ABOUT THE COURSE

The course will examine modern and ancient continental margin tectonics, sedimentation, and stratigraphy. The course content will be conveyed through formal presentations, discussion, both informal presentation and informal debate and question/answer sessions. We will (1) build a basic understanding of margin processes, stratigraphy, and structure through review of modern literature, published and unpublished research (2) examine representative examples of modern and ancient continental margins, and (3) through seismic and well-log projects will provide hands-on experience in describing and interpreting margin successions. An annotated reference list will be provided participants.

No required text, but suggested reading would include:

• Philip A. Allen and John R. Allen, “Basin Analysis, Principles and Applications” Second edition, Blackwell Publishing
• C.J. Busby and R.V. Ingersoll "Tectonics of Sedimentary Basins.” Caribbean Basins, P. Mann, ed. 

LEARNING OUTCOMES 

• Improved knowledge of the petroleum systems that characterize various types of basins.
• Improved ability to interpret structure in different types of basins, through recognition of the stress regimes and resultant fault types and distributions that characterize these basins.
• Improved understanding of how to interpret stratigraphy in different types of basins, and prediction of potential pathways of sediment from source to sink.
• Specific techniques in seismic interpretation of stacking patterns and seismic geomorphologic elements and implications for prospectivity in different types of basins.
• Specific techniques in interpretation of log, core and samples data and the integration of those data to address uncertainty in exploration and development

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

New and experienced explorationists (geologist, geophysicists and engineers). We will learn new techniques in seismic geomorphology and interpretation.  Mixing new and experienced individuals, often with varied perspectives, creates a more positive exchange of ideas, more mentoring of younger scientists and more creative insight for older scientists.

COURSE CONTENT

DAY 1

• Initial margin development.
• Stratigraphic sequences and their bounding discontinuities.
• Geological processes and feedback mechanisms.
• Formation of discontinuities in actively deforming margins and Methods in Interpretation

DAY 2

• Sequence development and sediment supply.
• Shallow to deep water depositional processes.
• Continental margin slope stability.
• Non-marine accommodation.
• Carbonate vs. siliciclastic margin development

DAY 3

• Climate change and current-controlled deposition and erosion.
• Quantitative stratigraphic models.
• Flux of fluids at continental margins.
• Petroleum Systems

DAY 4

Review of Petroleum Systems of:

• Rift basins
• Foreland basins
• Passive margin basins
• Intercratonic basins
• Strike slip basins
• Forearc and backarc basins
• Mobile substrate systems

DAY 5

• Petroleum Systems and Basins of the Southern Caribbean Margin