Jacques Sayers

PhD student - Eng

Biography

Education

• BSc Geology & Geophysics, University of Tasmania Ð Australia, 1982
• BSc Geophysics, University of Tasmania Ð Australia, 1985
• M.Sc. Geophysics, Durham University Ð UK, 1993
• Graduate Certificate in Management, University of Western Sydney, 2000
• PhD candidate Geophysics & Geomechanics, The University of Adelaide Ð Australia, 2006 Ð present

Experience

• Sagasco Resources Ltd, interpretation explorationist / geophysicist, 1985 Ð 1990
• Digicon Inc., 3-D acquisition geophysicist, 1990 Ð 1992
• Geosystems Inc, contract processing geophysicist, 1994
• Geoscience Australia, interpretation geophysicist / team leader, 1994 - present

PhD Research Project

Advancing methodologies for interpretation of fault systems and assessing impact on fault reactivation and fluid migration pathways - east Gippsland Basin

Principal supervisor: Prof. Richard Hillis

Co-supervisors: Dr Peter Boult (PIRSA) & Dr Yildiray Cinar (UNSW)

Project support: combined CO2CRC / Geoscience Australia sponsorship

PhD Project description

Accurate definition of 3-D fault geometries, including identification of sub-scale fault systems, becomes increasingly important in the later part of a fieldÕs production lifespan. Mis- or incomplete identification of sub-scale faults can also be important in misidentifying economically successful play-types. Lastly, CO2 flooding schemes and / or CO2 geosequestration projects are also susceptible to unacceptable levels of project risk if the level of detail in the 3-D fault geometries is inadequate. This PhD addresses the above by advancing methodologies for interpretation of fault systems and assessing impact on fault reactivation and fluid migration pathways in the east Gippsland Basin.

The eastern part of the Gippsland Basin is susceptible to cross-fault seal problems due to the increased shale content in a more basin-ward setting. Carbon dioxide rich gas (i.e. up to 30%) is also found in this part of the Basin, which may become problematic in the future depending on the GovernmentÕs stance on CO2 release restrictions. This part of the Basin is thus a good area to establish solutions for the above. In addition, the quality seismic 3-D datasets are well suited for seismic attribute work Ð abundant well control exists.

The research will use advanced seismic 3-D attribute methods to interpret, visualise and produce accurate fault geometries. Robust seismic attribute flows will be developed and subsequently, a detailed structural geo-history will be established for this part of the Basin. Fault reactivation risk together with parameter sensitivities will be established. Fluid migration pathway scenarios will be proposed and tested where possible using Chimney cube software. The research makes use of geological, geophysical, geomechanical and reservoir simulation softwares.