Detailed study of normal faults, the variability of fault core content and predictability of across-fault flow properties, in the Mesaverde Group in Jim Canyon, Book Cliffs, Utah/Colorado, USA
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Project description
The Book Cliffs provide world class rock exposures for sequence stratigraphy and sedimentological studies, but the area is also affected by normal faulting. The formations here are exceptionally good outcrop analogues to the subsurface offshore Norway. Faulting and deformation of reservoir quality rocks will often introduce compartmentalization and reduced fluid flow in the subsurface. Quantification and predictability of these permeability changes is important for fluid flow in many subsurface disciplines, e.g. CO2 and water injection, increased oil and gas recovery and hydrogeological engineering applications. The aim of the study is to describe fault zone architecture and fault rock properties based on outcrop data and assess the validity of established fault seal algorithms as compared with fault zones in outcrop.
The work will include detailed mapping of the fault system in the Jim Canyon area, sedimentological logging with focus on lithology of the stratigraphic section involved in the faulting, making scaled drawings of the fault zones in several locations along the faults, collection of rock samples for mineralogical and textural lab analysis, and comparison of the fault zone characterization results from outcrop with properties calculated from established fault seal algorithms.
Proposed course plan during the master's degree (60 ECTS):
GEOV 352 (5), GEOV 362 (5), GEOV 360 (10) GEOV 261 (10), GEOV 252 (10), , GEOV 251 (10), GEOV 361 (10)
Felt- lab- og analysearbeid
Field work in Utah, starting the fall of 2024. Fieldwork funded by Equinor.
Prerequisites
Drivers licence for driving during field work in Utah. Field work can be physically demanding and general good physical condition is needed.
