American Association of Petroleum Geologists

The American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) is one of the world's largest groups for people who study the Earth. It has about 17,000 members in 129 countries. The AAPG works to advance the science of geology, especially in finding and using petroleum, natural gas, and other resources under the ground. They aim to find ways to get these resources that are good for the economy and the environment.

Founded in 1917, the AAPG is based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Many of its members live outside the United States. Over time, the AAPG has added topics like geophysics, geochemistry, engineering, and new technologies to its work. This helps make energy development more efficient and better for the environment.

The AAPG publishes the AAPG Explorer magazine and the AAPG Bulletin science journal. It also works with the Society of Exploration Geophysicists to publish Interpretation. Every year, the AAPG holds a big meeting with talks, shows, and workshops to help members learn new skills. The organization has special groups for environmental geosciences, professional development, and energy resources. Famous members have included Harrison "Jack" Schmitt, a U.S. astronaut who walked on the Moon.

Awards

The American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) gives out awards each year to honor people who have done important work in the study of petroleum and earth sciences. Some of these awards are the Sidney Powers Memorial Award, Michel T. Halbouty Outstanding Leadership Award, Grover E. Murray Memorial Distinguished Educator Award, Wallace Pratt Memorial Award, and Ziad Rafiq Beydoun Memorial Award.

One special event is the AAPG IBA, or Imperial Barrel Award. In this event, graduate students from around the world study real data about energy resources. They then present their findings to experts. This helps students gain useful experience and can lead to prizes and trips to the AAPG convention.

Correlation of Stratigraphic Units of North America

The Correlation of Stratigraphic Units of North America (COSUNA) was a project of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. It made sixteen charts. These charts show ideas about rock layers in North America. The charts help scientists see how rocks from different places fit together.

Pioneering positions

The AAPG encourages people to explore the earth. Ideas about how oil forms have changed over time. In the 1960s, the AAPG supported the new idea of plate tectonics. This helped explain how oil and gas form in places like basins. Important scientists, including women, have played a big role in the AAPG's history.

The AAPG works with groups like the USGS. They use new science to find oil and gas. This work has led to discoveries in deepwater areas and a better understanding of resources like shale. The AAPG also looks at safety in drilling and how some policies affect the environment.

Global warming controversy

Further information: Global warming controversy

In 2006, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) gave an award to author Michael Crichton for his book State of Fear. This book questioned ideas about how people affect global warming. Some scientists were upset because they felt it showed the influence of oil industry politics.

In 2007, AAPG changed its ideas about climate change. The group now agrees that people’s actions increase carbon dioxide levels, but they are not sure how much this changes the climate. AAPG wants more studies to learn more about these effects. The group also says it respects other scientific ideas but thinks climate changes might happen naturally over time.

Affiliated organizations

Organizations can join the American Association of Petroleum Geologists if they have similar goals and mostly professional geologists as members. They also need to share scientific information through publications or meetings.

Some affiliated groups include the Pittsburgh Association of Petroleum Geologists, Pittsburgh Geological Society, Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists, and the Pacific Section of AAPG (PSAAPG).