American Association of Petroleum Geologists

The American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) is one of the world's largest professional geological societies with about 17,000 members across 129 countries. The AAPG works to advance the science of geology, especially as it relates to petroleum, natural gas, and other subsurface resources. They aim to promote technology for exploring and producing these materials in ways that are both economically and environmentally responsible.

Founded in 1917, the AAPG is headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and many of its members live outside the United States. Over time, the AAPG has expanded its focus to include geophysics, geochemistry, engineering, and new technologies. This helps make energy development more efficient and environmentally friendly.

The AAPG publishes the AAPG Explorer magazine and the AAPG Bulletin scientific journal. It also co-publishes Interpretation with the Society of Exploration Geophysicists. Each year, the AAPG holds a large meeting with talks, exhibitions, and workshops to help members learn new skills. The organization includes special groups for environmental geosciences, professional development, and energy resources. Notable 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 several awards each year to honor people who have made important contributions to the study of petroleum and earth sciences. Some of these awards include 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, where graduate students from around the world compete. They study real data about energy resources and present their findings to experts. This helps students gain valuable 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 created sixteen charts showing the modern ideas about rock layers in North America. These charts help scientists understand how rocks from different places fit together.

Pioneering positions

The AAPG has always encouraged exploring the earth, and ideas about oil formation have shifted over time. In the 1960s, the AAPG embraced the new idea of plate tectonics, which helped explain how oil and gas form in places like basins. Important scientists, including women, have been key to the AAPG's history.

The AAPG works with groups like the USGS to use new science for finding oil and gas. This work has led to discoveries in deepwater areas and better understanding of resources like shale. The AAPG also studies safety in drilling and the effects of certain policies on the environment.

Global warming controversy

Further information: Global warming controversy

In 2006, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) faced criticism for giving an award to author Michael Crichton for his book State of Fear, which questioned scientific evidence about human effects on global warming. Some scientists felt this award showed the influence of oil industry politics.

In 2007, AAPG updated its position on climate change. The group now accepts that human activity contributes to higher carbon dioxide levels but says its members are not sure how much this affects the climate. AAPG supports more research to better understand these effects. The group also said it respects other scientific views but believes climate changes might be part of natural patterns seen in the past.

Affiliated organizations

Organizations can become affiliated with the American Association of Petroleum Geologists if they share similar goals and have 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).