Carbonate sedimentology projects

The following project descriptions are examples of potential MS or Ph.D. studies that would be part of the ongoing northern Alaska research program by the Tectonics and Sedimentation Research Group. While these projects reflect the current interests and research focus of the UAF faculty, students can work with their supervisor to design other projects that incorporate the individual student's interests.

As a guide to what types of carbonate sedimentology projects our students have been involved with, we suggest you check out the carbonate sedimentology publications by the Tectonics and Sedimentation Research Group.

Configuration of the Paleozoic-Mesozoic passive margin of Arctic Alaska: Implications for crustal scale deformation of the Brooks Range orogen

Michael Whalen and/or Paul McCarthy, supervisor

Detailed understanding of the poorly constrained, pre-collision configuration of the late Paleozoic- early Mesozoic passive margin of Arctic Alaska is necessary to accurately model its subsequent deformation in the Brooks Range orogen. This study will involve surface and subsurface correlation of stratigraphic and sedimentologic data from the North Slope and Brooks Range in order to evaluate paleogeographic models for this passive margin.

Facies architecture of late stage carbonate platform progradation, Upper Devonian , western Alberta

Michael Whalen supervisor

A previously developed sequence stratigraphic model for two isolated carbonate platforms in western Alberta has permitted refined platform-to-basin and interplatform correlations. The upper two sequences represented in these platforms prograde over surrounding basin fill and also record the coalescence of several isolated and attached platforms into a megaplatform in the western Alberta basin. This phase of platform development is associated with downslope carbonate mounds that are significant, but isolated, petroleum reservoirs in the subsurface to the east. Further understanding of the timing and controls on this stage of platform development are needed to accurately predict the controls on and locations of these isolated reservoirs. This project will entail detailed lithostratigraphic analysis of outcrops in the Canadian Rocky Mountains of Alberta.

Interregional sequence stratigraphy, biostratigraphy, and magnetic susceptibility event stratigraphy of Upper Devonian carbonate platform and basinal sediments, western Canada

Michael Whalen supervisor

Combined conodont and brachiopod biostratigraphy and magnetic susceptibility event stratigraphy will be used to test a sequence stratigraphic model previously developed for isolated carbonate platforms in western Alberta. Detailed biostratigraphic and magnetic susceptibility sampling will be carried out (in conjunction with Dr. Jed Day, Illinois State Univ.) along the margins of isolated platforms and distal basinal sections in the Canadian Rocky Mountains and in the midcontinent and western U.S. The interregional stratigraphic data base developed in this project will allow comparison of the sequence stratigraphy and sea-level history of carbonates deposited in Canada and the U.S. Such interregional comparisons are vital to testing eustatic sea-level curves for the Upper Devonian and understanding the pattern and timing of the Late Devonian mass extinction event.

Sea level history, paleogeography, and reservoir analysis of the Carboniferous Lisburne Group, Northern Alaska

Michael Whalen supervisor

The Carboniferous Lisburne Group represents a laterally extensive carbonate ramp that is exposed in the Brooks Range and underlies much of the North Slope. These carbonate rocks are a major hydrocarbon reservoir in the subsurface. Most current production is from the Wahoo Formation but much less is known about the reservoir characteristics and stratigraphy of the underlying Alapah Formation. Surface and subsurface stratigraphic data will be collected to define seismic scale sequences , high-resolution lithostratigraphy, and microfacies. These data will be used to interpret the stratigraphic architecture, sea level history, and paleogeography of the Lisburne and to better define the reservoir characteristics of the Alapah Formation.

Surface to Subsurface Correlation of the Shublik Formation: Implications for Triassic Paleoceanography, Paleogeography, and Source Rock Accumulation

Michael Whalen supervisor

The Triassic Shublik Formation is an important source rock and potential reservoir rock for Prudhoe Bay hydrocarbons but correlations between the surface and subsurface remain obscure. In this project outcrop sections of the Shublik Formation will be reevaluated in light of recent subsurface sequence stratigraphic analyses. Three scales of analysis, including documentation of depositional sequences, parasequences, and microfacies, will be employed to characterize the Shublik Formation in outcrop. Surface to subsurface correlations will demonstrate the relationship between potential updip Shublik reservoir rocks and downdip source rocks. Comparison of the outcrop sequence stratigraphic data with previous subsurface models will provide a crucial test of the regional validity of the models and refine our understanding of the early Mesozoic history of Arctic Alaska.

For more information on any of these projects, contact Dr. Michael Whalen

This site is maintained by C. L. Hanks Catherine.Hanks@gi.alaska.edu
Last updated on August 11, 2000