RRJ#3

EPA 1 Core

Reference: Geology Articles (2008, April) “Assessment of Undiscovered Oil Resources in the Devonian-Mississippian Bakken Shale Formation, Williston Basin Province, Montana and North Dakota”, 2008. Retrieved on February 17, 2009, from http://geology.com/usgs/bakken-formation-oil.shtml

Name: Artur Canumbila

Summary:
Geology’s article, entitled “Assessment of Undiscovered Oil Resources in the Devonian-Mississippian Bakken Shale Formation, Williston Basin Province, Montana and North Dakota” processes the study made on the Bakken shale Formation in areas of the Montana, Canada and North Dakota about the possible prospectivity of hydrocarbon in this area. They evaluated the area through the many geology subjects,such as total petroleum systems that involved source rock distribution, thickness, organic richness, maturation, petroleum generation and migration, reservoir rock, distribution and quality, trap, timing also stratigraphic studies, structural geology, geochemistry associated in historical exploration and production results and interpretations. They found that the Bakken Shale Formation is composed of three layers where upper and lower layers is lithologically composed of shale rich in organic matter, moderately uniform, and the middle layer composed of sandstone with a very good petrophysical characteristic. The two layers of shale are source rock and sandstone is the reservoir. The two figures on the first page illustrate a limitation of the possible prospect or lead, and the figure below shows how the rate of productivity of the hydrocarbon was during 6 years, also, it illustrates the increment of productivity which demonstrates how good the reservoir behavior through the time is. On figure one of page 2 it shows the limitation of oil generation and main structures, and figure 2 below shows oil generation area, five blocks uniforms of appraisal, the area defined as not discovered yet in Bakken Formation, and limitation of oil generation in the upper part same the some Formation. Finally, the study shows the result of the reserve’s estimation of the Bekken Formation .

Reaction:
I agree with their study, in the way that they used the subjects and data mentioned in order to get valuable interpretation for prospect assessment; however, uncertainties always exist before drilling the hole. This study seems to be fascinating, but at same time has a lack of consistency and coherency in its interpretation.. First, Bakken formation is thin, but covers large area, and the two shale units are fairly consistent (2 paragraph).This tells me that even if the Bakken Formation generates hydrocarbon the could be uneconomic due to the volumetry and quantity. Second, on figure 2 it shows the limitation of the area of oil generation for the upper shale layer of the formation; therefore, oil generation is entirely related with depth, geothermal gradient, maturity and type of source rock, so there is a probability that the lower shale generates gas, water or nothing. Nevertheless, the study illustrate some advantages related to the reservoir sandstone which increases productivity through time without depletion, but it can not guarantee the presence of a good petrographic characteristic all over the area, because we have to take into account the drastic local litholigic change. The assessment project still is incognita but slightly promissory. We need more data, more work for making Bakken formation estimation prospective because this estimation still is unrealistic.

Journal Question #2

The most important things from my country that I want all American know are: the Angola’s civil war and democracy. Decades of war, first Angolans against Portuguese colonial and later against each other, but the civil war started since independence from Portugal in 1975.neutralized and traumatized a country. The country is rich in minerals resources such as: oil, diamonds, gold, iron ore, uranium, manganese, copper, zinc, wolfram, tin, granite, quartz, feldspar, kaolin, fertile soil and other. There are two main controversial political parts: one is Marxist supported by Soviet Union and Cuba while anti-Marxist supported by United States, South Africa and China. The Angolan’s victims of the war are citizens more than 600,000 dead, and 3 million refugees. Many attempts were made to find peace during the conflict In 992 election took place but one of them refused to accept the results and restarted to fighting until 2008. On September, 2008 the second election took place, and know the Country is democratic, however, it still weak. Angola economy are growing, is the fourth largest producer of diamonds in the world; nevertheless, the economy is highest dependent on oil producer. Angola is the first oil producer in Sub-Sahara Africa overtook Nigeria place on May 2008. Now, the country is in reconstruction, resettlement of displaced persons and agriculture are growing in high rate. Similarly to the industries, they are growing in bidding and investing processes. To sum up, It is very important, for people particularly American to know about Angola’s history, potentially because it could be good not only for economic relationship but also for friendly relationship between Angolan and American.

RRJ #2

Reference 

Chang Kenneth (2009, January). Diamonds Linked to Quick Cooling Eons Ago. New York Times. Retrieved January 21, 2009, from www.nytimes.com/2009/01/02/science02impact.html

 Summary

 This article is based on a hypothesis that the diamond layer found in rocks is extrapolated to the date of abrupt cooling weather about 12,900 years ago and it might be originated by one or more meteors that struck into North America. These diamonds are structured in a hexagonal crystal arrangement. The hexagonal diamond crystal model is formed in a extreme higher temperature condition and pressure; these  diamonds have been discovered only in depressions formed by effect of impact of the meteorites, and never are found in forests or volcanic eruptions. Then, for these reasons geoscientists have been proving that a meteor hit the ice bed or there were a objects that exploded in the air. Nevertheless, they have also related the time of these events with a period of time of mammoths and extinct Clovis people. However, there are many controversial hypotheses amongst scientists; consequently, they had not proved this theory, but they have demonstrated evidence that have been similar to that of other scientists in other areas.

 Reaction

 The article is very interesting and recent. It shows a lot of evidence that makes us believe that hexagonal diamonds were formed by impact of meteors in the earth at the time of a cooling environment 12,900 years ago. At same time this event can be responsible for the disappearance of the pleistocene's elephants and Clovis people in North of America. Moreover, the bones of ancient Clovis people have been found above the diamond strata. However, the opponents of this idea have questioned this; if it this theory is true, why are there no craters? Air explosions could create enough energy to make diamonds? Why didn't they find any traces of rocks destroyed or fragments of minerals due to the meteors’ impact?  Why the existence of chronological gap between the extinction of the Clovis and substitution of other people? All these considerations make  the theory argumentative and very difficult to make decisions on the veracity of the study. If the theory is true, a new method of diamond exploration will be installed and developed, also new  mineral's reserves will increase in the world. Really, it is important to continue studying this theory, because the study has been done, and the evidence allows us to be very close to the topic. I suggest more research for being consistent and concise. This event will be profitable for all the nations. 

RRJ #1

Reference 

Geology Articles. (2008, December 10). Blood diamonds-Conflict Diamonds. Geology.com. Retrieved on February 3, 2009, from http://geology.com/articles/blood-diamonds.shtml

Summary

Geology’s Articles, article entitled “Blood Diamond-Conflict Diamonds” discusses what blood diamonds are what conflict is and what the Kimberly process is . As all of us know, diamond is a mineral resource which has been causing thousands of deaths amongst people. Currently, this situation occurs mainly in Africa in some countries. First, diamonds are known as blood diamonds because they are found in fields dominated by the opposition of the government; they take without the permission of the government. Furthermore, these diamonds are obtained by rebels in various forms: by manpower through the prospecting, robbery from shipment, and military assaults. Second, rebels used to sell these diamonds for obtaining funds to buy arms and military subsistence. Third, African Countries which are involved in this struggle are Sierra Leone, Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo and Ivory Coast. Finally, The United Nations and other Institutions are making procedures and international rules against this practice in order to legalize and make free diamonds; it will provide benefits for the population such as jobs, safe business and well being.

 Reaction

I agree with comments made in the article about blood diamond. First, Blood diamonds is the cause of thousands of dead persons, and people have right to lives, and a stop killing to people due to mineral resources. Second, people have to be obedient to legislature, because nobody is above the law; all these practices of genocide, stealing and, destruction are not acceptable internationally for the nations. Moreover, these are considerable condemnable actions and punishable by international law. The intervention of the United Nations is welcome because their rules help for peace establishment and bring jobs, a free diamond market, well being for people and discouragement of rebels actions. However, blood diamond is a result of instability of the political and military situation. Angola had lived this situation for a long time, approximately 30 years. The result of a survey interview forces people into a difficult judgment, because is important to know what the purpose of the rebelliousness is. Even though, is that the blood diamond situation people died, will it be beneficial for a nation and people? Another observation, is that the United Nations is not able to control blood diamonds because there is an interesting background, probably countries who participate in the Kimberly agreement can support certification for the market of the blood diamonds to rebels, and some consumers can buy it at a lower price. In addition, they are looking for business instead of being honest and loyal. The action of United Nations and the Kimberly process are extremely important and necessary for the nations in the world, but still not yet the solution.

Journal #3 : Valentines’ day

In fact , I did not celebrated to much this day in my country because it was not common to celebrate, but was only part of religious Christian mainly catholic . Catholics express valentines’ day  a massacre day is  associated  specifically  a honor given to a priest valentine who was tortured  and buried a long time ago. Since twenty years ago approximately Angola started celebrated this day and it was recognized as a special day for lovers.  Normally, people celebrated in many different ways and the gifts are usually roses, chocolates, and jewelry. It is also day to make your love feel special we can take the time to walk around hold each other the hands or go to buy good think without mention exciting thing of daily life. There are some people prefer go taking a favorable candle dinner and make them memorable day taking some photos. Another option, people use to read and write poems for their love. In addition to, It has been time to play romantic music during  you are making chores at home or driving. Furthermore, valentines’ day is of the opportunity to rething our lives on the one we love and dedicate each other: for example, who are already married make a future plan together.  However, we can stay  at home watch a special movie or if you like stay with friends go to the night club.