Energy Exploration International - EEI Inc

Exploration - Formation & Location

Oil and gas form in what is known as 'sedimentary basins.'
Millions of years ago, dead plants and microscopic animals (organic material) were deposited in sedimentary basins with mud, sand and other sediments. Over time, the sediments were compacted and transformed into layers of sedimentary rock, also called "traps".

The sediments are transformed into oil and gas through the thermal conversion of organic matter trapped in source rocks. This happens when source rocks are buried deeper and the temperature rises and pressure increases. The liquid or gas that forms is known as 'hydrocarbons.'

For an oil or gas field to form, the liquid or gas must leave the source rocks and move through the pores and spaces of permeable rock or along minor fractures and fault lines. If oil and gas are not trapped in a reservoir formation they will escape to the earth's surface as a seepage.

Location

Scientists use geology and geophysics to 'see' what is happening beneath the earth in a process called Seismic Surveying. As an important feature of locating oil and gas for potential exploration, seismic surveying can be performed on land and sea by using different equipment.

There are always three components in Seismic Surveying:

• A seismic source
• Sensors
• Recording equipment

Scientists can create a 'picture' of the rock layer structure by measuring the time it takes energy waves to reach the surface.

Once the seismic data is collected it must be processed and carefully interpreted to decide whether further testing is needed or if exploration can begin.

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