Dear all,

The Basins Research Group at Imperial College London are currently seeking a suitable candidate for a fully-funded PhD Studentship to study the Role of Pre-existing Structural Fabrics on the Tectono-Stratigraphic Evolution of Rift Basins, see advert below. Please could you forward to any of your students who you think might be interested. Feel free to contact me for any further information.

Thank you very much,

Rebecca Bell

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PhD Studentship in the Role of Pre-existing Structural Fabrics on the Tectono-Stratigraphic Evolution of Rift Basins Imperial College London

Duration: 36 months

Supervisors: Dr Christopher Jackson (Imperial College), Dr Rebecca Bell (Imperial College) and Dr Oliver Duffy (Imperial College), Prof. Robert Gawthorpe (University of Bergen)

The growth, interaction and linkage of normal fault segments to form basin-bounding faults is widely acknowledged to exert a primary influence upon rift basin geometry, the sourcing and routing of syn-rift sediments, and the architecture of syn-rift stratigraphy. However, structural models which underpin many studies of normal fault evolution typically assume that both the crust and cover stratigraphy are homogeneous in nature. An increasing body of research has begun to document how normal fault structural style and spatio-temporal evolution is more complex, being strongly influenced by pre-existing structural fabrics. These fabrics, which are particularly common in rift basins which have undergone multiple phases of extension, act as a control on where and how strain localises in the crust and hence how, where, and in which orientation faults initiate and develop. Importantly, few studies document precisely how the pre-existing structures in both the basement and cover influence normal fault evolution, and by association, rift topography and syn-rift stratigraphic development. An understanding of these interactions is critical for the petroleum industry as they may influence: i) the geometry and variability of structural traps related to normal faulting, and ii) the location, geometry and heterogeneity of syn-rift reservoirs. The successful applicant will join and contribute to a large, international research group involving researchers from Imperial College (Basins Research Group), the University of Bergen and the University of Manchester which aims to specifically address this issue.

The PhD student will utilise high-quality, 3D seismic reflection and well data to examine the Late Jurassic tectono-stratigraphic evolution of the Slorebøtn sub-basin, in the northern North Sea. The student will examine how basement heterogeneities associated with the Caledonian orogeny, Devonian transtension and Permo-Triassic rifting in this area influenced the development of the Late Jurassic rift. To establish these relationships, fault geometries and seismic horizons which bound key pre- and syn-rift intervals will be mapped in three-dimensions to provide a structural framework. A quantitative analysis of this structural framework will be conducted and synthesised with thickness data from syn-rift sequences to deconvolve the effect of pre-existing structures, and to develop a tectono-stratigraphic evolution model for the area.

This PhD would suit a student with an interest in structural geology, tectonics or stratigraphy. The candidate will hold a very strong (very high 2:1 or higher) undergraduate (BSc or equivalent) and/or masters level degree or equivalent in geology or geophysics. The PhD student will receive training in 3D seismic interpretation, wireline log analysis and quantitative structural analysis. These skills will be useful for a future career in the hydrocarbon industry or in academic or applied research.

For further information on this project please contact Dr Christopher Jackson ([log in to unmask]).

This is a 3-year PhD studentship, paying a non-taxable bursary of £15,980 per year, plus all tuition fees at home rate.

Application forms and instructions to send CVs, references etc can be obtained from our website or from Ms Samantha Delamaine (E-mail: [log in to unmask], Tel: +44 (0) 207 594 7339

Closing date: 7 November 2012


http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/AFH287/phd-studentship-in-the-role-of-pre-existing-structural-fabrics-on-the-tectono-stratigraphic-evolution-of-rift-basins/