues such as:
  • Prediction of pore pressure
  • Estimation of hydrocarbon column heights and fault seal potential
  • Determination of optimally stable well trajectories
  • Casing set points and mud weights
  • Changes in reservoir performance during depletion
  • Production-induced faulting and subsidence

Syllabus

20, 90 minute lectures (in ~20 minute segments). 2 lectures will be made available each week.
Lecture 1 is an overview to introduce the topics covered in the course. Lectures 2-17 follow 12 chapters of Dr. Zoback’s textbook, Reservoir Geomechanics (Cambridge University Press, 2007) with updated examples and applications. Lectures 18 and 19 are on topics related to geomechanical issues affecting shale gas and tight oil recovery. Lecture 20 is on the topic of managing the risk of triggered and induced seismicity.
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8 Homework assignments (and associated video modules) are intended to give the class hands-on experience with a number of the topics addressed in the course.
The course grade will be based solely on homework assignments. There will be no quizzes or exams.
Homework assignments will be graded electronically and will consist of multiple choice and numerical entry responses.
There will be an online discussion forum where participants can discuss the content of the course and ask questions of each other and the instructors.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Delves into the impacts of geomechanical stress on hydrocarbon exploitation, addressing real-world industry concerns and challenges
Taught by Mark D. Zoback, a renowned expert in geomechanics and author of the widely-used textbook on reservoir geomechanics
Provides practical hands-on experience through homework assignments, allowing learners to apply the concepts covered in the course
Covers a wide range of geomechanical topics relevant to the oil and gas industry, including pore pressure prediction and wellbore stability
Balanced approach for learners with varying backgrounds, establishing foundational principles and gradually introducing advanced concepts
Prerequisites in rock mechanics, structural geology, and earthquake seismology are recommended for optimal understanding

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Reservoir Geomechanics with these activities:
Volunteer at a local geology or engineering organization
Gain practical experience and contribute to the community by volunteering at a relevant organization.
Show steps
  • Identify local geology or engineering organizations that accept volunteers.
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Attend volunteer training sessions and familiarize yourself with the organization's activities.
Review ‘Reservoir Geomechanics’ by Mark D. Zoback
Build a strong foundation by reviewing the recommended textbook, which provides a comprehensive overview of reservoir geomechanics.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read each chapter thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting key concepts.
  • Complete the exercises and review questions at the end of each chapter.
Solve basic rock mechanic problems
Practice solving basic rock mechanic problems to reinforce understanding of fundamental principles.
Show steps
  • Review the basic concepts of rock mechanics.
  • Find a set of practice problems online or in a textbook.
  • Solve the problems, showing all your work.
  • Check your answers against the solutions provided.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Form a study group with classmates
Enhance understanding and foster collaboration by forming a study group with classmates.
Show steps
  • Identify classmates who are interested in forming a study group.
  • Establish a regular meeting schedule and location.
  • Take turns leading discussions and presenting concepts to the group.
Follow tutorials on advanced well trajectory design
Enhance understanding of well trajectory design by following guided tutorials.
Show steps
  • Identify online tutorials or courses on advanced well trajectory design.
  • Follow the tutorials, taking notes and practicing the techniques demonstrated.
  • Apply the learned techniques to design a well trajectory for a given scenario.
Attend industry conferences on reservoir geomechanics
Expand knowledge and connect with experts in the field by attending industry conferences.
Show steps
  • Research upcoming industry conferences on reservoir geomechanics.
  • Register for the conference and attend the sessions that align with your interests.
  • Network with other attendees, including industry professionals and researchers.
Participate in a workshop on practical applications of reservoir geomechanics
Gain hands-on experience and insights by participating in a workshop on practical applications of reservoir geomechanics.
Show steps
  • Identify workshops or training programs on practical applications of reservoir geomechanics.
  • Register for the workshop and prepare for the hands-on activities.
  • Actively participate in the workshop, asking questions and engaging in discussions.
Develop a presentation on production-induced faulting and subsidence
Deepen understanding of production-induced faulting and subsidence by creating a presentation on the topic.
Show steps
  • Research production-induced faulting and subsidence, gathering data and insights.
  • Organize the information into a logical structure for a presentation.
  • Create visual aids, such as graphs, charts, and diagrams, to illustrate the concepts.
  • Practice delivering the presentation to improve clarity and engagement.

Career center

Learners who complete Reservoir Geomechanics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum Engineers apply the principles of engineering to the activities related to the production of hydrocarbons, which include crude oil and natural gas. This course provides a foundation in rock mechanics, structural geology, earthquake seismology, and petroleum engineering to help Petroleum Engineers address geomechanical problems that arise during the exploitation of oil and gas reservoirs.
Geotechnical Engineer
Geotechnical Engineers apply the principles of soil mechanics and rock mechanics to the design of foundations and other structures that interact with the ground. This course helps build a foundation in rock mechanics and structural geology, which are important for understanding the behavior of soils and rocks and for designing safe and stable structures.
Reservoir Engineer
Reservoir Engineers use mathematical and numerical models to simulate the behavior of oil and gas reservoirs. This course provides a foundation in rock mechanics, reservoir performance, and production-induced faulting and subsidence, which are important for understanding the behavior of reservoirs and for optimizing their production.
Drilling Engineer
Drilling Engineers design and supervise the drilling of oil and gas wells. This course provides a foundation in rock mechanics, well stability, and mud design, which are important for understanding the challenges of drilling and for designing safe and efficient drilling operations.
Production Geologist
Production Geologists work with engineers to optimize the production of oil and gas from reservoirs. This course provides a foundation in rock mechanics, reservoir performance, and production-induced faulting and subsidence, which are important for understanding the behavior of reservoirs and for optimizing their production.
Hydrogeologist
Hydrogeologists study the movement of water in the Earth's subsurface. This course may be useful for Hydrogeologists who are interested in understanding the mechanical properties of rocks and in using groundwater flow models to simulate the behavior of aquifers.
Engineering Geologist
Engineering Geologists apply the principles of geology to the design and construction of structures. This course may be useful for Engineering Geologists who are interested in understanding the mechanical properties of rocks and in using geological data to assess the stability of slopes and other geological structures.
Geophysicist
Geophysicists use seismic waves to image the Earth's subsurface. This course may be useful for Geophysicists who are interested in understanding the mechanical properties of rocks and in using seismic waves to map faults and other geological structures.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers design and operate systems to protect the environment from pollution. This course may be useful for Environmental Engineers who are interested in understanding the mechanical properties of soils and in designing systems to prevent soil erosion and contamination.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers design and construct infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. This course may be useful for Civil Engineers who are interested in understanding the mechanical properties of soils and rocks and in designing structures that are safe and stable.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers design and build machines and other mechanical systems. This course may be useful for Mechanical Engineers who are interested in understanding the mechanical properties of materials and in designing systems that are strong and durable.
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientists study the properties of materials and develop new materials for a variety of applications. This course may be useful for Materials Scientists who are interested in understanding the mechanical properties of materials and in developing new materials for use in a variety of industries.
Nuclear Engineer
Nuclear Engineers design and operate nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities. This course may be useful for Nuclear Engineers who are interested in understanding the mechanical properties of materials and in designing systems that are safe and reliable.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Engineers design and operate chemical plants and other chemical processes. This course may be useful for Chemical Engineers who are interested in understanding the mechanical properties of materials and in designing systems that are safe and efficient.
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineers design and build aircraft, spacecraft, and other aerospace vehicles. This course may be useful for Aerospace Engineers who are interested in understanding the mechanical properties of materials and in designing systems that are lightweight and strong.

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Reservoir Geomechanics.
Provides a more in-depth understanding of the petroleum reservoir, taking a detailed look at properties and behaviors of the rocks within.
A useful reference book for learning and reviewing the basics of fault and fold tectonics.
A more comprehensive textbook for studying applied geophysics, including topics such as seismic reflection and refraction, electrical and electromagnetic methods, and potential field methods. Could be a useful reference for students who have an interest in the geophysics side of reservoir geomechanics.
A more advanced and specialized textbook for students interested in the study of fractured reservoirs.
Enhances general knowledge of faulting and how it affects rock.
Offers a comprehensive view on geophysics, but will be most useful as a refresher for anyone with an existing background in the field.
Textbook commonly used in structural geology courses. A helpful reference for sections of this course that discuss structural geology.

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