Subsurface Sedimentary Systems for the Energy Transition
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
Deepening the concepts of sedimentary rock reservoirs and seals, their different origins and heterogeneities.
Exploring the direct and indirect tools to investigate rock petrophysical properties in sub-surface exploration.
Constructing a 2D conceptual reservoir model based on wells/cores data correlation and evaluating the major factors controlling the distribution of heterogeneities.
Discussing the origin and occurrence of the different types of fluid resources exploitable from (or storable in) sedimentary rock reservoirs (hydrocarbons, geothermal waters, CO2, natural hydrogen, Li-brines).
Introducing and evaluating the main numerical approaches to model heterogeneity distribution in sedimentary rock reservoirs including case histories from industry.
Exploring the direct and indirect tools to investigate rock petrophysical properties in sub-surface exploration.
Constructing a 2D conceptual reservoir model based on wells/cores data correlation and evaluating the major factors controlling the distribution of heterogeneities.
Discussing the origin and occurrence of the different types of fluid resources exploitable from (or storable in) sedimentary rock reservoirs (hydrocarbons, geothermal waters, CO2, natural hydrogen, Li-brines).
Introducing and evaluating the main numerical approaches to model heterogeneity distribution in sedimentary rock reservoirs including case histories from industry.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the students will have acquired knowledge on the different origins of sedimentary rock reservoirs, the investigation methods of their petrophysical properties, their economically valuable resources and their storage potential to mitigate global warming, the approaches to characterize and model their heterogeneities.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Introduction to the concepts of reservoir and seal sedimentary rocks and their significance in sub-surface geology exploration of economically valuable fluids.
Petrophysical properties (ex. porosity, permeablity, pore throat size, etc.) of sedimentary rocks and identification of the major factors that govern their origin and distribution in both carbonate and siliciclastic rocks. Direct and indirect methods of investigation of rock petrophysical properties. Concepts of mechanical stratigraphy applied to fractured sedimentary bodies. Rock-typing: theory and applications.
Construction of 2D conceptual reservoir models based on correlations of core/well data. Discussion on the storage capacity and the main controls on the heterogeneity distribution.
Processes that control the origin and distribution of different fluid resources in sedimentary systemsand energy transition. Conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon systems, shallow to deep geothermal systems, natural H2 plays in different geodynamic settings, Li-brine resources, CO2 and H2 geological storage. Different exploration approaches and limitations.
Introduction to the main numerical approaches to model heterogeneity distribution in sedimentary rocks (geostatistical modelling, transport reactive modelling) and to the main required input data: quantitative petrography, time-temperature constraints on diagenetic mineral precipitation, paleo-fluid geochemistry. Academic and industrial case histories will be illustrated.
Petrophysical properties (ex. porosity, permeablity, pore throat size, etc.) of sedimentary rocks and identification of the major factors that govern their origin and distribution in both carbonate and siliciclastic rocks. Direct and indirect methods of investigation of rock petrophysical properties. Concepts of mechanical stratigraphy applied to fractured sedimentary bodies. Rock-typing: theory and applications.
Construction of 2D conceptual reservoir models based on correlations of core/well data. Discussion on the storage capacity and the main controls on the heterogeneity distribution.
Processes that control the origin and distribution of different fluid resources in sedimentary systemsand energy transition. Conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon systems, shallow to deep geothermal systems, natural H2 plays in different geodynamic settings, Li-brine resources, CO2 and H2 geological storage. Different exploration approaches and limitations.
Introduction to the main numerical approaches to model heterogeneity distribution in sedimentary rocks (geostatistical modelling, transport reactive modelling) and to the main required input data: quantitative petrography, time-temperature constraints on diagenetic mineral precipitation, paleo-fluid geochemistry. Academic and industrial case histories will be illustrated.
Prerequisites for admission
Understanding of fundamental concepts of general geology.
Teaching methods
Frontal (teacher-student) lectures (6 CFU, 48h)
Teaching Resources
Teaching material provided during the course (lecture slides, publications)
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral presentation (15 min) based on a literature review and synthesis on specific fluid resources. Scientific articles will be attributed during classes to each couple of students. Weight: 50% of the final mark.
Written test (2 hours) consisting of open questions. Weight: 50% of the final mark.
Written test (2 hours) consisting of open questions. Weight: 50% of the final mark.
GEO/02 - STRATIGRAPHY AND SEDIMENTOLOGY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Gasparrini Marta
Professor(s)