Join us for a hybrid lunch in September

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2026

JOIN US IN PERSON OR oNLINE

Talk Title: "Brushy Canyon “Redux”: Digital outcrop models synthesize legacy and new outcrop data for conventional & unconventional reservoirs, saltwater disposal, and for training the next generation of geoscientists"

Speaker: Zane Jobe, Colorado School of Mines

The future of the energy industry relies on understanding increasingly complex geological settings, and geoscientists must be able to think in three (and sometimes four) dimensions to better interrogate the subsurface. While nothing replaces learning from real outcrops, digital outcrop models offer a powerful solution that provides immersive and accessible 3D geological data and context that help build spatial-reasoning and critical-thinking skills necessary to interpret sparse subsurface data. Where these models truly excel is the spatial and geological bridge that they provide between small- (i.e., thin section) and large-scale (i.e. seismic)  data  that are hard to visualize in the field alone. Yet, few training resources focus on translating detailed digital-outcrop geology to the data-sparse subsurface.

This study focuses on world-class outcrop and subsurface data from the Delaware Mountain Group of the Permian Basin, Texas, relevant for conventional and unconventional reservoirs, saltwater disposal, and emerging industry applications. (e.g., CCUS). Legacy data from extensive outcrop-based fieldwork is being migrated into georeferenced and modern digital frameworks (e.g., VRGS, Petrel), and integrated with newly collected drone-based photogrammetry, lidar, and targeted fieldwork that focuses on siltstone and organic-rich-siltstone facies in proximal locales that were not previously studied in detail. The integrated dataset enables improved stratigraphic correlation between localities, refinement of existing facies mapping, and quantitative characterization of stratigraphic architecture at scales ranging from event beds to channel complexes. These workflows demonstrate that digital outcrop data, supported by the rocks as a grounding force, is an important tool for training the next generation of geoscientists to better interpret and predict reservoir heterogeneity in the subsurface. 

Biography:

Zane Jobe is a sedimentologist and research professor at Colorado School of Mines. His  work focuses on using outcrop analogs to improve prediction of subsurface fluid flow.

He aims to better understand the stratigraphic architecture, scaling relationships, and sediment budgets for clastic depositional systems, with an emphasis on submarine environments. He uses outcrop analogs, core, subsurface datasets, and modern-seafloor observations to improve prediction of reservoir architecture, heterogeneity, and fluid flow.

Zane also leads industry-focused field trips for integrated teams (e.g., geology, geophysics, petrophysics, reservoir engineers, production engineers, facilities) to outcropping deep-water deposits that are highly relevant for producing assets in the GoM, west Africa, and South America, including: 

• Southern California
• Permian Basin, Texas
• County Clare, Ireland
• Magallanes Basin, Chile

 He also enjoys cycling in the summer and driveway snow removal in the winter.

Download Abstract and Bio

Hybrid luncheon schedule:

• 11:15am: In-person check-in opens
• 11:30: Lunch service begins
• 12:00pm: Online event opens
• 12:15pm: Talk begins
• 1:00pm: Talk/Q&A session ends; Online event closes

Hybrid Luncheon costs:

• Member Lunch: $35
• Non-Member Lunch: $40
• Walk-in without Lunch: $15
• Member Online: $10
• Non-member Online: $20
• Student online: Free

Refund policy:

If you need to cancel an in-person lunch registration for any reason, you must do so by 4:00pm on the Thursday before the Wednesday luncheon. Refunds will not be available after 4:00pm on the Thursday before the luncheon. If you are unable to attend, your luncheon registration is transferable to another RMAG member, or if you are a non-member your registration is transferable to whomever you wish. Refunds will not be issued for online talk registrations.

Sponsorship Opportunities: 

Interested in supporting RMAG through the Luncheons? Sponsor the lunch, or run a specific advertisement during the slide show. 

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