surface techniques, however, is the basic training of the geologist. A frame- 

 work of knowledge in which these specific techniques are applied should include 

 a thorough grounding in the physical processes of geology, the sequence of 

 events of geologic history, the elements of structural geology, the significance 

 of the paleontologic record, the principles of stratigraphy, the processes of sedi- 

 mentation, and the principles of petroleum geology. Concurrent with the study 

 of these branches of geology should be course work in crystallography, mineral- 

 ogy, and petrology. The advanced student of geology should also be well-trained 

 in the various techniques of field mapping and measurement of stratigraphic 

 sections. There is an increasing necessity for a better grounding in mathematics, 

 physics, and chemistry. The ability to write a concise geological report and to 

 present a clear, well-organized oral report are necessary if the geologist is to 

 sell his ideas to the men with whom he works. Further ramifications of the 

 various areas of training and the part that these areas play in the work of the 

 petroleum geologist will be considered. 



Physical Geology 



Thanks to the Huttonian concept, we are able to gain more understanding 

 of the processes of erosion, deposition, and deformation that were in effect in 

 past geologic time by a study of these same processes that are reshaping the 

 earth's surface today. The more complete the knowledge of the petroleum geol- 

 ogist of weathering processes, the movements of surface and subsurface waters, 

 the depositional environments of lakes, swamps, and oceans, the better will 

 be his interpretation of the nature and lateral extent of the various rock types 

 encountered in both surface and subsurface studies. 



Historical Geology 



The geologic history of a petroleum province holds the key to the origin, 

 primary and secondary migration, and entrapment of the petroleum of that prov- 

 ince. The knowledge of the geologic history of a closely drilled area is also an 

 aid in the prediction of petroleum occurrences in a less developed nearby area 

 which may have had a similar history. The student's knowledge of the geologic 

 history of the various continents and broad subdivisions of the continents pro- 

 vides a frame of reference into which more detailed analyses of a provincial 

 nature may be coordinated. In specific petroleum prospects, the changes in 

 structural configuration that have taken place in recent geologic time should be 

 separated, if possible, from the structural conditions that existed during earlier 

 stages of geologic time. 



Paleontology 



In addition to the more obvious uses of paleontology in petroleum explora- 

 tion, such as age determination and regional correlation, branches of paleon- 



4 



