Chapter 1

Green, A. R., 2007, Petroleum exploration in a world without walls: The function of science and technology, in P. O. Yilmaz and G. H. Isaksen, editors, Oil and gas of the Greater Caspian area: AAPG Studies in Geology 55, p. 1.

Petroleum Exploration in a World without Walls: The Function of Science and Technology
Arthur R. Green
Exxon Mobil Exploration Company, Houston, Texas, U.S.A.

EXTENDED ABSTRACT
In the early 1990s, the new realities of a world without walls plunged economic earth scientists into a wonderful but complex and challenging environment of global exploration discovery and learning. As a result of this dynamic environment, there was an acceleration in the development of new technologies and advanced concepts of petroleum exploration to lower costs and increase efficiency. Now in the new millennium, we are confronted with hostile and remote geographic frontiers, new basins and play types, and rapidly fluctuating global business cycles. New and improved technological tools are being developed, and massive streams of information have never been more abundant. The new technologies are a tribute to the people in the industry from service companies to independents to large multinational corporations, and yet, to transform them into useful knowledge and creativity requires the intellect, passion, and genius of the individual human mind in concert with team efforts. The multidisciplined, complex, nonlinear learning systems and innovative new tools now being employed by the petroleum industry are giving it a

sustainable advantage to grow and prosper in the complex and exciting world without walls. The modern energy industry has experienced many discontinuities and has evolved to meet the challenges. The next stage of the energy business will be its greatest challenge as nations and corporations try to meet the ever increasing demand for new sources of oil and gas as old fields are depleted all within an evolving geopolitical environment. These nonlinear changes in the global energy balance have the potential for geopolitical, environmental, economic, and security disruptions worldwide. Recognizing and facing energy realities, learning from history and developing an integrated plan is critical for an industry that requires lead times of 10 15 years. Such a plan must include international relations trade, global, economics, massive upfront investment, innovative science, and applied technology. I am optimistic about our energy future and the leadership that will be furnished by science and creative technology in a world without walls. Geoscientists must take their seats at the decision-making table. The plans and operations must be conducted within the context of the environment of our beautiful planet and its wealth of creatures large and small.

Copyright n2007 by The American Association of Petroleum Geologists. DOI:10.1306/1205827St553246