Submarine Slope Systems - Offshore North African Continental Margin
- 3D seismic interpretation of slope systems: Nile Delta
This project is a further continuation of a study of slope systems from offshore Tunisia, designed to study the offshore slope systems of North Africa. The objective of this project is to review the geologic evolution of the Nile Delta, Egypt in the context of submarine channel evolution, and generation and interaction of mass-transfer-complexes. This will done within a sequence stratigraphic framework, with the result being quantification of the slope systems evolution in terms of architecture, structure and morphology. The following projects were done using 3D seismic data provided by BG. The project contains 4 main parts;
3D seismic interpretation of Mass transport complexes: Nile Delta
Postdoctoral research by Dr Dorthe Møller Hansen (Current research)
The aims of this project are: (1) To map the vertical and lateral distribution of mass-transport-complexes (MTCs) within the shallow subsurface and on the present-day seabed in the offshore Nile Delta. (2) To characterise and interpret the detailed morphology and internal heterogeneity of the MTCs. (3) To determine what factors govern the location and initiation of the MTCs.
Evolution and Quantification of Submarine Slope Channel Systems: offshore Nile Delta
PhD research by Vicky Catterall (Current research)
The project aims to use a 3D seismic dataset to characterise and quantify channel levee systems in the plio-pleistocene section of the offshore Nile delta, and place them within a stratigraphic framework.
Vicky Catterall and Dr Dorthe Møller Hansen (proposed research)
This project will combine the work of all previous studies on the Nile delta. The evolution of MTC's, channels and seabed features will be combined within a stratigraphic model, incorporating structural, sedimentological and morphological elements.
Postdoctoral research by Dr Gianluca Badalini (Completed research)
The aims of this initial slope systems study were to map and characterise the large-scale sedimentological architectural elements of the offshore slope system. Evolutionary trends in internal/external geometry, vertical stacking patterns, and key intra-channel architectural elements were all evaluated, and channel styles were catagerised
- Interpretation of slope systems: Western Mediterranean
Characterisation of the Numidian flysch, western Mediterranean
PhD research by Myron Thomas (current research)
This study focusses on outcrops in northern Sicily and Tunisia, evaluating the sedimentology and provenance within the context of the basin as a whole. Special emphasis is placed upon the controls on deposition, which until now have remained largely unknown.
Introduction to offshore Tunisian Research
Postdoctoral research by Dr Gianluca Badalini (Completed research)
The objective of this project is to review the geologic evolution of basins, offshore eastern and northern Tunisia. The project has studied in detail selected study areas characterised by different feeder systems, variations in shelf width, differences in slope morphology and tectonics, the overall aim being to determine the evolution and variability of the shelf margin and slope systems, reservoir and source potential and trapping mechanisms.
MSc research (Completed)
Offshore eastern Tunisia ( Gulf of Gabes ) was the object of an MSc research project at Oxford Brookes University. Data was provided by Burlington Resources. The project aims were to map regional structures, assessing the timing of deformation and its effects on trap formation. An analysis of seismic facies and geometries were combined with wireline log and seismic data to identify, describe and map source horizons and potential reservoirs. The overall goal was to assess the petroleum potential of the Block.
Postdoctoral research by Gianluca Badalini (Completed research)
This project was to look at the provenence and regional evolution of the Numidian Flysch offshore northern Tunisia. Outcrop studies were linked to seismic to produce a depositional model for the Flysch. A review the structural and stratigraphic evolution and the hydrocarbon habitat of offshore northern Tunisia was the main goal, such that the palaeogeography and depositional environments of the Numidian Flysch could be reconstructed