Higher Degree by Research Application Portal

With approximately 15% of siliciclastic reservoirs located in deep-water basins, a key challenge is to predict when and where sand is bypassed to deep-water environments and how these deposits are architecturally organised.

Quantitative 3D Seismic Stratigraphy (QSS) aims to investigate and quantify the relationships between hydrodynamic regimes along palaeoshorelines, shelf-margin architecture, and the development of coeval deep-water systems across a range of tectonic and climatic settings. As part of QSS, innovative workflows for 3D full-volume seismic interpretation and seismic geomorphology have been developed using extensive and high-quality 3D seismic datasets. Consistent quantitative measurements of shelf-margin clinoforms and clinothems provide new insights into shelf-to-basin sediment transfer mechanisms and their variability. The scope of this project is to apply the QSS workflow to new case studies, broadening our understanding of shelf margins developed in various tectonic and climatic settings. The existing database will be expanded through the integration of new and existing 3D seismic datasets and associated well data.

The project will also focus on the detailed quantitative seismic geomorphological characterisation of depositional elements along shelf margins, ranging 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. Morphometric and quantitative analyses will help identify the key depositional controls governing lithology and facies distribution.

The project has significant economic implications for the energy industry by advancing our understanding of shelf-to-basin sediment transfer mechanisms. It will also improve knowledge of the roles of allogenic and autogenic controls in the evolution and variability of shelf margins through time and space across both siliciclastic and carbonate depositional systems.

Quantitative Reservoir Analogues (QRA) consortium

School of Earth and Oceans

This interdisciplinary project is hosted by the School of Earth and Oceans. Principal supervisor is Dr. Victorien (UWA) and co-supervisors are Dr. John Shepherd, 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.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a program of independent, supervised research that is assessed solely on the basis of a thesis, sometimes including a creative work component, that is examined externally. The work presented for a PhD must be a substantial and original contribution to scholarship, demonstrating mastery of the subject of interest as well as an advance in that field of knowledge. 

Visit the course webpage for full details of this course including admission requirements, course rules and the relevant CRICOS code/s.