The Geological Core Description and Evaluation Training Course provides oil and gas professionals with the technical capabilities required to examine, describe, classify and evaluate geological core samples for reliable subsurface interpretation. Institute For Oil & Gas Training delivers this specialised programme to strengthen geological core description practices, improve the consistency of core logging techniques and support informed exploration, reservoir characterisation and field development decisions.
Geological core samples provide direct physical evidence of subsurface formations and offer valuable information about lithology, depositional environments, sedimentary structures, stratigraphic relationships, reservoir quality and geological heterogeneity. Accurate interpretation of these samples enables geoscientists and reservoir professionals to establish a stronger understanding of the formations encountered during drilling. However, extracting reliable geological information requires a systematic approach to sample examination, lithological core description, facies identification, core photography and geological core evaluation.
Organisations operating in exploration, drilling, reservoir development and production depend on accurate geological information to reduce subsurface uncertainty and improve technical decision-making. Inconsistent core descriptions, inadequate documentation and differences in interpretation between geological teams affect the reliability of geological models and reservoir assessments. A structured core description methodology establishes a common technical basis for recording geological observations and communicating subsurface information across multidisciplinary teams.
This course examines the complete process of geological core description, beginning with core sample handling, preservation and preparation before progressing into detailed lithological examination and geological interpretation. Participants develop an understanding of rock types, mineral composition, grain size, sorting, texture, sedimentary structures, depositional characteristics and stratigraphic features. The programme also addresses the identification of geological boundaries, fractures, bedding characteristics, sedimentary facies and other features that influence reservoir architecture.
Particular attention is given to practical core logging techniques and the preparation of consistent geological records. Participants examine how to organise core observations, apply appropriate descriptive terminology, capture representative core photographs and maintain reliable geological documentation. These activities establish a systematic approach to recording visible characteristics and distinguishing direct observations from geological interpretations.
The programme also explores the relationship between geological core evaluation and reservoir characterisation. Participants examine how core observations contribute to understanding depositional environments, formation continuity, geological heterogeneity and potential reservoir intervals. The integration of core descriptions with well logs, geological correlations and other subsurface information provides a more comprehensive understanding of reservoir properties and formation behaviour.
Delivered by Institute For Oil & Gas Training, this programme is designed for professionals who require practical geological interpretation capabilities and a consistent approach to core description. It strengthens the connection between geological observations and operational decisions, helping organisations improve subsurface data quality, geological communication and the technical foundations of exploration and reservoir development.
Explain the geological principles and operational importance of geological core description and evaluation in oil and gas exploration and production.
Apply systematic core handling, identification, preparation and preservation procedures.
Recognise major sedimentary and reservoir rock types using their visible geological characteristics.
Apply appropriate core logging techniques to record lithology, texture, mineral composition, grain size and sedimentary characteristics.
Prepare accurate lithological core descriptions using consistent geological terminology.
Identify sedimentary structures and interpret their significance in understanding depositional processes.
Distinguish different sedimentary facies and evaluate their relationships with depositional environments.
Recognise bedding characteristics, stratigraphic boundaries, fractures, discontinuities and other significant geological features.
Apply effective core photography practices to produce clear and traceable visual geological records.
Organise geological observations into structured core description logs and technical documentation.
Evaluate geological variations and identify features that influence reservoir continuity and heterogeneity.
Integrate core observations with well logs and other subsurface information to strengthen geological interpretation.
Communicate core description findings effectively to multidisciplinary exploration, drilling and reservoir development teams.
Institute For Oil & Gas Training adopts an industry-focused delivery methodology that combines technical presentations, practical interpretation exercises, geological case studies, group discussions and realistic oil and gas operational scenarios. The methodology connects geological principles with the practical requirements of core examination, description, documentation and evaluation.
The programme begins by establishing the geological principles behind core examination and the importance of maintaining sample integrity. Participants examine core handling procedures, sample identification, preservation considerations and the organisation of geological records. These activities establish a consistent foundation for subsequent interpretation exercises.
Practical exercises focus on recognising lithological characteristics and applying appropriate core logging techniques. Participants examine examples of different rock types and assess their mineral composition, grain size, sorting, texture, colour, sedimentary features and visible geological boundaries. The exercises demonstrate how to produce structured lithological core descriptions using clear and consistent terminology.
Sedimentary structures and facies identification form another important part of the methodology. Participants investigate bedding patterns, laminations, cross-bedding, grading, bioturbation, erosional surfaces and other depositional features. Geological case studies demonstrate how these observations contribute to depositional environment interpretation, stratigraphic correlation and reservoir architecture assessment.
Core photography and geological documentation exercises address the importance of producing accurate visual records. Participants examine photographic arrangements, sample identification, depth references, scale placement, lighting considerations and image organisation. They also explore how photographic records support geological interpretation, technical reporting and communication between exploration, drilling and reservoir teams.
Group exercises provide opportunities to compare geological observations and discuss differences in interpretation. Participants work through representative core description scenarios, identify significant geological features and develop structured descriptions. These discussions reinforce the importance of distinguishing observed characteristics from interpretive conclusions.
The methodology also incorporates integrated geological evaluation scenarios. Participants examine how core descriptions relate to wireline log responses, formation boundaries, depositional trends and reservoir characteristics. This approach demonstrates how geological core evaluation contributes to a broader subsurface understanding rather than remaining an isolated descriptive activity.
Through practical application and industry-relevant examples, Institute For Oil & Gas Training develops the ability to translate physical core observations into organised geological information that supports exploration, reservoir characterisation and field development.
Accurate geological core description and evaluation strengthen the quality of subsurface information available to oil and gas organisations. By developing consistent technical capabilities across geological teams, companies improve the reliability of core records and establish a stronger foundation for exploration, reservoir characterisation and field development.
Consistent core logging techniques establish a structured approach to recording lithology, sedimentary structures, mineral composition and geological boundaries. Organisations benefit from more complete geological records, reduced inconsistencies between descriptions and improved confidence in the information used for subsurface interpretation.
Detailed lithological core description and facies identification provide valuable information about depositional environments, formation variability and reservoir architecture. These observations strengthen geological models and support more informed assessments of reservoir continuity, heterogeneity and potential productive intervals.
Reliable core evaluation helps exploration teams understand the geological characteristics of encountered formations. Improved interpretation of lithological changes, sedimentary features and stratigraphic relationships supports better geological correlation and more informed evaluation of exploration prospects.
Standardised geological descriptions and organised core photography create a common reference for geologists, petrophysicists, reservoir engineers and drilling personnel. This improves technical communication, reduces ambiguity and supports more effective collaboration across departments.
A systematic approach to sample examination, documentation and interpretation improves the organisation of core evaluation activities. Teams spend less time resolving incomplete descriptions, locating geological records and reconciling inconsistent observations.
Recognition of fractures, discontinuities, lithological variations and depositional features improves the identification of geological characteristics relevant to reservoir performance and subsurface uncertainty. This information strengthens technical assessments and supports more informed development planning.
Consistent photographic records, structured geological logs and traceable sample information strengthen the quality of technical reporting. Organisations establish more reliable geological information resources for future interpretation, internal reviews and multidisciplinary project activities.
Participants develop practical geological interpretation capabilities that strengthen their effectiveness in exploration, drilling, reservoir characterisation and subsurface evaluation roles.
Participants strengthen their ability to examine geological core samples and recognise important lithological characteristics. They develop a systematic understanding of mineral composition, grain size, texture, sorting, colour and sedimentary features, enabling more accurate geological descriptions.
The course develops the ability to recognise sedimentary structures, interpret depositional characteristics and distinguish geological facies. Participants gain a stronger understanding of how individual core observations contribute to broader geological interpretations.
Participants improve their ability to apply structured core logging techniques, record geological observations and prepare consistent lithological descriptions. These capabilities support more effective participation in core examination and geological reporting activities.
Participants develop an understanding of core photography, sample identification, depth referencing and geological record organisation. They strengthen their ability to prepare visual documentation that supports accurate interpretation and professional communication.
The programme strengthens participants' understanding of the relationship between geological core evaluation and reservoir characterisation. They develop the ability to recognise geological variations and assess their significance for formation continuity and reservoir architecture.
Participants improve their ability to communicate geological findings to petrophysicists, reservoir engineers, drilling professionals and exploration specialists. They develop a more integrated understanding of the information required by different technical departments.
The acquired knowledge strengthens the professional capabilities of geologists and other subsurface specialists. Participants become better equipped to undertake core description responsibilities, contribute to geological evaluation projects and support technical decisions throughout the exploration and production lifecycle.
Geologists: Develop systematic core description and geological interpretation capabilities for exploration and field development activities.
Core Analysts: Strengthen their understanding of geological observations, lithological descriptions and the interpretation of core characteristics.
Wellsite Geologists: Improve their ability to recognise lithological variations and communicate geological information encountered during drilling operations.
Exploration Geologists: Develop stronger capabilities in facies identification, depositional interpretation and geological correlation.
Sedimentologists: Improve the interpretation of sedimentary structures, depositional environments and facies relationships.
Reservoir Geologists: Strengthen geological core evaluation capabilities for reservoir architecture, heterogeneity and formation characterisation.
Petrophysicists: Improve their understanding of geological core descriptions and their relationship with well log interpretation and formation evaluation.
Reservoir Engineers: Develop a stronger understanding of geological information used in reservoir modelling and development planning.
Drilling Engineers and Drilling Supervisors: Understand the geological information obtained from core samples and its relevance to drilling and formation evaluation activities.
Geoscience Team Leaders and Supervisors: Establish more consistent geological description practices and improve the quality of technical communication within their teams.
Subsurface Managers: Strengthen their understanding of core evaluation workflows and the geological information required for exploration and development decisions.
Technical Consultants and Geological Project Specialists: Improve their ability to evaluate core description information and contribute to integrated subsurface projects.
This module introduces the geological principles and operational practices involved in examining and managing core samples from oil and gas wells. Participants explore the importance of core samples as direct geological evidence and examine how sample quality, identification and preservation influence the reliability of subsequent geological interpretation.
The module covers core sample types, sample handling, depth referencing, core condition assessment and preparation for geological examination. Participants also investigate the importance of maintaining sample continuity, documenting recovery information and establishing an organised workflow before detailed core logging begins.
Establishes recognised practices for preserving and transporting rock core samples.
Addresses considerations associated with maintaining sample condition during handling, storage and transportation.
Provides a technical reference for understanding the importance of sample integrity.
Supports organised core management before geological examination and evaluation.
Explain the role of geological core samples in exploration and reservoir evaluation.
Differentiate between relevant core sample types and their geological applications.
Identify important core handling and preservation considerations.
Examine sample condition and recognise visible damage or disturbance.
Apply systematic sample identification and depth referencing practices.
Organise core samples for subsequent geological examination.
Explain how sample integrity influences the quality of geological interpretation.
This module develops the practical knowledge required to identify and describe the lithological characteristics of geological core samples. Participants examine how rock composition, texture, grain size, sorting, colour and mineral characteristics contribute to accurate geological descriptions.
The module focuses on establishing a consistent approach to lithological core description and geological logging. Participants investigate the recognition of major sedimentary rock types, visible mineral characteristics, grain relationships, textural variations and lithological boundaries. Attention is also given to recording observations using appropriate geological terminology and maintaining consistency across core intervals.
Provides principles for the identification, description and classification of rock.
Establishes a systematic basis for recording rock characteristics.
Addresses geological and physical characteristics relevant to rock description.
Supports consistency in terminology and the documentation of rock properties.
Provides a recognised reference for structured geological descriptions, with application considered in the context of petroleum core examination.
Identify major lithological characteristics in geological core samples.
Recognise differences between common sedimentary rock types.
Examine grain size, sorting, texture, colour and mineral composition.
Apply systematic core logging techniques to record geological observations.
Prepare structured lithological core descriptions using consistent terminology.
Identify lithological boundaries and variations across core intervals.
Distinguish direct geological observations from interpretive descriptions.
Produce organised core logs that support further geological evaluation.
This module examines the interpretation of sedimentary structures and geological facies as essential components of geological core evaluation. Participants investigate how depositional processes influence the characteristics and distribution of sedimentary formations and how these characteristics appear within recovered core samples.
The module explores bedding patterns, laminations, cross-bedding, graded bedding, bioturbation, erosional surfaces and other sedimentary features. Participants examine the relationship between sedimentary structures, grain characteristics and facies associations. The focus is on using observable geological evidence to interpret depositional environments and understand the development of reservoir formations.
Provides internationally recognised principles for stratigraphic classification and terminology.
Establishes guidance for describing and correlating stratigraphic units.
Supports consistent communication of geological relationships and stratigraphic characteristics.
Provides a reference for interpreting stratigraphic succession and geological boundaries.
Strengthens the consistency of geological descriptions used in regional and subsurface correlation.
Recognise common sedimentary structures in geological core samples.
Identify bedding patterns, laminations, cross-bedding and graded sequences.
Examine sedimentary features associated with different depositional processes.
Distinguish sedimentary facies using lithological and structural characteristics.
Evaluate facies associations and their geological relationships.
Interpret depositional characteristics from observable core features.
Recognise stratigraphic boundaries and significant changes within sedimentary successions.
Explain the importance of facies interpretation in reservoir characterisation.
This module focuses on the preparation of reliable geological records through systematic core photography and documentation. Participants examine how visual evidence supports geological descriptions, technical reporting, interpretation reviews and communication between subsurface teams.
The module covers photographic preparation, sample identification, depth references, scale placement, lighting considerations and image organisation. Participants also examine the relationship between photographs and written core descriptions, including the importance of maintaining traceability between physical samples, geological observations and recorded information. Quality control considerations are addressed to strengthen the consistency and usability of geological documentation.
Establishes internationally recognised quality management principles.
Emphasises documented information and controlled processes.
Supports consistent recording, review and management of technical information.
Provides a framework for traceability and quality control within organisational workflows.
Supports systematic improvement in geological documentation processes when implemented within an organisation's quality management system.
Explain the importance of core photography in geological examination and evaluation.
Prepare core samples for systematic photographic documentation.
Recognise the importance of scale placement, depth references and sample identification.
Evaluate lighting, image clarity and photographic consistency.
Organise core photographs into structured geological records.
Link photographic evidence with corresponding lithological descriptions.
Apply documentation quality control principles to geological records.
Identify inconsistencies and omissions in core documentation.
Maintain organised and traceable geological information for technical reporting.
This module brings together the geological description and interpretation techniques developed throughout the programme. Participants examine how lithological observations, sedimentary structures, facies identification and photographic records contribute to an integrated understanding of subsurface formations.
The module focuses on evaluating geological variations, identifying potential reservoir intervals and understanding the significance of depositional characteristics for reservoir architecture. Participants explore the integration of core descriptions with wireline logs, stratigraphic information and other subsurface datasets. Practical case studies demonstrate how geological core evaluation supports formation correlation, reservoir characterisation and exploration and development decisions.
Historically provided recommended practices for core analysis in the petroleum industry.
Addressed technical considerations associated with the handling and analysis of petroleum core samples.
Established an important historical reference for understanding conventional core analysis workflows.
Was withdrawn in 2021 and is included strictly as a historical technical reference, not as a current applicable standard.
Provides context for understanding the development of established petroleum core analysis practices.
Evaluate geological core descriptions within the wider subsurface interpretation process.
Identify lithological variations and their significance for reservoir characterisation.
Assess sedimentary facies relationships and their influence on reservoir architecture.
Recognise geological heterogeneity and features relevant to reservoir continuity.
Integrate core observations with wireline log information and other geological datasets.
Apply geological correlation principles to compare formation characteristics across wells.
Distinguish geological observations from broader reservoir interpretations.
Prepare structured geological evaluation findings for multidisciplinary technical teams.
Explain how core description information contributes to exploration and reservoir development decisions.
Upon successful completion of the Geological Core Description and Evaluation Training Course, attendees receive a Certificate of Completion from Institute For Oil & Gas Training.
The certificate recognises participation in the programme and completion of its training requirements. Attendees are required to meet the course attendance requirement and participate in the scheduled training activities to qualify for the Certificate of Completion.
Fees include tuition, course materials and refreshments. Need different dates or a different city? Ask about your preferred date.
The course develops the technical skills required to examine, describe, classify and evaluate geological core samples from oil and gas wells. It covers lithological core description, core logging techniques, sedimentary structures, facies identification, core photography, geological documentation and integrated reservoir evaluation.
The programme is suitable for geologists, wellsite geologists, exploration specialists, sedimentologists, core analysts, reservoir geologists, petrophysicists, reservoir engineers, drilling professionals and subsurface managers. It is particularly relevant to personnel involved in geological examination, core logging, formation evaluation and reservoir characterisation.
Participants develop the ability to identify lithological characteristics, recognise sedimentary structures, distinguish geological facies, prepare systematic core descriptions and organise geological photographs. They also strengthen their ability to interpret geological variations and integrate core observations with well logs and other subsurface information.
Institute For Oil & Gas Training delivers the programme through technical presentations, geological case studies, practical interpretation exercises, group discussions and industry-related scenarios. The methodology connects geological principles with practical core examination, logging, photography, documentation and reservoir evaluation activities.
Yes. Attendees who meet the attendance requirement and complete the scheduled training activities receive a Certificate of Completion from Institute For Oil & Gas Training.
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Next: 16 Nov 2026
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