Jean-Claude Roegiers to give LEEPS lectures Friday Jean-Claude Roegiers will give the next LEEPS lectures Friday, Nov. 14. Two talks are planned, both in 109 Leonard Hall. At noon, Dr. Roegiers will discuss "The Importance of Geomechanics to the Petroleum Industry." This presentation will introduce how geomechanics can help petroleum engineers in reservoir management from exploration to abandonment. Topics will include stability of boreholes, hydraulic fracturing, in-situ stress, sand production, naturally fractured reservoirs and underground storage. Field examples will be discussed in some detail. At 3 p.m., Roegiers will speak on "Some Mysteries About Shales." Shales have become important for the petroleum industry. The success in the Barnett Shale near Dallas/Fort Worth has started a frenzy in new reservoir developments. However, one needs to realize that shales have some geomechanical peculiarities that must be investigated prior to developing such fields. Besides their very sensitive nature, reservoir stress conditions and presence of microcracks play a crucial role in successful completions. This presentation will raise some questions based on field and laboratory observations. Recent investigations have shown that using the coupled model could explain many problems encountered in drilling and stimulation of such formations. The Department of Geology and Geological Engineering Leading Edge of Earth and Planetary Science lecture program (LEEPS) brings nationally- and internationally-known scientists and others to UND to give talks on cutting edge science and engineering. Lectures cover a wide range of topics, including academic science, applied engineering, and environmental issues of current significance. All are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Zhengwen Zeng at 777-3027. -- Carissa Green, Administrative Secretary, Geology & Geological Engineering, carissagreen@mail.und.nodak.edu, 777-2248