PESA - Energy Geoscience

Field Geology Club Meeting: From Iran to Adelaide
2025-07-03 19:00 - 20:30 (Australia/Adelaide) | QLD
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 | QLD
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 | QLD
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 | QLD
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 | QLD
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.

Field Geology Club Meeting: Sunset Crater, volcano national monument
2025-10-02 19:00 - 20:30 | QLD
We invite you to the Field Geology Club-Hosted Event:
Sunset Crater, volcano national monument
Speaker :Paul Curnow
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: 2nd October 2025

Field Geology Club- Excursion: Harlequin Stone and the ancient rocks of northern Yorke peninsula
2025-10-20 - 2025-10-25 | QLD
We invite you to the Field Geology Club-Hosted Event:
Harlequin Stone and the ancient rocks of northern Yorke peninsula: their geological setting, origin, and alteration
Excursion Leaders: Dr. Colin Conor with Marg Beal and Mandy Bluett
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: 20th-25th October 2025

Field Geology Club Excursion: Yorke peninsula
2025-10-20 - 2025-10-25 | QLD
We invite you to the Field Geology Club-Hosted Event
Harlequin Stone and the ancient rocks of northern Yorke peninsula: their geological setting, origin, and alteration
6-day Excursion
Speaker/ Leader: Dr. Colin Conor with Marg Beal and Mandy Bluett
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: 20th- 25th Oct 2025

2025 Australian Natural Hydrogen Conference -Adelaide Hills- PESA discount applies
2025-10-21 - 2025-10-23 | Adelaide Hills Convention Centre, 145A Mount Barker Rd,, Hahndorf, SA, 5245, Australia
Hundreds of millions of dollars have been committed worldwide to the hunt for natural hydrogen.
Many more countries and companies are trying to commercialise one of the most abundant and cost-effective forms of hydrogen as the world continues the drive to carbon zero.
Since the inaugural Natural Hydrogen Association of Australia conference in 2024, the game has changed. Where are the new natural hydrogen targets; who are the prime movers; what have we learnt from the latest drilling programs; and how have the technical approaches to exploration morphed?
This is a fantastic opportunity for interested parties to learn how much closer we are to having at our fingertips a new tool in the carbon zero war.
The conference will span 3 days and, depending on demand, there could be events on another 2 days.
The official conference will begin on Tuesday October 21 with an add-on afternoon workshop on specific technical topics (agenda to be confirmed) and an evening icebreaker session. The official conference is on the Wednesday and Thursday (Oct 22-23), with a informal event on the Wednesday evening.
As well, if there is enough demand, organisers are considering a wine tour of some of the world-renowned wineries of the region on the Monday (Oct 20) and a field trip on Friday (Oct 24). As South Australia is one of the hotbeds of natural hydrogen exploration in this country, that would be either a core store visit or a trip to one of the sites where natural hydrogen has been identified.

PESA Member Discounts
We welcome interested PESA members to our conference and are offering 10% off the registration pricing. Tickets on sale here: 2025 ANHC.
You must be logged in to the PESA website to view the instructions on how to get your discount.

PESA SA Training Course: Seismic Geomorphology and Seismic Stratigraphy – Fundamentals and Workflows
2025-11-03 09:00 - 2025-11-04 17:00 | QLD
PESA SA Training Course
“Seismic Geomorphology and Seismic Stratigraphy – Fundamentals and Workflows”
Henry W. Posamentier, PhD
Consultant
(PESA Distinguished Lecturer)
This PESA Distinguished Lecture is made possible with the generous support of Santos Ltd.

Objectives
This course is designed to enhance interpretation skill sets with regard to geologic interpretation of seismic data. The overall objective is to present seismic interpretation methods/workflows focused on seismic stratigraphy integrated with seismic geomorphology, aimed at reducing risk with regard to prediction of lithology, reservoir compartmentalization, and stratigraphic trapping potential in exploration and production. Specifically, the participant will be shown:

workflows designed to facilitate extraction of stratigraphic insights from 3D seismic data
techniques for 3D seismic geomorphologic/stratigraphic analyses
numerous examples of various depositional systems in various depositional settings (i.e., fluvial, marginal marine, deep-water, shallow-water carbonates)
integration of sequence stratigraphic concepts
discussion, with examples, of pitfalls in interpretation

Content
The application of seismic geomorphology and seismic stratigraphy to exploration and field development is a natural consequence of the advent of high-quality and increasingly more affordable and widespread 3D seismic data currently available. Integrating analyses of plan view (geomorphologic) and section view (stratigraphic) images can significantly enhance predictions of the spatial and temporal distribution of subsurface lithology (reservoir, source, and seal), compartmentalization, and stratigraphic trapping capabilities, as well as enhanced understanding of process sedimentology and sequence stratigraphy.
Participants in the course will be exposed to seismic geomorphologic/stratigraphic workflows, which involve 1) initial reconnaissance through 3D volumes with various slicing techniques using a variety of different seismic attribute volumes including full stack reflection amplitudes, near and far stacked amplitude volumes, and coherence volumes, as well as opacity rendering, 2) focus on features of geologic interest and further investigate through a combination of detailed slicing, interval attributes, horizon picking and amplitude extraction, horizon illumination, etc., and 3) comprehensive integration of seismic geomorphologic analyses with seismic stratigraphic analyses, whereby the plan view is integrated with the section view to ensure a consistent interpretation. 4) integration and application of sequence stratigraphic concepts to facilitate data interpretation.
Course lectures will involve both PowerPoint presentations as well as interactive demonstrations of the interpretation of 3D seismic data. A wide variety of depositional settings will be shown, ranging from non-marine to marginal marine, shelf and deep water, and will include both clastic as well as carbonate depositional environments. Concepts as well as applications pertaining to seismic-based analyses of depositional systems will be covered in detail.

Please save the date:
Nov. 3rd and 4th 2025 (Monday and Tuesday)
9am- 5pm
Ayres House Adelaide

PESA SA/NT November Luncheon : PESA Distinguished Lecturer
2025-11-03 12:00 - 14:00 | Ayers House – Ballroom, 288 North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
PESA SA/NT November Luncheon
Recent applications of seismic geomorphology/stratigraphy: Deep-water deposits of the Bay of Bengal and the Norwegian Sea
Henry Posamentier
(PESA Distinguished Lecturer)

Abstract:
This presentation will document the seismic stratigraphic and seismic geomorphologic expressions of deep-water deposits of the Bay of Bengal and the Norwegian Sea. They comprise both turbidites as well as mass transport deposits. The turbidite deposits from the Bay of Bengal include leveed channel complexes, terminal fans, and overbank sediment waves. With respect to terminal fans, there are those that terminate basinward of leveed channel systems and are relatively large, and those that are deposited late within a lowstand cycle of deposition and are confined between the levees of precursor larger channels, and are relatively small. Intra-basinal channels (i.e., channels that start and end on the basin floor) are observed within abandoned meander loops as well as interchannel overbank terrains. These intra-basinal channels are characterized by low sinuosity and likely are mud-filled with no exploration potential.
Mass transport deposits from the Norwegian Sea include flows, slumps, and slides, as well as isolated outrunner blocks. These deposits are associated with significant substate erosion up to 250m. The outrunner blocks are observed in clusters, generally in radiating patterns down-system. Some of the outrunner blocks at the termini of erosional furrows are associated with sediment tails orthogonal to the direction of transport, indicating bottom current direction from southwest to northeast. In addition, volcanic intrusive deposits will be documented. These intrusives comprise both dikes and sills. Some of the dikes are associated with laccoliths in the shallower section.
This PESA Distinguished Lecture is made possible with the generous support of Santos Ltd.
Event Details:
Date: Monday 3rd November 2025
Bookings close 5 pm Wednesday, 29th Oct 2025
Luncheon: 12 pm for a 12:30 pm start . The luncheon will consist of 2 courses and drinks
Place: Ayer’s House, 288 North Tce, Adelaide
Cost: Training Course ( Seismic Geomorphology and Seismic Stratigraphy – Fundamentals and Workflows) Attendees Free, Members $ 60, Non-Members $ 75, Students $25.
Any late bookings will incur an additional $20 fee. Strictly no walk-ins.

PESA SA/NT November Luncheon : Moomba CCS
2025-11-20 12:00 - 14:00 | Ayers House – Ballroom, 288 North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
PESA SA/NT November Luncheon
Moomba CCS – delivering a world leading CO2 storage project
Anthony Western (Santos)

Abstract:
The Moomba Carbon Capture and Storage project is a large-scale CCS project at the Moomba Gas Plant in the Cooper Basin, South Australia. New facilities were constructed to capture, dehydrate, transport and permanently store CO2 emissions that were previously vented to atmosphere and depleted gas fields were selected as the initial storage reservoirs. Five new injection wells were drilled, and existing wells were re-purposed as monitoring wells to enable the Monitoring and Verification (M&V) plan including environmental assurance monitoring.
The Moomba CCS project commenced operations in September 2024 and by June 2025 had safely captured and permanently stored more than 1.0 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. The wells and storage reservoir are performing as expected and monitoring wells are seeing signs of CO2 injection in line with reservoir model predictions. At 1.7 Mtpa CO2e, it is one of the largest CCS projects in the world and its successful startup and early performance has enabled future CCS growth in the Cooper Basin.
This presentation will give an overview of the Moomba CCS project and share some of the results to date, with a focus on subsurface scope.

Event Details:
Thursday 20th November 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, 17th Nov 2025
Any late bookings will incur an additional $20 fee. Strictly no walk-ins.

PESA (SA/NT) Core/GDE Mapping Workshop: "A fresh look at South Australia’s Warburton Basin, Daralingie Shelf Area”
2025-11-21 08:30 - 16:00 | South Australia Drill Core Reference Library, 5 Tonsley Boulevard, Clovelly Park, Adelaide, South Australia, 5042, Australia
PESA (SA/NT) Core/GDE Mapping Workshop:
A fresh look at South Australia’s Warburton Basin, Daralingie Shelf Area
Chris Cubitt
SA Drill Core Reference Library, Tonsley

November 21st 2025 (Friday)
8:30am – 4pm

Following the success of previous core workshop, PESA SA/NT is pleased to announce this year’s full-day core workshop at the South Australia Drill Core Reference Library in Tonsley on Friday 21st November 08.30am – 4.00pm.
This year’s workshop takes a quick look at a diverse set of cores from the Warburton Basin, Daralingie Shelf area, focusing on generating gross depositional environment (GDE) concepts and prospectivity.
Chris Cubitt will host the workshop with participants first gaining an understanding of key cores with focus on defining depositional concepts. Subsequently, in the afternoon teams will be encouraged to start building GDE concepts to guide seismic-based GDE mapping seismic. A final discussion on prospectivity and play concepts will wrap up the day.
The workshop will finish around 4.00pm, with an optional stop at the Mantra Tonsley Hotel.
Who should attend? Exploration and development geoscientists, sedimentologists, petrophysicists, engineers, academics & geoscience students who wish to view Warburton Basin petroleum core and get exposed to the GDE mapping workflow.
Cost: $25 for PESA Members, $35 for Non-Members, free for students (up to five places). Includes a sandwich lunch.
Bookings close 5pm on Monday 17th November unless sold out prior. Places are limited so please book early.
Location: The South Australia Drill Core Reference Library is located 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).
Contact: Alex Ross alex.ross@heathgate.com.au 0434 569 936 for more information.

PESA SA/NT Annual General Meeting & Christmas Luncheon 2025
2025-12-11 12:00 - 14:30 | Ayers House – Ballroom, 288 North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
PESA SA/NT
Annual General Meeting & Christmas Luncheon

Date: Thursday, 11 December 2025, Time: 12:30 PM
Venue: Ayers House, North Terrace, Adelaide

Annual General Meeting
The PESA South Australia/Northern Territory Branch invites all members to attend the 2025 Annual General Meeting (preceding the Christmas Luncheon) .This important event provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on the year’s progress, recognize our collective achievements, and plan for the year ahead.
The AGM will be held immediately prior to the PESA SA/NT Christmas Luncheon, offering members the chance to engage in both professional discussion and seasonal celebration.
Agenda

President’s Report – Review of the Branch’s activities and milestones accomplished throughout 2025.

Treasurer’s Report – Presentation of the financial summary and key fiscal updates.

Proposed 2026 Committee – Introduction of the nominated committee members for the upcoming year.

Additional Nominations from the Floor – Opportunity for further nominations to be put forward.

Any Other Business (AOB) – Open discussion of other matters of interest to members.

All members are encouraged to attend, contribute to the discussions, and participate in the formation of the 2026 committee. Your engagement helps guide the direction of our Branch and ensures that our community continues to thrive.

Christmas Luncheon
Christmas Geo-Crackers with David Grybowski

Abstract:
Born 29 May 2006 and not dead yet. Volcanoes are no strangers to Indonesia and Lusi is the ……………………………………………………………..wisdom in this thrilling Christmas luncheon.
Oops sorry! Wrong talk. A Christmas lunch is a time to have a few laughs, and when you dig deep into the Lusi disaster, it deserves our serious consideration later in the year.
For your entertainment, David will instead present a trio of Christmas crackers.

Why Does The Niagara Fall?

Forbes has Niagara Falls in second on their bucket list of travel destinations – wedged in between the Maldives and the Mona Lisa. But what is the geology over which the Niagara falls? Newlywed couples don’t care. Nobody is curious enough to ask this question except the Petroleum Exploration Society of Australia’s SA/NT branch. Once again, David Grybowski will give you all the answers you’ve been yearning for.

Petroleum Dreaming of the Adelaide Plains

In a short presentation, David will geo-fantasise the petroleum reservoir targets present in the geomorphology of the Adelaide Plains as if they were depositional environments under a seal of transgressive mudstones and thousands of metres of overburden.

The Ancient Turkish Coast

Time permitting, David will reprise part of his Cry Me A River presentation that he gave in 2022 about the fluvial filling of the River Meander in western Turkey that left ancient ports stranded from the sea.

And a sneak preview of Lusi – The Greatest Mud Volcano Disaster in the World.

A thrilling Whatdunnit and Who-pay-for-it.

David returns to the PESA podium with another Christmas cracker-good pole axing of industry norms. October 2022 saw fluvial hi jinks with Cry Me A River and the world premiere of the petroleum play pitch The Project – A Play About Not Working Together. For the Christmas luncheon of 2023, David shared his rock-starred childhood with The Books That Hooked Me – an investigation of the childhood books and collectables that turned his head toward geology. David then revealed his interest in engineering with The Role of Toilet Paper; a descriptive tour de force of public paper dispensers we all love to hate. David’s 35 years in petroleum geology has given him ample opportunity to ponder where things might have gone wrong. Most of his experience was with Santos.
Tickets for the luncheon:

Members $80.00
Non-Members $120
Students $30.00

Event Details:
Thursday 11 December 2025
Luncheon: 12 pm for a 12:30 pm start
The luncheon will consist of 3 courses and a 3-hour drinks package
Place: Ayer’s House, 288 North Tce, Adelaide
Bookings close at 5 pm Monday, 8th December 2025
Any late bookings will incur an additional $20 fee. Strictly no walk-ins.

PESA SA/NT: Barry Goldstein Medal Lecture Tour Feb 2026 - Bruce Ainsworth
2026-02-26 12:00 - 14:00 | Ayers House – Ballroom, 288 North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
PESA SA/NT February Luncheon
“Honouring the Humble Clinoform: Towards a Reservoir Modelling Best Practice”
Bruce Ainsworth
PESA Barry Goldstein Medal Lecture Tour 2026

Abstract:
Clinoforms have fascinated Bruce since first pondering their economic significance in Shell Research Laboratories in the early 1990’s. These dipping stratal surfaces are ubiquitous in the stratigraphic record but often ignored with regard to their potential significant influence on fluid flow in the subsurface. Whether you are interested in hydrocarbon or groundwater extraction, carbon sequestration, or sediment hosted uranium, you need to know if you are dealing with clinoforms. Clinoforms can have significant impacts on resource recovery and emplacement. Ignoring them or simply not recognising them can have profound (usually) negative impacts on project value. Key to making clinoforms your best friend are three steps; 1) recognition, 2) uncertainty management, and 3) targetted modelling. This talk will guide the clinoform user through these steps and suggest a reservoir modelling best practice for honouring the humble clinoform.
Event Details:
Thursday, 26th Feb 2026
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 Feb 2026
Any late bookings will incur an additional $20 fee. Strictly no walk-ins.
