abnormal pressure

A subsurface condition in which the pore

pressure of a geologic formation exceeds or

is less than the expected, or normal,

formation pressure. When impermeable

rocks such as shales are compacted rapidly

their pore fluids cannot always escape and

must then support the total overlying rock

column, leading to abnormally high

formation pressures

absolute permeability

The measurement of the permeability, or

ability to flow or transmit fluids through a

rock, conducted when a single fluid, or

phase, is present in the rock. The symbol

most commonly used for permeability is k

which is measured in units of darcies or

millidarcies

absolute pressure

The measurement of pressure relative to the

pressure in a vacuum, equai to the sum of

the pressure shown on a pressure gauge

and atmospheric pressure.

absolute volume

The volume a solid occupies or displaces

when added to water divided by its weight,

or the volume per unit mass. In the oil field,

absolute volume is typically given in units of

gallons per pound (gal/lbm) or cubic metens

per kilogram (m3/kg)

absorbing boundary conditions

1. n. [Geophysics] An algorithm used in

numerical simulation along the boundary of a computational domain to absorb all energy

incident upon that boundary and to suppress

1. n. Geophysics] The ratio of absorbed

incident energy to the total energy to which

a body is exposed

absorption oi

1. n. [Production Facilities] A light liquid

hydrocarbon used to absorb or remove the

heavier liquid hydrocarbons from a wet gas

stream. Absorption oil is also called wash

oil

abyss

1. n. [Geology] The deepest area of the

ocean basins. The depositional energy is

low and fine-grained sediments are

deposited slowly by waning turbidity currents

or from suspension in the water. The water

is thousands of meters deep (>2,000 m)

[>6,520 ft so it is cold and sunlight is

minimal

accuracy

1. n. [Formation Evaluation] The closeness

of the agreement between the result of the

measurement and the conventional truc

value of the quantity

acetic acid

1. n. [Well Completions, Drilling Fluids, Well

Workover and Intervention) An organic acid

used in oil- and gas-well stimulation treatments. Less corrosive than the

commonly used hydrochloric acid, acetic

acid treatments can be more easily inhibited

or retarded for treatments of long duration

acid

1. adj. [Drilling Fluids] Pertaining to an

aqueous solution, such as a water-base

drilling fluid, which has more hydrogen ions

(H+) than hydroxyl ions (OH-) and pH less

than 7

acid effedt

1. n. [Formation Evaluation] The change in a

pulsed neutron capture measurement

produced by acidizing a carbonate

formation. Acidizing tends to increase the

porosity as well as leave chlorides in the

formation, thereby increasing the capture

cross section. Both of these results affect

the formation thermal decay time and must

be taken into account in the interpretation.

acid frac

1. n. [Well Workover and Intervention] A

hydraulic fracturing treatment performed in

carbonate formations to etch the open faces

of induced fractures using a hydrochloric

acid treatment. When the treatment is

complete and the fracture closes, the etched

surface provides a high-conductivity path

from the reservoir to the wellbore

acoustic log

1. n [Geophysics] A display of traveltime of

acoustic waves versus depth in a well. The

term is commonly used as a synonym for a sonic log. Some acoustic logs display
ve

acoustic mode

1. n. Formation Evaluation] A situation in

which acoustic energy that propagates in

one direction is confined in the other two

directions as, for example, a mode confined

to an interface between two different

materials or within the borehole

1. n. [Geophysics] A method of calculating

the position of marine seismic equipment

Range measurements are made whereby

distance is equal to acoustic signal

traveltime from transmitter to hydrophone

multiplied by the speed of sound in water

acoustic transducer

1. n. [Formation Evaluation] A device for

transforming electrical energy into sound, or

vice versa. In sonic logging applications

acoustic transducers are usually made of

piezoelectric ceramic or magnetostrictive

materials, and may be used as either

receivers or transmitters in a frequency

range between about 1 and 30 kHz.

acoustic traveltime

1. n. [Geophysics] The duration of the

passage of a signal from the source through

the Earth and back to the receiver. A time

seismic section typically shows the two-way

traveltime of the wave.

acoustic velocity

1. n. [Geophysics)
The rate at which a sound wave travels

through a medium. Unlike the physicist's

definition of velocity as a vector, its usage

n geophysics is as a property of a mediurn:

distance divided by traveltime

acoustic velocity log

1. n. [Geophysics]

A display of traveltime of acoustic waves

versus depth in a well. The term is

commonty used as a synonym for a sonic

log. Some acoustic logs display velocity.

acquisition log

1. n. [Formation Evaluation] The log that is

actually recorded while taking the

measurements. It is distinct from a playback,

which is produced later on from digitai data.

acrylamide acrylate polymer

1. n. [Drilling Fluids] A linear copolymer of

acrylate (anionic) and acrylamide (nonionic)

monomers, also called partially-hydrolyzed

poiyacryiamide (PHPA)

activation log

1. n. [Formation Evaluation] A log of

elemental concentrations derived from the

characteristic energy levels of gamma rays

emitted by a nucleus that has been activated

by neutron bombardment.

active margin

1. n. Geology] A boundary of colliding

lithospheric plates. The present subduction

zones of the Pacific Rim, the older

mountains of the Alps, and the Himalayas

represent active margins

active sulfide

1. n. [Drilling Fluids] A compound of sulfur

that contains the S-2 ion. Sulfides can be

generated from soluble iron sulfide minerals

or from sulfate-reducing bacteria

adhesion tension

1. n. [Enhanced Oil Recovery] In a system

with two immiscible fluids in contact with a

solid, the difference in the two fuid-solid

surface tensions

adjacent bed

1. n. [Formation Evaluation] A formation

layer above or below the layer being

measured by a logging too. The tem

"surrounding bed" is used in particular to

describe the adjacent layers above or below

a horizontal well

adsorption

1. n. [Production Facilities, Enhanced Oil

Recovery] The property of some solids and

liquids to attract a liquid or a gas to their

surfaces. Some solids, such as activated

charcoal or silica gel, are used as surfaces

of adhesion to gather liquid hydrocarbons

from a natural gas stream

agglomeration

1. n. [Drilling Fluids] The formation of groups

or clusters of particles (aggregates) in a

fluid. In water or in water-base drilling fluid,

clay particles form aggregates in a

dehydrated, face-to-face configuration

aggregate

1. n. [Drilling Fluids] Group or cluster of

particles in a fluid. In water or in water-base

drilling fluid, clay particles form aggregates

in a dehydrated, face-to-face configuration

alkalinity

1. n. (Drilling Fluids] A chernical property of

an aqueous system that implies that there

are more hydroxyl ions (OH-) in the system,

or a potential to produce more hydroxyl ion:s

than there are hydrogen ions (H+), or

potential to produce hydrogen ions.

alluvial

1. adj. IGeology] Pertaining to the subaerial

(as opposed to submarine) environment

action and products of a stream or river on

its floodplain, usually consisting of detrital

clastic sediments, and distinct from

subaqueous deposition such as in lakes or

oceans and lower energy fluvial deposition

Sediments deposited in an alluvial

environment can be subject to high

depositional energy, such as fast-moving

flood waters, and may be poorly sorted or

chaotic

alluvium

1. n. [Geologyl Material deposited in an

lvia nvironment, typically detrital

sediments that are poorly sorted

altered zone

1. n. [Formation Evaluation] A near-wellbore

formation zone, a few inches thick, whose

acoustic velocity has been affected by

impregnation with drilling fluids, stress relief,

or both

aluminum activation log

1. n. [Formation Evaluation] A wireline log of

the concentration by weight oí aluminum in

the formation, based on the principle of

neutron activation

angular unconformity

Development of an angular unconformity

Prev Next Zoom 1 of 3 1 n. Geologyl A

surface that separates younger strata from

eroded, dipping, older strata and represents

a gap in the geologic record.

anisotropic

1. adj. [Geophysics, Geology, Shale Gas]

Having directionally dependent properties

For a crystal of a mineral, variation in

physical properties observed in different

directions is anisotropy

anisotropic formation

1. n. [Well Testing] A formation with

directionally dependent properties. The most

common directionally dependent properties

are permeability and stress.

anisotropy

1. n. (Geophysics, Shale Gas, Geology]

Predictable variation of a property of a

material with the direction in which it is

measured, which can occur at all scales

annulus

1. n. (Driling] The space between two

concentric objects, such as between the

wellbore and casing or between casing and

tubing, where fluid can flow. Pipe may

consist of drill collars, drillpipe, casing or

tubing

anticline

1. n. [Geology] An arch-shaped fold in rock

in which rock layers are upwardly convex

anticlinal trap

Block diagram of faulted anticline Prev Next

Zoorm 1 of 1 1. n. [Geology] A type of

structural hydrocarbon trap whose closure is

controlled by the presence of an anticline

API

Abbreviation for American Petroleum

Institute, a trade association founded in

1919 with offices in Washington, DC, USA

The API is sponsored by the oil and gas

industry and is recognized worldwide

Among its long-term endeavors is the

developrnent of standardized testing

procedures for drilling equipment, drilling

fluids and cements, called AP

Recommended Practices CRPs")

apparent anisotropy

1. n. [Geophysics] In seismic data, the ratio

of the velocity determined from normal

moveout (i.e primarily a horizontal

measurement) to velocity measured

vertically in a vertical seismic profile or

similar survey

apparent matrix

1. n. [Formation Evaluation] A calculation of

the properties of the solid fraction of a rock

from the combination of two logs

apparent viscosity

1. n. [Drilling Fluids] The viscosity of a fluid

measured at a given shear rate at a fixed

temperature. In order for a viscosity

measurement to be meaningful, the shear

rate must be stated or defined

Archie rock

1. n. [Formation Evaluation] A rock whose

petrophysical properties are well described

by the Archie equation with constant values

for the porosity exponent and the saturation

exponent

aquifer

2. n. [Geology] A water-bearing portion of a

petroleum reservoir with a waterdrive.

asthenosphere

1. n. [Geology] The relatively plastic layer of

the upper mantle of the Earth on which the

tectonic plates of the lithosphere move

ASTM

1. n. [Drilling Fluids] The designation of a

standard developed by ASTM International

Until 2001, ASTM was an acronym for the

American Society for Testing and Materials,

but the organization changed its name to

ASTM International to reflect its global

scope as a forum for development of

international voluntary consensus standards

barrel equivalent

1. n. [Drilling Fluids] A volume of 350 cm3

In mud laboratory experiments, 350 cm3 is

the volume chosen to represent 42 US

gallons (1 oilfield barrel) [0.159 m3], so that

1.0 gram mass represents 1.0 lbm. This is a

convenient concept for mud technicians to

use when mixing or pilot-testing muc

samples

base log

1. n. [Formation Evaluation] The log used as

the reference for depths in the well. Each log

may record formation features at slightly

different depths due to their different

response and the difficuity of aligning

depths.

base map

1. n. [Geology] A map on which primary data

and interpretations can be plotted. A base

map typically includes locations of lease or

concession boundaries, wells, seismicsurvey points and other cultural data such

as buildings and roads, with a geographic

reference such as latitude and longitude or

Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grid

information.

base of weathering
1. n. [Geophysics) The lower boundary of

physics] The lower boundary of

the near-surface, low-velocity zone in which

rocks are

biologically broken down, in some cases

coincident with a water table. Static

corrections to seismic data can compensate

for the low velocity of the weathered layer in

comparison with the higher-velocity strata

below

physically, chemically or

baseline

1. n. [Geophysics] A line joining base

stations whose transmissions are

synchronized during surveying

basin

1. n. [Geology, Shale Gas] A depression in

the crust of the Earth, caused by plate

tectonic activity and subsidence, in which

sediments accumulate

bedrock

1. n. [Geology] Solid rock either exposed at

the surface or situated below suríace soil,

unconsolidated sediments and weathered

rock

bit

1. n. [Drilling] The tool used to crush or cut

rock. Everything on a drilling rig directly or

indirectly assists the bit in crushing or cutting

the rock

blow out
1. n. [Drilling] An uncontrolled flow of

reservoir fluids into the wellbore, and

sometimes catastrophically to the surface

bond log

1. n. [Drilling Fluids] A log that uses the

variations in amplitude of an acoustic signal

traveling down the casing wall between a

transmitter and receiver to determine the

quality of cement bond on the exterion

casing wal!

bound water

1. n. [Formation Evaluation Water in the

pore space that does not flow under normal

reservoir conditions. Bound water does not

flow on primary or secondary production,

injection or invasion uniess the rock

wettability is altered

bounded reservoir

1. n. [Well Testingl Reservoirs with sealed or

apparent outer boundaries that esult in

pressure depletion. Mathematical treatments

differ between bounded and infinite

reservoirs Commented [RN1]:

Boyle's Law

1. n. [Formation Evaluation] A principle of

physics stating that the product of pressure

and volume divided by the temperature

constant for an ideal gas. It is a good

approximation for many real gases, such as

helium, over reasonable ranges of

temperature and pressure

bubble point

1. n. [Well Testing, Enhanced Oil Recovery]

The pressure and temperature conditions at

which the first bubble of gas comes out of

solution in A discovery,

all petroleumreservoir oils contain some

natural gas in solition.

bulk volume

1. n. [Drilling Fluids] The volume per unit

mass of a dry material plus the volume of

the air between its particles.

buoyancy

1. n. [Well Completions] The upward force

acting on an object placed in a fluid. The

buoyancy force is equal to the weight of fluid

displaced by the object

cake

1. n. [Drilling Fluids, Formation Evaluation)

The residue deposited on a permeable

medium when a slurry, such as a drilling

fluid, is forced against the medium under a

pressure

calcite

1. n. (Geology] (CaCO3] The crystaline form

of calcium carbonate and chief constituent of

limestone and chalk. Calcite reacts readily

with dilute hydrochloric acid [HCI, so the

presence of calcite can be tested by simply

placing a drop of acid on a rock specimen

caliper log

1. n. [Drilling] A representation of the

measured diameter of a borehole along its

depth. Caliper logs are usually measured

mechanically, with only a few using sonic

devices

cap

1. n. Geophysics] A small, electrically

activated explosive charge that detonates a

larger charge. Caps, also called seismic

caps or blasting caps, are used for seismic

acquisition with an explosive source to

achieve consistent timing of detonation

cap rock

1. n. Geology] A relatively impermeable

rock, commonly shale, anhydrite or salt, that

forms a barrier or seal above and around

reservoir rock so that fluids cannot migrate

beyond the reservoir

capillary number

1. n. Enhanced Oil Recoveryl A

dimensionless group used in analysis of fluid

flow that characterizes the ratio of viscous

forces to surface or interfacial tension

forces. It is usually denoted NC in the oil

field and Ca in chemical engineering

capillary pressure curve

1. n. [Formation Evaluation] The relationship

describing the capillary pressure required to

obtain a given nonwetting phase saturation

in a rock.

channel

1. n. [Ge
based depression through which water and

sediment flow and into which sediment can

be deposited in distinctive, often elongated

bodies

ology] A linear, commonly concave-

clay

1. n. [Geology] Fine-grained sediments less

than 0.0039 mm in size.

clay bound water

Formation fluids Formation fluids Prev Next

Zoom of 1 1. n. Formation Evaluation

Water within the clay lattice or near the

surface within the electricai double iayer

clay swelling

n. [Enhanced Oil Recovery] A type of

damage in which formation permeability is

reduced because of the alteration of clay

equilibrium

coal bed methane

1. n. [Geology] Natural gas, predominantiy

methane [CH4], generated during coal

formation and adsorbed in coal. Natural gas

adsorbs to the surfaces of matrix pores

within the coal and natural fractures, or

cleats, as reservoir pressure increases.

contour

1. n. (Geology] A line on a map that

represents a constant value of the

parameter being mapped

contour map

1. n. [Geology] A map displaying lines that

include points of equal value and separate

points of higher value from points of lower

value

core analysis

n. [Formation Evaluation, Shale Gas]

Laboratory study of a sample of a geologic

formation, usually reservoir rock, taken

during or after drilling a well

core gamma log

1. n. [Formation Evaluation] A log obtained

in the laboratory by moving the core past a

gamma ray detector. The log can be of the

total gamma ray in API units, or of the

spectral response in weight concentrations

of thorium, uranium and potassium. The

main purpose is to correlate the depth of

each section of core with the depth of a log.

crust

1. n. [Geologyl The thin, outermost shel! of

the Earth that is typically 5 km to 75 km thick

[3 to 46 miles)

cubic packing

Cubic packing of spheres Prev Next Zoom 1

of 1 1. n. [Geology] The arrangement in space of uniform spheres (atoms and

molecules in mineral crystals, or grains in

clastic sedimentary rocks) that results in a

cubic material structure

darcy

1. n. [Reservoir Characterization] A standard

unit of measure of permeability.

Darcy unit:s
1. n. [Well Testing] Units of atm, cm3/s, cp

and D, as originally used by Darcy in flow

experiments

deposit

1. n. [Geology] Sediments that have

accumulated, usually after being moved by

wind, water or ice.

diagenesis

1. n. Geology] The physical, chemical or

biological alteration of sediments into

sedimentary rock at relatively low

temperatures and pressures that can result

in changes to the rock's original mineralogy

and texture

diagenetic

1. adj. [Geology] Pertaining to diagenesis

which is the physical, chemical or biological

alteration of sediments into sedimentary

rock at relatively low temperatures and

pressures that can result in changes to the

rock's original mineralogy and texture

diapir

1. n. [Geology] A relatively mobile mass that

intrudes into preexisting rocks. Diapirs

commonly intrude vertically through more

dense rocks because of buoyancy forces

associated with relatively low-density rock

types, such as salt, shale and hot magma,

which form diapirs

disconformity

1. n. Geology] A geologic surface that

separates younger strata from older strata

and represents a time of nondeposition,

possibly combined with erosion

discontinuity

1. n. Geophysics) A subsurface boundary or

interface at which a physical quantity, such

as the velocity of transmission of seismic

waves, changes abruptly

dispersed clay

1. n. [Fomation Evaluation] Clay that is

scattered throughout the pore space. There

are three general types: pore lining, pore

filling and pore bridging. The terms

dispersed clay and dispersed shale tend to

be used synonymously

divergence

1. n. [Geophysics] The loss of energy from a

wavefront as a consequence of geometrical

spreading, observable as a decrease in

wave amplitude. Spherical divergence

decreases energy with the square of the

distance. Cylindrical divergence decreases

energy with the distance

dolomitization

Diagenetic dolomile Photomicrograph of

diagenetie dolomite Prov Next Zoom 1 of 1

1, n. Geologv) The geochemical process in

supratidal sabkha areas where magnesium

(Mal ions from the avaporation of seawater

roplace calcium [Ca) ions in calcite, foming

the mineral dolomite

effective permeabilily

1. n. (Geologyl

The ability to preferentially flow or transmita

particular fluid when other immiscible fluids

are present in the reservoir (e g, effective

permeability of gas in a gas-water reservoir)

effective porosity

nIGeologyl The interconnected pore

volume or void space in a rock that

contributes to fluid flow or permeability in a

reservoir

elastic deformation

1. n. (Geologyl The deformation that can be

recovered when an applied stress has been

removed. When the elastic limit of a material

has been exceeded, nonrecoverable

permanent deformation occurs

eiectrical anisotropy

n. [Formation Evaluation] A difference in

vertical and horizontal resistivity within a

formation and at the scale of the resistivity

measurement

electrical conductivity

1. n. IGeophysics] The ability of a material to

support the flow of an electrical current. In

linear isotropic materials, the electric current

density at any point in space is proportional

to the electric field; the constant of

proportionality is the electrical conductivity

erosion

1. n. [Geologyl The process of denudation of

rocks, including physical, chemical and

biological breakdown and transportation

evaporite

Evaporite Cross sections and maps of

evaporites, rifting and subsidence Prev Next

Zoom 1 of 1 1. n. [Geology] A class of

sedimentary minerals and sedimentary

rocks that form by precipitation from

evaporating aqueous fluid

facies

1. n. [Geology] The overall characteristics of

a rock unit that reflect its origin and

differentiate the unit from others around it.

Mineralogy and sedimentary source, fossi

content, sedimentary structures and texture

distinguish one facies from another

fault

1. n. [Geology] A break or planar surface in

brittle rock across which there is observable

displacement.

fines

1. n. [Drilling Fluids] In a broad sense, very

small particles, either in a mud or a mud

additive sample

flow unit

1. n. [Well Testing] A rock volume with

identifiable fluid flow characteristics that can

be modeled, including heterogeneity or

anisotropy

fluid invasion

1. n. [Well Completions] A general term to

describe the presence of a particular fluid in

an undesirable area, such as the movement

of drilling mud into a section of the reservoir

formation.

flushed zone

1. n. [Formation Evaluation] The volume

close to the borehole wall in which all of the

moveable fluids have been displaced by

mud filtrate.

formation

1. n. [Geoiogy] The fundamental unit of

lithostratigraphy

formation evaluation

1. n. [Formation Evaluation, Shale Gas] The

measurement and analysis of formation and

fluid properties througih examination of

formation cuttings or through the use of tools

integrated into the bottomhoie assembiy

while orilling, or conveyed on wireline or

drillpipe after a borehole has been drilled

1. n. [Shale Gas, Geology] A crack or

surface of breakage within rock not related

fracture

to foliation or cleavage in metamorphic rock

along which there has been no movement.

free gas

1. n. [Geology, Shale Gas] The gaseous

phase present in a reservoir or other

contained area. Gas may be found either

dissolved in reservoir fluids or as free gas

that tends to form a gas cap beneath the top

seal on the reservoir trap. Both free gas and

dissolved gas play important roles in the

reservoir-drive mechanism

free fluid

1. n. [Formation Evaluation] Fluid in the pore

space that can fiow under normal reservoir

conditions

gamma ray log

1 n. [Drilling! A common and inexpensive

measurement of the natural emission of

gamma rays by a formation. Gamma ray

logs are particularly helpful because shales

and sandstones typically have differert

gamma ray signatures that can be

correlated readily between wells

gas cap

1. n. [Well Completions] The gas that

accumulates in the upper portions of a

reservoir where the pressure, temperature

and fluid characteristics are conducive to

free gas. The energy provided by the

expansion of the gas cap provides the

primary drive mechanism for oil recovery in

such circumstances

gas migration

1. n. [Drilling Fluids] A generic term referring

to all possible routes for a

and propagation through and around the

cement sheath. Gas migration is also known

as annular gas flow.

nnular gas entry

gas shale

n. Shale Gas] Shale that produces

natural gas. A shale that is thermally mature

enough and has sufficient gas content to

produce economic quantities of natural gas.

geochemistry

1. n. [Geochemistry, Geologv] The study of

the chemistry of the Earth and within solid

bodies of the solar system, including the

distribution, circulation and abundance of

elements (and their ions and isotopes)

molecules, minerals, rocks and fluids. For

geochemists in the petroleum industry

source rock geochemistry is a major focus

geology

1. n. [Geology)

The study of the Earth-its history, structure

composition, life forms and the processes

that continue to change it

geophone

1. n. IGeophysics] A device used in surface

seismic acquisition, both onshore and on the

seabed offshore, that detects ground

velocity produced by seismic waves and

transforms the motion into electrical

impulses

granite

1. n. (Geology] A coarse-grained, plutonic or

intrusive igneous rock of felsic composition

having large crystals of quartz, feldspar and

mica. In the oil field, "granite" is sometimes

used incorrectly to indicate any type of hard

rock.

imbibition

1. n. [Formation Evaluation, Enhanced Oil

Recoveryl The process of absorbing a

wetting phase into a porous rock. Imbibition

is important in a waterdrive reservoir

because it can advance or hinder water

movement, affecting areal sweep.

impermeable

1. adj. [Geologyl

Pertaining to a rock that is incapable of

transmitting fluids because of

low permeability. Snale has a high porosity,

but its pores are small and disconnected, so

it is relatively impermeable. Impermeable

rocks are desirable sealing rocks or cap

rocks for reservoirs because hydrocarbons

cannot pass through them readily.

kaolinite

n. [Geology] [AI4Si4010(OH)8] A type of

clay mineral from the kaolin group that forms

through the weathering of feldspar and mica

group minerals

lamination

Relative thicknesses of laminations, beds

and strata Relative thicknesses of

laminations, beds and strata Prev Next

Zoom 1 of 3 1. n. [Geology) A fine layer ( 1mm thick) in strata, also called a lamina,

common in fine-grained sedimentary rocks

such as shale, siltstone and fine sandstone

limestone

n. [Geology) A carbonate sedimentary rock

predominantly composed of calcite of

organic, chemical or detrital origin. Minor

amounts of dolomite, chert and clay are

common in limestones. Chalk is a form of

fine-grained limestone

matrix

1. n. [Geology] The finer grained, interstitial

particles that lie between larger particles or

in which larger particles are embeoded in

sedimentary rocks such as sandstones and

conglomerates

maturity

1. n. [Geology] The state of a source rock

with respect to its ability to generate oil or

gas

metagenesis

1. n. [Shale Gas] The last stage of

maturation and conversion of organic matter

to hydrocarbons.

metamorphism

1. n. [Geology] The process by which the

characteristics of rocks are altered or the ro

ck is recrystallized

mica

A group of sheet silicates characterized by a

platy appearance and basal cleavage most

common in igneous and metamorphic rocks

Several clay minerals, such as chlorite and

glauconite, are closely related to the mica

group

migration

1. n. [Geology] The movement of

hydrocarbons from their source into

reservoir rocks

Mohorovicic discontinuity

1. n. [Geology] The boundary between the

crust and the mantle of the Earth, which

varies from approximately 5 km [3 miles]

under the midoceanic ridges to 75 km [46

miles] deep under the continents

mud

1. n. [Drilling Fluids) A term that is generally

synonymous with drilling fluid and that

encompasses most fluids used in

hydrocarbon drilling operations, especially

fluids that contain significant amounts of

suspended solids, emulsified water or oil.

Mud includes all types of water-base, oil-

base and synthetic-base drilling fluids.

mudrock

n. [Shale Gas] A fine-grained detrital

sedimentary rock formed by consolidation of

clay- and silt-sized particles. Mudrocks are

highiy variable in their clay content and are

often rich in carbonate material. As a

consequence, they are less fissile, or

susceptible to splitting along planes, than

shales

oil field

1. n. IGeologyl An accumulation, pool or

group of pools of oil in the subsurface. An oil

field consists of a reservoir in a shape that

will trap hydrocarbons and that is covered by

an impemeable or sealing rock

oil wet

Pertaining to the preference of a solid to be

in contact with an oil phase rather than a

water or gas phase

packing

1. n. [Production] The deformable sealing

material inserted into a valve stem stuffing

box, which provides a tight seal about the

stem when compressed by a gland

paraffin

1. n. [Well Completions] A hydrocarbon

compound that often precipitates orn

production components as a result of the

changing temperatures and pressures within

the production system.

permeability

1. n. [Geology] The ability, or measurement

of a rock's ability, to transmit fluids, typically

measured in darcies or nillidarcies

petrography

1. n. [Geology] The examination of rocks in

thin section.

petroleum system

. n. (Geology] Geologic components and

processes necessary to generate and store

hydrocarbons, including a mature source

rock, migration pathway, reservoir rock, trap

and seal

petrology

1. n. [Geology] The study of macroscopic

features of rocks, such as their occurrence

origin and history, and structure (usually by

examining outcrops in the field) and their

texture and composition (by studying smaller

samples more closely)

porosimeter

1. n. [Formation Evaluation] An instrument

for measuring the pore voiume, and hence

the porosity, of a core sample

porosity

1. n. [Geology] The percentage of pore

volume or void space, or that volume within

rock that can contain fluids

S wave

1. n. [Geophysics] An elastic body wave in

which particles oscillate perpendicular to the

direction in which the wave propagates.

sandstone

1. n. [Geology] A clastic sedimentary rock

whose grains are predominantly sand-sized

sediment

1. n. [Geology] The unconsolidated grains of

minerals, organic matter or pre-existing rocks, that can be transported by water,ice

or wind, and deposited

sedimentary basin

1. n. [Geology] A depression in the crust of

the Earth formed by plate tectonic activity in

which sediments accumulate

seismic acquisition

1. n. (Geophysics] The generation and

recording of seismic data

shale

1. n. [Geology, Shale Gas] A fine-grained

fissile, detritai sedimentary rock formed by

consolidation of clay- and silt-sized particles

into thin, reiatively impermeable layers

silica

A chemically resistant dioxide of silicon that

occurs in crystalline (quartz), amorphous

(opal) and cryptocrystalline (chert) forms

vugular porosity

n. [Geology] Pore space consisting of

cavities or vugs. Vugular porosity can occur

in rocks prone to dissolution, such as

limestone, in which case it is secondary

porosity

1. adj. [Welil Completions, Enhanced Oil

Recovery] Pertaining to the adhesion of a

liquid to the surface of a solid. In water-wet

conditions, a thin film of water coats the

water-wet

surface of the formation matrix, a condition

wettability

1. n. [Enhanced Oil Recovery, Formation

Evaluation] The preference of a solid to

contact one liquid or gas, known as the

wetting phase, rather than another