米国ユタ大学での留学経験と成果-留学プログラムおよび研究プロジェクト

「ユタ州ユインタ堆積盆に分布する始新統河川～湖沼成堆積物 (Uinta層およびDuchesne River層) のシーケンス層序, 後背地, 生痕相, およびレザバーモデリング」を通して

抄録

Oil companies adopt their own system to provide educational opportunities for studying advanced knowledge at overseas research institutions and sponsor study-abroad programs. This system might be an effective approach for companies to obtain cutting-edge researches and technologies. From August 2012 to January 2015, the author experienced a graduate study (Master of Science) program, which was fully sponsored by INPEX Corporation, at the Department of Geology and Geophysics at the University of Utah. This paper introduces; a) the context of this author's study-abroad program at the University of Utah, b) the graduate research project, and c) overall outcomes of this study-abroad experience.

The graduate research project titled “Fluvial Sequence Stratigraphy, Provenance, Ichnology and Reservoir Modeling of the Eocene Uinta and Duchesne River Formations, Uinta Basin, Utah” focuses on continental deposits widely exposed in the Uinta intermontane lacustrine basin. This project consists of four different topics, covering the basin-scale sequence stratigraphic framework and sedimentary system to oil field-scale reservoir characterization. The University of Utah Geology and Geophysics Department has a great advantage in this type of field-based geological researches, in terms of convenient access to many excellent outcrops and oil-prolific basins, and a variety of researchers working on nearby outcrop-based projects.

The benefits and achievements from this author's study-abroad experience are divided into following aspects; 1) succeed in geological analog studies applicable to subsurface exploration and development projects, 2) accomplish a variety of course works useful for educating young geoscientists, 3) establish good relationships with researchers, and 4) understand local and specific knowledge about various onshore projects in the U.S.A. In addition, the author emphasizes that cultural interactions were also important for the author's career and communication skill enrichment. This paper would hopefully be a good reference for young professionals who consider a study-abroad opportunity in the future.