Our core regions
We take you on a discovery tour of Wintershall's world of exploration and production.
Dates
- 20.05.2012Kassel MarathonKassel, Germany
- 04.06.201225th World Gas Conference Kuala Lumpur
- 09.06.2012Documenta 13Kassel, Germany
Geological StudiesA lot of data is already there
Well before Wintershall starts to conduct its own geological research, our experts search through existing data., In some countries, companies have to make their exploration results available with the authorities, which in turn may also make them available to the public. In some cases, governments commission their own contractors to survey the gravitational and magnetic fields.
Wintershall can also make use of this type of data. Other sources include libraries and databases, such as those offered by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG).
Searching for the right basin
When Wintershall's geologists analyze this type of data, they look for regions with very specific properties; for example, a basin that may hold oil or gas should have a layer of sediment that is at least 2500 meters thick. The age and nature of the rock will also play an important role, whereby any type of rock that is especially porous is of interest, for example sandstone and carbonate. It is not necessary for Wintershall’s experts to have to drill a well to establish the exact sequence of the layers as this may also be revealed at the edge of the basin, where the different types of rock are visible on the surface.
Computers analyze the existing data
Geologists can also use computers when evaluating the geological surveys, for example to analyze existing seismic data. Furthermore, they can also develop a preliminary model of the basin and simulate how oil and gas may have initially been formed in the area. Computer programs can also provide initial indications of the geometry within the basin and thus indicate possible reservoirs. If the result of the analysis is promising, Wintershall will then launch its own investigations.
