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  | chapter = Developing a philosophy of exploration

  | chapter = Developing a philosophy of exploration

  | frompg  = 1-1

  | frompg  = 1-5

  | topg    = 1-37

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  | author  = Edward A. Beaumont, Norman H. Foster, Richard R. Vincelette, Marlan W. Downey, James D. Robertson

  | author  = Edward A. Beaumont, Norman H. Foster, Richard R. Vincelette, Marlan W. Downey, James D. Robertson

  | link    = http://archives.datapages.com/data/specpubs/beaumont/ch01/ch01.htm

  | link    = http://archives.datapages.com/data/specpubs/beaumont/ch01/ch01.htm

==Academic training==

==Academic training==

Theoretically, every geologist with a master's degree or higher from an accredited institution has the necessary scientific background to be a successful explorationist. Thorough training in structural geology, stratigraphy, sedimentology, geomorphology, [[paleontology]], [[remote sensing]], mineralogy, petrology, volcanism, economic geology, geophysics, and geochemistry are fundamental. A course in petroleum engineering is very helpful. Also, a rigorous field geology course is absolutely essential because one must learn to observe and record information accurately in the field, thinking in the third and fourth dimensions and developing a sense of the size of geological features.

Theoretically, every geologist with a master's degree or higher from an accredited institution has the necessary scientific background to be a successful explorationist. Thorough training in [[Structural play geology|structural geology]], [[stratigraphy]], [[sedimentology]], [[geomorphology]], [[paleontology]], [[remote sensing]], [[mineralogy]], [[petrology]], [[volcanism]], [[economic geology]], [[geophysics]], and [[geochemistry]] are fundamental. A course in [[petroleum engineering]] is very helpful. Also, a rigorous field geology course is absolutely essential because one must learn to observe and record information accurately in the field, thinking in the third and fourth dimensions and developing a sense of the size of geological features.

==Impact of technology==

==Impact of technology==

A few years of experience in the industry should prepare an individual to use the latest technology. Computers process data rapidly, which was impossible just a short time ago. This has allowed us, for example, to develop 3-D and 4-D [[seismic data]] gathering and processing. In addition, computers allow us to compare thousands of data sets rapidly, as in surface geochemical ratios. But even with all the new technology, thorough scientific training, and new scientific and engineering understanding, only a small percentage of people searching for oil, gas, and minerals ever find them in commercial quantities.

A few years of experience in the industry should prepare an individual to use the latest technology. Computers process data rapidly, which was impossible just a short time ago. This has allowed us, for example, to develop 3-D and 4-D [[seismic data]] gathering and processing. In addition, computers allow us to compare thousands of data sets rapidly, as in [[Surficial geochemical exploration principles|surface geochemical ratios]]. But even with all the new technology, thorough scientific training, and new scientific and engineering understanding, only a small percentage of people searching for oil, gas, and minerals ever find them in commercial quantities.

==Teams==

==Teams==

==Visual training==

==Visual training==

Geology is a visual science. To make insightful observations and dream more imaginative concepts, the visual skills of the geologist must be developed fully.

[[Geology]] is a visual science. To make insightful observations and dream more imaginative concepts, the visual skills of the geologist must be developed fully.

In the past, some geology or earth science departments required a basic course in drawing for a baccalaureate degree. The ability to draw freehand and illustrate various geological phenomena was deemed indispensable. Many geologists became quite proficient in sketching thin sections, fossils, outcrops, and other geological features. But beginning in the 1930s, the drawing requirement was dropped. With the development of the camera and the ease and economy of its use came the belief that drawing proficiency was no longer necessary. All one needed was to snap the camera with the proper exposure and focus, and an even more accurate record (more accurate than drawing the feature oneself) could be obtained.

In the past, some geology or earth science departments required a basic course in drawing for a baccalaureate degree. The ability to draw freehand and illustrate various geological phenomena was deemed indispensable. Many geologists became quite proficient in sketching [[Thin section analysis|thin sections]], [[Paleontology|fossils]], [http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outcrop outcrops], and other geological features. But beginning in the 1930s, the drawing requirement was dropped. With the development of the camera and the ease and economy of its use came the belief that drawing proficiency was no longer necessary. All one needed was to snap the camera with the proper exposure and focus, and an even more accurate record (more accurate than drawing the feature oneself) could be obtained.

Today, of course, there is the choice of black-and-white or living color. Earth scientists have retained some of the knowledge of how to diagram and draw by making maps, [[cross section]]s, and block diagrams. Unfortunately, by not learning to draw at an adult level, we have largely given up one of our most powerful tools of learning: to think visually and to observe critically. These are the keys to creative thinking, problem-solving, and developing new concepts.

Today, of course, there is the choice of black-and-white or living color. Earth scientists have retained some of the knowledge of how to diagram and draw by making [[Subsurface maps|maps]], [[cross section]]s, and [[block diagram]]s. Unfortunately, by not learning to draw at an adult level, we have largely given up one of our most powerful tools of learning: to think visually and to observe critically. These are the keys to creative thinking, problem-solving, and developing new concepts.

==See also==

==See also==

* [[The art and science of exploring for oil and gas]]

* [[The art and science of exploring for oil and gas]]

* [[Subsurface team]]

* [[Subsurface team]]

[[Category:Developing a philosophy of exploration]]

[[Category:Developing a philosophy of exploration]]