Changes

We should continuously evaluate whether the products of an exploration effort have passed step 3. For example, compare these two pieces of stratigraphic work:

We should continuously evaluate whether the products of an exploration effort have passed step 3. For example, compare these two pieces of stratigraphic work:

* A simple gross sand [[isopach]] map that is essentially unaltered by results of considerable additional drilling. Such correct predictions represent work that has earned a high scientific confidence level and therefore is well past step 3.

* A simple gross sand [[Subsurface maps#Isopach|isopach]] map that is essentially unaltered by results of considerable additional drilling. Such correct predictions represent work that has earned a high scientific confidence level and therefore is well past step 3.

* A newly prepared [[Depositional environments|environmental]], lithofacies (see [[Lithofacies and environmental analysis of clastic depositional systems]] and [[Carbonate facies]]), and [[Seismic interpretation|seismic–stratigraphic interpretation]] of a similar sand unit. 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 [[Depositional environments|environmental]], lithofacies (see [[Lithofacies and environmental analysis of clastic depositional systems]] and [[Carbonate facies]]), and [[Seismic interpretation|seismic–stratigraphic interpretation]] of a similar sand unit. Although prepared with an impressive degree of advanced technical competence, this is only an untested hypothesis and therefore has only reached step 3.