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,