Page 3 - The Petroleum System From Source to Trap

FOREWORD
For years, petroleum geologists, whether working for themselves, small or large companies, or
research, academic, or governmental institutions, have struggled to come up with a more reliable and
logical way to judge and describe the petroleum potential and attendant exploration risks of undrilled
prospects, plays, and basins. The volume you are holding, The Petroleum System-From Source to Trap,
finally solves this problem. In a collection of individually authored papers, including case studies and
analogs, it describes the petroleum system approach.
While not a panacea, this exciting, if not totally new, approach can significantly help geologists
evaluate and communicate the petroleum potential and exploration risks involved in an area of investi­
gation. Perhaps equally important, it can provide both the data and a logical basis for constructive
discussion among petroleum geologists knowledgeable in that particular area.
As a petroleum geologist with over 40 years experience, I have seen this approach successfully
employed. It is my hope that more and more petroleum geologists around the world will not only
embrace and use the petroleum system approach but will build upon and improve it.
Jack C. Threet
Retired Vice President Exploration
Shell Oil Company, Houston, Texas

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