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1. Discuss the petroleum origin and occurance --2...

The document discusses the origin and occurrence of petroleum, emphasizing the organic theory which describes its formation from ancient marine organisms, and outlines the geological conditions necessary for petroleum accumulation. It also details the UN Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC), a standardized system for classifying and reporting energy and mineral resources based on environmental, technical, and confidence criteria. Lastly, it explains how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) enhance geological mapping for mineral exploration by improving data integration, visualization, and analysis capabilities.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
1 views

1. Discuss the petroleum origin and occurance --2...

The document discusses the origin and occurrence of petroleum, emphasizing the organic theory which describes its formation from ancient marine organisms, and outlines the geological conditions necessary for petroleum accumulation. It also details the UN Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC), a standardized system for classifying and reporting energy and mineral resources based on environmental, technical, and confidence criteria. Lastly, it explains how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) enhance geological mapping for mineral exploration by improving data integration, visualization, and analysis capabilities.

Uploaded by

neelamegan0263
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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1. Discuss the Petroleum Origin and Occurrence:

Origin of Petroleum:

The prevailing scientific theory for the origin of petroleum (crude oil and natural gas)
is the organic theory. This theory posits that petroleum originates from the remains
of ancient microscopic marine organisms, primarily plankton and algae, that lived in
oceans and lakes millions of years ago. The key steps involved are:
●​ Accumulation of Organic Matter: When these organisms died, their remains
settled on the bottom of these water bodies and were mixed with fine-grained
sediments like mud and silt.
●​ Burial and Preservation: Over time, these organic-rich sediments were buried
under increasing layers of sediment. The lack of oxygen in these deep, stagnant
environments prevented complete decomposition by aerobic bacteria. Anaerobic
bacteria played a role in the initial breakdown of complex organic molecules.
●​ Diagenesis: As burial depth and pressure increased, the organic matter
underwent a series of chemical and physical changes. This initial stage,
diagenesis, led to the formation of kerogen, a waxy, insoluble organic polymer
that is the precursor to petroleum.1
●​ Catagenesis (Maturation): With further burial (typically several kilometers) and
increasing temperatures (ranging from about 60°C to 150°C, known as the "oil
window"), the kerogen underwent thermal cracking. This process breaks down
the large, complex kerogen molecules into smaller, liquid and gaseous
hydrocarbons (oil and natural gas).2 The specific type of hydrocarbon formed
depends on the type of kerogen, temperature, and pressure.3
●​ Metagenesis: At even higher temperatures (above 150°C), primarily natural gas
(methane) is formed as the remaining organic matter is further broken down.
Eventually, at very high temperatures, all hydrocarbons are destroyed, leaving
behind only carbon residue.

While the organic theory is widely accepted, there is also an inorganic (abiotic)
theory which suggests that hydrocarbons can be formed from inorganic reactions
deep within the Earth's mantle.4 However, this theory lacks substantial evidence and is
not the mainstream scientific view for the vast majority of petroleum reserves.

Occurrence of Petroleum:

Once formed in source rocks (typically organic-rich shales), petroleum is less dense
than water and tends to migrate upwards through permeable rocks due to buoyancy.5
For an economic accumulation of petroleum to occur, three key geological conditions
must be met:
●​ Source Rock: A rock rich in organic matter that has been subjected to the
appropriate temperature and pressure conditions to generate hydrocarbons.6
●​ Reservoir Rock: A porous and permeable rock (e.g., sandstone, fractured
limestone) where the migrated hydrocarbons can accumulate and be stored.7
Porosity refers to the void spaces within the rock, and permeability is the ability of
fluids to flow through these spaces.
●​ Cap Rock (Seal): An impermeable layer of rock (e.g., shale, salt) that overlies the
reservoir rock, preventing the hydrocarbons from escaping to the surface.8

Petroleum accumulations are typically found in traps, which are geological structures
that impede the upward migration of hydrocarbons, allowing them to concentrate in
the reservoir rock.9 Common types of traps include:
●​ Structural Traps: Formed by deformation of rock layers, such as:
○​ Anticlines: Upward-folding arch-like structures.
○​ Fault Traps: Created by the movement of rock blocks along faults,
juxtaposing permeable and impermeable layers.10
○​ Salt Domes: Upward intrusion of salt layers that deform surrounding rocks,
creating traps.11
●​ Stratigraphic Traps: Formed by changes in rock type or unconformities (breaks
in the geological record), such as:
○​ Pinch-outs: Where a permeable layer thins out and is sealed by impermeable
rocks.
○​ Reefs: Porous carbonate structures formed by ancient marine organisms.
○​ Unconformity Traps: Hydrocarbons trapped below an impermeable layer
that was deposited on an eroded surface.12

Petroleum can occur in various states:


●​ Crude Oil: Liquid hydrocarbon mixtures.
●​ Natural Gas: Gaseous hydrocarbons, primarily methane. It can be associated
with oil (associated gas) or occur independently (non-associated gas).13
●​ Solid Forms: Less common, including tar sands (bitumen mixed with sand), oil
shales (kerogen-rich sedimentary rocks), and natural asphalts.14

The search for petroleum involves understanding these geological factors and using
various exploration techniques (e.g., seismic surveys, well drilling) to identify potential
traps containing hydrocarbons.15

2. Write the UN Framework Classification:

The United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC) is a


comprehensive and internationally applicable scheme for classifying and reporting
fossil energy and mineral resources, as well as renewable energy, anthropogenic
resources, and injection projects for geological storage.16 Developed by the United
Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), UNFC provides a
principles-based system for defining the environmental-socio-economic viability,
technical feasibility, and degree of confidence in the estimated quantities of
resources.17

Key Principles of UNFC:


●​ Universality: Designed to be applicable to all solid, liquid, and gaseous minerals
and energy resources, as well as other subsurface activities.18
●​ Sustainability: Integrates environmental, social, and economic considerations
into resource classification, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs).
●​ Transparency and Comparability: Provides a standardized framework that
enhances consistency and transparency in resource reporting, allowing for better
comparison of resource projects globally.19
●​ Flexibility: Can be applied at various scales (project, national, global) and for
different purposes (resource management, investment decisions, policy
formulation).

Structure of UNFC:

UNFC uses a three-axis system to classify resource projects based on three


fundamental criteria:
●​ E-axis (Environmental-Socio-Economic Viability): This axis assesses the
viability of a project from an environmental, social, and economic perspective.
Categories range from E1 (economically viable and environmentally/socially
acceptable) to E4 (currently not viable due to these factors).
●​ F-axis (Technical Feasibility): This axis evaluates the technical maturity and
feasibility of a project. Categories range from F1 (technically mature and feasible)
to F4 (currently not feasible).
●​ G-axis (Degree of Confidence): This axis reflects the level of confidence in the
estimated quantities of the resource. Categories range from G1 (high degree of
confidence) to G4 (low degree of confidence).

Classification Codes:

A resource project is classified using a combination of codes from each axis (e.g.,
E2-F1-G3). The numerical codes indicate the level of viability, feasibility, and
confidence, with lower numbers generally representing more advanced and certain
projects.20

Applications of UNFC:

UNFC is used by various stakeholders for:


●​ Governments: For national resource management, policy development, and
inventorying resources.
●​ International Organizations: For developing global energy and mineral studies
and formulating robust policies.21
●​ Industry: For corporate business processes, project evaluation, and efficient
capital allocation.
●​ Financial Community: For assessing investment risks and opportunities in
resource projects.
●​ Academia and Research: For providing a consistent framework for resource
studies and analysis.

Evolution of UNFC:

UNFC has evolved since its initial development in 1997 to include a wider range of
resources and to better align with sustainable development principles.22 The latest
version (UNFC 2019) provides improved terminology and applicability across all
resource sectors.23

In summary, the UNFC is a crucial tool for promoting sustainable resource


management by providing a standardized, transparent, and comprehensive system for
classifying and reporting resource projects based on their economic, social,
environmental, and technical maturity, as well as the confidence in the estimated
quantities.24

3. Write the Geological Mapping of Minerals Exploration of GIS METHOD:

Geological mapping is a fundamental initial step in mineral exploration.25 It involves the


systematic observation, recording, and representation of geological features (rock
types, structures, alterations, mineralization) on a map.26 The integration of
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has revolutionized this process, significantly
enhancing the efficiency, accuracy, and analytical capabilities of geological mapping
for mineral exploration.27

How GIS Enhances Geological Mapping for Mineral Exploration:

GIS provides a powerful platform for integrating, visualizing, analyzing, and


interpreting diverse spatial datasets relevant to mineral exploration.28 Here's how it's
applied:
1.​ Data Integration:
○​ Geological Maps: Existing geological maps (bedrock, structural, alteration) in
various formats (paper, digital) can be georeferenced, digitized, and
integrated into the GIS database.
○​ Remote Sensing Data: Satellite imagery (multispectral, hyperspectral), aerial
photographs, and LiDAR data can be incorporated to identify lithological
units, structural features (faults, folds, lineaments), and alteration zones
based on spectral signatures and topographic information.29
○​ Geophysical Data: Aeromagnetic, gravity, radiometric, and electromagnetic
survey data can be displayed as maps and integrated with geological layers to
identify subsurface anomalies potentially related to mineralization.
○​ Geochemical Data: Soil, stream sediment, and rock chip sample locations
and analytical results can be linked to their spatial coordinates, allowing for
the creation of geochemical anomaly maps.30
○​ Topographic Data: Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and derived products
(slope, aspect, drainage networks) help understand the terrain and its
influence on geological processes and mineralization.
○​ Mineral Occurrence Data: Databases of known mineral deposits, prospects,
and showings can be integrated to understand the regional metallogeny and
identify potential target areas.
○​ Field Data: GPS coordinates of outcrops, structural measurements (strike,
dip), lithological descriptions, and sample locations collected during fieldwork
can be directly input into the GIS.
2.​ Data Visualization and Mapping:
○​ GIS allows for the creation of sophisticated and informative geological maps
with customized symbology, labeling, and annotations.31
○​ Different datasets can be overlaid and visualized together, enabling the
identification of spatial relationships and correlations between geological
features and potential mineralization.32
○​ 3D visualization capabilities in GIS can help in understanding subsurface
geology and the geometry of mineral deposits.33
3.​ Spatial Analysis:
○​ Lineament Analysis: GIS tools can be used to automatically extract and
analyze linear features (faults, fractures) from remote sensing and
geophysical data, which are often important controls on mineralization.34
○​ Buffer Analysis: Creating buffer zones around known mineral occurrences,
structural features, or alteration zones to identify prospective areas.
○​ Overlay Analysis: Combining different thematic layers (e.g., lithology,
alteration, geophysical anomalies) to identify areas with overlapping favorable
characteristics for mineralization.
○​ Spatial Statistics: Analyzing the spatial distribution of geochemical
anomalies and their relationship with geological features.
○​ Predictive Modeling: Using statistical and machine learning techniques
within GIS to develop mineral potential maps based on the spatial association
of known deposits with various geological, geophysical, and geochemical
datasets.35
○​ Proximity Analysis: Determining the distance of certain geological features
(e.g., intrusions, faults) to known mineral occurrences.
4.​ Fieldwork Planning and Navigation:
○​ GIS can be used to plan efficient fieldwork routes, identify target areas for
detailed mapping and sampling, and navigate using GPS-enabled devices
linked to the GIS database.
○​ Digital field maps can be created and updated in real-time during fieldwork.
5.​ Data Management and Sharing:
○​ GIS provides a structured environment for managing and organizing large
volumes of spatial data.36
○​ Digital maps and analysis results can be easily shared and disseminated
among exploration team members and stakeholders.

Workflow of Geological Mapping for Mineral Exploration using GIS:


1.​ Data Acquisition and Preprocessing: Collect and prepare all relevant spatial
datasets (geological maps, remote sensing imagery, geophysical surveys,
geochemical data, etc.). This includes georeferencing, rectification, and format
conversion.
2.​ Database Creation: Organize the processed data into a GIS database with
appropriate spatial referencing and attribute information.
3.​ Visualization and Initial Interpretation: Display the integrated datasets to gain
an initial understanding of the geological setting and identify potential areas of
interest.
4.​ Spatial Analysis: Apply various GIS analytical techniques (overlay, buffering,
lineament analysis, statistical analysis) to identify patterns, anomalies, and
correlations related to potential mineralization.
5.​ Fieldwork Planning and Execution: Use GIS to plan fieldwork, create digital field
maps, and record new geological data with precise spatial coordinates.
6.​ Integration of Field Data: Incorporate the newly collected field data into the GIS
database, updating existing maps and creating new layers (e.g., detailed
lithological maps, structural measurements).
7.​ Synthesis and Interpretation: Integrate all geological, geophysical, and
geochemical information within the GIS to develop a comprehensive
understanding of the study area's geology and mineral potential.
8.​ Target Generation and Prioritization: Based on the integrated analysis, identify
and prioritize prospective areas for further exploration activities (e.g., detailed
surveys, drilling).
9.​ Map Production and Reporting: Create high-quality geological maps and
reports using the GIS for communication of findings.

Advantages of using GIS in Geological Mapping for Mineral Exploration:


●​ Improved Efficiency: Faster data integration, analysis, and map production
compared to traditional methods.37
●​ Enhanced Accuracy: Precise spatial referencing and analysis of multiple
datasets.
●​ Better Visualization: Clear and informative maps that facilitate understanding of
complex geological relationships.
●​ Increased Analytical Capabilities: Powerful spatial analysis tools for identifying
patterns and predicting mineral potential.
●​ Effective Data Management: Organized and accessible spatial data.
●​ Improved Communication: Easy sharing of digital maps and results.
●​ Cost Reduction: Optimized fieldwork planning and targeted exploration efforts.

In conclusion, GIS has become an indispensable tool in modern geological mapping


for mineral exploration. By providing a robust platform for data integration,
visualization, analysis, and management, GIS significantly enhances the ability of
geologists to understand complex geological environments and effectively identify
promising areas for mineral discoveries.38

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