The AAPG Web site family has grown again with the addition of PetroleumGeology.org, a one-stop source for information about petroleum exploration and production geared toward the general public.
http://www.aapg.org/about/petroleum-geology is a Web site produced by the AAPG Public Outreach Committee (POC) chaired by Eric Radjef, and is focused on the role of the science of geology, specifically petroleum geology, in society and the oil and gas industry. The site aims to show a different side of the industry – one that doesn’t get the same type of attention as new offshore rigs or gas prices – but with the answers to questions about those topics, and so much more.
Radjef credited POC member Rachel Paez with leading the project.
The Internet is home to a vast wealth of knowledge concerning the petroleum industry and the many facets of geology. However, finding that information – and, more importantly, presenting it in a way that is understandable and meaningful to those who are not involved in the industry – can be a challenge.
Anyone with a career in the petroleum industry has been asked at some point by a curious relative, neighbor or acquaintance, “So what exactly do you do?”
“How do you get the oil from the ground?”
“Why is oil so expensive?”
With the increased focus on the rising cost of energy and the debate over expanding drilling operations in the United States it’s natural for average Americans to want to know the facts about petroleum exploration and production so they can make their own informed decisions.
But what if a person doesn’t have access to an AAPG member to answer their questions?
Now, they do.
PetroleumGeology.org’s information is presented in a concise yet conversational tone, without “talking down” to the viewer. Each topic page is illustrated with a geology or industry-related high-resolution photograph and is supplemented with a list of links to additional information and other relevant sites chosen by the POC.
No other Web site on the Internet has this breadth of information gathered in one place, with such context and guidance – and in a language that is neither too technical nor too childish.
PetroleumGeology.org strives to reach an underserved segment of the population that more than ever wants to be informed about the petroleum industry and the entire exploration and production process.
Who better to do this than geoscientists, with their passion and knowledge?
“When we started the PetroleumGeology.org project, there wasn't even one good place on the web to get basic information on petroleum geology; so that's where we decided to start,” Radjef said.And the next time you’re asked one of those persistent questions, you’ll be ready – is a pretty good answer.
Visit http://www.aapg.org/about/petroleum-geology today, and see what AAPG is doing to educate, empower and connect with the public. And, send the link to a friend.