$Natural fracture analysis in Neuquén Basin outcrops — structural geology applied to shale reservoirs$

Professional training

Structural Geology and Rock Mechanics for Shale Reservoirs

Theory-practice course · 32 hours · Buenos Aires

Register for the next session

Submit your pre-registration with no commitment. We confirm the course once the minimum enrollment is reached.

Buenos Aires 32 hours — 4 days 8:30 am to 5:30 pm

Overview

Theory-practice course aimed at energy industry professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of structural and geomechanical analysis of unconventional reservoirs.

It integrates fundamentals of fracturing, seismicity and tectonics with real case studies to strengthen decision-making in projects and risk mitigation.

The course is taught by specialists from academia (CONICET, University of Buenos Aires) and industry, with extensive experience in exploration and development of shale reservoirs in the Neuquén Basin and other shale plays worldwide.

Objectives

Analyze the mechanical properties of rocks and fracturing criteria applied to shale and tight reservoirs.
Evaluate stress regimes, fluid pressure and their connection to fracture nucleation and propagation.
Characterize fracture types, families and corridors; identify the interaction between natural and hydraulic fractures, fault reactivation and induced seismicity.
Integrate mechanical stratigraphy and structural models to optimize horizontal well placement and design.
Apply concepts through practical exercises using real data from the Neuquén Basin and other shale plays.

Description

The course takes place in Buenos Aires and combines theory classes with practical exercises oriented toward real-project applications. Cases from the Neuquén Basin and international examples (USA, China, Canada, among others) will be covered.

$Carbonate concretions in Vaca Muerta — partially cemented levels that control the nucleation and propagation of hydraulic fractures$

Course contents

The program covers the following topics:

Mechanical fundamentals & fracturing

Fracture systems in shale

Stress regimes & pore pressure

Mechanical stratigraphy

Natural fractures & DFN models

Fracture corridors & fault reactivation

Hydraulic stimulation & natural fractures

Fault reactivation & induced seismicity

Vaca Muerta play tectonics

Practical activities

Hubbert-Mohr experiment
Mohr diagram interpretation
Focal mechanism analysis
SRV and DRV geometry and size estimation
Optimal horizontal well placement

Photo gallery

$Course participants in natural fracture analysis on outcrop samples$ Instructor explaining the Mohr-Coulomb diagram — applied rock mechanics

Practical session on induced seismicity focal mechanism analysis

Fold outcrop in Mesozoic rocks of the Neuquén Basin

$Group work on hydraulic fracturing data and SRV distribution$ $Sub-parallel extension fractures in Vaca Muerta Formation outcrop$ Correlation between seismic profile and structural model in Neuquén Basin

Horizontal well placement exercise on stress map

$Hubbert-Mohr analogue experiment — fracturing criterion demonstration$ $Discussion on induced seismicity cases in hydraulic fracturing projects$ $Image log analysis to characterize natural fractures in a well$ Fracture corridor map in Vaca Muerta — integrating well and seismic data

Fracture corridor map in Vaca Muerta — integrating well and seismic data

Conceptual diagram of mechanical stratigraphy — geomechanical property variation between layers

Closing session with presentation of practical exercise results

Full group of the Structural Geology and Rock Mechanics course — Synergies 2025

Instructors

The course instructors combine a solid academic background with active involvement in the energy industry. Dr. Ernesto Cristallini, a leading expert in structural geology, together with his research team at the Institute of Andean Studies (UBA–CONICET), will cover concepts and methodologies in structural modeling, rock mechanics, neotectonics and natural fracture analysis, with direct application to the Neuquén Basin and other hydrocarbon basins.

The program is complemented by the participation of Lic. Manuel Fantin, a geologist with over 20 years in the oil industry, specializing in shale reservoir characterization and operational evaluation of the Vaca Muerta play, who will provide an applied perspective focused on current development and production challenges.

Reserve your spot in the course

Submit your pre-registration form. We will confirm the course once the minimum enrollment is reached.

Request pre-registration