MUDSTONE-RICH FLUVIAL SYSTEMS: BRUSHY BASIN MEMBER OF THE MORRISON FORMATION, EASTERN UTAH

Spring 2017

Autumn 2018

Mudstone-rich fluvial systems are common in the sedimentary record, but have received little scientific attention compared to their sandstone-rich counterparts. However, mudstone rich fluvial systems often have large river channels which are easily imaged on seismic data, thus making them good exploration targets.

This project is an analogue outcrop study that investigates a 2x2 km, v-shaped exposure of rocks from the Brushy Basin Member in Utah. The aim of the study is to improve the understanding of mudstone-rich fluvial systems, such as the Kobbe and Snadd Fm. in the Triassic of the Barent Sea.

The study comprises of several weeks of field work where data is gathered trough logging with special emphasis on fluvial facies and paleasols analysis. In addition, the entire outcrop has been photographed by drone in order to investigate sedimentary architecture and get a complete 3D understanding of the system. The data will be analysed, compiled into a model, and compared to similar systems worldwide. Reconstruction of plan-view channel-forms from vertical sections will be an important part of the study.

Dr. Christian Haug Eide