Svalbard Petroleum Geological Field Trip 2008

Svalbard - exposed and barren, more than half of it still covered by glaciers driving large amounts of deposits ahead of them. The scarce vegetation fails to blanket geological features, which is why Svalbard fascinates geologists from all over the world. Rarely does geology tell its tale more eloquently than it does there.

This year 47 geologists, geophysicists, and reservoir engineers from 13 countries in Asia, North and South Americas, Europe and Australia took the opportunity to visit Svalbard on a Geological Field Trip organized by Fugro.

“The trip is very unique given the geographical location of Svalbard. From a geological standpoint, it is truly amazing,” says Ezequiel Genova, Geologist, Marathon Petroleum Ltd.

Svalbard offers geological sightings enabling the study of everything from core-details to full seismic-scale outcrops. The main purpose of this field trip was to use these outcrops to illustrate depositional systems relevant for exploration and reservoir modelling.

“A seismic scale marine sedimentation system over a single outcrop made-up by three mountains - that is only one of the marvels of this field trip," says Andries Wever, Geophysicist.

“The climate, absence of vegetation or chemical weathering makes the geology beautifully exposed. The dimensions of the huge exposures and the distance from the boat to these exposures made you looking at the geology of seismic sections,” remembers Jan Willem Pronk, General Manager, Fugro Robertson B.V. “Sailing in the fjords was as sailing along the seismic sections.”

To organize the trip Fugro cooperated with Dr. Erling I. Heintz Siggerud, former Chief Geologist of Pertra AS, now Manager of Siggerud GeoServices AS, an independent consultant company servicing the petroleum industry. Erling has worked on Svalbard every year since 1980, including 17 full-summer field-seasons. The participants visited Festningen, Storvola, Brogniartfjellet, Annaberget and Billefjorden localities under his supervision.

“The sedimentologist and instructor of this trip, Erling Siggerud, is clearly very knowledge able about this area, not only geology but life in the Arctic in general,” says Ezequiel Genova. ”His stories about the Arctic, his family, friends and co-workers definitely add a very special touch to this trip. I found the trip both educational and inspiring. It is definitely once in a lifetime type of opportunity and I feel very lucky I got to be part of it.”

Daily excursions to the outcrops were followed by evening sessions. “I really enjoyed the field trip, it's relaxed but professional atmosphere, and the discussions with other participants on geology, E&P and any other subject we've touched on (ranging from global warming, protection of and against polar bears, environment, employment, industry, etcetera),” remembers Andries Wever. “The professional organization still managed to preserve a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.”

“'The trip was truly excellent. Well organized, well run, as safe as possible given the remote location, very educational and thoroughly enjoyable,” says Colin Turner.

The only wish from the participants who missed the sighting of the one and only polar bear on the trip was that “next year, Fugro should hire more polar bears”.