Higher Degree by Research Application Portal

With ~15% of siliciclastic reservoirs located within deep-water basins, a key challenge is to predict when and where sands are bypassed to deep-water areas, and how they are architecturally organized. Quantitative 3D seismic stratigraphy (QSS) aims at investigating the linkages (quantified relationships) between hydrodynamic regime along paleoshorelines, shelf-margin architecture and the development of coeval deep-water systems in a variety of tectonic and climatic settings. As part of QSS, innovative 3D full-volume seismic interpretation and seismic geomorphology workflows were developed using high-quality and extensive 3D seismic datasets. Quantitative measures of shelf-margin clinoforms and clinothems, using a consistent approach, helped to better understated shelf-to-basin sediment transfer mechanisms and their variability. To date, 11 case studies from around the globe have been integrated. The scope of this project is to deploy the QSS workflow on new shelf margins. The database will be expanded, using both existing and new 3D seismic datasets and associated well data.

This project will also focus on detailed quantitative seismic geomorphological characterization of specific depositional elements along shelf margins, from fluvio-deltaic and shallow-marine systems to deep-water canyons, mass-transport complexes and turbidite systems. Applications to carbonate depositional environments will also be explored. Morphometrics and quantitative analysis will help determine key depositional controls that will help predict lithology and facies. This project has economic implications for the energy industry by providing a more advanced understanding of shelf-to-basin sediment transfer mechanisms, as well as advancing knowledge on the role of allogenic and autogenic controls on the evolution of shelf margins and their variability through time and space, in both siliciclastic and carbonate depositional systems.

Centre for Energy and Climate Geoscience

This interdisciplinary project is hosted by the School of Earth Sciences. Principal supervisor is Dr. Victorien (UWA) and co-supervisors are Prof. Simon Lang (UWA) and Prof. Annette George (UWA). Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Victorien Paumard at victorien.paumard@uwa.edu.au for more information. Please include a cover letter describing your interest in the field, CV, publications, academic transcripts, relevant supporting documents of prior research, and the names and contact details of two potential referees.

Prospective candidates should have a Masters or Honours degree (first class or equivalent) in geoscience with advanced knowledge and skills in stratigraphy, sedimentology and basin analysis. Candidates must have the ability to work both as part of a multidisciplinary team and independently. Previous experience with the interpretation of 2D and 3D seismic data is preferred. Fundamental knowledge of the principles of seismic stratigraphy and seismic geomorphology, as well as knowledge is sequence stratigraphy and source-to-sink systems is also expected. Ability to organize work and advanced communication skills in English (oral and written) are also essential.