Who Is A Geophysicist

Geophysicists interpret seismic data to create maps of the build up of hydrocarbons and they also study the physical properties of rocks.   Geophysicists gather and evaluate well data that helps build reservoir models to predict the potential flow from the reservoir.

Geophysicist also designs data acquisition plans, interprets seismic data to create maps, measures reservoir volumes, assesses potential oil and gas yield. Geophysicist also reviews and evaluates geophysical/geological data in order to enhance understanding of geological structures with known hydrocarbon reserves and determine new hydrocarbon prospects (i.e. potential reservoirs). Includes preparing and analyzing time, velocity and depth maps based on accumulated data.

They also:

   Handle seismic evaluation and resource assessment for JV Project and Operating Assets and attend Geoscience Division peer review.

  Contact with internal and external expertise, including contractors and agencies, for presentation and discussion on work-related issues.

  Provide quality control and hands on work through department RFS and initiate work required by Geoscience and Exploration Group.

  Interpret 2D and 3D seismic data incorporated with all wells data to achieve optimum resources evaluation.

  Manage studies and masters geophysical techniques and methods to achieve industry standard- seismic interpretations with highest accuracy and reliability.

  Assessment of Hydrocarbon resources in of JV/Operating assets and work through RFS as required by Geoscience Division using geophysical data, well data and available tools.

  Manages and supervises well seismic calibration, time to depth conversion, and the geophysical database.

  Progress and results are communicated to management/team/asset/partner on a regular basis and concluded with final reports and closeout.

  Effective interaction, provide support with all relevant parties i.e. seismic acquisition team, QI team, or other asset teams as required to ensure that the study results meet technical project requirement and business impact.

  Improve the quality of geophysical data provided to the asset teams for evaluation, in order to reduce risk with regard to well site selection and field appraisal/development (if any).

  Coach, motivate, and develop less experienced team members and new staff and offer in-house Seismic interpretation short course upon request.

  Assist manager/VP in planning and monitoring departmental work plans, budget, KPI, & HW/SW acquisition /implementation and maintenance.

  Perform project management from start to finish and working within a team to deliver assigned seismic interpretation in all aspects of best quality control.

The largest number of geophysicists find employment in the petroleum industry. Since most of the petroleum deposits are buried deep below the surface, petroleum geophysicists find oil and gas by building a clear picture of what is below the Earth's surface. How do geophysicists build this picture?

A seismic source is used to create shock waves that reflect off the rock layers. The upcoming energy is received by the receivers, and the signal is transmitted through the cable to the recording truck. The signal is digitally recorded and stored on disk.

Petroleum geophysicists can be divided into three categories:

• Acquisition Geophysicists
  take 'pictures' of the subsurface much like X-Rays reveal details of the human body;
• Processing Geophysicists
  develop and sharpen the 'picture';
• Interpretation Geophysicists
  use the sharpened 'picture' to construct the shape of petroleum deposits.

Each of the above three types of geophysicists is described further in the following sections.

Job descriptions and job titles vary according to your area of employment. However, geophysicists/field seismologists are generally involved in undertaking seismic exploration and producing controlled source seismic data for oil and gas companies or consultancies.

Some geophysicists/field seismologists may be involved in providing environmental consultancy, for example the investigation of landfill sites using geophysical techniques, or may work within a research institute to investigate seismological structures and provide seismological information to the public and government.

Responsibilities

Geophysicists working in the field, which may be onshore or offshore, are typically involved in:

• pre-planning projects before going on site;
• designing data acquisition plans;
• deciding on suitable seismic measurement and data-processing techniques;
• taking equipment out to various locations around the world and deploying seismometers;
• observing the reaction of recording equipment to detect irregularities;
• using computers for data management, quality control and communication between the office and field locations;
• interpreting and mapping of 2D and 3D seismic data;
• reporting on collected seismic data to the team, clients, senior managers or partners at meetings and presentations;
• measuring reservoir volumes;
• assessing potential oil and gas yield;
• thinking quickly and independently to solve problems, often with limited resources in remote locations;
• designing, testing, modifying and repairing seismic equipment;
• adapting data collection procedures;
• working closely with a small team of scientists and other staff who may be away in the field or offshore for several weeks at a time;
• compiling charts and reports;
• writing documentation and work logs;
• providing a wide range of geophysical support and technical advice and guidance;
• keeping abreast of new and emerging technologies;
• improving existing techniques in data acquisition and mathematical processing, as well as seeking to develop new techniques and methods;
• working within budget, resource and time constraints.