Oil and gas comes from source rock that is up to 500 million years old. The surface of the Earth has changed radically over that period of time due to a process called plate tectonics, so geoscientists must understand how the Earth has changed to understand where source rock may have been created in the past and where those sources lie hidden beneath the surface today. We’ll discuss geological time, plate tectonics, and will take a look back in time to see how the Earth has changed. This subject is fascinating even if you’re not interested in oil and gas.

Duration: Approximately 40 minutes, depending on user pace. In two modules: 3A (17 minutes) and 3B (23 minutes).

Learning Objectives: Upon successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

• Explain the concept of geological time and the period in Earth’s history that is of most interest from an oil and gas standpoint
• List ideal locations and conditions for oil and gas source-rock creation
• Describe how the Earth’s crust has changed radically over geological time and how understanding the Earth’s history is important for identifying where source rock may have
• been created in the past
• Name periods of time when source-rock creation was particularly high and where the most-productive areas were at that time
• Convey where some of the major source rock deposits from the past are located on the Earth’s surface today

Prerequisites: Module 1-2

Advance Preparation: None

Program Level: Non-technical

Format: Prerecorded narrator with supporting visuals. User controls course pace.