PESA - Energy Geoscience

PESA SA Core Workshop "Ancient shoreline plays of the Cooper-Eromanga”
2024-07-05 09:00 - 16:00 (Australia/Adelaide) | South Australia Drill Core Reference Library, 5 Tonsley Boulevard, Clovelly Park, Adelaide, South Australia, 5042, Australia
PESA SA Core Workshop
“Ancient shoreline plays of the Cooper-Eromanga”
Professor Simon Lang & Professor Bruce Ainsworth
SA Drill Core Reference Library, Tonsley
Friday July 5th 2024
9am – 4pm

Following the success of the previous year’s events, PESA SA/NT is pleased to announce a full-day core workshop at the South Australia Drill Core Reference Library in Tonsley, SA on Friday 5th July 9am – 4pm.

We are delighted to welcome two renowned core analysis experts.
Professor Simon Lang – UWA
Globally recognised expert in sedimentology and stratigraphy with over 40 years’ experience in basin analysis, mineral and petroleum exploration & development, carbon sequestration and modern and ancient fluvial-deltaic to deepwater depositional processes and facies architecture.

Professor Bruce Ainsworth – Head of Geology at Santos
A clastic sedimentologist, stratigrapher and 3D modeller with extensive industry and applied academic experience; 18 years with operating companies, 7 years in industry research laboratories, and 9 years in applied academia. Bruce has geoscience work experience in 16 different countries covering fluvial, marginal marine and deep marine depositional environments.

This year’s theme is Ancient shoreline plays of the Cooper-Eromanga.

Workshop participants will gain an understanding of a key range of shoreline systems and types from the Cooper-Eromanga cores focussing on depositional process, facies associations, architectural interpretation, appropriate partial analogues, and implications for field development.
Intervals from the Epsilon, Murta and Coorikiana formations will be the focus of the workshop.
The workshop will finish around 4.00pm with an optional stop at the Mantra Tonsley for post workshop networking drinks (own expense).
Who should attend? Exploration and development geoscientists, sedimentologists, petrophysicists, engineers, academics & geoscience students who wish to view Cooper-Eromanga petroleum core and hear firsthand from two renowned industry experts.
Cost: $100 for PESA Members, $150 for non-members, free for students – up to three places. Includes lunch.
Bookings close 5pm on Monday 1st July unless sold out prior. This workshop is in high demand and places are limited – so please book early.
Location: The South Australia Drill Core Reference Library is in the heart of the newly revitalised Tonsley Precinct, adjacent to South Road. Attendees should make their own way to the Tonsley Precinct. There is ample car parking and public transport (by road or rail).
Please click this link for further details about the Drill Core Reference Library, including location and directions.
Contact Alex Ross alexross@fastmail.fm 0434 569 936 for more information.

PESA SA/NT Branch July Luncheon
2024-07-25 12:00 - 14:30 | Ayers House – Ballroom, 288 North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Exploration for radioactive waste repositories near urban areas

Markus Häring
Häring Consulting
Abtract
Save long term storage of nuclear waste is required even in countries without nuclear power plants. Switzerland produces about one third of its power with nuclear energy. The volume of high- medium- and low-level radioactive waste of over sixty years of production is in the same order as toxic heavy metal waste from industry and consumption. Radioactive waste has a precisely determined half-life and can be stored and monitored in controlled containments. In contrast, heavy metal waste is diffusely distributed, is not inventoried, and is of indefinite toxicity.
Nagra, the Swiss cooperative for the disposal of radioactive waste has explored for a suitable location in various rock formations throughout Switzerland. After forty years of exploration, a suitable site has been found that is not only geologically safe, but also meets all political requirements.
When it is possible to find a suitable site for nuclear waste in a country with nine million inhabitants that is smaller than the Eyre Peninsula and on top is located in a tectonically active region, it should be feasible to find a safe storage location in South Australia.

Event Details:
Thursday, 25th July 2024
Luncheon: 12 pm for a 12:30 pm start
Place: Ayer’s House, 288 North Tce, Adelaide
Includes a 2-course lunch and drinks
Bookings close 1 pm Monday, 22nd July 2024
Any late bookings will incur an additional $20 fee. Strictly no walk-ins.

PESA SA- Continental Trace Fossil Workshop
2024-08-15 - 2024-08-16 | Tonsley Drillcore Library, 6 MAB Eastern Promenade, Tonsley, SA, 5042, Australia
PESA SA Workshop
“Continental Trace Fossil Workshop”
Dr. Steve Hasiotis
University of Kansas

August 15th and 16th
9am – 4pm
South Australian Drill Core Reference Library Tonsley
Join us for a 2-day masterclass with world-renowned Ichnologist Steve Hasiotis.
The workshop will consist of a combination of lectures and core viewing/discussion. A range of Cooper Basin and Otway Basin (Penola Trough) cores will be examined.
$400 for PESA Members
$500 for Non-Members
$150 for students

PESA SA/NT Branch August Luncheon- Thursday 15
2024-08-15 12:00 - 14:30 | Ayers House – Ballroom, 288 North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
2024 Birdsall-Dreiss Distinguished Lecturer
Dr. Ben Rostron
Professor Emeritus of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Alberta

Abstract:
Geology and hydrogeology at AQUISTORE: Canada’s first CO2 storage project associated with a commercial-scale coal-fired power plant The Aquistore research project is part of SaskPower’s Boundary Dam Integrated Carbon Capture and Storage project in Estevan, Saskatchewan, Canada. Carbon dioxide is captured from the Boundary Dam coal-fired power generation station and transported via underground pipeline to both the Weyburn oil field for EOR, and to a 3400 m deep injection well at Aquistore. Initial CO2 injection at Aquistore took place in April 2015, and through August 2023 more than 500,000 tonnes have been injected. Geology and hydrogeology have played a key role in the entire project using both pre-existing and newly-acquired data. Hydrogeological characterization efforts were divided into four parts: regional hydrogeological and hydrochemical mapping of the site; hydraulic characterization of the storage zone during drilling/testing of the 3400m deep injection and nearby 3400m deep observation well; installation of an extensive shallow groundwater monitoring network; and ongoing hydrogeological and hydrochemical monitoring of the shallow groundwater in the area. All of the geological and hydrogeological characterization results indicate strongly favourable conditions for geological storage at the site: there are no significant faults in the immediate area of the storage site; the regional sealing formation is continuous in the area; the reservoir is not adversely affected by knolls on the surface of the underlying Precambrian crystalline basement; and the shallow groundwater and soil gas horizons do not appear to be hydraulically connected to the deep injection horizons in the subsurface. These results were subsequently used for project planning, risk assessment, and permitting of the site; demonstrating the overall storage integrity; and for Measurement, Monitoring, and Verification of CO2 storage for regulatory and public assurance. This talk will highlight some of the geology and hydrogeology results from Aquistore and provide an update on a couple of the more interesting outcomes of the project thus far.

Event Details:
Thursday, 15 August 2024
Luncheon: 12 pm for a 12:30 pm start
Place: Ayer’s House, 288 North Tce, Adelaide
Includes a 2-course lunch and drinks
Bookings close 1 pm Monday, 12th August 2024
Any late bookings will incur an additional $20 fee. Strictly no walk-ins.

1D Basin (Zetaware-Genesis) Modelling Workshop
2024-09-11 09:00 - 2024-09-12 16:00
PESA SA Workshop
“1D Basin (Zetaware-Genesis) Modelling Workshop”
Lucasz Krawczynski
TopDown PSA

September 11th and 12th
9am-5pm
Venue-Ayres House Adelaide
Join us for a 2-day workshop on the fundamentals of basin modelling, calibration, burial and thermal history modelling, maturation modelling, source kinetics and hydrocarbon yields. The workshop will use Zetaware-Trinity licences. Scope exists to bring your own wells/data.
$1000 for PESA Members
$1500 for Non-Members
$350 for students

PESA SA/NT Branch September Luncheon- 26 September
2024-09-26 12:00 - 14:30 | Ayers House – Ballroom, 288 North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Salt Cavern storage potential of the Polda Basin, South Australia
Glenn Toogood, entX, and Tim Rady, Geomorph Energy

The Polda Basin is a Neoproterozoic to Jurassic sedimentary basin, extending from the Great Australian Bight to the central Eyre Peninsula, South Australia. It has previously been explored for petroleum, uranium, coal, groundwater, base metals, potash and diamonds. There has been renewed interest in the Polda Basin for its underground gas storage potential in salt caverns, given that Mercury-1 encountered >1200m of massive halite within Neoproterozoic red beds in the central offshore basin.
entX Limited were granted Gas Storage Exploration Licences (GSEL) 781 and 784 and have been actively studying the basin to assess the likelihood of the proven offshore salt extending onshore, where it may be engineered into caverns for underground gas storage (UGS) sites. UGS can provide gigawatt-scale storage of H2 gas and significantly reduce the levelized cost of storage. Such an asset would provide key advantages to H2 project concepts, including DRI green steel from magnetite, green ammonia and biofuels.
To assess the prospectivity for salt onshore and correlate the stratigraphy across the basin, entX have taken a multi-disciplinary approach, reviewing all available data and literature and integrating seismic reprocessing, ICP-MS/OES and XRF analysis, visual core and cuttings interpretation, core density measurements, spectral scanning and gravity forward modelling. Following this work, the onshore Polda Basin has emerged as highly prospective for both salt and natural hydrogen. This talk will summarise the technical work undertaken, new insights about the stratigraphy and plans for future data acquisition.

Event Details:
Thursday, 26 September 2024
Luncheon: 12 pm for a 12:30 pm start
Place: Ayer’s House, 288 North Tce, Adelaide
Includes a 2-course lunch and drinks
Bookings close 1 pm Monday, 23rd September 2024
Any late bookings will incur an additional $20 fee. Strictly no walk-ins.

PESA SA Field Trip Clare Valley Geology of Wine
2024-10-13 08:00 - 17:00 | Skillogalee cellar door, 45 Trevarrick Rd, Sevenhill, South Australia, 5453, Australia
PESA SA Field Trip
Clare Valley Geology of Wine
Sunday 13th October 2024
Returning by popular demand – this year in Clare Valley!
Returning by popular demand – this year in Clare Valley
Spend a day touring the picturesque Clare Valley – hear about the influence of geology on wine, taste local wines at the historic Sevenhill winery and visit key outcrops with University of Adelaide Professor Alan Collins. Enjoy a relaxing two-course lunch at the Skillogalee cellar door.

Minibus departs Beach Energy, 80 Flinders St, Adelaide
08.00 for 08.15 & returns ~5.00 pm
PESA Members: $150 Non-Members: $170
Includes minibus to-from Adelaide, Sevenhill winery guided wine tasting and Skillogalee two-course lunch. Additional wine available to purchase separately.
Book online at www.pesa.com.au
Please book early – this popular field trip sold out last year.
Contact Alex Ross at 0434 569 936 alexross@fastmail.fm for more info.
Bookings close 5pm Monday 7th October

PESA SA/NT Branch October Luncheon
2024-10-24 12:00 - 14:30 | Ayers House – Ballroom, 288 North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
An emerging new Petroleum System with world-class plays in the
Torres Sub-Basin, Offshore Papua New Guinea
Tim Rady1 and John Chambers2
1 Geomorph Energy
2Larus Energy Limited

ABSTRACT
The Papuan Basin is the only basin with production in Papua New Guinea but is relatively unexplored for a typical Australian Continental Margin Mesozoic basin. It hosts the Kutubu Oil Field Developments and the PNG LNG project, as well as several gas fields that are planned to be developed in the coming years, but its southeastern extension, the Torres Sub-Basin, remains undrilled. Modern proprietary and regional multi-client seismic data in the offshore Torres Sub-Basin is now revealing an active Petroleum system with a generating Late Cretaceous Source rock and three main identified play types:

Miocene deep-water clastics in a large submarine Miocene to Pliocene foldbelt
Pinch-out plays of Miocene to Pliocene age against a basement high
Palaeogene carbonate build-ups on basement highs

This presentation will focus on the Miocene to Pliocene submarine foldbelt plays within the Larus Energy-operated PPL579 license area that was covered by the Nanamarope 3D broadband PSDM seismic survey (acquired in 2023 by Larus Energy and Searcher). The pinch-out play is within the recently awarded Larus Energy-operated PPL695 license in the foreland basin south of the foldbelt, while TotalEnergies is proposing to test the Palaeogene carbonate play with the Mailu-1 well in 2025.
The Nanamarope 3D seismic provides high-resolution images of large-scale submarine fan complexes, deposited during the Mid-Miocene, linked to active tectonism and the formation of the proto–Owen Stanley Range. The images suggest significant reworking of these turbidite systems by bottom currents into likely high reservoir quality contourite deposits with a wide spectrum of features formed during synchronous and asynchronous interaction of turbidity flows and bottom current activity. It is observed that bottom currents provide a mechanism to redistribute coarser-grained material up-slope and beyond the limits of the traditional turbidite fairway.
The new 3D seismic has allowed Larus to complete detailed structural mapping, update GDE interpretations, identify evidence for hydrocarbon migration and integrate petroleum systems and seismic synthetic forward modelling to derisk the prospectivity. Larus Energy is planning on drilling the giant Nanamarope Prospect in 2025 which, if successful, will open a large new play fairway for exploration and development and provide a much-needed revenue source for the nation of Papua New Guinea

Event Details:
Thursday, 24 October 2024
Luncheon: 12 pm for a 12:30 pm start
Place: Ayer’s House, 288 North Tce, Adelaide
Includes a 2-course lunch and drinks
Bookings close 1 pm Monday, 21st October 2024
Any late bookings will incur an additional $20 fee. Strictly no walk-ins.

PESA SA/NT Branch Spring Fling
2024-11-07 18:00 - 20:00 | The Havelock Hotel, 162 Hutt St, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
PESA, ASEG and SPE Present
Spring Fling
A night of Drinks, Nibbles and Conversation
All Welcome

7th of November | 6 PM | $15 pp. Members | $25 pp Non members
The Havelock Hotel | Balcony (Upstairs)
162 Hutt Street Adelaide

Sedimentary Evolution of a South Australian Cambrian Rift
2024-11-16 10:00 - 2024-11-17 15:00
PESA SA FieldTrip
From a carbonate ramp to siliciclastic fluvio-deltaics in a tectonically active Delamerian Cambrian rift. Seismic-scale depositional systems in outcrop

Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th November 2024

An opportunity to investigate the Cambrian evolution of South Australia through spectacular seismic scale coastal exposures in the Fleurieu peninsula.
The field trip will be led by Rhodri Johns and Elinor Alexander. The full excursion will be two days but participants will have the option of participating in either or both days. Participants intending
Participating in both days is encouraged to overnight at Break Free Wirrina Cove for R & R.
The first day will be spent examining the carbonate ramp deposits of the Sellick Hill Formation and the clastic turbidites of the Carrickalinga Head Formation at Myponga and Carrickalinga. Here signs of the early evolution of the Delamerian rift will be viewed. The second day will be spent viewing the spectacular outcrops of the Fishery Beach section on the south coast near Cape Jervis. Here a magnificently exposed prograding clastic sequence, including Carrickalinga Head turbidites and the shallow marine deltaics of the Backstairs Passage Formation.

Itinerary
Saturday 16th November 2024.
Self-drive to meet at the south Myponga Beach car park at 10am (76km from Adelaide). Once we’ve examined shallow marine Sellick Hill Fm exposures, it’s a short drive to Carrickalinga Head to spend time looking at the overlying deep water turbidite facies. Optional post field trip drinks and food at the Fork Tree Brewery – separate purchase. Overnight at Wirrina Cove (optional to be booked and paid for individually – discounted rate available).
BreakFree Wirrina Cove – ALL (accor.com)

Sunday 17th November 2024.
Self-drive to meet at the Fishery Beach car park at 10am – near Cape Jervis, 24 km from Wirrina, 115km from Adelaide. We will then walk along the coastal sections to view to relationship between turbidites and the overlying fluvio-deltaics. We will finish at about 3pm.
Attendees may wish to partake of a cleansing ale at Kick Back Brewing (Aldinga) on the way back to Adelaide – separate purchase.

Pricing for one or both days:
PESA Members: $30
Non-Members: $40
Students: $ no-charge
Limited places available.
Self-drive field trip – carpooling encouraged. BYO lunch.
Book and pay online at www.pesa.com.au
Contact Alex Ross at 0434 569 936 alexross@fastmail.fm for more information.
Bookings close 5 pm Monday 11th November 2024

PESA SA/NT November Luncheon: Natural Hydrogen Exploration in South Australia: An Update
2024-11-28 12:00 - 14:30 | Ayers House – Ballroom, 288 North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Natural Hydrogen Exploration in South Australia:
An Update
Chris Cubitt
Geological Survey of South Australia, Department for Energy and Mining
http://www.energymining.sa.gov.au/
chris.cubitt@sa.gov.au

Abstract:
South Australia took the lead nationally in enabling exploration licences for natural hydrogen on 11 February 2021 when amendments to the?Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Regulations 2013?declared hydrogen, hydrogen compounds and by-products from hydrogen production ?regulated substances?. Following on from this, seven companies have lodged over 40 applications for PELs targeting natural hydrogen over the State?s basins and crystalline basement provinces. PEL 687 is the first licence in Australia targeting natural hydrogen and was granted to first movers Gold Hydrogen Pty Ltd in July 2021 over Yorke Peninsula and Kangaroo Island. The second licence (PEL 691) was granted to H2EX in June 2022 over eastern Eyre Peninsula. An update will be given with respect to current exploration activities in both active licences and with reference to the current understanding of natural hydrogen prospectivity across South Australia.

Event Details:
Thursday 28th November 2024
Luncheon: 12 pm for a 12:30 pm start
Place: Ayer’s House, 288 North Tce, Adelaide
Includes a 2-course lunch and drinks
Bookings close 1 pm Monday, 25th November 2024
Any late bookings will incur an additional $20 fee. Strictly no walk-ins.

PESA SA/NT Christmas luncheon
2024-12-12 12:00 - 14:30 | Ayers House – Ballroom, 288 North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
PESA SA/NT Christmas luncheon
Annus Mirabilis
The breakthrough year when petroleum geoscience changed forever
Rhodri Johns

Abstract:
In a single remarkable year, several key papers and books were published that revolutionised the petroleum geosciences.
Some of these publications introduced groundbreaking ideas, concepts, and methodologies that stunned and astonished both academia and the petroleum industry. Others synthesised state of the art in disciplines such as sedimentology and geochemistry, building on developments from the previous decades, like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle falling into place; these works not only led to a more innovative approach to petroleum exploration but also laid the foundations for systematic basin analysis, play analysis, petroleum systems analysis, and risk analysis – approaches that would emerge as essential tools for the petroleum industry in the 1980/90s and beyond.
What were these pivotal publications, and who were their authors? How and where did these ideas and breakthroughs originate, and how were they received by both academia and the industry?
Rhodri Johns will tell this story from a personal perspective, offering new insights from those closer to the action.

Event Details:
Thursday 12 December 2024
Luncheon: 12 pm for a 12:30 pm start
Place: Ayer’s House, 288 North Tce, Adelaide
The luncheon will consist of 3 courses and a 3-hour drinks package
Bookings close 1 pm Monday, 9th December 2024
Any late bookings will incur an additional $20 fee. Strictly no walk-ins.

PESA SA/NT February Luncheon
2025-02-27 12:00 - 14:30 | Ayers House – Ballroom, 288 North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
PESA SA/NT February Luncheon
Seismic interpretation of the Petrel Sub-basin CO2 Storage Opportunity
James Komenza
Abstract:
An integrated geologic and geophysical study of the Mesozoic storage resource in the Petrel Sub-basin (Bonaparte Basin). This study includes regional petrophysics, geomechanics, rock physics, seismic reprocessing and inversion in an area of sparse well and seismic data.
Although numerous wells have been drilled in the Petrel Sub-basin, their focus has been the underlying Palaeozoic petroleum system, resulting in scant or compromised data quality in the overburden. This often limits data utility for reservoir characterization, field appraisal and development planning for the primary Mesozoic storage targets. Seismic reprocessing and quantitative interpretation supported by a model-based rock physics workflow have been used to fill in some of the gaps. This new data has been used to interpret depositional trends of both reservoir and seal, reservoir quality, heterogeneity and clay content, seal presence and thickness, and interval velocity away from well control. Insights from this study further highlight the suitability of G-11-AP for large scale CO2 storage.

Event Details:
Thursday 27ht February 2025
Luncheon: 12 pm for a 12:30 pm start
Place: Ayer’s House, 288 North Tce, Adelaide
The luncheon will consist of 3 courses and a 3-hour drinks package
Bookings close 1 pm Monday, 24th February 2025
Any late bookings will incur an additional $20 fee. Strictly no walk-ins.

PESA SA/NT March Luncheon
2025-03-27 12:00 - 14:00 | Ayers House – Ballroom, 288 North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
PESA SA/NT March Luncheon
The Perth Basin: Seven years of learnings
Andrew Farley (Strike Energy)

Abstract:
Exploration in the Perth Basin commenced back in the 1960s, but it was the discovery of the Kingia gas play by AWE Energy in 2014 that kicked off the latest round of exploration and development. The Waitsia gas discovery inspired Strike Energy to enter the basin in 2018 with success at West Erregulla 2 in 2019 proving that porosity and permeability continues to preserved despite greater depth. To date, Strike has drilled 13 deep wells and acquired 6 new seismic surveys across the Permian Kingia and Jurassic Cadda/Cattamarra plays. This has led to the discovery of 4 new gas fields, one of which is now on production, and two which are being developed.

Event Details:
Thursday 27th March 2025
Luncheon: 12 pm for a 12:30 pm start
Place: Ayer’s House, 288 North Tce, Adelaide
The luncheon will consist of 2 courses and drinks
Bookings close 5 pm Monday, 24th March 2025
Any late bookings will incur an additional $20 fee. Strictly no walk-ins.

44th ANNUAL PESA/SPE GOLF DAY
2025-03-28 | Adelaide Bowling Club, Dequetteville Terrace, Kent Town SA 5067, SA, 5067, Australia
44th Annual PESA/SPE Golf Day
PETROLEUM EXPLORATION SOCIETY/SOCIETY OF PETROLEUM ENGINEERS – SA BRANCHES
Friday 28th of March, 2025
West Lakes Golf Club
This year marks the 44th anniversary of PESA/SPE Golf Day. This event is done annually in support of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Over the last 23 years, it has raised more than $445,000 for this most worthy cause.
We are pleased to invite you to the 2025 PESA/SPE Golf Tournament on Friday, 28th of March at the West Lakes Golf Club. All aspiring golfers are welcome to play, irrespective of their handicap and golf skills. And as always, all money raised will go straight to the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Registration and Activities
To register for this event, download the flyer below (PDF) which includes the registration form. Complete the form and email it to the address and contact person indicated before March 26th, 2025.
On Golf Day (March 28), players must register with the starters before 9.30 a.m., with players moving onto the course at 10:00 a.m.
Dinner and presentations will be held in the Club House at approximately 6.00 p.m. Only those players attending the dinner are eligible to win prizes.
Breakfast, lunch and light refreshments will be provided whilst negotiating on-course obstacles. The course is well “watered” and most golfing requirements will be found in the “grab” bags.
Adelaide PESA/SPE Golf Tournament will be played as an Ambrose competition.
Reminders:
· Buggies and clubs can be hired from the Golf Course ONLY through ProShop: Chris Holliday and his team, on (08) 8268 3054 or via email westlakes@oncoursegolf.com.au.
· PLEASE BOOK EARLY. Only limited number of buggies and clubs are available.
· To assist the Bookies on the Golf Day, please be prepared and carry coins or small notes.
PESA/SPE member (dinner included) AUD 120.00
Non member AUD 140.00
Dinner only (invited guest 6:00pm) AUD 60.00

May 2025 SPE-SA PESA Technical Sundowner
2025-05-14 17:30 - 20:00
May 2025 SPE-SA PESA Technical Sundowner
Breaking the Lottery
Mohan (Mo) Srivastava (Resource Estimation Consultant at RedDot3D Inc.)
This is a story that keeps on giving, largely because the lottery industry keeps its head firmly stuck in the sand on the fact that state-run lotteries can (and have) been plundered. In addition to telling the story of how I broke an instant-scratch game, there’s always new stuff to tell … like my 2024 discussions with a young guy who had broken another lottery game, and was interested in hiring me to help him improve his method. I have given versions of this talk to completely non-technical audiences.

Bookings: Society of Petroleum Engineers, South Australia | Events | Event Details | May 2025 SPE-SA Technical Sundowner
Event Date: 14th May 2025
Time: 05:30 pm for 06:00 pm start
Duration: 2 hours
Venue: The Gallery Adelaide
Address: 30 Waymouth St, Adelaide SA 5000
Registration Details
Closing Date: 12th May 2025
SPE Member: $30.00 ea
PESA Member: $30.00 ea
Students: $15.00 ea
General: $50.00 ea
Contact Email: functions@spe-sa.org

PESA SA/NT May Luncheon
2025-05-22 12:00 - 14:00 | Ayers House – Ballroom, 288 North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
PESA SA/NT May Luncheon
Prospectivity of the Daralingie Shelf area of the Warburton Basin, SA
Tim Rady (Geomorph Energy) and Rob Kirk (Consultant)
Abstract:
To further highlight the prospectivity of the Warburton Basin, the South Australian Department for Energy and Mining (SADEM) has undertaken a whole of basin project integrating regional seismic interpretations (using the 2D Cube), previous geological understanding, well and standardized core interpretations. The May 2025 PESA lunch will be the first public release of the main outcomes from this project.
The Cambrian eastern Warburton Basin underlies the bulk of the hydrocarbon-producing Permian Cooper Basin in South Australia. The Warburton, like the Cooper Basin, is hydrocarbon bearing with a significant catalogue of hydrocarbon shows recorded from a wide variety of lithologies and stratigraphic intervals. Therefore, understanding the stratigraphic context of hydrocarbon occurrences is critical to unlocking this basin’s prospectivity. It is in this context that two integrated seismic-based interpretations were undertaken in this project and are the focus of PESA’s May 2025 lunch time lecture.
The initial seismic interpretation, by R. Kirk, looked at the whole eastern Warburton Basin with the results providing the stratigraphic and gross depositional environment (GDE) concepts that underpin the entire project. From this work a new stratigraphic sub-division of the Warburton Basin has been developed (Kirk et al 2025). Subsequently, the second seismic study was undertaken (by T. Rady) building upon the seismic sequence stratigraphic framework developed by Kirk et al (2025) by combining seismic attributes, structural and seismic facies mapping and core descriptions to develop GDE and updated reservoir distribution maps for the uppermost section, termed ‘400-1000’. This work has provided new insights into the basin stratigraphy, evolution and prospectivity for hydrocarbons (Rady et al 2025).

Event Details:
Thursday 22nd May 2025
The May luncheon is a week earlier than usual due to the AEP conference during the last week of May
Luncheon: 12 pm for a 12:30 pm start
Place: Ayer’s House, 288 North Tce, Adelaide
The luncheon will consist of 2 courses and drinks
Bookings close 5 pm Monday, 19th May 2025
Any late bookings will incur an additional $20 fee. Strictly no walk-ins.

Field Geology Club: The 34th Brian Daily Memorial Lecture
2025-06-05 19:00 - 20:30
We invite you to the Field Geology Club Event:
The 34th Brian Daily Memorial Lecture
Evolution and extinction in a super continental world: Did the breakup of Rodina provide metazoans with evolutionary salvation?
Thursday 5th of June 2025 at 7.00 pm
Mawson Lecture Theatre,
Department of Earth Sciences,
University of Adelaide
Dr Phil Plummer
Earth Sciences, University of Adelaide
More info can be obtained from: contact@fieldgeologyclubsa.org.au, and fieldgeologyclubsa.org.au.

PESA SA/NT June Luncheon
2025-06-26 12:00 - 14:00 | Ayers House – Ballroom, 288 North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
PESA SA/NT June Luncheon
The impact of triggered earthquakes of the Basel geothermal project 2006 on Engineered Geothermal Systems
Markus Häring (Consultant)
The triggered earthquake of M 3.4 with subsequent events of M >2 was a turning point in the perception of induced seismicity caused by intentional pressure changes in the subsurface. The events followed a massive hydraulic stimulation into granitic basement at 5 km depth below the city of Basel.
The geothermal project attracted worldwide attention, not only because the seismicity was felt throughout the city, but also because, for the first time, induced seismicity was recorded in detail by a scientifically supported monitoring system.
Since then, microseismic monitoring systems have been greatly improved and can now be used in all underground operations where pressure changes occur, such as oil and gas production, fraccing, CCS and EGS.

Event Details:
Thursday 26th June 2025
Luncheon: 12 pm for a 12:30 pm start
Place: Ayer’s House, 288 North Tce, Adelaide
The luncheon will consist of 2 courses and drinks
Bookings close 5 pm Monday, 23rd June 2025
Any late bookings will incur an additional $20 fee. Strictly no walk-ins.

FGC June Excursion "Geology by train: the Belair railway line"
2025-06-29
We are pleased to invite you to the Field Geology Club (FGC)-Hosted Event:
June excursion day “Geology by train: the Belair railway line”
Under the supervision of Frances Williams with Friends of Belair Station, as part of the Field Geology Club.
Please note that this event has been organized externally and reach out to the Field Geology Club for more information:
contact@fieldgeologyclubsa.org.au, or via their website at: http://fieldgeologyclubsa.org.au.
Date: 29 June, 2025

Field Geology Club Meeting: From Iran to Adelaide
2025-07-03 19:00 - 20:30
We invite you to the Field Geology Club-Hosted Event:
From Iran to Adelaide: A research journey uncovering nature’s solution for mine water contamination
Speaker : Dr. Sanaz Orandi
Please note that this event has been organized externally – please reach out to the Field Geology Club for more information:
contact@fieldgeologyclubsa.org.au or via their website http://fieldgeologyclubsa.org.au.
Date: 3rd July 2025

PESA SA/NT July Luncheon
2025-07-31 12:00 - 14:00 | Ayers House – Ballroom, 288 North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
PESA SA/NT July Luncheon
New Geological Studies Leading to 2025 Acreage Release in the Polda and Otway Basins, SA
Paul Strong and Sharon Tiainen
(Energy Resources, Geological Survey of SA, Department for Energy and Mining)
The Polda Basin is a 10,000 km2 Neoproterozoic to Jurassic basin covering the central western portion of the Eyre Peninsula of South Australia and extends westwards into the Great Australian Bight. The basin is only lightly explored, with the last significant hydrocarbon exploration occurring in the offshore Polda Basin in the late 1970s/early 1980s, with no reported hydrocarbon shows except for a relatively minor gas show of 40 ppm methane in Mercury 1. However, source rock studies in the Jurassic section indicate the presence of immature, relatively high TOC and excellent generative potential for both oil and gas from carbonaceous claystone and coal. Recent work by the GSSA (Tiainen, 2025) indicates the presence of a potential source rock from the underlying Neoproterozoic Kilroo Formation, with oil staining identified in the permeable reservoir intervals in the Polda Formation in the onshore mineral drillhole Kilroo 1A. In addition, recent work conducted at the University of Adelaide suggests that there may be potential for a natural hydrogen accumulation within the onshore Polda Basin (Rumi Daruso 2023, shown in Margiono et al. 2024).
Following a recent acreage relinquishment, one new Regulated Substances Exploration Licence (RSEL) in the Polda Basin is being offered as acreage release block PO2025 RSEL-A by the South Australian Government for competitive work program bidding.
The Otway Basin is one of the best known and most actively explored of the series of Mesozoic rift basins that span the southern coastline of Australia, formed following rifting between the Antarctic and Australian plates. Over the last 2 years DEM has conducted studies over most of the onshore Otway Basin in South Australia, with results suggesting that significant hydrocarbons have been generated and expelled in a number of structural troughs in the region, and that suitable reservoir fairways and new play types are now better defined than previously.
Following a recent acreage relinquishment, five new regulated substances exploration licences (RSELs), three gas storage exploration licences (GSELs) and one new geothermal exploration licence (GEL) in the Otway Basin are being offered by the South Australian Government based on work program bidding. A key motivation for the acreage release is the looming shortfall in energy supply in the southeast Australian market. The South Australian onshore Otway Basin is in a strategic location for natural gas exploration and gas storage.

Event Details:
Thursday 31st July 2025
Luncheon: 12 pm for a 12:30 pm start
Place: Ayer’s House, 288 North Tce, Adelaide
The luncheon will consist of 2 courses and drinks
Bookings close 5 pm Monday, 28th July 2025
Any late bookings will incur an additional $20 fee. Strictly no walk-ins.

PESA SA: 2025 Winter Warmer
2025-08-07 18:00 - 21:00 | Prohibition Liquor Co., 22 Gilbert St, Adelaide SA 5000, South Australia, SA, 5000, Australia
Winter Warmer 2025
PESA, ASEG, and SPE are delighted to present the Winter Warmer in South Australia. Join friends and colleagues on Thursday, 7th August at Prohibition Liquor Co. for an evening of networking and socializing.

Event details:
Join us for a gin tasting on a winter night, featuring pizzas for all attendees. Everyone is welcome!
Where: Prohibition Liquor Co.
Date: Thursday, 7th August
Time: from 6:00pm
All ticket sales close on Monday, 4th August at 5 p.m.

Field Geology Club Meeting: Mysteries down under caves of the Flinders Ranges
2025-08-07 19:00 - 20:30
We invite you to the Field Geology Club-Hosted Event:
Mysteries down under caves of the Flinders Ranges
Speaker : Stan Flavel
Please note that this event has been organized externally – please reach out to the Field Geology Club for more information:
contact@fieldgeologyclubsa.org.au or via their website http://fieldgeologyclubsa.org.au.
Date: 7th August 2025

Reservoirs, seals and pay: learning to think like hydrocarbon
2025-08-12 09:00 - 2025-08-13 17:00
PESA SA Training Course
Reservoirs, seals and pay: learning to think like hydrocarbon
John Kaldi
Emeritus Professor & CO2CRC Distinguished Scientist
University of Adelaide
This practical workshop-style course demonstrates how basic geological and engineering data can be used to evaluate reservoir rock quality, fluid saturations and contact depths, transition zone thickness and seal capacity (i.e. the maximum hydrocarbon or CO2 column a seal can hold before it leaks). It also demonstrates the geological controls on capillary pressure and relative permeabilities and how to use these to approximate recovery efficiency during primary or secondary recovery of hydrocarbons and storage efficiency in CO2 storage projects. This popular course has received extremely favorable reviews when presented for AAPG, SPE and PESA and as an internal training course for several major oil and gas companies as well as several generations of University of Adelaide students.
The course comprises lectures, case histories and several hands-on exercises. Participants will work in teams for most exercises.

Event Details:
August 12th and 13th 2025 (Tuesday and Wednesday)
From: 9am- 5pm
Venue: Ayres House Adelaide
We look forward to your participation in this enriching training session!
Please note that ticket sales will close today at 5:00 PM.

PESA SA/NT August Luncheon
2025-08-28 12:00 - 14:00 | Ayers House – Ballroom, 288 North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
PESA SA/NT August Luncheon
Applications of radiometric dating for energy resources and carbonate mineralisation
Darwinaji Subarkah
(School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences, University of Adelaide)
Darwinaji Subarkah1, 3, Angus L. Nixon1, Sarah E. Gilbert2, Alan S. Collins1, 3, Morgan L. Blades1, Alexander Simpson4, Jarred C. Lloyd1, Georgina M. Virgo1, and Juraj Farkaš 1, 3
1School of Physics, Chemistry, and Earth Science, Adelaide University, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
2Adelaide Microscopy, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
3MinEx CRC, Australian Resources Research Centre, Perth, WA 6151, Australia.
4British Geological Survey, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, United Kingdom

Abstract
Timing hydrocarbon maturation and carbonate mineralisation in sedimentary basins is often hindered by the scarcity of suitable dateable minerals. In order to address these challenges, we developed two novel in-situ laser-based methods that have the potential to quickly and accurately resolve these processes. The first method provides a tool to date clay phases in shales using Rb–Sr geochronology. We show that the Rb–Sr isotopic system in shales is sensitive to temperatures equivalent to the oil-gas window. The second technique demonstrates an approach for dating carbonate formation using U–Pb geochronology via a laser isotopic mapping approach. The laser rasters can be compiled into interactive maps, and this spatial and geochemical information can be used target multiple generations of carbonate mineralisation. Records of natural carbonate precipitation can be used as an analogue for assessing the potential of host rocks for carbon capture and storage.

Event Details:
Thursday 28th August 2025
Luncheon: 12 pm for a 12:30 pm start
Place: Ayer’s House, 288 North Tce, Adelaide
The luncheon will consist of 2 courses and drinks
Bookings close 5 pm Monday, 25th August 2025
Any late bookings will incur an additional $20 fee. Strictly no walk-ins.

Field Geology Club- Weekend Excursion: Exploring the mysteries of Warren Reservoir and Mt. Crawford Forest Reserve
2025-08-30 - 2025-08-31
We invite you to the Field Geology Club-Hosted Event:
Exploring the mysteries of Warren Reservoir and Mt. Crawford Forest Reserve
Excursion Leaders: Marg Beal and Mandy Bluett with Dr. Wolfgang Preiss
Please note that this event has been organized externally – please reach out to the Field Geology Club for more information:
contact@fieldgeologyclubsa.org.au or via their website http://fieldgeologyclubsa.org.au.
Date: 30th-31st August 2025

Field Geology Club: Ralph Tate Memorial Lecture - Rings around the earth?
2025-09-04 17:30 - 20:30
We invite you to the Field Geology Club-Hosted Event

Please note that this event has been organized externally – please reach out to the Field Geology Club for more information
contact@fieldgeologyclubsa.org.au or via their website http://fieldgeologyclubsa.org.au.
Date: 4th September 2025

PESA SA : Meandering Murray Field Trip & Fluvial Stratigraphy Workshop
2025-09-28 08:00 - 2025-09-29 17:00 | Ayers House – Ballroom, 288 North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
PESA SA : Meandering Murray Field Trip & Fluvial Stratigraphy Workshop
Magnificent Meandering Murray field trip: a modern-day fluvial system analogue
Sep. 28th and 29th 2025
Brian Willis (ex Chevron ) & Andrew McKerron (Beach Energy)

Join PESA SA/NT for an Exclusive Distinguished Lecturer Event Featuring Brian Willis
PESA SA/NT is proud to host Brian Willis, renowned fluvial sedimentologist and stratigrapher with decades of experience at Chevron and BP, as part of our Distinguished Lecturer Tour. This PESA Distinguished Lecture is made possible with the generous support of Santos Ltd.

This exciting two-day workshop offers a unique blend of field and classroom learning:

Day 1: Field Excursion – Sunday, 28 September Explore the stunning landscapes of the Murray River on a guided geological field trip led by Brian Willis and Andrew McKerron

Ticket Price: Free to attend | Logistics (Self organized) meeting point will be advised closer to the date

Day 2: Fluvial Reservoir Heterogeneity Characterization Workshop – Monday, 29 September

Ticket Price: $250 per participant | Location: Ayers House
Whether you’re a student, professional, or enthusiast, this is a rare opportunity to learn directly from one of the industry’s leading experts.
Limited spots available – register now!

Workshop Details:
Fluvial Systems – From River to Reservoir
Traditional characterization of fluvial reservoirs focuses on relating vertical facies patterns observed in core samples to a static aerial view of an analogue river. Such comparisons fall short of generating precise predictions of the distribution of reservoir heterogeneities that can impact subsurface fluid flow and reservoir development behavior. Heterogeneity patterns within fluvial deposits are emergent structures (i.e., in systems analysis, “emergent structures” are patterns that arise from the collective actions of many individual parts and behaviors and have properties that the parts themselves do not have). In fluvial deposits, these patterns are formed by shifts in deposition and erosion during river floods, dynamic changes in grain sorting along a river channel during lateral migration and cutoff within a channel belt, and the stacking of channel belts as the floodplain aggrades. This course aims to build on traditional fluvial facies models to develop a more dynamic understanding of how a hierarchy of depositional processes defines heterogeneity patterns within fluvial reservoirs.
• Discuss terminology and concepts to define the hierarchy of processes and deposits that control reservoir-heterogeneity 3D patterns and scaling.
• Examine process-based, numerical, river depositional models to better understand the emergence of heterogeneities within evolving channel belts.
• Catalogue 3D facies patterns developed within a range of river systems as a template for defining reservoir heterogeneity.
Lectures will introduce the hierarchical organization of fluvial deposits and discuss models for the development of heterogeneities within fluvial channel belts. The focus is on considering how dynamic changes preserve 3D facies patterns and understanding how these facies patterns vary between a wide range of fluvial systems. Well log interpretation and correlation exercises will demonstrate subsurface applications. The workshop is structured to challenge experienced practitioners to rethink standard practices, while remaining general enough to benefit geologists with little experience in fluvial systems, as well as reservoir modelers and engineers, with a broad overview of potential subsurface variation patterns.

Workshop Timing:
9:30 am-5:00 pm

Brian Willis will be giving an evening talk at 5:30 pm. The talk is free for workshop attendees, but registration is required. Please register at:
https://pesa.com.au/events/pesa-sa-nt-evening-technical-talk-three-dimensional-architecture-of-wave-dominated-delta-deposits/

Please Note:
Day 2: Fluvial Reservoir Heterogeneity Characterization Workshop – Monday, 29 September-
Complimentary Registration for Students – 9 Seats Available
Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Early registration is encouraged due to limited availability.

Please note that ticket sales will close on Friday September 26th at 5:00 PM.

PESA SA/NT Evening Technical Talk: Three-Dimensional Architecture of Wave-Dominated Delta Deposits
2025-09-29 17:30 - 19:30 | Ayers House – Ballroom, 288 North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
PESA SA : Evening Technical Talk
Three-Dimensional Architecture of Wave-Dominated Delta Deposits
Brian Willis1, Tao Sun2 and Bruce Ainsworth3

1. Presenter, Willis Geoscience, Consultant, Longmont, CO, USA; 2. Chevron Technology Center, Research Fellow, Houston, TX, USA; 3. Adjunct Professor, University of Adelaide, Australia.
Sep. 29th 2025

Join PESA SA/NT for an Exclusive Distinguished Lecturer Event Featuring Brian Willis
PESA SA/NT is proud to host Brian Willis, renowned fluvial sedimentologist and stratigrapher with decades of experience at Chevron and BP, as part of our Distinguished Lecturer Tour. This PESA Distinguished Lecture is made possible with the generous support of Santos Ltd.
Overview:
New numerical wave-influenced delta depositional models are challenging long-held rational for interpreting sea level variations recorded by wave-dominated shallow-marine successions. Shallow-marine, wave-dominated deposits (parasequences) are generally inferred to exhibit a decrease in wave energy and grain size with increasing water depth and to occur in facies belts that are laterally continuous for long distances along strike. Bedding geometry and vertical facies successions within these parasequences are interpreted in relation to a prograding equilibrium shoreface profile (cf. Bruun rule) and a gradual upward-coarsening facies progression (cf. Walther’s law). Sea-level fall is commonly inferred to generate a sharp-based shoreface succession, characterized by an abrupt vertical transition from heterolithic lower shoreface to sandy upper shoreface deposits across a marine erosion surface. A truncated vertical shoreface succession, capped by a marine erosion surface, is inferred to record significant wave ravinement during sea level rise and transgression.
Three-dimensional, process-physics-based, coupled hydrodynamic-morphodynamic wave-influenced delta models suggest that wave-dominated deltas will develop a sandy shoreface inner clinoform dipping from the subaerial delta plain to a relatively flat wave-scoured subaqueous delta top, which is laterally separated from a muddier delta front outer clinoform that dips from the subaqueous delta top edge to the shelf floor. As these systems prograde, deposits of these dual-clinoforms will become vertically stacked and will be separated by a regressive surface of marine erosion formed on the subaqueous delta top. Grain-size contrasts between these vertically stacked clinoform deposits reflect differences in sediment-transport directions and sorting under river- and wave-driven littoral currents along the coast, and cannot be uniquely related to sea-level changes. Gradual vertical facies successions develop where waves are less effective at reworking river-supplied sediment alongshore. In contrast, sharp-based shoreface deposits record more effective wave separation of sands onto the shoreface clinoform as muds are preferentially transported offshore onto the subaqueous delta clinoform.
The continuity of a regressive surface of marine erosion over many tens to hundreds of kilometres across mid-shelf regions of some stratigraphic sequences reflects a gradual lateral shift in the position of littoral current erosion on a subaqueous delta top. Timelines cross such vertical lithic discontinuities throughout the extent of a prograding deposit, and the regressive surface of marine erosion thus has little chronostratigraphic significance. The model results are used to suggest: 1) Characteristic strongly asymmetric wave-dominated parasequences suggest common river avulsion at the start of transgression, 2) Observed down-dip transitions from “gradual-based” to “sharp-based” shoreface deposits might record reduced sediment supply to the coast relative to rates of longshore drift as the system expands toward its auto-retreat limit, rather than transitions from normal to forced regression, and 3) Regional “top-truncated” shoreface successions might record progradation of dual-clinoform shorelines with wide deviation in net direction of regional sediment supply and shallow-water wave transport, rather than significant regional transgressive ravinement. The results of these models suggest caution in inferring sea-level changes from the character of vertical facies changes observed in individual well logs and isolated outcrop exposures. The models suggest new facies relationships that require testing in modern systems, outcrops, and subsurface examples.

Timings for the event:
5:30 to 6:00 – pre-talk drinks and canapes
6:00 to 7:00 – evening talk and Q&A
7:00 to 7:30 – post-talk drinks in the bar
PESA SA/NT will provide a selection of canapes. Beer, wine and soft drinks are available and can be purchased from the bar.
Ticket prices: Students Free, Members $30, Non-Members $40, Fluvial Stratigraphy Workshop attendees Free
Please note that ticket sales will close on Thursday September 25th at 5:00 PM.
