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CPG Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CPG facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here โ€” free, no sign-up.

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  1. What type of rock is most commonly associated with reservoir rocks? โ†’ Sandstone
  2. What does the neutron-density crossplot primarily identify in formation evaluation? โ†’ Lithology and gas-bearing zones
  3. Why is velocity analysis important in seismic data processing? โ†’ To ensure accurate depth imaging and interpretation
  4. Which petrophysical parameter is most critical for assessing the economic viability of a tight gas or shale formation? โ†’ Total organic carbon (TOC) combined with effective porosity and gas saturation
  5. A salt diapir can create hydrocarbon traps through which of the following mechanisms? โ†’ Flank anticlines, cap rock seals, and fault traps around the diapir
  6. Which approach best demonstrates professional competency in CPG practice? โ†’ Integrating education, experience, and evidence-based decision making
  7. Eustasy, as used in sequence stratigraphy, refers to: โ†’ Worldwide changes in absolute sea level independent of local tectonics
  8. In NMR logging, what does the T2 distribution primarily represent? โ†’ Pore size distribution, with larger pores having longer T2 relaxation times
  9. Evaporite minerals such as halite and anhydrite most commonly form in which depositional setting? โ†’ Restricted marine basins or coastal sabkhas with evaporation exceeding water input
  10. How do CPG professionals establish measurable quality objectives? โ†’ Defining specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound targets
  11. Subsidence analysis (backstripping) in basin analysis is primarily used to: โ†’ Separate tectonic subsidence from sediment loading effects
  12. In seismic stratigraphy, reflections that terminate against an inclined surface in an updip direction (onlap) indicate: โ†’ Relative sea-level rise with sediment filling toward the basin margin
  13. What does a structural trap rely on? โ†’ Folding or faulting of rock layers
  14. Strike-slip (wrench) faults most commonly create hydrocarbon traps through which structural mechanism? โ†’ Flower structures and en-echelon folds
  15. Which analytical technique is used to directly measure the carbon isotopic composition (ฮดยนยณC) of individual biomarker compounds in a crude oil? โ†’ Compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA) using GC-IRMS
  16. Which of the following best describes the process of 'secondary cracking' in petroleum geochemistry? โ†’ Thermal cracking of oil already in a reservoir to gas and condensate at high temperatures
  17. How do continuing education requirements benefit CPG certified professionals? โ†’ They ensure professionals stay current with evolving industry practices
  18. What is the function of a cap rock in a petroleum trap? โ†’ To seal the reservoir
  19. What distinguishes a peer-reviewed study from other publications? โ†’ Independent experts evaluated the methodology and conclusions before publication
  20. In Rock-Eval pyrolysis, what does the S2 peak represent? โ†’ Remaining generative potential โ€” hydrocarbons released by thermal cracking of kerogen
  21. Which structural feature forms in extensional settings where a fault block tilts, creating a rollover anticline in the hanging wall? โ†’ Rollover anticline above a listric normal fault
  22. Which geological features are commonly identified using seismic interpretation? โ†’ Faults, folds, and stratigraphic traps
  23. How should CPG professionals measure success in advanced professional practice? โ†’ Using defined metrics, benchmarks, and regular evaluation against established goals
  24. What distinguishes quality assurance from quality control in Certified Petroleum Geologist practice? โ†’ QA prevents defects through process design while QC detects defects through inspection
  25. The 'oil window' in a sedimentary basin typically corresponds to vitrinite reflectance values of approximately: โ†’ 0.6โ€“1.3% Ro
  26. What is an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)? โ†’ A comprehensive environmental analysis
  27. How should CPG professionals prioritize identified risks? โ†’ Based on likelihood of occurrence combined with potential impact severity
  28. Which technique helps improve image clarity in seismic interpretation? โ†’ Migration
  29. In sequence stratigraphy, parasequences are bounded by: โ†’ Marine flooding surfaces
  30. Which geophysical method helps identify potential reservoirs? โ†’ Seismic reflection
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