Marketplace

Crude Oil Exploration

Crude oil exploration involves the geological and technical study of detecting crude oil in the earth. Crude oil, also known as petroleum, is a flammable, naturally occurring liquid found in geological formations at variable depths in the earth's crust. The presence of oil is usually identified by visible features such as gas or oil seepages and crater formations due to gas leakage. Typically, oil is found trapped within layers of porous sandstone, which lies in the bed of non-porous sediments. Natural gas is found just above the oil surface and must be extracted before the oil can be extracted.

Once the presence of oil is detected, sophisticated technology is employed to determine the quantity and depth of the oil reservoir. The branch of science that deals with the study of crude oil exploration is called exploration geophysics. The possible location of oil exploration is subjected to various geology surveys such as magnetic survey, seismic reflection survey and gravity survey. At a higher stage, elaborate seismic surveys are conducted to measure the time taken by sound waves to travel through matter. This data is then inputted into an oil exploration software program and processed. The information contained in the reports produced by the software will help the oil company determine if the oil reservoir would be viable, the projected output of the reservoir, and its estimated lifespan.

Oil exploration offshore poses a special set of problems. Any visible craters that would indicate escaping gas would be under water. This is when the use of seismic reflection and other computerized methods of locating the presence of oil prove to be the most useful. Offshore oil exploration is also subject to additional government regulations that must be acknowledged. Also, the weather and conditions are more extreme and large facilities are required.

If the presence of oil is confirmed and the reports state that the reservoir is a viable one, the site is transferred to an oil exploration company. Oil extraction requires the deployment of heavy machines and the drilling of oil wells and the cost is astronomical. Oil exploration is mainly undertaken by large corporations or governments.

Leave a Comment

Timothy George said:

I would like to work on an oil rig, am a Canadian citizen but know no one in canada and would like to find the job from spain

Brandon Johnston said:

I was curious what sort of tickets i need i am really interested in working the oil rigs.

Roughneck Definition

Roughneck Definition Amoco Corporation

There are several oil companies operating world wide, but the largest in North America is the Amoco Corporation. Established in 1889 as the Standard Oil company, it changed its name to Amoco in 1985, an is the largest natural gas provider in North America. Amoco also provides gasoline...

read entire definition