Available online
Description
Today, the search for oil is intimately linked with high technology exploration tools, like seismic surveying, but such developments follow miany years of far simpler techniques. In this programme ...a brief history of oil exploration is given, and a case study presented of a relatively recent oil field discovery. This field is the Forties, found by BP in the North Sea in 1969. The reservoir structure of the field is shown to be of the same classic type as recognised by the earliest geologically based explorationists, but the sophistication of present day techniques is shown to allow a much better understanding of the reservoir before production begins.
Today, the search for oil is intimately linked with high technology exploration tools, like seismic surveying, but such developments follow miany years of far simpler techniques. In this programme ...a brief history of oil exploration is given, and a case study presented of a relatively recent oil field discovery. This field is the Forties, found by BP in the North Sea in 1969. The reservoir structure of the field is shown to be of the same classic type as recognised by the earliest geologically based explorationists, but the sophistication of present day techniques is shown to allow a much better understanding of the reservoir before production begins.
| Module code and title: | S237, "The Earth, structure, composition and evolution" |
|---|---|
| Item code: | S237; 12 |
| First transmission date: | 29-08-1981 |
| Published: | 1981 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:00 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | John Simmons |
| Contributors: | Jim Hornabrook; Sandie Smith |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Gusher; Oil; Seismic |
| Footage description: | Over archive film of early oil wells and drilling rigs, commentary by Sandy Smith introduces the programme with a history of oil exploration rigs to the 1930s. With the aid of an animated map of the world. Sandy Smith points out those areas where oil is likely to be found. Sandy Smith looks at a map of the North Sea which also shows Britain and Western Europe. She explains what geological features in this area prompted the exploration for gas and oil. Over film shots of a seaborne seismic survey in progress on the North Sea, Sandy Smith explains how these surveys are conducted. Shots of seismic traces and an animated diagram showing a classic anticline, a likely area for oil deposits. Jim Hornabrook shows a trace from a North Sea seismic survey and a model of the sedimentary layers constructed with data obtained from such surveys. He explains what elements of these features made it worthwhile to sink exploratory wells in the early 1970s. Sandy Smith examines some of the follow-up tests which are made continuously to determine the extent and viability of an offshore oil field. Shots of a technique, 'down hole logging' being employed. Sandy Smith explains the principles involved. Animated diagrams help to make her points. Jim Hornabrook explains what this follow-up data has done for the understanding of the North Sea oil fields and why continuous follow-up analysis is necessary. Summary by Jim Hornabrook. |
| Production number: | FOUS165T |
| Videofinder number: | 1600 |
| Available to public: | no |
