IPED (UK)

Subject: Introduction to petroleum geology

Maximum Time Allowed: 3 hours
Instructions: Do not write on any part of the exam paper. All rough work should be done in your answer
booklet. All questions carry equal marks. You are required to answer only FOUR questions

Question 1
a. Explain the following: - Index or guide fossil [2.5]; - Trace fossil [2.5]; - Fossil assemblage [2.5]; - Body
fossils [2.5]
b. Give an account on the events of the Mesozoic Era (in the geologic timescale). [15]

Question 2
a. What is a sedimentary basin? [5]
b. Providing an understanding of the nature, formation and occurrence of petroleum is an objective for
undertaking petroleum exploration and its related activities. Do you agree? Why? [20]

Question 3
a. Complete the table below for the chemical composition of typical crude oil and natural gas. [10]

Crude oil Natural gas

Sulphur (%) 1 mark 1 mark
Oxygen (%) 1 mark 1 mark
Nitrogen (%) 1 mark 1 mark
Carbon (%) 1 mark 1 mark
Hydrogen (%) 1 mark 1 mark

b. Describe the generation and migration of oil and gas in the subsurface of the earth. [15]

Question 4
a. The organic matter that goes into the formation of oil and gas are the very much more abundant, minute
primitive organisms. This organic matter can be classified into three types. Examine the three types. [15]
b. What is halite? What is its significance to the petroleum geologist? [10]

Question 5
Examine the following: - Cloud point and pour point of petroleum [5]; - Biogenic gas and thermogenic gas [5];
- Clastic sediments [5]; - Condensate [5]; - Metagenesis [5]

Question 6
Describe the following: - Reverse fault and normal fault [12.5]; - Angular unconformity [12.5]

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Do not reproduce contents of the IPED study manual when answering the questions above. All answers must be in your own words.
You will be disqualified from this exam if found engaging in any examination malpractice which includes reproduction of contents of the
IPED study manual and related materials. Say NO to examination malpractice.

INSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL AND EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT UNITED KINGDOM