Context & Environment

The Lower Congo Basin is one of the most prolific petroleum globally, with ongoing exploration aimed at unlocking additional reserves. A prospect requires the five key elements petroleum system are present: a reservoir, a seal, a source rock with timely generation and expulsion of hydrocarbons and an effective migration pathway. This internship focuses on the regional source rock known as the Madingo Formation, which exhibits significant heterogeneity. Improving predictions of its quality is critical for assessing the petroleum prospectivity of the area. You will be joining the Explo Congo/Gabon team, composed of six members (4 geologists and 2 geophysicists) and a manager, working together in a very collaborative and dynamic environment. The team addresses diverse topics and manages ongoing operations.

Activities

The source rock richness and maturity are assessed using total organic content (TOC), hydrogen index (HI), and vitrinite reflectance measurements, which are available only at well locations. Between wells, only seismic data is available to interpolate these properties. The internship aims to evaluate the spatial variability of the Madingo Formation by integrating seismic-derived geophysical properties with well-based geochemical and petrophysical data to delineate mature source rock areas. Rock and fluid identification on seismic often relies on amplitude variation with offset (AVO) analysis. However, this approach is challenging due to seismic non-uniqueness and rock-physics ambiguities-for instance, clay-rich source rocks and hydrocarbon-bearing sandstones can exhibit similar AVO responses. A rock-physics-based seismic screening method improves discrimination between these facies. The workflow to identify mature source rock includes:

(1) Calibrating a rock-physics model for the Madingo Formation to predict facies and lithologies;

(2) Linking the model to TOC and HI measurements at wells; and

(3) Comparing predictions with seismic data and inversion results. This regional assessment will significantly support the team in identifying prospective areas for future exploration projects.

Candidate Profile

Currently preparing for a Master's degree at an engineering school and looking for a 6-month internship starting in February 2026.

Technical skills :

Geophysical knowledge (wavelet, convolution)

Rock physics knowledge (bulk modulus, Gassmann equations)

Seismic and seismic processing

Fluent English

IT skills :

Use of a Geosciences software

Use of Office suite

Soft skills :

Curiosity

Positiveness

Being capable of questioning its position

Does this sound like you? Don't wait any longer... apply to join the TotalEnergies teams at CSTJF in Pau!

Additional Information

Cette offre concerne un stage conventionné à temps plein, les stages alternés ne sont possibles.
Pour postuler, merci de joindre un CV + lettre de motivation (vos dates de stage doivent être indiquées).

TotalEnergies values diversity, promotes individual growth and offers equal opportunity careers.

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TotalEnergies is a global multi-energy company that produces and supplies energy: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables, and electricity. Its 105,000 employees are committed to making energy increasingly affordable, clean, reliable, and accessible to as many people as possible. Operating in more than 130 countries, TotalEnergies places sustainable development in all its dimensions at the heart of its projects and operations to contribute to the well-being of populations.