Overview
Topic status: In progress
Overview
In Volcanic Rifted Margins (VRM’s) the emplacement of sills and dikes is a common feature that is observed primarily in 3D seismic sections. These intrusions are generally basaltic in composition and are emplaced over a range of depths. At shallow depths, they may be syn-sedimentary (contemporaneous with sedimentation) while at deeper depths, they may postdate lithification by many millions of years. The depth of intrusion will affect the cooling history of the intrusion as well as its impact on its surrounds. Understanding the characteristics of these intrusions as well as their mechanism of emplacement is increasingly important to the exploration and production of oil and gas from offshore reservoirs. This research project focuses on developing that understanding through a directed program of library, field and laboratory research activities.
Research activities
Comprehensive compilation of published information on sill dike emplacement, field study and sample collection of appropriate dikes or sills from nearby occurrences, laboratory study (petrography, XRD, SEM and geochemistry) of field and core samples.
Expected outcomes
Report comprised of a literature synthesis with literature database, description of field and lab specimens with respect their textural, mineralogy and geochemical characteristics, modelling of results (thermal evolution, fluid flow, chemical changes) and basic interpretation.
Duration of project
21 November 2011 to 27 Jan 2012; 9 weeks (generous holidays)
Number of hours
30 hours / week
- Study level
- Vacation research experience scholarship
- Supervisors
- QUT
- Organisational unit
Science and Engineering Faculty
- Research area
- Keywords
- VRM, volcanic rifted margins, volcano
- Contact
- Please contact the supervisor for enquiries.
Professor David Gust
Dr Scott Bryan
