Basin Dynamics Research Group
Explore this Section
Research Project Themes
Members of the Basin Dynamics Research Group undertake pure and applied collaborative research that brings together many aspects of 3D basin modelling. The links below give an overview of some of the active research topics undertaken by staff members of the Group.
Geological and Technological Investigations of Ancient Artefacts and Sites from Anatolia, Turkey
G.Kelling
This long-term study (ongoing since 1996), in collaboration with geologists and archaeologists from Turkey, Britain and the USA, is concerned with deciphering the cultural, technological and environmental evolution of the early occupants of southern and central Anatolia (pre-Classical period) through geoscientific investigation of the stone artefacts and ceramic objects they have bequeathed to us and the sites in which they are found.
Evolution of Tertiary Sedimentary Basins of Turkey and Western Pakistan
G. Kelling
Studies of several major basins in south and central Turkey (Adana, Mut, Misis, Maras, Elazig, Cankiri-Corum) are ongoing since 1987 and are aimed at elucidating the geological history, patterns of sedimentation and structural development of these collision-related troughs. A similar study was initiated in 2000 on the extensive late Cretaceous-early Tertiary basins (pre-collisional) exposed in the Kirthar and Suleiman ranges of western Pakistan. Both of these projects involve full collaboration with local geologists.
Three Dimensional Stratigraphic and Burial History Modelling
A.J.Richards, G.D.Williams, S.S.Egan
Stratigraphic modelling accounting for the effects of sediment compaction and the isostatic effect of the sediment load on the subsidence of a basin, has largely been applied using one and two dimensional techniques. However, with the advances over recent years of computing power, it has become possible and realistic to model in three dimensions stratigraphic and structural aspects of sedimentary basins.
Modelling of Continental Lithosphere Tectonics
S.S.Egan
This area of research includes the following themes: Numerical and computer modelling of continental lithosphere extension and shortening, and its control upon sedimentary basin formation; the flexural isostatic response of the lithosphere to tectonic loading and the mechanisms and processes controlling uplift and subsidence due to compressional tectonics
Stratigraphical Uncertainty in Fault Seal Analysis
S.M.Clarke, M.Littler, S.Googan & D.Hughes
Faults are important controlling elements of hydrocarbons migration systems in sedimentary basins. When faults undergo displacement, their fluid transmissibility properties change as a result of juxtaposing different lithologies across the fault, by smearing semi-impermeable rocks within fault zones and by pumping or valving aqueous fluids along or across the fault. Consequently, many researchers have explored numerical techniques of modelling the effects of faults on hydrocarbon flow in one, two and three dimensions. These techniques produce deterministic models with results that can be heavily dependent on input parameters. In this study we examine the effects of uncertainty in structure and stratigraphy on the outcome of modelling techniques and the potential location subsurface hydrocarbons.
The Moab Fault, Utah, U.S.A. - A Three-Dimensional Approach to Fault Seal and Hydrocarbon Flow Pathway Modelling
S.M. Clarke, S.D. Burley & G.D. Williams
The Moab Fault, in south-eastern Utah, U.S.A. is a well-exposed, normal fault cutting an interbedded sequence of clean sands and argillaceous units. It has been well studied by many workers in the fields of fault-seal analysis and hydrocarbon flow due to its excellent three-dimensional exposure and field evidence of the Fault sealing hydrocarbons in the past. In this study, a 22km long section of the Moab Fault is used as a test for the developed three-dimensional techniques of fault-seal analysis.
A Southern Gas Basin Prospect: An example of the Effects of Lithological Uncertainty on Fault-Seal Analysis and Hydrocarbon Flow
S.M. Clarke, M. Littler, S. Googan & D. Hughes
This example is a faulted prospect from the Southern Gas Basin, offshore United Kingdom. By contrast to the Moab Fault and Artemis Field models, this prospect provides an example where the lithological fine detail of the faulted stratigraphy is of paramount importance in controlling hydrocarbon migration and entrapment within the model. Given that this is a subsurface model based on remotely sensed data, uncertainty in the lithology is of concern.
The Artemis Field, Southern North Sea. An Example of the Use of Three-Dimensional Fault-Seal Techniques in Reservoir Analysis
S.M.Clarke, S.D. Burley & G.D. Williams
The Artemis Field in the Southern North Sea is a highly faulted gas reservoir. By contrast to the Moab Fault and Southern Gas Basin models, it provides the opportunity to explore the applicability of three-dimensional fault-seal techniques to understanding reservoir-scale compartmentalisation problems and related production considerations.
Faulting, Fault-Zone Processes and Hydrocarbon Flow Through Three-Dimensional Basin Models
S.M.Clarke, G.D.Williams, S.S.Egan, S.D.Burley
In this study, three-dimensional, sequential restoration and forward modelling of fault displacement is carried out using computer-modelling techniques in order to build evolutionary models of both artificial and real fault zones of varying three-dimensional geometries. The inter-relationship between juxtaposition of fault blocks within these models and fault-rock development through time is studied.
3D Stress Modelling
S.M.Clarke, G.D.Williams, S.S.Egan, S.D.Burley
The regional stress field in a tectonic setting determines the likelihood of dilation of faults. This has implications for fault parallel fluid flow and the development of fault zone smears during deformation. Initial studies have looked at stress analysis in a three dimensional setting by demonstrating the normal and shear stress variation on both fault and stratal surfaces resulting from an applied regional stress field.
Strain Analysis
S.M.Clarke, G.D.Williams, S.S.Egan, S.D.Burley
Current structural deformation algorithms are based on the preservation of bed length and/or area. This work looks at the strain that develops with in rock volumes in response to deformation resulting from the application of such deformation algorithms.
.
Sequence Stratigraphy, Reservoir Architecture and Correlation in Red-Bed Aeolian and Fluvial Systems, Paradox Basin, Utah
O.D.Jordan, N.P. Mountney, G.D. Williams
This project is investigating the Elephant Canyon Formation (Permian) of the Cutler Group, South East Utah, a mixed aeolian-fluvial-shallow marine succession. The aim of this work is to determine how climatic cyclicity and sea level change controls the accumulation and preservation of coastal aeolian sequences. Facies analysis indicates accumulation in a variety of near shore marine, coastal and continental environments under the influence of a semi-arid climatic regime.
Sedimentology and Sequence Stratigraphy of a semi-arid fluvial and aeolian system:the Permian Organ Rock Formation SE Utah
S.A.Cain, N.P.Mountney, S.S. Egan
My research aims to focus on the sedimentology and stratigraphy of semi-arid fluvial-aeolian systems, in particular the interactions between, and the sedimentological controls on sedimentation. Emphasis will also be placed on the characterisation of high-resolution spatial and temporal variations in such deposits.
In addition, the group supports a number of PhD students working on specific topics related to these research areas. Details of these projects can be found under the PhD Projects page.
