Tectono-Stratigraphic Evolution of Salt-Influenced Rift Basins
University of Manchester – Imperial College London (MAN-IC) Rifts Project
Applications are invited for two, three-year Research Associates that form part of a new collaborative research programme, based at the University of Manchester and Imperial College London, working on rift tectonics and sedimentation, led by Dr Chris Jackson (Imperial College London) and Professor Rob Gawthorpe (University of Manchester) and funded by StatoilHydro. The positions will be split between the two research institutes, with one PDRA/PhD pair based at Imperial College and one pair at Manchester University. This is an opportunity to join a team of researchers in two of the United Kingdom’s leading Earth Science Schools and to work closely with industry.
Models of normal fault growth have been largely derived from outcrop and subsurface and modelling studies of relatively simple, basement-involved normal faulting. Some differences in fault growth models, for example, radial propagation vs. rapid attainment of segment length, have been ascribed to basement reactivation or inheritance. Furthermore, this process of fault array evolution explains many of the first order features observed in sediment supply, sediment transport pathways and gross depositional environments within rift basins. In contrast our subsurface and discrete element modelling studies suggest markedly different fault growth histories and structural style may be related to the heterogeneity of the cover succession, and particularly where the cover contains weak units composed of mudstone or salt. This three-year project will examine rift tectonics and sedimentation on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, focusing on rift basin structural style and evolution and the rift-climax sedimentary response in areas influenced by salt within the pre-Jurassic cover stratigraphy. A key part of the project will involve close interaction with StatoilHydro personnel which will be achieved by researchers undertaking placements within key StatoilHydro offices in Norway. In addition, close collaboration between the Imperial College and Manchester strands of the project will be achieved by regular workshops.
For Research Associates positions you will have a PhD degree or expect to graduate with a PhD degree (or equivalent) with a strong research background in sedimentology and/or structural geology and an interest in multidisciplinary basin research. Experience of 3D seismic interpretation is desirable.
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