EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Hydrocarbon Exploration in Extensional Systems course provides a comprehensive understanding of petroleum exploration concepts within extensional tectonic settings. It focuses on how crustal stretching controls basin architecture, sedimentation patterns, and hydrocarbon systems. The course explains the structural and stratigraphic evolution of rift and post-rift basins. Participants learn how extensional faults influence trap formation, migration pathways, and reservoir distribution. Emphasis is placed on integrating tectonics with sedimentary processes and petroleum system elements. The course highlights exploration risks and opportunities specific to extensional regimes. Practical interpretation workflows are introduced to support exploration decision-making. Learners develop confidence in analyzing complex extensional basin data. This course establishes a strong foundation for advanced exploration studies in rift-related petroleum provinces.

INTRODUCTION

The Hydrocarbon Exploration in Extensional Systems course is designed to build essential skills for understanding petroleum systems in extensional tectonic environments. It introduces the geological processes associated with crustal stretching and basin development. The course explains how fault-controlled subsidence influences sedimentation and stratigraphy. Participants learn the relationship between extensional structures and hydrocarbon generation, migration, and trapping. The program emphasizes the role of syn-rift and post-rift sequences in exploration. It covers structural styles and basin evolution models. The course highlights the integration of seismic, geological, and stratigraphic data. Concepts are presented in a logical and progressive sequence. The scope supports both academic understanding and applied exploration practice.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Participants will achieve the following objectives by the Hydrocarbon Exploration in Extensional Systems course:

• Understand the principles of extensional tectonics and basin formation.
• Explain the evolution of rift and post-rift sedimentary basins.
• Identify structural styles associated with extensional regimes.
• Analyze fault geometry and its impact on hydrocarbon trapping.
• Evaluate source rock development in extensional settings.
• Interpret reservoir distribution controlled by syn-rift sedimentation.
• Assess seal development and migration pathways.
• Integrate structural, stratigraphic, and petroleum system data.
• Identify exploration risks and uncertainties in extensional basins.
• Apply extensional basin concepts to exploration and development decisions.
• These objectives are clearly defined, measurable, achievable, and aligned with professional exploration workflows, ensuring participants gain practical skills applicable to real petroleum exploration projects in extensional tectonic settings.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This Hydrocarbon Exploration in Extensional Systems program targets a professional audience seeking to improve knowledge and skills:

• Geology graduates entering petroleum exploration.
• Exploration geologists.
• Geophysicists working with seismic data.
• Reservoir and petroleum engineers.
• Subsurface interpretation specialists.
• Energy sector professionals.
• Academic researchers in basin analysis.
• Technical staff involved in exploration studies.

COURSE OUTLINE

Day 1: Fundamentals of Extensional Tectonics

• Definition and characteristics of extensional tectonic systems.
• Stress regimes and crustal stretching mechanisms.
• Formation of rift basins.
• Half-graben and full-graben geometries.
• Fault growth and basin subsidence.
• Relationship between tectonics and sediment supply.
• Role of extension in petroleum system development.

Day 2: Rift Basin Evolution and Stratigraphy

• Syn-rift sedimentation processes.
• Post-rift thermal subsidence.
• Stratigraphic architecture of rift basins.
• Facies distribution in extensional settings.
• Lacustrine and fluvial depositional systems.
• Marine influence in rift basins.
• Unconformities and sequence development.
• Stratigraphic controls on reservoirs and seals.

Day 3: Structural Traps and Fault Systems

• Normal fault systems and fault blocks.
• Fault-related traps in extensional regimes.
• Growth faults and rollover structures.
• Horst and graben trapping configurations.
• Fracture systems associated with extension.
• Fault sealing and leakage behavior.
• Timing of fault activity and hydrocarbon charge.
• Structural risk assessment in rift basins.

Day 4: Petroleum Systems in Extensional Basins

• Source rock development in rift environments.
• Thermal evolution and maturation history.
• Hydrocarbon generation and expulsion.
• Migration pathways controlled by faults.
• Reservoir development in syn-rift and post-rift sequences.
• Seal effectiveness in extensional settings.
• Critical timing relationships.
• Petroleum system modeling concepts.

Day 5: Exploration Strategies and Case Integration

• Exploration workflows in extensional systems.
• Seismic interpretation for rift basins.
• Play and prospect identification.
• Risk and uncertainty evaluation.
• Integration of geological and geophysical data.
• Lessons learned from mature extensional basins.
• Application to frontier exploration areas.
• Review and integration of course concepts.

COURSE DURATION

This Hydrocarbon Exploration in Extensional Systems course is available in different durations: 1 week (intensive training), 2 weeks (moderate pace with additional practice sessions), or 3 weeks (a comprehensive learning experience). The course can be attended in person or online, depending on the trainee's preference.

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

This Hydrocarbon Exploration in Extensional Systems course is delivered by expert trainers worldwide, bringing global experience and best practices.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1- Who should attend this Hydrocarbon Exploration in Extensional Systems course?

This course is suitable for geoscientists and professionals involved in petroleum exploration and basin analysis.

2- What are the key benefits of this Hydrocarbon Exploration in Extensional Systems training?

It enhances understanding of petroleum systems and exploration strategies in extensional tectonic environments.

3—Do participants receive a certificate?

Yes, upon successful completion, all participants will receive a professional certification.

4- What language is the course delivered in?

English and Arabic.

5- Can I attend online?

Yes, you can attend in person, online, or in-house at your company.

CONCLUSION

The Hydrocarbon Exploration in Extensional Systems course provides essential knowledge for understanding petroleum systems in rift-related basins. It strengthens the ability to interpret structural and stratigraphic controls on hydrocarbons. Participants gain practical exploration workflows applicable to extensional settings. The course supports confident decision-making in complex tectonic environments. It offers long-term professional value for petroleum exploration careers.