John Q. Belt¹, Gary K. Rice¹

(1) GeoFrontiers Corporation, Rowlett, TX

ABSTRACT: The Role Of Applied Research Design In Direct Geochemical Petroleum Exploration Modeling

Applied research design responds with direct answers to problems that require solving, whereas pure research design is aimed at resolving perplexing problems more theoretical in nature. There are three basic phases in applied research: 1) observation & description, 2) explanation, and 3) prediction.

Phase 1-OBSERVATION & DESCRIPTION reports findings. The researcher attempts to describe their observations. However, this phase does not answer the question "why" the observation occurred. Phase 2-EXPLANATION goes beyond phase one. It answers the question "why." The researcher uses rational explanations to account for forces causing phase one-observations. Phase 3-PREDICTION uses the conclusions of the phase two model to help predict future outcomes.

The majority of applied research design, using direct geochemical information in petroleum exploration modeling, stops at phase one-observation & description. Observational terms such as "halos" and "chimneys" are used to describe anomalous near-surface hydrocarbon expressions, or features.

Progressing to phase two-explanation requires: 1)understanding the selective migration pathways of specific hydrocarbon types, 2) recognizing the difference between gas-phase migration and liquid-phase migration, and 3) determining the location of major structural fractures, such as faults, joints, and shear-fractures, within the specific depositional system. Phase two provides logical and rational explanations of phase one-observations.

After modeling phase two information, the researcher moves to phase three-prediction. Phase three allows the researcher to predict and find other productive "plays" within the specific depositional system with similar attributes. Case study examples of modeled information from phase two-evaluation will be presented.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90906©2001 AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado