Engineers need 'rock-bashers'

Last year we received letters of complaint and irate telephone calls over a piece in which I claimed firm evidence that geology is voodoo (OGJ, Sept. 9, 1996, p. 37).

At risk of landing myself in the soup again, let me quote Geoscientist, magazine of U.K.'s Geological Society (GS), on perceptions of geology and geologists.

GS member R.C. Shelley wrote: "The Open University definition included the study of planets, satellites, and asteroids. Bristol University offered 'everything from the iono- sphere downward.'

"Both these definitions are broader than 'the study of the earth', or the old British Geological Society dictum, 'if you can hit it with a hammer, then it is geology'."

Shelley's self-deprecating humor belies a serious concern of GS that the number of geologists is declining while contributions to geology are being made increasingly by people with no formal geological training.

Two-way traffic

One of the readers who complained about my "voodoo" remark said, when told I had been an engineer: "I thought so!" There has long been rivalry between geologists and engineers in the petroleum industry.

While many outsiders contributing to geology are undoubtedly in the petroleum industry, speakers at the Deep Offshore Technology conference in The Hague Nov. 3-5 told how geologists increasingly contribute to engineering.

Tim Warren, director of research and technical services at Shell International Exploration & Production BV, explained how economic pressures in deepwater projects force operators to look for ways to save development time.

"Time reductions can be achieved," said Warren, "through a combination of appraisal with development work or by reducing appraisal. The challenge is to develop engineering and subsurface programs simultaneously."

Flexibility

Warren says to do this, operators must move away from the deterministic approach of engineers: "They need to move towards the more flexible approach of the subsurface fraternity."

Ian Hill, principal development engineer at Shell, seconded this: "As more knowledge is accumulated in deepwater locations, it is becoming apparent that deepsea floor can exhibit extreme characteristics, which could compel planners to avoid certain locations.

"For example, at Shell's Malampaya prospect in the Philippines, potentially unstable mud slopes have required careful survey prior to selecting final subsea well locations.

"Awareness of such features and the restrictions they could place on well siting is essential early information required by reservoir and petroleum engineers for evaluation and optimization of ultimate recovery."