GEO9850 – Basin Tectonics and Structures

Course content

This course covers the structural evolution of sedimentary basins, from plate-scale tectonic processes to the development of individual faults. Students utilize seismic data and field mapping techniques to analyse geological structures in the subsurface. We learn qualitative and quantitative methods to establish the timing of tectonic activity, controlling factors, and driving forces. We focus on the mainly brittle deformation of the upper crust on geological timescales and apply this knowledge to assess the impact of these structures on subsurface fluid flow.

Integrated basin analysis is relevant to hydrocarbon exploration, CO2 and hydrogen storage, geological waste disposal, geothermal systems, earthquake hazards, geotechnical engineering and hydrogeology.

Learning outcome

After finishing this course, you will be able to

  • identify and describe faults, folds and other structures developed in the upper crust using geological and geophysical data
  • interpret the development of the structures and infer their regional tectonic setting (e.g. extensional, strike-slip, contractional, salt basin)
  • discuss the deformation mechanisms and controlling factors that influence the geometry of the structures
  • assess the impact of structures on subsurface fluid flow by integrating datasets across different spatial scales (e.g. seismic data, field data, well data)

Admission to the course

PhD candidates from the University of Oslo should apply for classes and register for examinations through?Studentweb.

If a course has limited intake capacity, priority will be given to PhD candidates who follow an individual education plan where this particular course is included. Some national researchers’ schools may have specific rules for ranking applicants for courses with limited intake capacity.

PhD candidates who have been admitted to another higher education institution must?apply for a position as a visiting student?within a given deadline.

Formal prerequisite knowledge

The course includes a compulsory field course of 7-12 days in southern Spain (or elsewhere). A health and safety course for safety in the field must be passed before you can go on this:

Overlapping courses

Teaching

The course is divided into thematic modules covering a different tectonic setting. There are typically 3 x 2 hours of sessions per week (subject to change). The teaching is delivered as a mix of?lectures, interactive seminars and practical exercises throughout the semester.

Three compulsory pieces of coursework together contribute towards the final grade.?

The fieldwork?component requires several days of compulsory fieldwork collecting structural geology data in the field and collating this into a report (location, dates and logistics to be confirmed in the first session). ?Work with interpreting 3D seismic data using industry-standard software support structural analyses, with high relevance to tasks in the CO2-storage industry.

In addition to the coursework compulsory for all students, PhD candidates will complete an additional report.

Attendance at the first lecture is compulsory. Students who fail to meet are considered to have withdrawn from the course unless they have previously given notice to the course responsible.

We reserve the right to change the teaching?form and examination of the course in semesters where 5 or fewer students have been admitted.

General information about excursions at the Department?of Geosciences</