U3 Explore / Actus Veritas Geoscience is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with SCA Subsurface Consultant Associates.

September 28, 2026

U3 Explore / Actus Veritas Geoscience partners with SCA Subsurface Consultant Associates, combining global subsurface expertise, geoscience knowledge, digital solutions, and technical assurance to improve decision quality, reduce uncertainty, and create value across the upstream energy sector.

This partnership brings together SCA’s global network of technical experts and its experience in strategic advisory, subsurface consulting, technical assurance, peer review, and capability development with U3 Explore / Actus Veritas Geoscience’s advanced geoscience technologies, proprietary digital solutions, peer-reviewed technical knowledge, and specialized regional expertise.

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Together, we provide clients with a seamless pathway from regional and basin analysis to asset-level evaluation and reservoir management, supporting key decisions across exploration, appraisal, field development, mature-field optimization, and investment screening.

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For U3 Explore, this partnership expands the expertise behind our data-driven platforms and knowledge products. It enables us to deepen peer-reviewed regional insights, provide U3 Explore digital technology to our partners in project delivery, and offer specialist expertise to help clients validate assumptions, identify uncertainties, reduce risk, and make informed decisions.

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This partnership reflects our shared commitment to strengthening technical capabilities across the international upstream energy industry and to helping organizations turn subsurface knowledge into actionable insights and better decisions.

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We look forward to working with SCA to expand our offerings, from knowledge and data to technical assurance and decision support, and to deliver lasting value across the energy sector.

DOMAINS

Geography

AUTHOR

COAUTHOR(s)

Kevin Schofield

Principal Geologist

Kevin’s 37 years of experience in technical leadership and SME roles has resulted in a deep integrated understanding of exploration, development and project oversight in deepwater petroleum systems in the Gulf of Mexico, North Sea & West Africa. He has also worked extensively in the Middle East & Australasia. As a Divisional and Corporate Chief Geologist he developed significant experience in integrated project assurance, & individual and team development. He has developed/delivered short- and long-form courses for industry in Play-Based Exploration and Integrated Project Development.

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Ryder Scott, U3 Explore and Entra Consulting Form Strategic Alliance for Venezuela’s Oil and Gas Sector

Katya (Ekaterina) Casey

The alliance brings together independent technical evaluation, curated asset intelligence, and in-country legal, contractual, and operational experience.

The alliance brings together independent technical evaluation, curated asset intelligence, and in-country legal, contractual, and operational experience.

From Flow Unit to Field-to-Basin Geological Framework: Upscaled Venezuelan Reported Production for Regional Reservoir Studies and Asset Value Comparisons

Every brownfield petroleum investment begins with a set of questions: Where are the best opportunities? What are the local and regional risks? How should they be mitigated? What are the uncertainties, and how should they be managed? The obvious, and often most easily available, data brought to bear to answer these questions are production statistics and reserve volumes. In Venezuela, however, those numbers are merely the tip of the data iceberg (especially if the investment has exploration upside), and a great deal more context is needed for meaningful analysis.

Every brownfield petroleum investment begins with a set of questions: Where are the best opportunities? What are the local and regional risks? How should they be mitigated? What are the uncertainties, and how should they be managed? The obvious, and often most easily available, data brought to bear to answer these questions are production statistics and reserve volumes. In Venezuela, however, those numbers are merely the tip of the data iceberg (especially if the investment has exploration upside), and a great deal more context is needed for meaningful analysis.

Proposal for Faja Petrolífera del Orinoco (FPO) Opportunity Screening

How can operators and investors in Venezuela’s FPO best utilize collective industry experience in Canada’s Alberta Oil Sands? The proposed study would serve as a reference for opportunity screening, ultimately enabling total project NPVs in the $billions if resources are developed to their potential.

How can operators and investors in Venezuela’s FPO best utilize collective industry experience in Canada’s Alberta Oil Sands? The proposed study would serve as a reference for opportunity screening, ultimately enabling total project NPVs in the $billions if resources are developed to their potential.

Venezuela Legacy Information Contextually Organized for Investment Assessment

The reopening of Venezuela's oil sector creates significant investment opportunities, but companies face difficulties accessing reliable data due to fragmented historical records and inconsistent reporting. U3 Explore solves this problem by collecting, validating, and integrating data within a geologically coherent framework.

The reopening of Venezuela's oil sector creates significant investment opportunities, but companies face difficulties accessing reliable data due to fragmented historical records and inconsistent reporting. U3 Explore solves this problem by collecting, validating, and integrating data within a geologically coherent framework.

Play-based Exploration Atlas of Venezuela: New Framework for Hydrocarbon Exploration and Development

The Play-Based Exploration Atlas of Venezuela is an integrated geoscience initiative that provides a new, modern framework for hydrocarbon exploration and development in Venezuela. The project combines curated legacy data, regional studies, and expert knowledge into an AI-ready, GIS-enabled system. Through play-based exploration, geologically defined basin and field boundaries, gravity and seismic analytics, and contextual augmented intelligence, the Atlas helps extend existing knowledge beyond current producing assets, identify undeveloped discoveries, and play trends.

The Play-Based Exploration Atlas of Venezuela is an integrated geoscience initiative that provides a new, modern framework for hydrocarbon exploration and development in Venezuela. The project combines curated legacy data, regional studies, and expert knowledge into an AI-ready, GIS-enabled system. Through play-based exploration, geologically defined basin and field boundaries, gravity and seismic analytics, and contextual augmented intelligence, the Atlas helps extend existing knowledge beyond current producing assets, identify undeveloped discoveries, and play trends.

Proposal for Genetic classification of Sedimentary Basins in The North Of South America and the Southern Caribbean Domain

Juan Francisco Arminio

This study updates the regional geological framework of northern South America and the southern Caribbean by compiling a georeferenced GIS database that integrates 44 sedimentary basins and 17 sub-basins from Colombia to Guyana, and by proposing a hierarchical classification based on crustal substrate, tectonic dynamics, and structural style. The results highlight the multiphase evolution of these basins—from Proterozoic to Mesozoic.

This study updates the regional geological framework of northern South America and the southern Caribbean by compiling a georeferenced GIS database that integrates 44 sedimentary basins and 17 sub-basins from Colombia to Guyana, and by proposing a hierarchical classification based on crustal substrate, tectonic dynamics, and structural style. The results highlight the multiphase evolution of these basins—from Proterozoic to Mesozoic.

Gravimetry Inversions – New Regional and Sub-Regional Products for the Caribbean and Northern South America.

Victor Graterol

Professor Víctor Graterol collaborates with experts in Caribbean and South American regional geology to produce a set of calibrated regional maps, essential for understanding basin evolution and the development of petroleum systems. Caribbean Atlas gravity inversion maps include depth to basement and depth to MOHO to be used in plate tectonic and structural reconstructions at regional and basin scales.

Professor Víctor Graterol collaborates with experts in Caribbean and South American regional geology to produce a set of calibrated regional maps, essential for understanding basin evolution and the development of petroleum systems. Caribbean Atlas gravity inversion maps include depth to basement and depth to MOHO to be used in plate tectonic and structural reconstructions at regional and basin scales.

Deformable Plate Modeling of Caribbean Basins for Hydrocarbon Exploration and Development

Katya (Ekaterina) Casey

Caribbean Basins Atlas: A new look at basin history, integrating a bespoke deformable plate model with petroleum habitat databases. This integrated product of the CAMGOM project provides new insights into Caribbean petroleum systems, enabling energy companies to evaluate play continuity across tectonically complex regions.

Caribbean Basins Atlas: A new look at basin history, integrating a bespoke deformable plate model with petroleum habitat databases. This integrated product of the CAMGOM project provides new insights into Caribbean petroleum systems, enabling energy companies to evaluate play continuity across tectonically complex regions.

CAMGOM Product: Integrated Petroleum System Modeling of Complex margins

CAMGOM is a basin evolution and petroleum system evaluation created using a deformable plate model. The methodology is pioneered in the circum-Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico basins. It enhances regional petroleum system assessments, enabling energy companies to evaluate play continuity across tectonically complex regions and passive margins.

CAMGOM is a basin evolution and petroleum system evaluation created using a deformable plate model. The methodology is pioneered in the circum-Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico basins. It enhances regional petroleum system assessments, enabling energy companies to evaluate play continuity across tectonically complex regions and passive margins.

U3 EXPLORE: Augmenting Artificial Intelligence by Human Geoscience Knowledge for Smarter Energy Investments

U3 Explore leverages cutting-edge geoscience expertise and digital innovation to transform energy exploration and investment. Integrating data-driven analytics, advanced geologic modeling, and a collaborative network of specialists enables faster, more reliable decision-making for energy companies. Its platform enhances basin evaluations, de-risks investments, and optimizes strategies through specialized insights and digital workflows, ensuring smarter, more efficient exploration in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

U3 Explore leverages cutting-edge geoscience expertise and digital innovation to transform energy exploration and investment. Integrating data-driven analytics, advanced geologic modeling, and a collaborative network of specialists enables faster, more reliable decision-making for energy companies. Its platform enhances basin evaluations, de-risks investments, and optimizes strategies through specialized insights and digital workflows, ensuring smarter, more efficient exploration in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

From Digitization to Digitalization: A Vision for Venezuela's Natural Resource Management

We are instrumental in our pathway to digital transformation for sustainable natural resource management. By fostering a culture of collaboration among subject matter experts (SME) professionals in the public and private sectors, we can enhance decision-making, inform policymaking, and increase transparency in the energy sector.

We are instrumental in our pathway to digital transformation for sustainable natural resource management. By fostering a culture of collaboration among subject matter experts (SME) professionals in the public and private sectors, we can enhance decision-making, inform policymaking, and increase transparency in the energy sector.

The use of synthetic curve to estimate TOC content in Vaca Muerta Formation, Neuquén Basin, Argentina

Ricardo Sebastian Martinez

The Vaca Muerta Formation in the Neuquén Basin, Argentina, is a highly promising unconventional reservoir, but understanding its productive limits and sweet spots requires extensive geochemical data. Unfortunately, such data is scarce, especially around major production blocks, with only a few wells providing it. To address this, the report generates a synthetic curve based on the sonic log (DT) to estimate Total Organic Carbon (TOC) content.

The Vaca Muerta Formation in the Neuquén Basin, Argentina, is a highly promising unconventional reservoir, but understanding its productive limits and sweet spots requires extensive geochemical data. Unfortunately, such data is scarce, especially around major production blocks, with only a few wells providing it. To address this, the report generates a synthetic curve based on the sonic log (DT) to estimate Total Organic Carbon (TOC) content.

Joint Industry Project for Caribbean-Atlantic Margin-Gulf of Mexico Basins (CAMGOM)

Katya (Ekaterina) Casey

The primary objective of the CAMGOM Project is to provide subscribers with an innovative tectonic and geological framework with which to re-evaluate all the basins in the region with an initial focus on basins around the southern margin of the Caribbean Plate and the adjacent northern South America plate. The Project results will be accessible online through a GIS portal and presented as a set of maps and reports for key tectonostratigraphic intervals. The CAMGOM Project will be funded by a Consortium of National Governments and private-sector E&P companies.

The primary objective of the CAMGOM Project is to provide subscribers with an innovative tectonic and geological framework with which to re-evaluate all the basins in the region with an initial focus on basins around the southern margin of the Caribbean Plate and the adjacent northern South America plate. The Project results will be accessible online through a GIS portal and presented as a set of maps and reports for key tectonostratigraphic intervals. The CAMGOM Project will be funded by a Consortium of National Governments and private-sector E&P companies.

Comparing the geology of Gulf of Cádiz and Gharb basins with Nova Scotia conjugate margin

The main objective of this review is to compare the geology of these two conjugate margins of Nova Scotia and Cadiz /Gharb. The methodology includes are view of key public scientific references, to summarize the main geological features, such as geodynamic evolution, stratigraphic column, and salt tectonics calendar

The main objective of this review is to compare the geology of these two conjugate margins of Nova Scotia and Cadiz /Gharb. The methodology includes are view of key public scientific references, to summarize the main geological features, such as geodynamic evolution, stratigraphic column, and salt tectonics calendar

A New Contextual framework to reinvigorate the oil and gas industry of Venezuela.

Juan Francisco Arminio

Our approach was to deploy the wisdom and knowledge of a group of experts in petroleum geology with a track record as oil finders in Venezuela to re-contextualize relationships between scattered information sources, placing them into a geological framework that may be used to support life-of-field extensions for existing producing properties and for generating new opportunities through play-based exploration in Venezuela.

Our approach was to deploy the wisdom and knowledge of a group of experts in petroleum geology with a track record as oil finders in Venezuela to re-contextualize relationships between scattered information sources, placing them into a geological framework that may be used to support life-of-field extensions for existing producing properties and for generating new opportunities through play-based exploration in Venezuela.

Framework for statistical analysis for assessment of return on investment in Venezuela

Katya (Ekaterina) Casey

With statistical analysis used in various economic forecasting, it is essential to have a relevant framework to group parameters characterizing the technical aspects of the projects into meaningful analysis. In the Petroleum industry, lease blocks are selected based on the remaining reserves' potential and geologic insights to unlock possible discoveries even in mature basins. Significant upside potential exists in Venezuela's petroleum assets, where the oil and gas industry stopped a natural petroleum province maturation process due to political reasons in the early 2000s.

With statistical analysis used in various economic forecasting, it is essential to have a relevant framework to group parameters characterizing the technical aspects of the projects into meaningful analysis. In the Petroleum industry, lease blocks are selected based on the remaining reserves' potential and geologic insights to unlock possible discoveries even in mature basins. Significant upside potential exists in Venezuela's petroleum assets, where the oil and gas industry stopped a natural petroleum province maturation process due to political reasons in the early 2000s.

Keynote Speaker: First EAGE Workshop on Hydrogen and Carbon Capture Sequestration in Latin America

Juan Francisco Arminio

The talk visits the fundamentals of CO2 geological storage and utilization with an emphasis on a the opportunity that our countries could at this point begin to capitalize in this Energy Transition context, with favorable impacts for economy, industry and geopolitical positioning.

The talk visits the fundamentals of CO2 geological storage and utilization with an emphasis on a the opportunity that our countries could at this point begin to capitalize in this Energy Transition context, with favorable impacts for economy, industry and geopolitical positioning.

Captura y Almacenamiento Geológico Masivo de Carbono Como Oportunidad Estratégica, Comercial y Ambiental para Latin America

Juan Francisco Arminio

Entre las técnicas de control del CO2 atmosférico, la Captura y Almacenamiento Subterráneo de Carbono (CCUS) constituye una de las más viables para para suprimir a escala industrial CO2 atmosférico y de emisores industriales concentrados, almacenándolo permanentemente en recipientes geológicos a escala masiva. En Latinoamérica, la masificación de CCUS puede constituir una importante oportunidad comercial que puede apoyarse de extremo a extremo en conocimientos y tecnologías establecidas y desarrolladas desde hace décadas en la Industria y Academia de la misma región.

Entre las técnicas de control del CO2 atmosférico, la Captura y Almacenamiento Subterráneo de Carbono (CCUS) constituye una de las más viables para para suprimir a escala industrial CO2 atmosférico y de emisores industriales concentrados, almacenándolo permanentemente en recipientes geológicos a escala masiva. En Latinoamérica, la masificación de CCUS puede constituir una importante oportunidad comercial que puede apoyarse de extremo a extremo en conocimientos y tecnologías establecidas y desarrolladas desde hace décadas en la Industria y Academia de la misma región.

A Frontier Fairway in East Africa: The Carbonate Play of the Mid-Somalia High

Kevin Schofield

The authors have used those data to generate a play-level analysis of the petroleum system on the Somali passive margin. Clastic and Carbonate plays have been identified. It has been recognized that the Jurassic source rocks in the basin, unlike the equivalent interval to the south, are largely still within the oil window. This abstract summarizes the portion of that study describing the carbonate play.

The authors have used those data to generate a play-level analysis of the petroleum system on the Somali passive margin. Clastic and Carbonate plays have been identified. It has been recognized that the Jurassic source rocks in the basin, unlike the equivalent interval to the south, are largely still within the oil window. This abstract summarizes the portion of that study describing the carbonate play.

The Petroleum System of Offshore Somalia: A Potential Mega-Province

Offshore Eastern Africa emerged as a significant new petroleum province through the second decade of the 21st century (2018; Davison and Steele, 2018; Sayers, 2017; Davidson et al., 2018). A combination of Jurassic source rocks (unpenetrated but inferred, e.g. Sayers, 2017) and Cretaceous and Tertiary clastic reservoirs came together to deliver world-class gas discoveries in the offshore basins of Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique.

Offshore Eastern Africa emerged as a significant new petroleum province through the second decade of the 21st century (2018; Davison and Steele, 2018; Sayers, 2017; Davidson et al., 2018). A combination of Jurassic source rocks (unpenetrated but inferred, e.g. Sayers, 2017) and Cretaceous and Tertiary clastic reservoirs came together to deliver world-class gas discoveries in the offshore basins of Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique.

Reservoir Characterization in the Somalian Deepwater Frontier: Using a Worldwide Database to Predict Reservoir Quality

A searchable database of worldwide Deepwater reservoirs (the Cossey Deepwater Database) was used to define sets of analogue data for clastic play fairways mapped in offshore Somalia. This methodology was chosen because the Somalian margin has minimal available well data, but does have good quality 2D seismic data from which reservoir presence and depth could be inferred. Using the analogues defined in this way enabled the definition of credible predictive ranges under a variety of scenarios to input to volumetric models, thereby capturing the shape of the uncertainty distribution.

A searchable database of worldwide Deepwater reservoirs (the Cossey Deepwater Database) was used to define sets of analogue data for clastic play fairways mapped in offshore Somalia. This methodology was chosen because the Somalian margin has minimal available well data, but does have good quality 2D seismic data from which reservoir presence and depth could be inferred. Using the analogues defined in this way enabled the definition of credible predictive ranges under a variety of scenarios to input to volumetric models, thereby capturing the shape of the uncertainty distribution.

Captura y almacenamiento geológico de carbono, oportunidades y retos de la transición energética en Venezuela

Juan Francisco Arminio

Las metas globales de decarbonizar industrias y migrar a energías limpias requiren masificar el almacenamiento geológico de carbono (CCS): una tecnología probada, funcional y escalable que aprovecha espacio poroso de almacenamiento de amplia disponibilidad. Dadas las condiciones de borde del país, masificar CCS puede abrir para Venezuela importantes oportunidades de crear proyectos industriales nuevos y aprovecharCCS para decarbonizar el parque industrial, apalancado a conveniencia en recuperación mejorada de crudos. Además, el país disfruta de importantes ventajas competitivas dada la e

Las metas globales de decarbonizar industrias y migrar a energías limpias requiren masificar el almacenamiento geológico de carbono (CCS): una tecnología probada, funcional y escalable que aprovecha espacio poroso de almacenamiento de amplia disponibilidad. Dadas las condiciones de borde del país, masificar CCS puede abrir para Venezuela importantes oportunidades de crear proyectos industriales nuevos y aprovecharCCS para decarbonizar el parque industrial, apalancado a conveniencia en recuperación mejorada de crudos. Además, el país disfruta de importantes ventajas competitivas dada la e

Editorial on the 83d Annual EAGE Exhibition and Conference in Madrid June 2022

Katya (Ekaterina) Casey

More than 4800 oil and gas professionals gathered at the 83d Annual EAGE Exhibition and Conference in Madrid in June of 2022, under the banner of “Leading the Geosciences in a New Era”. The Energy Transition was, of course, the crux of the “New Era” of the conference banner, and was probably foremost in everyone's mind as they prepared to attend early in the year, but inevitably current events in Europe overshadowed the meeting, bringing energy security challenges to the forefront.

More than 4800 oil and gas professionals gathered at the 83d Annual EAGE Exhibition and Conference in Madrid in June of 2022, under the banner of “Leading the Geosciences in a New Era”. The Energy Transition was, of course, the crux of the “New Era” of the conference banner, and was probably foremost in everyone's mind as they prepared to attend early in the year, but inevitably current events in Europe overshadowed the meeting, bringing energy security challenges to the forefront.

Industrial project management for carbon storage site characterization and lifecycle of the carbon credits trading

Our services provide reduction of uncertainty in subsurface characterization during carbon subsurface storage permit application, construction authorization, and site operations, which requires a consistent approach using data quality and reliability assessment and applying statistically valid data analysis to better understand subsurface variability.

Our services provide reduction of uncertainty in subsurface characterization during carbon subsurface storage permit application, construction authorization, and site operations, which requires a consistent approach using data quality and reliability assessment and applying statistically valid data analysis to better understand subsurface variability.

Revisiting structural styles around northern Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei offshore basins

We summarize preliminary results of the structural styles obtained from a bibliographic review and our expertise related to the tectonic analysis, the performance of quality controls, and the balanced cross-sections throughout these basins. The seismic interpretation and the review of the surface geology also included in this work allow delimiting several structural domains. This paper will be published at the 83rd EAGE Annual Conference & Exhibition

We summarize preliminary results of the structural styles obtained from a bibliographic review and our expertise related to the tectonic analysis, the performance of quality controls, and the balanced cross-sections throughout these basins. The seismic interpretation and the review of the surface geology also included in this work allow delimiting several structural domains. This paper will be published at the 83rd EAGE Annual Conference & Exhibition

Neogene structural evolution along southern Gulf of México (Campeche sub-basin)

Neogene's tectonic evolution of the southern Gulf of México (Campeche sub-basin) is associated with intense salt-mobilization, and it can be separated into 3 main episodes: 1. Late Oligocene (?) - early Miocene to middle Miocene: salt-rooted thrusts running parallel to the Paleogene Zongolica front that generated a series of northwest-southeast oriented anticlines.. 2. Late Miocene – Pliocene extension: NE-SW Macuspana depocenter. 3. Pliocene – Quaternary extension: NE-SW Comalcalco. This paper will be presented at the 83rd EAGE Annual Conference & Exhibition 2022 in Madrid.

Neogene's tectonic evolution of the southern Gulf of México (Campeche sub-basin) is associated with intense salt-mobilization, and it can be separated into 3 main episodes: 1. Late Oligocene (?) - early Miocene to middle Miocene: salt-rooted thrusts running parallel to the Paleogene Zongolica front that generated a series of northwest-southeast oriented anticlines.. 2. Late Miocene – Pliocene extension: NE-SW Macuspana depocenter. 3. Pliocene – Quaternary extension: NE-SW Comalcalco. This paper will be presented at the 83rd EAGE Annual Conference & Exhibition 2022 in Madrid.

Deploying Petroleum Workflows for Carbon Storage site characterization and Project Management

Kevin Schofield

We propose that the Play-Based methodology for characterizing the exploration potential of an area developed and successfully used in Petroleum exploration during the last two decades should be deployed for the characterization of the risks and uncertainties of the Area of Review (AoR) as defined by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Class 6 well (CCUS) permit approval process. Because both the application for an injection project permit is iterative, and because the development of a carbon sequestration project is a long-term, capital-intensive, multi-stage process, we further propose

We propose that the Play-Based methodology for characterizing the exploration potential of an area developed and successfully used in Petroleum exploration during the last two decades should be deployed for the characterization of the risks and uncertainties of the Area of Review (AoR) as defined by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Class 6 well (CCUS) permit approval process. Because both the application for an injection project permit is iterative, and because the development of a carbon sequestration project is a long-term, capital-intensive, multi-stage process, we further propose

Workshops -Training - Project Advisory: Application of Oil and Gas Industry skills and experience in Decarbonization projects

Katya (Ekaterina) Casey

We believe that the most effective way to pursue carbon storage projects is to apply E&P best practices of data acquisition/analysis and project management to the understanding of regional and local conditions necessary to deliver projects to the standard required by regulatory authorities

We believe that the most effective way to pursue carbon storage projects is to apply E&P best practices of data acquisition/analysis and project management to the understanding of regional and local conditions necessary to deliver projects to the standard required by regulatory authorities

Multi – basin look at the Oligo – Neogene carbonate play in the South Caribbean margin of South America

Juan Francisco Arminio

Look back studies help review exploratory concepts in light of recent advances. With a regional look focused on critical elements of the petroleum system, we present here a review of the Oligo –Neogene play of carbonates and related clastics present both offshore and onshore in the South Caribbean and hosts gas accumulations that range from small to medium and giant in five basins of Colombia and Venezuela.

Look back studies help review exploratory concepts in light of recent advances. With a regional look focused on critical elements of the petroleum system, we present here a review of the Oligo –Neogene play of carbonates and related clastics present both offshore and onshore in the South Caribbean and hosts gas accumulations that range from small to medium and giant in five basins of Colombia and Venezuela.

Critical risk factors analysis of a Tertiary carbonate play in Colombian-Venezuelan sedimentary basins

Juan Francisco Arminio

Hydrocarbon accumulations in a Tertiary carbonate play in sedimentary basins of northern South America range from small to medium to giant. The fields are located both onshore and in shallow waters of the southern Caribbean Sea. Recent discoveries and wide variation in the play's field sizes generate renewed interest in the exploration in the region onshore and offshore. The exploratory risk could be reduced by a better understanding of controls on the field size distribution and reservoir presence and/or quality.

Hydrocarbon accumulations in a Tertiary carbonate play in sedimentary basins of northern South America range from small to medium to giant. The fields are located both onshore and in shallow waters of the southern Caribbean Sea. Recent discoveries and wide variation in the play's field sizes generate renewed interest in the exploration in the region onshore and offshore. The exploratory risk could be reduced by a better understanding of controls on the field size distribution and reservoir presence and/or quality.

Exploration methodologies and machine learning applications

Juan Francisco Arminio

One of the more recent technological advances to gain traction in Oil and Gas is the application of Machine Learning processes to solve geoscience problems, such as those related to trap and reservoir identification in salt basins. With ever-increasing data processing capacity and decreasing processing costs, it's only natural for oil and gas companies to adopt increasingly efficient ML applications, pushing them to the limits of what they can do. ML is here to stay from that point of view, and investment in developing and refining ML technology will only grow with time.

One of the more recent technological advances to gain traction in Oil and Gas is the application of Machine Learning processes to solve geoscience problems, such as those related to trap and reservoir identification in salt basins. With ever-increasing data processing capacity and decreasing processing costs, it's only natural for oil and gas companies to adopt increasingly efficient ML applications, pushing them to the limits of what they can do. ML is here to stay from that point of view, and investment in developing and refining ML technology will only grow with time.

The Uncharted Territory of 2021: lessons from 2020

Katya (Ekaterina) Casey

U3 Explore is now one year old, and here are the highlights of our first year. U3 stands for Unlocked, Untold, Unfiltered stories of people with exploratory mindsets. These people have analytical and determined personalities. They like to collect information and figure out the meaning of their observations. They are proactive in preserving and communicating years of institutional knowledge in the integrated project delivery.

U3 Explore is now one year old, and here are the highlights of our first year. U3 stands for Unlocked, Untold, Unfiltered stories of people with exploratory mindsets. These people have analytical and determined personalities. They like to collect information and figure out the meaning of their observations. They are proactive in preserving and communicating years of institutional knowledge in the integrated project delivery.

Helping machines learn: 10 Geoscience Principles Machine Learning hasn’t learned yet

Scotty Salamoff

Many ascribe the recent successes of Machine Learning to an increase in available compute power; it is however also a result of 25+ years of intensive scientific research and experiences gleaned from the investment of time and money into understanding and correctly describing geoscience problems associated with petroleum systems that contribute wisdom to the outputs of a machine learning process. We have compiled a list of the top 10 geoscience concepts that machine learning -for all its strengths and benefits - is currently incapable of understanding.

Many ascribe the recent successes of Machine Learning to an increase in available compute power; it is however also a result of 25+ years of intensive scientific research and experiences gleaned from the investment of time and money into understanding and correctly describing geoscience problems associated with petroleum systems that contribute wisdom to the outputs of a machine learning process. We have compiled a list of the top 10 geoscience concepts that machine learning -for all its strengths and benefits - is currently incapable of understanding.

Early Cretaceous Conomita outcrop: structural analysis of syn-sedimentary gravity-driven deformations (NE Venezuela)

An updated analysis of Conomita Fold outcrop (Barranquin Fm.) was performed using an image of a field-trip guide-book organized by PDVSA in 1993: Excursion al Frente de Montaña, Venezuela Oriental (Stop # 5). “Remote” structural analysis carried-out along this outcrop reveals the existence of several deformation episodes related to gravity-driven processes. Conomita fold appears to be a slump feature generated in a deltaic setting. Early Cretaceous rocks were strongly tilted during the Miocene-Recent tectonics phase contemporaneously to El Pilar right-lateral strike-slip fault.

An updated analysis of Conomita Fold outcrop (Barranquin Fm.) was performed using an image of a field-trip guide-book organized by PDVSA in 1993: Excursion al Frente de Montaña, Venezuela Oriental (Stop # 5). “Remote” structural analysis carried-out along this outcrop reveals the existence of several deformation episodes related to gravity-driven processes. Conomita fold appears to be a slump feature generated in a deltaic setting. Early Cretaceous rocks were strongly tilted during the Miocene-Recent tectonics phase contemporaneously to El Pilar right-lateral strike-slip fault.

Is it possible to attain 1:1000 level precision from high resolution satellite stereo imagery?

Remote Sensing Satellites are great because of its availability, cost-effectiveness, and easy to program tasks. On the other hand, in most countries, you have to go through a lengthy process to be able to take an aerial photograph (digital or analog) if you use an aircraft. This is one of the many advantages to use satellites instead of aircraft and also It is more practical from the project standpoint. But sometimes you need high-resolution imagery to perform engineering or cadastral grade work. Would it be neat to be able to do it with satellite imagery instead?

Remote Sensing Satellites are great because of its availability, cost-effectiveness, and easy to program tasks. On the other hand, in most countries, you have to go through a lengthy process to be able to take an aerial photograph (digital or analog) if you use an aircraft. This is one of the many advantages to use satellites instead of aircraft and also It is more practical from the project standpoint. But sometimes you need high-resolution imagery to perform engineering or cadastral grade work. Would it be neat to be able to do it with satellite imagery instead?

Could we improve virtualization experiences across the E&P business in 2021?

Katya (Ekaterina) Casey

2020 is coming to an end, and it is time to reflect on it and plan for 2021. Virtual experiences have touched us all. Many of you were forced to adapt rapidly without prior experiences in virtual meetings and virtual business administration. The U3 Explore community had many private conversations on virtual business with our technology partners and found the advice we provide for each other very valuable. We want to extend the knowledge of the subject, share our experiences, and answer any questions on the best practices of the orchestration of the virtual office's business activities.

2020 is coming to an end, and it is time to reflect on it and plan for 2021. Virtual experiences have touched us all. Many of you were forced to adapt rapidly without prior experiences in virtual meetings and virtual business administration. The U3 Explore community had many private conversations on virtual business with our technology partners and found the advice we provide for each other very valuable.
We want to extend the knowledge of the subject, share our experiences, and answer any questions on the best practices of the orchestration of the virtual office's business activities.

New interpretive processes enabled by A.I. and Machine Learning Tools

Scotty Salamoff

The best new techniques that are appearing in geoscience toolkits today make use of Machine Learning and AI technologies to analyze massive quantities of seismic data with understood geological codependences. Coincident with the rapid acceptance and deployment of these tools by major E&P companies must however come a pivot in the way that we as geoscientists approach interpretation. In this paper we focus on the new balance between human and machine roles in the interpretation of 3D seismic data.

The best new techniques that are appearing in geoscience toolkits today make use of Machine Learning and AI technologies to analyze massive quantities of seismic data with understood geological codependences. Coincident with the rapid acceptance and deployment of these tools by major E&P companies must however come a pivot in the way that we as geoscientists approach interpretation.
In this paper we focus on the new balance between human and machine roles in the interpretation of 3D seismic data.

Artificial Intelligence and Geoscience: Is AI augmenting Human Intelligence or Is Human Intelligence Augmenting AI?

Scotty Salamoff

What do the two sciences need to know about each other to deliver practical results? On the image above is a wavelet displayed to scale next to a wave-shaped building. Appreciation of scale is one of the skills critical in oil and gas AI projects. On the other side, to be a successful petroleum geoscientist in the post-COVID requires a set of very specific new skills in addition to the understanding of geologic concepts. These new skills are not normally associated with geoscience but are fast becoming critical for geoscientists to operate in an E&P environment.

What do the two sciences need to know about each other to deliver practical results? On the image above is a wavelet displayed to scale next to a wave-shaped building. Appreciation of scale is one of the skills critical in oil and gas AI projects. On the other side, to be a successful petroleum geoscientist in the post-COVID requires a set of very specific new skills in addition to the understanding of geologic concepts. These new skills are not normally associated with geoscience but are fast becoming critical for geoscientists to operate in an E&P environment.

Learning from mistakes: Creating value from understanding the reasons we fail

Katya (Ekaterina) Casey

It is overall our view that creaming curve analysis is most valuable when it discriminates between the plays and playtests, when it may indeed identify missed opportunities or even new plays when combined with as thorough an understanding of the history of the basin as possible. "Lumping" the statistics together appears not to serve this purpose, at least in predictive mode, when trying to build a new portfolio and incorporate the potential value of speculative or conceptual plays.

It is overall our view that creaming curve analysis is most valuable when it discriminates between the plays and playtests, when it may indeed identify missed opportunities or even new plays when combined with as thorough an understanding of the history of the basin as possible. "Lumping" the statistics together appears not to serve this purpose, at least in predictive mode, when trying to build a new portfolio and incorporate the potential value of speculative or conceptual plays.

The absence of evidence does not necessarily mean the evidence for absence – exploration beyond first-order basin statistics

Katya (Ekaterina) Casey

Basin and play exploration are inherently governed by the management of risk and uncertainty at the portfolio level. Exploration investment decisions biased by risk-averse teams are susceptible to first-order basin statistics which may reflect a historical “poor” exploration history and exhaustion of existing play concepts. New concepts, new models, new thinking, and consideration of alternatives often result in a paradigm shift despite previous negative results.

Basin and play exploration are inherently governed by the management of risk and uncertainty at the portfolio level. Exploration investment decisions biased by risk-averse teams are susceptible to first-order basin statistics which may reflect a historical “poor” exploration history and exhaustion of existing play concepts. New concepts, new models, new thinking, and consideration of alternatives often result in a paradigm shift despite previous negative results.

Survey Results: Adaptation or remission : what next for E&P?

Katya (Ekaterina) Casey

The purpose of the survey is to collect information across different companies and geographies and help the industry in recovery after the crisis. There are many publications about how lost we became and the recognition that people want to return to a "new normal." There is an understanding that this "new normal" should reflect not only our new hygiene practices but also help us to reconnect with our lives, families, and friends, make our work more meaningful, and help us to focus on things that are important in our lives.

The purpose of the survey is to collect information across different companies and geographies and help the industry in recovery after the crisis. There are many publications about how lost we became and the recognition that people want to return to a "new normal." There is an understanding that this "new normal" should reflect not only our new hygiene practices but also help us to reconnect with our lives, families, and friends, make our work more meaningful, and help us to focus on things that are important in our lives.

Why Value Networking is essential or why shopping for skills on LinkedIn might get one in trouble.

Katya (Ekaterina) Casey

An example of the difference between U3 Explore and LinkedIn approach to professional networking. I use LinkedIn regularly myself following the posts of the people whose opinion I value and from whom I learn. Today on LinkedIn, I came across a simple explanation of why building a Value Network that is assembled and promoted not by paid campaigns but by our personal experiences will save us from trouble. The bottom line is that paid advertisements do not guarantee the quality of advice or service. Reference-based relationships do.

An example of the difference between U3 Explore and LinkedIn approach to professional networking. I use LinkedIn regularly myself following the posts of the people whose opinion I value and from whom I learn. Today on LinkedIn, I came across a simple explanation of why building a Value Network that is assembled and promoted not by paid campaigns but by our personal experiences will save us from trouble. The bottom line is that paid advertisements do not guarantee the quality of advice or service. Reference-based relationships do.

Adaptation or remission : what next for E&P?

Katya (Ekaterina) Casey

Technical expertise and business acumen have differentiated sustainable performance among E&P competitors. 2020 First Quarter earnings results evidence the pressures that face the future direction of the global E&P industry. Capital discipline strategies have reshaped the forward outlook of companies and for industry professionals uncertainty will be foremost in their thoughts. What will emerge from this period?

Technical expertise and business acumen have differentiated sustainable performance among E&P competitors. 2020 First Quarter earnings results evidence the pressures that face the future direction of the global E&P industry. Capital discipline strategies have reshaped the forward outlook of companies and for industry professionals uncertainty will be foremost in their thoughts. What will emerge from this period?

Vaca Muerta Formation, Argentina

Ricardo Sebastian Martinez

The success of oil and gas production from shale plays in the U.S in the last decade has also drawn attention to the most prolific source rock of the Neuquen Basin in Argentina, which is called Vaca Muerta Formation. Today, with approximately 110 MBls/d of oil and 1 Bcf of gas production from 1400 wells, it represents 5% and 23% of the total production of oil and gas of Argentina respectively.

The success of oil and gas production from shale plays in the U.S in the last decade has also drawn attention to the most prolific source rock of the Neuquen Basin in Argentina, which is called Vaca Muerta Formation. Today, with approximately 110 MBls/d of oil and 1 Bcf of gas production from 1400 wells, it represents 5% and 23% of the total production of oil and gas of Argentina respectively.

Survey Results Report: "Oil and Gas: Let's Check our Corona Virus Related Temperature"

Katya (Ekaterina) Casey

This analysis uses the data collected over March 25th- April 5th. By the digital nature of our survey, the responses are biased towards technically enabled companies and individuals that were set up for occasional remote work. We analyze 1- the overall level of the system preparedness for such an extraordinary situation when the majority of the workforce is working from home, where the entire family is streaming homeworks, videos, and videoconferencing; 2- social aspects of the remote working; 3- feedback on the support provided for remote workers and ideas on post-crisis recovery

This analysis uses the data collected over March 25th- April 5th. By the digital nature of our survey, the responses are biased towards technically enabled companies and individuals that were set up for occasional remote work. We analyze 1- the overall level of the system preparedness for such an extraordinary situation when the majority of the workforce is working from home, where the entire family is streaming homeworks, videos, and videoconferencing; 2- social aspects of the remote working; 3- feedback on the support provided for remote workers and ideas on post-crisis recovery

Ñirihuau Basin Report, Argentina

Ricardo Sebastian Martinez

Located in southwestern Argentina, it covers around 15000 Km2, with more than 10.000 ft. thickness in the depocenters. The basin has more than 100 years of exploration history started with the exploitation of 10 barrels a day from 4 wells in “Arroyo de La Mina” oil seepage. This report summarizes the new exploration ideas, based on geochemical data and outcrops description that allows the existence of a hypothetical new petroleum system. This idea generates high exploration potential in undrilled deep sections of big structures.

Located in southwestern Argentina, it covers around 15000 Km2, with more than 10.000 ft. thickness in the depocenters. The basin has more than 100 years of exploration history started with the exploitation of 10 barrels a day from 4 wells in “Arroyo de La Mina” oil seepage. This report summarizes the new exploration ideas, based on geochemical data and outcrops description that allows the existence of a hypothetical new petroleum system. This idea generates high exploration potential in undrilled deep sections of big structures.

Colorado Basin Report, Offshore Argentina, Exploration Review

Ricardo Sebastian Martinez

This report contains an exploration review of Colorado Basin, located in southeastern Argentina, it has onshore and most extensive offshore sections with more than 125000 Km2 of total extension. The basin has more than 70 years of exploration history, with a few wells drilled, one of them recovered 39º API Oil from Early Cretaceous Syn-rift sandstone. Three main plays were identified, with high exploration potential: Rift Margin Play, Continental Slope Play, and Thrust belt play.

This report contains an exploration review of Colorado Basin, located in southeastern Argentina, it has onshore and most extensive offshore sections with more than 125000 Km2 of total extension. The basin has more than 70 years of exploration history, with a few wells drilled, one of them recovered 39º API Oil from Early Cretaceous Syn-rift sandstone. Three main plays were identified, with high exploration potential: Rift Margin Play, Continental Slope Play, and Thrust belt play.