This book covers the fundamentals of the earth sciences and examines their role in controlling the global occurrence and distribution of hydrocarbon resources. It explains the principles, practices and the terminology associated with the upstream sector of the oil industry. Key topics include a look at the elements and processes involved in the generation and accumulation of hydrocarbons and demonstration of how geological and geophysical techniques can be applied to explore for oil and gas. There is detailed investigation into the nature and chemical composition of petroleum, and of surface...