The influence of active salt tectonics on the development of Plio-Pleistocene deepwater slope channel and canyon systems, NE Gulf of Mexico.

This fully funded NERC CASE PhD Studentship with BP Exploration as CASE partner  is available in the Sedimentary Basins research group for start in Autumn 2010.

Supervisors: Lidia Lonergan (Imperial College) Steve Dee and Mike Mayall (BP Exploration)

Project Description: In the last 15 years there has been a step change in our understanding of deepwater sedimentary systems and salt tectonics, however less work has been published on understanding the detailed interaction between the evolution of salt structures and syn-growth sedimentary systems in deepwater environments, using improved 3D seismic datasets. This project will investigate how salt deformation has influenced (a) the formation the Late Pleistocene Mississippi canyon and (b) the distribution of Plio-Pleistocene submarine channel-levee systems in time and space which cross or are deflected by active salt diapirs and salt canopies, utilizing a large merged 3D seismic and well database from the Gulf of Mexico. A multidisciplinary approach of structural mapping, seismic amplitude analysis and 2D and 3D structural reconstructions will be used for the research. The successful applicant will get training in salt tectonics, sedimentology seismic interpretation and structural restoration techniques. They will join a strong research group in Imperial College with recognised world-class expertise in structural and sedimentary analyses of 3D seismic data. The student will also spend up to 3 months per year working with the Case Partner, BP, in their Sunbury offices in SW London.

We are looking for an Earth Science/Geology Undergraduate preferably with an MSci or equivalent degree with an interest in both structural geology and sedimentology, who has (or is expected to get) an upper second class or first class degree; or distinction if has an MSc degree.

Please note that this project is only open to UK nationals who are also resident in the UK.

Closing Date 31 March 2010.

To apply please contact Lidia Lonergan by email (l.lonergan@imperial.ac.uk) and enclose  a CV

Further details of this project can be found here.