Project Title: Tectono-stratigraphic evolution of complexly faulted basin margins in the Irish Carboniferous
Research: Hannah Othen
This project will use large datasets including geophysical data and core samples to investigate the structural geology and stratigraphy within the basin margins across the Irish Midlands. This will be linked to finding suitable carbonate host rocks for earth resources including geothermal energy and mineral exploration. The project will be investigating the tectonostratigraphic framework and basin evolution near the basin-bounding faults systems in the Irish Mississippian, and link this to the development and distribution of suitable carbonate host rocks for earth resources along the basin margin (geothermal, minerals, groundwater). It will do this using an integrated methodology combining reflection seismic interpretation, 3D geological modelling, detailed lithological logging, petrophysical characterisation of cores, interpretation of potential field datasets, and geophysical inversion. The outputs of this project will provide improved constraints on targets for mineral exploration and deep geothermal reservoirs, and it will therefore contribute to de-risking much-needed investments in these areas.