RTD TOPICS/ OBJECTIVES	                                                                                           Category

1.   To improve understanding of fundamental sedimentary basin processes,                           TE + E
      including those controlling hydrocarbon generation, migration and entrapment,
      in order to provide more quantitative basin models in 2D, 3D and 4D with sufficient
      capability for sensitivity analysis to contribute to reliable, ranked business
      decision-making.

      (Asset focus: exploration in frontier acreage)

2.   To provide quantitative and high resolution determination of secondary oil and                  E
      gas migration pathways as an aid to location of additional reserves.
   	
      (Asset focus: exploration, including new prospects in mature basins)

3.   To improve quality of basin model input parameters such as:                                            TE

    	- palaeobathymetric estimations;
    	- thermal gradients

      (Asset focus: exploration especially in frontier acreage)

4.   To improve reliability of risk assessment parameters in prospect evaluation,                       TE + E
      especially:       

      	- trap boundaries and volume;
      	- top seal risk assessment especially in HP/HT prospects;
       	- fault seal risk.

	(Asset focus: exploration and appraisal)

5.	Improved prediction of porosity/depth relationships in 	carbonate rocks.                          TE + E

6.	To enhance information technology, including that for:                                                   TE
                                                
      	- "mining" of data sources and "knowledge" mapping to	assist exploration;
	- data integration (statistical and visual), including seismic, magnetic, 	
          gravity, downhole log, stratigraphic, structural and analogue data;
	- data visualisation;
       	- further assessment/exploitation of neural computing.

	(Asset focus: exploration when handling regional data, but also relevant to field scale interpretations) 

TE- technology enhancement.  CR- cost reduction.  E- enabling.