Publications

Given the number of fields to be covered and to ensure some consistency of content, laid out below is the paper format that authors should follow reasonably closely. The expected maximum paper length is 8–10 sides of A4/US letter with 10–14 figures.

The editors suggest that satellite fields that are geologically very similar to the main field, developed as part of the main development (even if at a later date) and small compared to the main field (e.g. 1–2 well tiebacks) can reasonably be included in the main field paper. If the satellite field is geologically dissimilar or larger than a 1–2 well tieback then a separate field paper would probably be appropriate.

In general we ask authors to concentrate on detailed content in respect of the field being covered, with regional context (especially where it is taken from the published literature) kept to a minimum. For many of the fields, this might be the last paper to be published and we ask authors to focus on careful description and in particular on drawing out lessons learned and subsurface specifics that may be of wider relevance or benefit.

General information about Geological Society Memoirs, including the preparation of text and illustrations can be found here.

Recommended paper structure

Items in italics are noted as key areas where the editors are keen to gain new insights from authors. Some sections below suggest specific figures that would be expected in field papers. This is not an exhaustive list, just a guide to the minimum that might be considered necessary.

History of exploration and appraisal

• Discovery history (pre-discovery, discovery, post-discovery).
• Discovery method, key insights that led to discovery.
• Appraisal drilling - strategy, insights.
• Editor comments: if the above is covered in the 1991 or 2003 field paper, a brief resume and reference is all that is needed.

Development

• Brief summary of planned initial development at POD, actual development including later drilling, seismic, etc.
• Include satellite developments covered in this paper (see comments above).

Context: stratigraphy, regional structure, charge

• Basin evolution – regional structure, local structure and sedimentary infill.
• Source rock – hydrocarbon:source correlation, understanding of charge timing, constraints on charge timing (if any), hydrocarbon alteration, oil families, etc.
• Editor comments: we are looking here for brief description of field context, especially if this includes original work. If this is a summary from the literature with no new concrete information, then keep it brief and reference literature sources.
• Suggested figures: location map, stratigraphic column showing stratigraphy/zonation of reservoir and including top and base seal stratigraphy where applicable (not a regional stratigraphic column from seabed unless of specific relevance).

Database

• Wells/core/log data: vintage of data, impact of any new technology.
• Geophysical data – seismic vintages, processing and interpretation history and techniques, changes in use of seismic over field life.
• Ability of seismic data to characterise reservoir/hydrocarbons, e.g. calibrated attributes, direct hydrocarbon indications, 4D, 4C, etc. This section could alternatively be included under the Reservoir and Petrophysics heading (suggested figure: amplitude/AVO map(s)).
• Editor comments: particular interest in evolving datasets, e.g. insights from new logging tools and in particular from evolving 3D technologies where seismic has allowed improved reservoir or hydrocarbon characterisation. We are very keen to see how seismic is used to characterise reservoir development and pore fill and to guide development, whether addressed here or under Reservoir and Petrophysics.

Trap

• Structural trap – describe structure, structural evolution.
• Stratigraphic trap or stratigraphic elements to trap – describe and explain.
• Trap: consequences for development, e.g. fault blocks, isolated reservoirs, drainage difficulties, evidence for structural or stratigraphic compartmentalisation, etc. (could also be addressed in production history section).
• Small satellite fields similar to the main field being described should be described here.
• Suggested figures: 1. Top structure depth map showing faults, reservoir limits, field limits, original oil/gas cap extent, well locations, compartments, etc. 2. Example seismic line(s) – dip and strike. 3. Geoseismic line.

Reservoir and petrophysics

• Lithofacies of reservoir units, depositional setting and interpreted facies.
• Porosity nature and evolution, diagenesis, paragenetic sequence.
• Poroperm characteristics, poroperm controls and relationships.
• Petrophysical evaluation, challenges, adequacy, core calibration, Rw, saturation:height, residual hydrocarbon saturation, relative permeability relationships, etc.
• Pressure data and relationships.
• Contacts, free water level, wettability.
• Suggested figures: 1. Poroperm crossplot(s); 2. Type well logs and computed porosity, Sw over reservoir 3. Well correlation 4. Pre-production formation pressure display showing contacts, free-water levels, etc.

Production history and reserves

• Development/depletion strategy and field dynamic performance – pressure maintenance, sweep, depletion, role of infill drilling, lessons learned through production history.
• Hydrocarbons in-place (oil, wet gas, associated gas, non-associated gas).
• Reserves (oil, condensate, gas, NGL’s) and evolution of reserves.
• Oil/gas/condensate production, gas/water injection and water production history (shown graphically and discussed).
• Cumulative production to date, recovery per well and trends in recovery per well.
• Recovery factor and its evolution through time, impact of geological, geophysical work, drilling and other technological applications on recovery factor.
• Suggested figure: field life history of production (oil, gas, water) and injection (water, gas) annotated with key events/phases of field life. If helpful, pre-production and present-day hydrocarbon saturation distribution maps.

References

• Capturing at least all prior papers covering the subject field.

Field summary table

• Click here for example/template

Supplementary material

Authors are encouraged to make available relevant supplementary material. This could include large data sets (e.g. production, pressures, poroperms), bibliographic data or image files. The material will be accessible via the Geological Society’s Figshare portal and the URL of the supplementary material will be given in the corresponding hard copy article and online article to allow readers to access this material.