Step 4 in the scientific method sequence is predicting that hydrocarbons can be found and economically produced at a specific location, using the maps, cross sections, etc., made in step 3. The scientific method recognizes the degree of proof of the hypothesis, not the sophistication of the data used to prepare it. Although prepared with an impressive degree of advanced technical competence, this is only an untested hypothesis and therefore has only reached step 3.
A newly prepared environmental, lithofacies (see Lithofacies and environmental analysis of clastic depositional systems and Carbonate facies), and seismic–stratigraphic interpretation of a similar sand unit. Such correct predictions represent work that has earned a high scientific confidence level and therefore is well past step 3. A simple gross sand isopach map that is essentially unaltered by results of considerable additional drilling. For example, compare these two pieces of stratigraphic work: We should continuously evaluate whether the products of an exploration effort have passed step 3. In the rigorous context that we are attempting to describe, such an interpretation is only an untested hypothesis (step 3). Many people believe a modern interpretation derived from recently collected and carefully measured data is a high-level scientific piece of work that deserves a high level of confidence. Unfortunately, exploration technical work often bogs down at step 3. When explorationists interpret data, they formulate hypothetical solutions to the problem of finding commercial accumulations of hydrocarbons. In step 3, explorationists formulate hypothetical solutions (interpretations) to the problem stated in step 1 (Where are the hydrocarbons?) that are consistent with the observations of step 2. Under this heading comes work such as logging samples, recording shows, compiling sediment interval thicknesses, acquiring field seismic data, and identifying paleontologic data. Much of the technical work done in exploration can be categorized as collecting observations (data). A host of specific problems arise in given instances, but we should recognize that the major problem (objective) of an exploration effort is to find large amounts of oil or gas cheaply. 
In exploration, the general problem is locating substantial quantities of hydrocarbons that are economical to produce. Seismically detailing a structural prospect Drilling a wildcat wellĭrilling another wildcat well Promoting a well to test a modified hypothesis Dropping acreage
Recommending lease purchases Recommending drilling a test well on the basis of map interpretation 7 Step 6: Accept, modify, or reject the hypothesisĪsking “Where are the economical hydrocarbon accumulations?”Ĭollecting outcrop, seismic, and well log dataĬorrelating seismic records with well logs Contouring structural and thickness data.
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