Normal faults are the primary structures that accommodate extension of the brittle crust. This volume provides an up-to-date overview of current research into the geometry and growth of normal faults. The 23 research papers present the findings of outcrop and subsurface studies of the geometrical evolution of faults from a number of basins worldwide, complemented by analogue and numerical modelling studies of fundamental aspects of fault kinematics. The topics addressed include how fault length changes with displacement, how faults interact with one another, the controls of previous structure on fault evolution and the nature and origin of fault-related folding. This volume will be of interest to those wishing to develop a better understanding of the structural geological aspects of faulting, from postgraduate students to those working in industry.

A thorough understanding of the kinematic and mechanical evolution of fault-related structures is of great value, both academic (e.g. How do mountains form?) and practical (e.g. How are valuable hydrocarbons trapped in fault-related folds?). Precise knowledge of the present-day geometry is necessary to know where to drill for hydrocarbons. Understanding the evolution of a structure, including displacement fields, strain and stress history, may offer powerful insights to how and if hydrocarbons might have migrated, and the most efficient way to extract them. Small structures, including faults, fractures, pressure solution seams, and localized compaction, which may strongly influence subsurface fluid flow, may be predictable with a detailed mechanical understanding of a structure's evolution. The primary focus of this thesis is the integration of field observations, geospatial data including airborne LiDAR, and numerical modeling to investigate three dimensional deformational patterns associated with fault slip accumulated over geologic time scales. The work investigates contractional tectonics at Sheep Mountain anticline, Greybull, WY, and extensional tectonics at the Volcanic Tableland, Bishop, CA. A detailed geometric model is a necessary prerequisite for complete kinematic or mechanical analysis of any structure. High quality 3D seismic imaging data provides the means to characterize fold geometry for many subsurface industrial applications; however, such data is expensive, availability is limited, and data quality is often poor in regions of high topography where outcrop exposures are best. A new method for using high resolution topographic data, geologic field mapping and numerical interpolation is applied to model the 3D geometry of a reservoir-scale fold at Sheep Mountain anticline. The Volcanic Tableland is a classic field site for studies of fault slip scaling relationships and conceptual models for evolution of normal faults. Three dimensional elastic models are used to constrain subsurface fault geometry from detailed maps of fault scarps and topography, and to reconcile two potentially competing conceptual models for fault growth: by coalescence and by subsidiary faulting. The Tableland fault array likely initiated as a broad array of small faults, and as some have grown and coalesced, their strain shadows have inhibited the growth and initiation of nearby faults. The Volcanic Tableland also is used as a geologic example in a study of the capabilities and limitations of mechanics-based restoration, a relatively new approach to modeling in structural geology that provides distinct advantages over traditional kinematic methods, but that is significantly hampered by unphysical boundary conditions. The models do not accurately represent geological strain and stress distributions, as many have hoped. A new mechanics-based retrodeformational technique that is not subject to the same unphysical boundary conditions is suggested. However, the method, which is based on reversal of tectonic loads that may be optimized by paleostress analysis, restores only that topography which may be explained by an idealized elastic model. Elastic models are appealing for mechanical analysis of fault-related deformation because the linear nature of such models lends itself to retrodeformation and provides computationally efficient and stable numerical implementation for simulating slip distributions and associated deformation in complicated 3D fault systems. However, cumulative rock deformation is not elastic. Synthetic models are applied to investigate the implications of assuming elastic deformation and frictionless fault slip, as opposed to a more realistic elasto-plastic deformation with frictional fault slip. Results confirm that elastic models are limited in their ability to simulate geologic stress distributions, but that they may provide a reasonable, first-order approximation of strain tensor orientation and the distribution of relative strain perturbations, particularly distal from fault tips. The kinematics of elastic and elasto-plastic models diverge in the vicinity of fault tips. Results emphasize the importance of accurately and completely representing subsurface fault geometry in linear or nonlinear models.

This book can benefit the nonspecialist who wants to keep up with work on magmatism and tectonics, as well as researchers working on mid-ocean ridges."--BOOK JACKET.

A cross-border approach to exploration, appraisal and development is important in mature areas, such as the Atlantic Margin, and in frontier areas, such as the Barents Sea. An approach of this nature emphasizes the need to see the basin as one geological entity to maximize economic recovery and prepare the area for the energy transition. This volume offers an up-to-date, ‘geology-without-borders’ view of the stratigraphy, sedimentology and tectonics trends in these areas. It also looks at the challenges associated with differences in data continuity and nomenclature across median lines. A companion volume (SP494), Cross-Border Themes in Petroleum Geology I: The North Sea, provides a similar cross-border analysis for the North Sea Basin across the offshore boundaries of Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and the UK. Cross-Border Themes in Petroleum Geology II: Atlantic Margin and Barents Sea will be a valuable reference for every geoscientist working in the Atlantic Margin and the Barents Sea for years to come.

The Gold-Standard “Bible” for Applied Subsurface Geological Mapping: Extensively Updated for Working Teams’ Latest Advances Long recognized as the most authoritative, practical, and comprehensive guide to structural mapping methods, Applied Three-Dimensional Subsurface Geological Mapping, Third Edition, has been thoroughly updated to reflect recent technical developments, with an emphasis on shale play basins, horizontal drilling, unconventional resources, and modern workflows. The authors of this edition have more than a century of collective experience in hydrocarbon exploration and development, in major, large, independent companies throughout the world. In this long-awaited update, they present revised and new chapters on computer mapping, shale basin exploration, and prospect reserves and risk. They introduce key innovations related to shale reservoirs, hydraulic fracturing, and deviated, horizontal, and directional wells, along with expanded discussions of computer interpretations and mapping. Throughout, the book links theory and practice based on fundamental geoscience principles. These principles will help you integrate all available geological, geophysical, and engineering data, to generate more reasonable and viable subsurface interpretations, and to construct maps that successfully identify reserves. Master core principles and proven methods for accurate subsurface interpretations and mapping Construct subsurface maps and cross-sections from well logs, seismic sections, and outcrop data Work effectively with horizontal and directionally drilled wells and directional surveys Use powerful well log-correlation techniques Construct viable fault and horizon structure maps Balance and interpret compressional, extensional, and strike-slip structures Distinguish between the different structure styles and the characterization of growth structures Understand isochore and isopach maps This book is indispensable for every integrated working team, consisting of geologists, geophysicists, and engineers, that prepares subsurface geological interpretations and maps, as well as for every manager, executive, and investor who uses or evaluates prospects. Register your book for convenient access to downloads, updates, and/or corrections as they become available. See inside book for details.