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Geodynamikk og Bassengstudier
MASTERPROSJEKT - ENERGI

Stratigraphy and depositional history of the Shihtiping Tuffs, SE Taiwan

Hovedinnhold

Project description
Volcaniclastic rocks are an important reservoir rock in geothermal/hydrothermal energy systems. Previous work by UiB and the University of Bordeaux in SE Taiwan have focused on deformation bands in volcaniclastics of the Shihtiping Tuffs, their structure, evolution and impact on subsurface fluid flow. However, a more detailed understanding of the stratigraphy and depositional history of the Shihtiping Tuffs is currently lacking.

This project aims to address this knowledge gaps, and the main research tasks for the work on the Shihtiping Tuffs are
to:
1) Characterise the stratigraphy of the volcaniclastic succession
2) Describe and document the characteristic depositional architectures
3) Devise a facies scheme and interpret the depositional history
4) Constrain the variability in mineralogy, grain size, grain shapes and porosity throughout the succession

The work will be largely field-based, but will also involve optical and SEM microscopy, and image-based analysis of e.g. porosity, grain shape, grain size etc.

The results of this work will contribute towards a better understanding of the sedimentology and stratigraphy of volcaniclastic rocks, which may help better understand and characterise reservoir rocks for geothermal energy exploitation. Furthermore, it feeds directly into the related research into the structure and evolution of fault and deformation bands in the area, which will be the focus of a sister MSc project.

Proposed course plan during the master's degree (60 ECTS):
SDG207 (10 ECTS)
GEOV252 (10 ECTS)
GEOV241 (10 ECTS)
GEOV360 (10 ECTS)
GEOV361 (10 ECTS)
GEOV352 (5 ECTS)
GEOV362 (5 ECTS)

Prerequisites:
Driver's license and the willingness to work independently in the field.

Felt- lab- og analysearbeid
The work will involve 1-2 field seasons in Taiwan. Each field season will last 2-3 weeks.
Optical microscopy, SEM microscopy, image analysis.