Project title: Controls of fault-related deformation in the Porcupine Basin, Ireland – implications for fault-related trapping
Researcher: Dr Vincent Roche
This project is on the structural analysis of fault systems in the Porcupine Basin in Irish offshore. The project aims to provide a better understanding of fault geometry, fault-related deformation fields and associated displacement transfer. Deformation field causes reverse drag deformation in both the hanging wall rollover and footwall uplift. Reverse drag exercises a major control on migration pathways, structural highs, 4-way closures and fault traps. For example, footwall uplift generates the most important fault-related traps in offshore NW Europe basins. Understanding these features is therefore critical in geo-energy systems and has implications for de-risking energy-related exploration in Ireland. In addition this project provides insights into fault systems evolution and growth.
Key deliverables:
• Structural analysis of fault systems imaged from seismic reflexion data from the Irish offshore.
• Interpretation of 3D seismic reflection survey from the Irish offshore.
• Prepare articles on the evolution of faults and fault systems in the Irish offshore and in general.
• Complete an article on the structural evolution of segmented faults and their implications for fluid migration.