Qatar Geological Society

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News and Information about QGS President’s Letter – June 2009 “Regarding our Past, Preparing for the Future” June brings us to an end of sorts. School sessions are out. Those who can, make plans to escape the summer heat in the Gulf, and still others, prepare to depart and start again in another location. As Geoscientists we are keenly aware of the need to piece together the puzzle of clues from the past to understand the present, even predict the future. What a perfect time to consider those who have gone before us, appreciate their achievements, and be inspired to make our own mark in the profession we call our own. On March 17^th, the Society was presented a Sampling of Qatar Field Geology. QGS members, Jeremy Jameson, Jacques LeBlanc, Saeed Al Kuwari, and Dave Puls, each of whom have spent considerable time in the field in their years here in Qatar, shared some of their insights, favorite locations, and encouragement for all of us to explore the surface Geology of Qatar. You can always refer to field reference material on our website. We hope to add to this in the future. See also the review of the Um Tays field trip conducted in early May. On May 26^th, the Society held a special meeting to honor Abdulla Salatt as the first recipient of the Qatar Geological Society Serdal Award. This award is intended to recognize significant achievements in the Geosciences related to the State of Qatar. Mr. Salatt worked alongside Claude Cavalier in the early 1970’s to produce the first complete Geological Map of Qatar. See the interview later in the newsletter for more on this pioneer of Qatar Geology. At the same event, we were honored to welcome the Minister of Energy and Industry, Dr. Mohammed Al Sada to our podium. Dr. Al Sada discussed the relative roles of International Oil Companies and National Oil Companies in meeting the needs of world energy supplies with Middle East reserves. Dr. Al Sada is a graduate of Marine Geology from Qatar University and one we can all look up to as a significant leader in the State of Qatar who got his start studying the earth and its resources. This month, we will have the chance to hear from another leader in our field. Dr. Fadhil Al-Sadooni, Director of the Environmental Sciences Department of Qatar University will provide an overview of Iraqi oil fields. Don’t miss this chance to hear from one who has firsthand experience with this amazing resource. While you read about the past achievements of these leaders of our Society, consider the work you are doing as equally significant. We are all role models for others. We wish you the very best summer. May you get the inspiration and rest you need to be at your best! Saeed Al-Kuwari Dave Puls QGS President QGS Vice President

CONFERENCE 7-9^th Dec 2009 2009 QGS Committee President: Saeed Al-Kuwari Saeed_Al-Kuwari@oxy.com Tel: 551-7631 Vice President: Dave Puls david.d.puls@exxonmobil.com Tel: (+974) 555-0428 Chairman, Educational Affairs: Dr. Abdulali M. Sadiq a.sadiq@qu.edu.qa Tel: 485-2755 Secretary: James R. P. Owens Email: JOwens@qatargas.com.qa Office: (974) 4847262 Treasurer: Stephen Kennedy SXKennedy@rasgas.com.qa Tel: 485-7201 Chairman, Monthly Meetings: Frank Musgrove fwmusgrove@rasgas.com.qa Chairman, Field Trips: Frans Van Buchem fvb@moq.com.qa Tel:496 3769 Chairman, Social/sports Fahad Hussain Al-Mussawi fhalmussawi@rasgas.com.qa (974) 453-1704/ 551-2387 Chairman, Media: Jacques LeBlanc leblanc@qp.com.qa Tel: 664 7884 Chairman, Webpage : Melissa Johansson mjohansson@slb.com Tel : 4979301 Chairman, Membership: Hussain Al-Ansi alansi@qp.com.qa Tel : 440-2602

Next Meeting
Topic	Geology and Petroleum Systems of Iraq: Introductory Review
Speakers	Dr. Fadhil N. Sadooni, Qatar University
Date and time	12.30pm Tuesday June 16th 2009
Venue	QSPE Villa (See Map)
Sponsored by
Abstract	Iraq is believed to have the second largest oil reserve in the world with a proven reserve of more than 120 BB. A combination of depositional and tectonic features created rich and widely distributed source rocks, thick and porous reservoirs and varied seals. Oil shows in Iraq date back to the Babylonian time. Oil was used for construction of buildings and boats in the Sumerian time (more than 3000 BC). Oil exploration in Iraq started during the early twentieth century by the Anglo-Persian Company (APOC) which changed name later to the Iraq Petroleum Company (IPC). The IPC was the company which drilled Dukhan in 1938 and many of the Omani fields. The first well drilled was Chia Surkh in 1907 but the major oil finding was Kirkuk in 1927. The most prolific petroleum systems are within the Tertiary in the north and the Cretaceous in the south. Other promising systems include the Paleozoic (Ordovician) in the Western Desert; the Triassic in the northwest and the Jurassic in the south. Iraq has more than 540 structures as defined from the extensive seismic survey carried during the late seventies and early eighties of the last century. Less than 100 of these structures were drilled and production is coming from less than 20 fields. The political unrest that characterized the last 50 years of Iraq’s history significantly affected both exploration and production activities. The country lacks modern technologies and much of his well trained specialists had left for other places. Oil represents an important source of national pride for the Iraqi people, although this has never been reflected on the quality of their lives. Long years of political disorientation created a hostile attitude toward foreign investment in the petroleum sector. The involvement of some oil companies in providing services to the military activities after 2003 had enforced these beliefs. Much work is needed to show people that Iraq is in need of advanced technologies and expertise from international oil companies. Successful experiences in the Gulf countries may be used as examples of such joint work. Only time will show if the country is capable of solving its chronic problems and follow other countries in the region in terms of stability and development.