AAPG EXPLORER 2 MAY 2013 WWW.AAPG.ORG
Vol. 34, No. 5 May 2013 PRESIDENT’SCOLUMN AAPG EXPLORER Proposed New Step Could Prove a Good Move By TED BEAUMONT and LEE KRYSTINIK (This month’s column takes a look at what possibly could be an exciting new step for AAPG and the way we provide the best in science for our members, and in putting it together I asked AAPG President- Elect Lee Krystinik, an important person in this new initiative, to help in the writing.) P etroleum geology is an integrative science – and as my column suggested last month, the most effective explorationists are those who integrate information from many different scientific disciplines and sub-disciplines <strong>of</strong> petroleum geology into their prospects. It is critical, then, for AAPG leaders and staff to search for new ways to infuse fresh scientific content into AAPG publications and events, making our members more effective finders and developers <strong>of</strong> oil and natural gas. Last year, AAPG was approached by a group <strong>of</strong> geologists who requested formal AAPG recognition. They are the <strong>Petroleum</strong> Structure and Geomechanics Group (PSGG), and since about 1996 they have met informally at each AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition. Perhaps you’ve heard <strong>of</strong> this group; perhaps you know <strong>of</strong> their work even if you’ve NOT heard <strong>of</strong> them. For example, you might recall the very successful and applauded November 2009 theme issue <strong>of</strong> the AAPG BULLETIN, “Occurrence and Significance <strong>of</strong> Fractures in Reservoirs;” that issue was the result <strong>of</strong> a Hedberg Conference put together by members <strong>of</strong> the PSGG. The PSGG now desires formal recognition from AAPG in order to grow and continue as a science content provider for AAPG. They want to hold Hedberg BEAUMONT Perhaps you’ve heard <strong>of</strong> this group; perhaps you know <strong>of</strong> their work even if you’ve NOT heard <strong>of</strong> them. Research Conferences and Geotechnical Workshops, publish papers and books, teach short courses and lead field trips. * * * After examining AAPG’s bylaws, we on the Executive Committee have concluded the best way to provide the formal recognition the group requests – and the best way to bring PSGG into AAPG – would be as a new division. In February the EC approved the request by PSGG to become a new division <strong>of</strong> AAPG. The measure is subject to a vote <strong>of</strong> the AAPG House <strong>of</strong> Delegates (see related story, page 54), but no change in AAPG’s Bylaws is required to form the new PSGG division. The new PSGG division proposes to have a chair and vice chair. They will propose an annual budget subject to approval by the EC and will work within the present AAPG structure to accomplish goals that advance our science. As proposed, this new division is not a significant financial cost to AAPG – but as is the case with the other divisions, funding will come from AAPG along with the expectation that the new division will generate technical product that will be marketable and help return a significant percentage <strong>of</strong> any cost incurred, all while furthering our science. Pittsburgh, the famed City <strong>of</strong> Bridges, will be the site <strong>of</strong> this year’s AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition – the first time the city has hosted a national AAPG event. See story, page 8. KRYSTINIK * * * The broader intent <strong>of</strong> this measure is to focus the diverse technical communities within AAPG toward generating scientific product for the advancement <strong>of</strong> our science, and in direct support <strong>of</strong> our members’ needs for new ideas and concepts toward finding more oil and gas. Importantly, the proposed division is part <strong>of</strong> an ongoing effort to more directly link AAPG’s activities to our primary goals and directives. The EC endorses the new division as well as the concept <strong>of</strong> potential additional divisions to better serve the diverse technical interests <strong>of</strong> our membership. This approach is consistent with most other major geoscience organizations globally, where the number <strong>of</strong> technical divisions may exceed 10-20 (although we do not envision so many divisions within AAPG). * * * We and the other EC members are excited about adding the <strong>Petroleum</strong> Structure and Geomechanics Group to AAPG as a new division. We are just as excited about the possibility <strong>of</strong> adding other technical interest groups to AAPG as new divisions and infusing fresh scientific content into AAPG publications and activities. We also look forward to see and hear from you in Pittsburgh at the AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition this month. STAFF AAPG Headquarters: 1-800-364-2274 (U.S. & Canada only) others 1-918-584-2555 Managing Editor Vern Stefanic email: vstefan@aapg.org Communications Project Specialist Susie Moore email: smoore@aapg.org Graphics/Production Matt Randolph email: mrandolph@aapg.org Advertising Coordinator Steve Praytor P.O. Box 979 Tulsa, Okla. 74101 telephone: (918) 560-2647 (U.S. and Canada only: 1-800-288-7636) (Note: The above number is for advertising purposes only.) fax: (918) 560-2636 email: spraytor@aapg.org Correspondents David Brown Courtney Chadney Louise Durham Barry Friedman TABLE<strong>of</strong>CONTENTS 6 Slow 10 20 and steady: According to the latest AAPG annual Salary Survey salaries continue to climb in most categories. Dietrich Welte and Steve Sonnenberg lead the list <strong>of</strong> those who will receive AAPG Honors and Awards at the opening session in Pittsburgh. Here comes the boom: The Mississippi Lime play proves that hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling techniques can be used for more than just shale production. Scan this for the mobile version <strong>of</strong> the current web Explorer. 22 32 54 Standing ovation, please: Dietrich Welte adds the Sidney Powers Award to his long list <strong>of</strong> accolades to become one <strong>of</strong> the most honored geologists in AAPG history. An affair to remember: Bill Zagorski, the “Father <strong>of</strong> the Marcellus,” recalls the story <strong>of</strong> how the now-famed shale play got its start. The AAPG House <strong>of</strong> Delegates will consider a new AAPG technical division and more proposals will be brought to the table at their upcoming meeting in Pittsburgh. Photo courtesy <strong>of</strong> Chris Bolhuis REGULARDEPARTMENTS Policy Watch..........................................56 Geophysical Corner..............................60 ProTracks...............................................62 Historical Highlights..............................68 www.Update..........................................70 Regions and Sections...........................71 Foundation Update................................72 Spotlight On...........................................74 Pr<strong>of</strong>essional News Briefs.......................74 Readers’ Forum.....................................75 In Memory.............................................76 Classified Ads.......................................77 Director’s Corner...................................78 Divisions Report (EMD).........................78 ON THE COVER: Success wasn’t always a sure bet for the play that is now known simply as “the Marcellus” – in fact, the first steps were challenging and <strong>of</strong>ten filled with disappointment. Persistence – and a bit <strong>of</strong> good fortune – proved to be a winning dynamic, however, and helped write a story that AAPG “Explorer <strong>of</strong> the Year” Bill Zagorski recounts on page 32. Photo courtesy <strong>of</strong> Chesapeake Energy. Vol. 34, No. 5 The AAPG EXPLORER (ISSN 0195-2986) is published monthly for members by the <strong>American</strong> <strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Petroleum</strong> <strong>Geologists</strong>, 1444 S. Boulder Ave., P.O. Box 979, Tulsa, Okla. 74101-3604, (918) 584-2555. e-mail address: postmaster@aapg.org. Periodicals Postage Paid at Tulsa, OK and at additional mailing <strong>of</strong>fices. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to AAPG EXPLORER, P.O. Box 979, Tulsa, Okla. 74101. Canada Publication Agreement Number 40063731 Return undeliverable Canadian address to: Station A, P.O. Box 54 • Windsor, ON N9A 6J5 • E-mail: returnsIL@imex.pb.com Advertising rates: Contact Steve Praytor, AAPG headquarters. Subscriptions: Contact Veta McCoy, AAPG headquarters. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and videos must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope to ensure return. The <strong>American</strong> <strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Petroleum</strong> <strong>Geologists</strong> (AAPG) does not endorse or recommend any products or services that may be cited, used or discussed in AAPG publications or in presentations at events associated with AAPG. Copyright 2013 by the <strong>American</strong> <strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Petroleum</strong> <strong>Geologists</strong>. All rights reserved. Note to members: $6 <strong>of</strong> annual dues pays for one year’s subscription to the EXPLORER. Airmail service for members: $55. Subscription rates for non-members: $75 for 12 issues; add $72 for airmail service. On this page: AAPG Foundation Teacher <strong>of</strong> the Year Chris Bolhuis doing what he loves to do most as an earth science teacher – taking young students on field trips to view the geologic beauty <strong>of</strong> the <strong>American</strong> West. See story, page 66. WWW.AAPG.ORG MAY 2013 3
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