Calendar Events November 10-15 2005

Thursday November 10: Joint SPE/HGS Luncheon
Petroleum Club, Exxon Building-800 Bell St, downtown Houston
Chesapeake Energy CEO Aubrey McClendon:
“Chesapeake’s Thoughts on the Future of the U.S. Gas Industry”
Register through the SPE website at: http://www.spegcs.org/en/cev/?830
Preregistration cost is $30 for SPE and HGS members. Social hour starts at 11am. Register before Tuesday Nov 8. If it is not possible to register on-line, contact the SPE office at fax number 713-779-4216 or telephone number 713-779-9595.

Monday November 14: HGS Dinner Meeting
Westchase Hilton Hotel, 9999 Westheimer; Social Hour at 5:30pm.
“Integration of 3D Seismic with Geological Knowledge can Detect Non-Amplitude, Combination Traps and Discover New Pay Zones in a 600 BCF Mature Play, Northern Lafourche Parish, Louisiana”
Speaker: Steven H. Brachman , Pogo Producing Company (HGS President-Elect) Preregister by Friday Nov 11 online at: http://www.hgs.org/en/cev/?486

Tuesday November 15: Northsider’s Luncheon
Sofitel Hotel, 425 North Sam Houston Tollway, Social period starts at 11:15am.
“Developing a Carbon Sequestration Industry in the Gulf Coast”
Speaker: Ian Duncan, Bureau of Economic Geology
The potential to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations is through the injection of CO2 into the subsurface (geologic sequestration). The Gulf Coast Carbon Center envisions the Gulf Coast region becoming a major site, perhaps the nation’s predominant site, for a new carbon sequestration industry. Preregister by Monday Nov 14 online at: http://www.hgs.org/en/cev/?491

Tuesday November 15: Environmental and Engineering Group Dinner GuadalajaraRestaurant, 9799 Katy Freeway, Social Hour at 5:30pm.
“What Should I Study Before I Take the Geoscientist Licensure Examination?”
Speaker: Dr. Christopher Mathewson, Texas A&M University
Preregister by Monday Nov 14, online at: http://www.hgs.org/en/cev/?518

Sent 11/07/2005

Click here to read

Technical Meetings
13 SPE/HGS Joint Luncheon Meeting
Chesapeake’s Thoughts on the Future of the U.S. Gas
Industry
17 HGS General Dinner Meeting
Integration of 3D Seismic with Geological Knowledge
Can Detect Non-Amplitude Combination Traps and
Discover New Pay Zones in a 600-BCF Mature Play,
Northern Lafourche Parish, Louisiana
23 HGS Northsiders Luncheon Meeting
Developing a Carbon Sequestration Industry
in the Gulf Coast
26 HGS Environmental and Engineering Group
Dinner Meeting
What Should I Study Before I Take the
Geoscientist Licensure Examination?
37 SIPES Luncheon Meeting
Beware of Global Cooling
41 HGS International Explorationists Dinner Meeting
Robert E. Sheriff Lecture Series
Martian River Deltas and the Origin of Life
Student Posters — Robert Sheriff Lecture Series

Welcome Visitors

October 2005 
 
Dear Houston Geological Society (HGS) Website Visitor,

We hope that you find our website to be interesting and useful. Located in the capital of the petroleum business, the HGS is the largest local geological society in the world.

HGS offers professional luncheon and dinner meetings which are designed to accommodate a variety of technical interests at several Houston locations each month.  In addition, the HGS holds numerous social and sporting events to facilitate networking and to keep members connected. 

Although most of our members live in Houston, we also have members all over the world who enjoy receiving our publication, The HGS Bulletin.  It is published from September through June, and contains interesting articles, columns, and abstracts of our upcoming meetings and events – as well as industry-wide advertisements and announcements.

Joining the Houston Geological Society is easy and rewarding.  Simply return to our website’s membership page at  http://www.hgs.org/join_hgs/join_hgs.asp for details.  If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, feel free to contact the Membership committee at memberships@hgs.org.

As a member, you will receive all of the benefits the HGS has to offer.  We hope you return regularly to our website, and we look forward to serving you as a new member.
Sincerely,
Andrea Reynolds & Marsha Bourque
HGS Membership Committee co-chairs
 
 
 

Sign Up Now
October 2005
HGS International Dinner
Speaker''s Name: Robert G. Hickman, Structural Solutions
Day: 17-Oct-05 5:30 PM
Location: Westchase Hilton 9999 Westheimer Road Houston, Texas 77042-3802
Summary: BASINS OF OFFSHORE PERU :New Exploration Framework and Plays. The prospectivity of Peru''s offshore basins has been evaluated by a USTDA funded study conducted by Gaffney Cline & Associates for Perupetro.                          Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

HGS Northsiders Luncheon

Speaker''s Name: Charley Barnes, Geologist, Stone Energy
Day: 18-Oct-05 11:30 AM
Location: Sofitel Hotel, Greenspoint 425 North Sam Houston Pkwy. East Houston, Texas 77060
Summary: Subsurface Vents Under the Gulf of Mexico Shelf: Characteristics and Significance for Hydrocarbon Migration and Trapping. Mud volcanoes throughout the world erupt with mixtures of mud, brine, and hydrocarbons.                                       Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

Applied Geopressure Course

Speaker''s Name: Selim Shaker, Director, Geopressure Analysis Service
Day: 19-Oct-05 8:00 AM
Location: Core Laboratories 6316 Windfern Houston, Texas 77040
Summary: Applied Geopressure Course: This course will provide in-depth practice of geopressure concepts, measurements, prediction, analysis, risk and appraisal. Review and learn about: Causes , concepts and definitions of geopressure, etc..........
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

13-Oct-2005

Arthur E. Berman''s response to William Meaney''s Letter to the Editor "Subsidence has many Causes":

I appreciate Mr. Meaney’s comments regarding my article in the October Bulletin, “The Debate Over Subsidence in Coastal Louisiana and Texas”.  He is correct that the article did not specifically address geological differences between Texas and Louisiana coastal regions.  The experts quoted in “The Debate Over Subsidence in Coastal Louisiana and Texas” did not address the distinctions that Mr. Meaney notes between the geology of Texas and Louisiana perhaps because this is not central in their view to what really needs to be understood and resolved with respect to subsidence.
It is important to note that the article published in the October Bulletin was significantly abridged and did not include approximately 20 figures that might have clarified some of Meaney’s concerns.  I suggest he review the Web version when it is available to decide if his issues were or were not in fact covered.
 
What I addressed in my October Bulletin article and what Mr. Meaney is responding to is chiefly the geological component of subsidence as a factor distinct or in addition to the man-made causes of subsidence.  Technical Report 50 revealed that, when benchmark velocities were systematically calibrated and measured in Louisiana, new insights on total subsidence were gained.  Until a similar method and approach is applied to Texas, it is largely speculative what subsidence differences may exist between Louisiana and Texas.  It seems reasonable that much would be learned and gained from such a geodetic analysis in Texas.
The Houston Galveston Subsidence District has shown that very high rates of subsidence have occurred in the Houston area.  While Subsidence District’s data indicates that these rates have declined or ceased in some areas, other parts of the Houston metropolitan area continue to subside in a manner and pattern that is difficult to explain.  This means that there is still much that is not understood about subsidence in an area that probably has the most data and sophisticated measurement technologies of anywhere in the United States.
 
The public deserves to know what the scientific community has to say about subsidence and its affect on their lives and property.  Government needs to understand liability issues for flooding related to subsidence.  Scientific experts and administrative agencies need to get beyond what must seem like meaningless differences and distinctions to the general public. Scientists and agencies such as the United States Geological Survey, National Geodetic Survey and Houston Galveston Subsidence District must tell the public what information is needed and what it will cost in order to provide answers to their questions and concerns.  I suggest that conducting a measurement study in Texas using the same approach that Technical Report 50 provided for Louisiana is a logical and necessary first step in this process.

Respectfully,
Arthur E. Berman

Comparing Apples and Oranges
Arthur Berman''s editorial in the October 2005 Bulletin is very informative and should help focus investigators research on subsidence in Houston, the Mississippi Delta, and surrounding areas of the Gulf Coast.  I''d like to make one observation based on Berman''s summary of findings by the various published investigators and govenment agencies.  Nowhere in the various quoted comments is it acknowledged that Houston''s geologic setting is very different from that of the lower Mississippi Delta.  Groundwater and hydrocarbon withdrawl having caused significant subsidence in the Houston area does not mean that they are the dominate factors in the delta.  Likewise, crustal downwarping as a result of the tremendous sediment column associated with the Mississippi should not be assumed to be the major culprit in Houston.  The various interested parties would do well to put asside their preconcieved ideas and work together to understand this serious issue and its various causes on a regional basis. 
 

To all GCAGS2005 Convention Speakers, Sponsors, Exhibitors, and Attendees:
The GCAGS Headquarters, GCAGS 2005 Convention Committee, and the GCAGS 2006 Convention Committee have been working the best we can to develop a hurricane cancellation plan.  Two catastrophic hurricanes have scattered the committee members all over the country and many have lost homes and/or offices.  Communications are sporadic and, as of today, we do not have access to our bank account nor have we even been able to reach the New Orleans Geological Society office to obtain important GCAGS paperwork and checks. Our hearts and prayers go out to those in the geologic community who had major damages in this catastrophe.
Our current thoughts are:
1.      To make CDs and Hardcopies of the Transactions: We were ready to go to press before Hurricane Katrina and our technical program is still of great value, even if not verbally presented.  Transactions CDs and hardcopy books will be available through the Bureau of Economic Geology (BEG), Austin, Texas. http://www.beg.utexas.edu/mainweb/publications/gcagscatalog.htm
2.      Registration Fees for Attendee/Exhibitors: We are working closely with our insurance company to make certain we do what is right and fair with all due expediency. Please be patient.
3.      Authors of Papers: We encourage authors to submit their papers to GCAGS 2006 in Lafayette, and also at other geologic conferences. The intent is to allow full publication of the papers for the geologic community. See GCAGS2006.com for Call for Papers.
4.      Transactions Hardcopies: will be distributed to by mail to those who pre-ordered them via on-line registration.
5.      Additional Transactions CDs and Hardcopies: will be made available for purchase through the GCAGS bookstore at the BEG in Austin.                                                                  6.      Sponsors: Will also be notified with due expediency.
The GCAGS’ main source of income is through Convention proceeds.  We provide a forum for Geoscientists to learn, share and exchange new technical information at the Gulf Coast regional level.  The GCAGS also provides scholarships to deserving students involved in Gulf Coast research. Please consider attending, submitting papers, and for corporations,  future company sponsorship at the Lafayette GCAGS Convention in 2006. 
Visit GCAGS2006.com for details.
We will be able to provide further information in the coming weeks. 
Thank you for your patience.
Jim Zotkiewicz
General Chairman GCAGS2005
Tom Bergeon
President GCAGS2005

Download the October, 2005 HGS Bulletin in PDF format.

11 HGS General Dinner Meeting; The Subsalt Tahiti Field Discovery, Green Canyon 640: Opening Another Deepwater Frontier
15 HGS International Explorationists Dinner Meeting; Basins of Offshore Peru: New Exploration Framework and Plays
19 HGS Northsiders Luncheon Meeting; Subsurface Vents Under the Gulf of Mexico Shelf: Characteristics and Significance for Hydrocarbon Migration and Trapping
21 HGS North American Explorationists; Dinner Meeting; New Insights on the Hydrocarbon System of the Fruitland Formation Coalbeds, San Juan Basin
23 HGS General Luncheon Meeting; Depositional Model for Deepwater Miocene Reservoirs in the Jubilee and Spiderman Gas Fields, Eastern Gulf of Mexico
39 SIPES Luncheon Meeting; Read it and Weep

Other Features
26 Past President’s Luncheon
28 Making Tracks on the Paluxy River, by Neal Immega
35 Earth Science Education; Get in on the Ground Level, by Neal Immega
37 Geoscientists Explore Our Earth; Family Earth Science Festival Schedule of Events
41 HGS Hurricane Katrina Assistance Program
43 Government Update; by Henry M.Wise and Arlin Howles
47 Guest Editorial: The Debate Over Subsidence in Coastal Louisiana and Texas by Arthur E. Berman

Time to Submit Papers for
the 2006 AAPG Convention in Houston!
The AAPG convention committee thinks the April 9-12, 2006 AAPG Houston convention is the time and place for a landmark convention. The Houston Geological Society plays a key role. The time for action is now.
Deadline for submission of technical papers is fast approaching: Oct. 4th, 2005.  Please consider submitting a paper and forward this e-note to colleagues who might consider presenting a paper or poster.  The Call for Papers and other details on participating in the technical program can be found on the AAPG Website.
The program favors a practical approach intended to benefit geoscientists in their daily searching. The theme of the convention is "Perfecting the Search", highlighting the economics, creativity, ingenuity, persistence, and synergies of disciplines that find energy. Papers in those categories are especially welcome.
Charles Sternbach
(281) 679-7333

Published 16 September, 2005

We will be posting some virtual field trips on the HGS Website soon.  They will be linked from this page.  Anyone interested in developing additional virtual field trips should contact Neal Immega.  He can add them here.

Jon Blickwede accepts the award for HGS Best Paper (2004-2005) for his talk on Unocal’s deepwater Trident discovery from Mike Deming, HGS awards chairman. The award was presented at the HGS Dinner Meeting on Monday, September 12th.

9/21/2005
The New Orleans Geological Society''s website is still down, but the webmaster is trying to bring it up in Layfayette.  Unfortunately, in the rush to leave New Orleans, nobody thought to bring the NGS Membership Directory with them.  If you have a recent copy and would be willing to send it to them, please contact: 
Debbi Cocran
Taylor Energy Company
337-735-1658
P. O. Drawer 51207
Lafayette, LA  70505-1207

9/13/2005
In an email to HGS President Dave Rensink and Vice President Linda Sternbach dated 13 September, the president of the New Orleans Geological Society summarized their current status:

Linda & Dave,
Thank you very much for the invitation to the HGS monday night meeting. I enjoyed talking to you, HGS members, and old friends. It is clear that NOGS can learn from the many successes of the Houston Geological Society and I look forward to learning more about HGS. 

The generosity of HGS and the Houston area has been incredible. Those of us that have fled the ravages of the storm have been welcomed with open arms. The HGS offers to help our members with homes and office space is truely appreciated. We are still attempting to gain access to our office and the data. 

We have not yet been successful in getting our email list and thus we have limited ability to identify the needs of the members. As we hear from our members, we will get with you to match their needs with the offers from your members.
Your kindness is greatly appreciated,
Bret Hampton
President
New Orleans Geological Society

New Orleans Geological Society President Bret Hampton (Shell) meets HGS President Dave Rensink (Apache) at the HGS Sept 12 dinner meeting. Bret had to relocate to Houston temporarily as a result of hurricane Katrina, while downtown New Orleans is shut down.

 
9/13/2005In an email to HGS President Dave Rensink and Vice President Linda Sternbach dated 13 September, the president of the New Orleans Geological Society summarized their current status:Linda & Dave, Thank you very much for the invitation to the HGS monday night meeting. I enjoyed talking to you, HGS members, and old friends. It is clear that NOGS can learn from the many successes of the Houston Geological Society and I look forward to learning more about HGS. The generosity of HGS and the Houston area has been incredible. Those of us that have fled the ravages of the storm have been welcomed with open arms. The HGS offers to help our members with homes and office space is truely appreciated. We are still attempting to gain access to our office and the data. We have not yet been successful in getting our email list and thus we have limited ability to identify the needs of the members. As we hear from our members, we will get with you to match their needs with the offers from your members.
 
9/13/2005In an email to HGS President Dave Rensink and Vice President Linda Sternbach dated 13 September, the president of the New Orleans Geological Society summarized their current status. Linda & Dave, Thank you very much for the invitation to the HGS monday night meeting. I enjoyed talking to you, HGS members, and old friends. It is clear that NOGS can learn from the many successes of the Houston Geological Society and I look forward to learning more about HGS. The generosity of HGS and the Houston area has been incredible. Those of us that have fled the ravages of the storm have been welcomed with open arms. The HGS offers to help our members with homes and office space is truely appreciated. We are still attempting to gain access to our office and the data. We have not yet been successful in getting our email list and thus we have limited ability to identify the needs of the members. As we hear from our members, we will get with you to match their needs with the offers from your members.

Don''t Miss These
Three Great HGS Continuing Education Events
Part 4 OF OUR 4-PART SERIES ON PETROLEUM RESERVES - AVOIDING WRITE-DOWNS
PART IV:  An Overview of Recommended Petrophysical Practices
Pre-Registration Deadline: September 16!!!!
Speakers:  Bill Price, Petrophysical Solutions; John Kulha, Consultant; Ted Griffin, Core Lab
Day:  21-Sep-05, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location:  Bureau of Economic Geology Houston Research Center
11611 West Little York (Please use the Cunningham St. entrance) Houston, TX 77441

Summary:
Large corporate reserve write-downs have increased attention of financial analysts, investors, rating agencies, banks, the U.S. SEC and corporate boards to the process of estimating and reporting reserves. 
Obtaining accurate net pay counts from correct petrophysical analysis is one of the basic ingredients of accurate reserve estimations. 
• Understand the dangers of the digital world in which we live
• Discuss why the proper integration of data is still undervalued
• Learn the rules of wireline pressure interpretation and use of core data to validate reserves
• Learn the ten causes/sources of LRLC response and how to adjust your petrophysical evaluation to compensate.
• Learn a proven methodology to evaluate LRLC pays and when to apply it
• Real world examples will be presented

APPLIED GEOPRESSURE 

Speaker:  Selim S. Shaker
Day:   19-Oct-05   8:00 AM   CST
Location:  Core Laboratories,  6316 Windfern, Houston Texas  77040

Summary:

In-depth practice of geopressure concepts, measurements, prediction, analysis, risk and appraisal.
• Different prediction methods, mainly based on effective stress
• Practical graphic plots (PD, EP-D, PPG-D)
• Learn both direct and indirect measurements and know how to QC the data
• QC petrophysical properties adequate for pore pressure predictions especially seismic velocity
• Learn how to detect compartmentalization and calculate sealing and retention capacities
• Importance of geopressure analysis in appraisal and risk assessment
• Applications for exploration, exploitation, and drilling.

COASTAL SUBSIDENCE, SEA LEVEL AND THE FUTURE OF THE GULF COAST
Sponsored by the  Houston Geological Society and the Engineering, Science and Technology Council of Houston
Dates: Conference – 3 & 4 November, 2005, 8:30 AM– 5:30 PM
Field Trip – 5 November, 2005
Location:  Northwest Conference Center in Cypress, Texas

Summary:

A Conference to increase awareness of subsidence issues facing the Gulf Coast Region.  Increase public and governmental awareness and to provide for a thorough discussion of all aspects of the subsidence issue.  The desired outcome of the conference is to open lines of communication, so that policy makers, their technical advisors and the public will have a better understanding of coastal subsidence, how to quantify and predict it, as well as plan infrastructure around its effects.

Published 12 September, 2005

HOUSTON GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY
HURRICANE KATRINA ASSISTANCE
at the
HOUSTON FOOD BANK

Work Day, Friday , September 16, 2005

Volunteer Shifts  
Location

Friday, September 16th 
3811 Eastex Freeway (US 59 just south of 610)

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Houston TX 77026

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
713.223.3700

The Food Bank is on the southbound feeder of US 59 at Cavalcade. Look at the Mapquest map. Exit US 59 north at Cavalcade and go west to Jensen.  Turn north on Jensen and look for parking directions.  It''s crowded. They will probably ask you to park near Goodwill and walk down Vintage Street to the Houston Food Bank. If you are coming south on the feeder, it may be possible to turn on Vintage.  If not, continue to Cavalcade and Jensen.
Need

The Houston Food Bank needs 150 volunteers per shift to sort, pack and categorize food.  Volunteers will be working in large tents in the parking lot.  Our hope is that members and friends of the HGS will be able to support the Houston Food Bank effort with a steady stream of at least 20 to 50 people all day long.  It is anticipated that some folks will only be able to volunteer an hour or two of time.  We welcome everyone to come out and support this worthwhile organization.  Go to the Houston Food Bank Website to find out more about their organization.
Please note the following safety guidelines:
• All volunteers must wear closed-toed shoes.  No flip-flops or sandals.
• If Possible be prepared to work a 4 hour shift as listed above, However if you can only work an hour or two please come out.
• Leave purses and cell phones at home.
• Volunteer assignments involve sorting, packing, and categorizing food.
• Currently, volunteers are working in large tents in the front parking lot.
• Remember to stay hydrated while working in the heat, and we will provide bottled water for everyone.
• All volunteers to be at least 16 years old for safety reasons. 
• Bring a sack lunch and will have lunch together
      
To sign up to work or for any additional information please contact any of the individuals listed below by Tuesday Night, September 13th.

Walter Light 
713.823.8288

Paul Babcock
713.859.0316

Steve Levine
281.293.3896

Published 9 September, 2005

The New Orleans operations of the Minerals Management Service (MMS) are back in operation in Houston.  See the attached Notice to Leasees NTL No. 2005-G11.

The transmittal letter said:

"This Notice to Lessees and Operators (NTL) is issued pursuant to 30 CFR 250.103.  It provides a description and information regarding the status of the Minerals Management Service (MMS) Gulf of Mexico Regional and New Orleans District Offices subsequent to Hurricane Katrina.
"The Regional and the New Orleans District Offices have resumed most operations under its Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP).  The COOP team is stationed in Houston, Texas.  MMS is committed to conducting operations in as normal a manner as possible. 
"This NTL is designed to assist you and provide guidance on the conduct of operations
You may always call the general MMS numbers at the COOP site."

HOUSTON GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY
COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMITTEE
HGS INVOLVEMENT IN HURRICANE KATRINA ASSISTANCE
The HGS solicits immediate participation from all HGS members and friends!
There will be a Sign-Up Table adjacent to the registration table during HGS events this Fall.  Bring Your Checkbooks, too!  HGS will be collecting financial contributions to assist the American Red Cross, Houston Food Bank and the Salvation Army.
Bring Your PDA’s and Daytimers!
HGS will also be collecting names of members in order to build a database of those willing to serve as volunteers for Hurricane Katrina Related Assistance.
Near-future HGS-sponsored events under consideration are: 
• HGS Clothing Drive
• Manning a four-hour shift or a full day at the Houston Food Bank 
• Assisting the American Red Cross Effort at Reliant Park
These events are tentatively scheduled for Saturdays in order to insure maximum opportunity for participation by HGS members.
Bring Your Open Hearts!
• We are trying to develop Free Temporary Housing for displaced individuals and families of professionals who are members of the New Orleans Geological and Geophysical Societies.  If you are willing to share your home or a vacation home with a displaced individual, please contact a member of the HGS Community Outreach Committee listed below.
• We are also trying to develop Free Temporary Office Space for small companies and independents so they may continue their operations.  If you are willing to share your office or know of some one who may be willing to share extra office space, please contact a member of the HGS Community Outreach Committee.
To help on the committee, and/or to volunteer, contact the HGS office at 713.463.9476 or contact any of the individuals listed below. Their email addresses are posted on the HGS Community Outreach Committee page.

Walter Light
713.823.8288

Cindy Gillespie
832.969.4385

Paul Babcock
713.859.0316

Steve Levine
281.293.3896

Dave Rensink
713.296.6332

You can also stay abreast of the Outreach Committee activities on the HGS Website.

Published 7 September, 2005

HGS Community Outreach
The HGS Community Outreach committee plans to be sending special emails to people interested in frequent updates on our society''s Outreach activity.  In addition, there will be a web page on the HGS site outlining what you can do to support their efforts.  As usual, Outreach events will also be posted on the HGS calendar.
This email is being sent to everyone who has signed up (or who I signed up) for the HGS Community Outreach Committee user group on the HGS Website.  You can remove yourself from this mailing list by clicking on the small print at the bottom of this email or by logging into the HGS Website and unsubscribing from the Outreach Committee User Group.
Please encourage your friends to join us in this effort.  To sign up for this Newsletter, log in to the HGS website and click on "Groups" at the top of the users page http://www.hgs.org/en/users/
Members of the Outreach Committee are listed at http://www.hgs.org/en/cmt/?58
Dave Crane, HGS Webmaster

September, 2005 HGS Bulletin in PDF format.  (8 megabytes)

Technical Meetings
  7 From the Editor by Paul Britt
27 HGS General Dinner Meeting
31 HGS International Explorationists Dinner Meeting
36 GeoEvents Calendar
43 HGS Northsiders Luncheon Meeting
49 HGS Environmental and Engineering Dinner Meeting
53 HGS North American Explorationists Dinner Meeting
55 HGS General Luncheon Meeting
59 SIPES Luncheon Meeting
61 GSH Potential Fields Group Dinner Meeting
64 Webnotes
68 HGA/GeoWives
69 Professional Directory
Other Features
9 Letters to the Editor
19 Guest Night 2005’s “Lessons from Sumatra”
25 HGS Night at the Houston Ballet
50 City of Houston’s Brownfield Redevelopment Program
51 Brownfield Redevelopment Program
63 5th Annual GSH/HGS Saltwater Fishing Tournament 2005
64 22nd Annual Skeet Shoot
65 Government Update

HGS Events in September, 2005
HGS/PESGB African E&P Conference
Sponsor: HGS and PESGB
Speaker''s Name: See the preliminary program
Day: 7/8-Sep-05 8:00 AM
Location: Marriott Westchase Houston 2900 Briarpark Dr. Houston, Texas
Summary: 4th HGS/PESGB International Conference On African E&P "Path to Discovery." Save $50 to $100 by registering before noon, Thursday September 1st.
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

HGS General Dinner
Sponsor: HGS
Speaker''s Name: Erik Mason, Mark Chapin, Gary Steffens, Deepwater Exploration
Day: 12-Sep-05 5:30 PM
Location: Westchase Hilton 9999 Westheimer Houston, Texas 77042-3802
Summary: Great White and the Perdido Fold Belt; New Petroleum Province in Ultra Deepwater, Alaminos Canyon.  Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

HGA Luncheon
Sponsor: HGA
Speaker''s Name: Jan Hargrave, Author
Day: 13-Sep-05 10:30 AM
Location: Maggiano''s Lillte Italy 2019 Post Oak Blvd Houston, Texas
Summary: Let Me See Your Body Talk At this first luncheon of the year, Jan Hargrave, author of “Let Me See Your Body Talk”, will discuss reading people through nonverbal communication. Mapquest | Add to Calendar

HGS Golf Tournament
Sponsor: HGS
Speaker''s Name:
Day: 19-Sep-05 9:30 AM
Location: Kingwood Country Club Houston, Texas
Summary: Download the Registration Form for details on the event. Add to Calendar

HGS International Dinner
Sponsor: Ministry of Economic Development of New Zealand
Speaker''s Name: J M (Mac) Beggs, Managing Director, GeoSphere
Day: 19-Sep-05 5:30 PM
Location:

Are You Coming to New Orleans?
Pre-registration deadline is August 31!
 
Visit our GCAGS website: www.gcags2005.com for details
We’re Proud of our Program!
 
55th Annual GCAGS-GCSSEPM Convention
Gulf Coast Geological Gumbo: a recipe for success!
 
September 25th – 27th, 2005
New Orleans, Louisiana
 
Highlights

•  Keynote Speaker: Mr. Robert Ryan Jr., General Manager – Global Exploration, Chevron Corporation.
• 1st time special event: Restoring America’s Coastal Heartland; A Symposium on Coastal Processes and Restoration.
• Arnold Bouma Turbidite Symposium, honoring Dr, Bouma’s career.
• Technical presentations are applicable topics such as case studies, emerging trends, and new concepts from onshore to deepwater.
• Four Short Courses: Seal Workshop; ArcGis for Geologists; Seismic Sedimentology; Reservoir Potential Shelf-Edge, Downslope Deposits.
• Three Field Trips: Geomorphology of Point Bars, Floodplains; Geology and Coastal Restoration; Landscape Expressions of Faults.
• All Convention Luncheon, Monday September 26th, featuring Mr. David Kerstein, Helis Oil & Gas.
• DPA Luncheon will feature Lee Gerhard and the GCS-SEPM Luncheon will feature William Morgan.
• Opening Sessions and Awards, Sunday September 25th, 4:00 p.m. followed by an icebreaker.
• Monday night entertainment/dinner/jazz band at Mardi Gras World; enjoy behind the scenes magic of Mardi Gras.
• Spouse and Guests activities: tours and dining with our own unique ‘New Orleans Flavor’

Published 24 August, 2005

4th International Conference On African E&P
The 4th HGS/PESGB International Conference on African E&P will be held in Houston this year on September 7th and 8th at the Marriott Westchase.  Early check-in begins a 4:00 PM Tuesday, September 6th. At 8:00 PM Tuesday there is an Opening Reception with complimentary refreshments.
Attendees should register now on the HGS Website. The deadline for registration at a discounted price is noon on Thursday, September 1st.
The conference is organized by the Houston Geological Society and the Petroleum Exploration Society of Great Britain.  It is held annually, alternating between Houston and London.
This annual conference has become established as the primary technical E & P conference on Africa. A two-day program of talks is planned along with poster presentations and exhibits from sponsoring companies. The conference covers all aspects of African E&P with particular emphasis on new ideas for exploration, the geology of the continent, application of emerging technologies and case histories of discoveries.
HGS/PESGB African E&P Conference
Sponsors: The conference is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors.
Speaker''s Names: See the preliminary program
Day: 7-Sep-05 8:00 AM
Location: Marriott Westchase Houston 2900 Briarpark Dr. Houston, Texas
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar
Published August 19, 2005

HGS Events - August, 2005
Technofest 2005
Speaker''s Name: Various
Day: 2-Aug-05 2:00 PM
Location: Hilton Westchase 9999 Westheimer Houston, Texas
Summary: 9th Annual Summer Technofest This is a fun and educational way to view the latest technology and research presented by approximately 40 vendors in an exhibit-hall style display. It’s also a great place to see old friend/colleagues, etc. Mapquest | Add to Calendar

Glen Rose Field Trip
Sponsor: HGS & HGMS
Speaker''s Name: Glen Kuban, PaleoScene
Day: 6-Aug-05 8:30 AM
Location: Dinosaur Valley State Park Glen Rose, TX
Summary: Glen Rose, Texas - August 6 Texas has a world class dino track site in Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, TX. The Houston Gem and Mineral Society Invites HGS members to attend this special field trip. Get a guided tour of the Glen Rose track ways in the Cretaceous Glen Rose formation.Add to Calendar

Brazos River Paleo - Canoe Trip
Sponsor: HGS & HGMS
Speaker''s Name: Field trip leader, Neal Immega, Field Trip Comm., HGS
Day: 27-Aug-05 7:00 AM
Location: Meet at Exxon station at I-10 exit 723 West of Houston, TX
Summary: HGMS Brazos River Fossil Trip by Canoe HGS is invited to join with the Houston Gem and Mineral Society for their annual Brazos River fossil trip on August 27. Canoes will travel about 15 miles from the I-10 bridge to an exit on FM 1093 near Fulshire. We will start at 7 AM. Add to Calendar

Annual HGS//PESGB African E&P Conference
Sponsor: HGS and PESGB
Speaker''s Name: See the preliminary program
Day: 7-Sep-05 8:00 AM
Location: Marriott Westchase Houston, 2900 Briarpark Dr. Houston, TX
Summary: The 4th HGS/PESGB International Conference on African E&P "Path to Discovery" Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar
HGS General Dinner

A Special Appeal
This is a special appeal to HGS members for contributions to our two scholarship funds.  At its annual meeting last year, the Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies (GCAGS) offered to match the contributions to the scholarship funds of each of its membership societies up to a maximum of $10,000.  HGS may receive up to $20,000 because of its size and because it supports two scholarship funds.  However, the GCAGS matching contribution offer is valid only until September 15, 2005.

Board members of the funds, as well several HGS members serving on other committees, have  worked hard to solicit contributions, as an example by inaugurating a benefit dance and silent auction in February that raised about $1500 for each fund.  But we still have fallen far short of our goal of raising $10,000 for each fund.
We urge you to make whatever contribution you can afford by the September 15 deadline.  The need is great to increase the amount of individual scholarship awards to students to cover rapidly rising costs for a college education.  According to the College Board’s annual Reports on College Pricing and Financial Aid, tuition and fees at 4-year public institutions increased 10.5 % (to $5132) between 2003-04 and 2004-05.  Similar costs at private institutions increased 6 % to $20,082.  HGS’s one-year scholarship awards last year ranged from $1500 (undergraduate) to $3200 (graduate), so they are far from adequate to fully support a student.  But they are very important aids to needy students.  Now is your chance to get twice the bang for your scholarship buck! Carl Norman: Chairman, Calvert Scholarship Fund
John Adamick: Chairman, Undergraduate Scholarship Foundation
HGS Events
Technofest 2005
Day: 2-Aug-05 2:00 PM
Location: Hilton Westchase 9999 Westheimer Houston, Texas
Summary: 9th Annual Summer Technofest This is a fun and educational way to view the latest technology and research presented by approximately 40 vendors in an exhibit-hall style display.
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar
HGS Reserves Course Part 4
Sponsor: Houston Geological Society
Speaker''s Name: Bill Price , John Kulha, and Ted Griffin, Petrophysical Solutions, Inc., Consultant, and Core Lab, respectively
Day: 21-Sep-05 7:30 AM
Location: Bureau of Economic Geology Houston Research Center 11611 West Little York (Cunningham entrance) Houston, TX 77441
Summary: Part Four of the Mini-series Petroleum Reserves—Avoiding Write-downs. "An Overview of Recommended Petrophysical Practices". Seven Professional Development Hours (0.7 CEU) are earned by attending this course
RegisterMapquest | Add to Calendar  

HGS/PESGB African E&P Conference
Sponsor: HGS and PESGB
Days: 7-8, Sep-05 8:00 AM
Location: Marriott Westchase Houston 2900 Briarpark Dr. Houston, Texas
Summary: The 4th HGS/PESGB International Conference on African E&P "Path to Discovery". This annual conference, which alternates between London and Houston, has become established as the primary technical E & P conference on Africa.
Register http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?&country=USA&address=2900+Briarpark...

A video of the 2005 Guest Night presentation by Dr. David Applegate of the USGS is available on the HGS Website.  Lessons from Sumatra: Reducing Earthquake and Tsunami Risk Worldwide is a one-hour presentation that you can watch in real-time if you have a high-speed Internet connection. Alternatively, you can download the 45 Mb file to your computer for later viewing.  (To download the file in Windows, right-click on the link and "Save as" to your hard drive.)

Dr. Applegate''s original Power Point presentation is also available.  It''s a large file, 89 megabytes, and will take quite a while to load or download.  The best combined use of these files, if you have a high-speed connection, is to download them both, then open them simultaneously in Windows Media Player and PowerPoint (or a browser), then listen to the audio while manually synchronizing the PowerPoint slides with the video presentation.  The PowerPoint slides are much easier to read that way.

A note about format:

The Guest Night video is a file with the suffix ".wmv" which means that it is in Windows Media Player format.  To be precise, it''s an MPEG4 file in a Windows Media Player wrapper.  Whether you are using Windows on an IBM-PC compatible or you have an Apple Macintosh, it''s easiest to read if you have some version of Windows Media Player installed. Linux and Unix users have several other solutions available to them.
 
This material is presented with the permission of Dr. David Applegate, USGS, Reston, VA.

HGS Golf Tournament Update 
The HGS Golf Tournament will be held this year on September 19th.  The registration form on page 56 of the June HGS Bulletin had the wrong phone numbers for Alan Filipov.  The corrected registration form is available on the HGS Website.  The next HGS Bulletin won''t be published until September, so please download, print and use the corrected form on the HGS Website''s Tournament calendar entry.

HGS/GSH events and deadlines are few during the Summer, but don''t miss the July 1st early-registration deadline for the Africa Conference and do plan to attend the HGS/GSH Fishing Tournament tomorrow, Saturday, June 25th. 

HGS/GSH Saltwater Tournament
Sponsor: HGS and GSH
Day: 25-Jun-05 7:00 AM
Location: Teakwood Marina Village of Tiki Island, Galveston, Texas.
Summary: 5th ANNUAL HGS and GSH SALTWATER TOURNAMENT Saturday, June 25, 2005 Teakwood Marina, Village of Tiki Island Galveston, Texas.
Mapquest | Add to Calendar

Then be sure to put Summer Technofest 2005 on your calendar.

Summer Technofest 2005
Day: 2-Aug-05 2:00 PM
Location: Hilton Westchase, 9999 Westheimer, Houston, Texas
Summary: 9th Annual Summer Technofest. This is a fun and educational way to view the latest technology and research presented by approximately 40 vendors in an exhibit-hall style display. It’s also a great place to see old friend and colleagues.
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

Published 24 June, 2005

HGS International Explorationists News
Two items for your attention this Summer:
1. July 1st is the early registration deadline for the HGS/PESGB Africa Conference in Houston on September 7th and 8th.
2. The Internationalist Directory will be published in September.  Please check your personal data now.

The HGS Internationalist Directory Will Be Published in September
It''s that time of year again when we start the preparations for the publication of the HGS International Explorationists Group Membership Directory. However, the benefit of this directory to you, the members, is only proportional to the accuracy of the information contained within it.  Especially in recent years it has become clear with so much corporate downsizing, rightsizing and mergers etc., that the information is not as up to date as it might be. 
The HGS Website''s database will be used to update the International Explorationists Group Directory. We would therefore like to urge everyone to take a few moments to visit the HGS website and update their personal information (see instructions below).
In order to give the printers sufficient time to generate the publication we ask that your information be updated by July 15th.
Many thanks for your help.
Phil Towle (281) 673-6872

   Who Will Be In The Internationalist Directory?
The International Directory is prepared annually and lists only the members of  an HGS "user group" called Committee: International Explorationists Group which is maintained on-line at the HGS Website. The Internationalists Directory is separate from the annual HGS/GSH Directory which lists all members of both of those organizations.  The "International Explorationists Group" is a list of interested individuals who receive periodic short emails about International Group meetings and events and wish to have their name and contact information listed in the International Directory.
You need not be a member of the HGS in order to be a member of the HGS International Explorationists User Group.  However, you must be a registered user of the HGS Website and we encourage you to renew your HGS membership or to apply for membership if you are not currently a supporting member of the HGS.

How Do I Get In or Out of This Directory?  
To join, simply update the Group list in your Personal Information at HGS Website:
-Go to website and Log in.
Need help logging in?  Read the help file on the Website.  If you still can''t log in, contact the HGS Webmaster: Dave Crane (713)-789-5916.
- Choose "My Record" to get to your "Users View"
- Click on "Groups" at the top of the page
- Click a check mark in the box next to Committee: International Explorationists Group
- Click the "Submit Changes" button at bottom of page
To remove yourself from any user group, simply follow the same procedure and remove the check mark next to that user group name.
Alternatively, you know that you are already a member of the HGS Internatioinalists group because you received this email. At the bottom of this email there is a link by which you can automatically remove yourself from the group, the annual directory, and this mailing list. 

If you have questions please contact:
Phil Towle, ptowle@kmg.com  (281) 673-6872 or
Al Danforth al.danforth@att.net (713) 502-2766

Published 23 June, 2005   

HGS Updates and Reminders
June, 2005
HGS Project Respect
Sponsor: HGS
Day: Saturday, 18-Jun-05 7:00 AM until noon
Location: Evergreen Negro Cemetery & Finnigan Park Lockwood at Market
Summary: The Houston Chronicle will be sending a photographer to visit the Evergreen Negro Cemetery this Saturday morning. In addition, several Texas A&M University geoscience professors will be testing the Ground Penetrating Radar equipment.
HGS Skeet Shoot
Sponsor: HGS
Day: Saturday, 18-Jun-05 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Location: HGS Skeet Shoot 6702 McHard Road Missouri City, Texas
Summary: 22nd Annual HGS Skeet Shoot. The tournament is a 50-target event.  Shells are provided.  Bring your own eye and ear protection.  Download the form and register now.

HGS/GSH Saltwater Tournament
Sponsor: HGS and GSH
Day: Saturday, 25-Jun-05 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Location: Teakwood Marina Village of Tiki Island, Galveston, TX
Summary: 5th ANNUAL HGS and GSH SALTWATER TOURNAMENT  We are looking forward to a big event that your whole family can enjoy
Trophies will be awarded for the heaviest individual Redfish (Non-Tagged), Speckled Trout and Flounder for the Anglers, Junior Anglers, and Lady Anglers. Trophies will also be awarded for the heaviest individual Stringer - 1 Redfish, 3 Speckled Trout, and 1 Flounder.
Download the form to register for the fishing tournament.

Published 17 June, 2005 

Houston Geological Society Newsletter
June, 2005
22nd ANNUAL HGS SKEET SHOOT
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Greater Houston Gun Club 6702 McHard Road
Missouri City, Texas
Tournament is a 50-target event. Shells are provided, however you must bring eye and ear protection. All competitors are automatically entered into the door prize drawing, but you must be present at the time of the drawing to win. BBQ lunch will be provided from 11:30 until 1:30. Refreshments will be available throughout the day. We are limited to 160 shooters in four rotations. The entry fee is $60.00 per shooter for registrations received by Friday, June 10. After Friday, June 10, registration will be strictly on a "space available" basis and the entry fee will be $80.00 per shooter.
Download the form and REGISTER EARLY! 
For more information on the Skeet Shoot, contact Tom McCarroll.

 5th ANNUAL HGS and GSH SALTWATER TOURNAMENT
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Teakwood Marina, Village of Tiki Island, Galveston, Texas
Registration fee of $60 includes: launch fee, GSH/HGS Fishing Cap, Fish Fry meal after weigh-in, refreshments, Trophies, and DOOR PRIZES.Trophies will be awarded for the heaviest individual Redfish (Non-Tagged), Speckled Trout and Flounder for the Anglers, Junior Anglers, and Lady Anglers. Trophies will also be awarded for the heaviest individual Stringer - 1 Redfish, 3 Speckled Trout, and 1 Flounder.
To register, download the reservations form and send it with your check to the address specified. Please download and read the tournament rules if you plan to attend.
For more information, please contact Bobby Perez (HGS & GSH):
Office 281-240-1234 ext. 219
Fax 281-240-4997
Cell 281-787-2106
Home 281-495-8695 
Don''t forget the AAPG Convention in Calgary
June 19th through 22nd

Published 10 June, 2005

June, 2005 HGS Bulletin in HTML Format
June, 2005 HGS Bulletin in PDF Format (13 megabytes)
Regular Monthly Articles:
From the President
From the Editor
GeoEvents Calendar
Webnotes
HGA/GeoWives
Letters to the Editor
Professional Directory
Feature Articles:
2004-2005 Houston Geological Society Awards.
Texas Getting Ready to Host Texas-Sized Convention! AAPG Annual Convention Set for Houston April 9-12, 2006.
Evergreen Cemetery Clean-up April 2.
Book Reviews. 
HGS Continuing Education Committee Responds to Recent Petroleum Reserves Write-downs.
Government Update.
HTS and ESTCH Advocate Awareness of Subsidence Threat for Gulf Coast Region.

AAPG Annual Convention Set for Houston
April 9-12, 2006

 By Charles A. Sternbach, AAPG convention general chairman
HGS getting ready to host Texas-sized convention!
The annual 2006 AAPG convention will arrive only 10 months from now to downtown Houston at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Following the 2005 Calgary Convention in June, AAPG organizers are anticipating high attendance when the annual convention returns to home turf. Event and technical program planning for 2006 has been underway for more than a year.  Planning will soon shift into high gear, and HGS members will once again be at the forefront as organizers and participants. Technical papers need to be submitted by mid-October, 2005, and now is a good time to start getting ideas.
Much new since 2002 Convention.
Four years ago, in 2002, HGS hosted the AAPG Annual Convention. The 2002 AAPG convention in Houston set a 21-year attendance record (7800 participants).  Houston—a city renowned for technology, a rich petroleum history, a “can-do” attitude, and a global outlook has more to offer now than ever. Houston’s downtown has undergone serious revitalization. Downtown has new restaurants, an Aquarium and entertainment complex, as well as professional baseball at Minute Maid Park. A new world-class hotel, the Hilton Americas, conveniently adjoins the George R. Brown Convention center. Outside of downtown, there is a new BEG Core facility in NW Houston.
The Houston Convention committee is fortunate to have a strong and vital volunteer base of HGS members, seasoned veterans from previous AAPG conventions, leaders from HGS and leaders of the oil and gas profession. Among more than 35 talented convention leaders are: Deborah Sacrey (Auburn Energy) and Dan Tearpock (Subsurface Consultants Associates), general vice co-chairs; Bob Merrill (Samson), technical program coordinator; and Gonz Enciso (Spinnaker), sponsorship chair.
“Perfecting the Search” is the 2006 Convention theme
The AAPG Convention committee is creating a program to make our theme of “Perfecting the Search” come alive. Technical sessions will focus on how we learn from success and failure to become better geoscientists and explorers. An additional theme is: “Delivering on Promises,” in recognition that exploration is not only a science but also a business. AAPG Convention business forums will provide leadership and vision, while examining promises we make to investors, to our profession, to an energy-hungry world, and to each other.
Technical Program themes include:

• Successful Business Strategies
• Learning from exploration and exploitation successes, failures and mistakes
• Giant fields of the world, their implications and what they have to teach us
• Perfecting the search for unconventional plays and technology
• Integrating geology, geophysics and engineering to deliver success
• Reservoir characterization and modeling
• Stratigraphy and petroleum Systems
• Structure and tectonics
• Play openers and where they are leading us
• Delivering resources and environmental quality for a sustainable future

In addition to sessions on discoveries, case studies, and techniques, program highlights include:

• AAPG Divisions and SEPM are planning Luncheons with top speakers. We are pleased to announce that Mr. Rex Tillerson, president and director of Exxon Mobil Corporation, will share his vision for our energy future at the All-Convention Luncheon.
• For the first time at an AAPG meeting, CEO’s will address the financial community in an all day forum called “Energizing the World in the 21st Century”.
• Industry leaders will speak in the timely forum: “Reserves Estimations: Case Histories”
• Global leaders from the Middle East, Far East, Russia, South America, Africa, and elsewhere will share perspectives in the forum “Perfecting Relationships with National Oil Companies, Business Partners, Customers and Communities”.
• SEPM technical forums on sequence stratigraphy and deepwater sedimentation.

Field trips will bring back favorites like the Hockley Salt Dome, with new destinations as well. Short courses will be practical and effective. There will be a Giant Fields Sample and Rock Core conference.
Since this Convention will be held at the height of the wildflower season, it wouldn''t be complete without a Spouse event to Brenham to taste ice cream, visit rose gardens and all the amenities in the area. Trips to spas, tours through sports facilities will also be offered as "get out of the hotel" temptations! 
Also, spend an evening watching white tigers and tiger sharks at the Aquarium, which will be one of the highlights of the Convention.  This brand-new venue in the downtown area has incredible fish tanks, animals and even a "midway" for those adventurous enough to ride the rides!  We are expecting to have a sell-out crowd."
What can you do?

• Submit a paper- watch for the Call for Papers in the July AAPG Explorer.
• Chair or co-chair a session - contact Bob Merrill
• Judge a session- contact George Klein for oral presentations or Pat Gordon for poster sessions.
• Sponsor or help raise sponsorship- contact Gonz Enciso
• Offer to help or give advice relating to your area of interest- contact Charles Sternbach, Deborah Sacrey or Dan Tearpock.
• Attend and benefit from the convention- plan now, tell a friend, and reserve the dates!