David Rajmon

Jan 9, 2025 | geoexpro.com | Marzena Pyteraf |David Rajmon

One revealing experience occurred while I was working in a basin offshore Thailand. I only had temperature data from several wells. Once a 1D model was built for each of these wells in Genesis, I noticed that most of them could be calibrated with similar parameters for sediment base heatflow, assuming crustal thickness and radioactive heat generation. However, this did not work for a couple of wells.

Nov 6, 2024 | geoexpro.com | Marzena Pyteraf |David Rajmon

My last article opened a topic of uncertainty in basin models. Discussion following its publication brought up an interesting research paper describing how increasing model complexity increases uncertainty in its results. It illustrates the issue with several examples spanning various fields of science…“Our” field offers another example. Basin models involve the calculation of rock properties used to calculate heat and fluids transfer through a basin.

Aug 20, 2024 | geoexpro.com | Marzena Pyteraf |David Rajmon

I have long wanted to write about uncertainties in basin modelling. Despite their general acknowledgement, they are commonly underestimated due to various biases and psychological pressures. Explorationists sometimes live in a denial of their true magnitude. We do not have to go too far into the modelling process, even reviewing the basics can be instructive. Take the depth horizons, for example.

Jun 14, 2024 | geoexpro.com | Lisa Julianne Nystad |David Rajmon

Many exploration geologists who work in data-lean basins or who do not have access to well data turn to published heat flow data as a calibration for basin models. More than one of my clients was surprised when I expressed my reservations. Basin models calculate heat flow so calibrating to published heat flow sounds reasonable. What’s the issue? Heat flow is not a measurement.

May 7, 2024 | geoexpro.com | Henk Kombrink |David Rajmon

When I start a new project, I commonly get this question: “What is the geothermal gradient in this area?” The question stems from an underlying assumption that the gradient provides information about the temperature down deep at the source rock level. I don’t particularly care. Why? Well…, what gradient are we talking about? At what depth range?