| RESEARCH AREAS |
My research interests span the entire range from brittle structural geology (faults, fractures, deformation bands) to geochemistry of diagenetic minerals (fluid inclusion microthermometry, isotope geochemistry) and include some aspects of hydrogeology/geofluids. Most projects bridge these traditional disciplines. An earlier schematic summarizing the possible relations among brittle deformation, diagenetic reactions, and fluid flow is shown here.
Emphasis currently lies on fundamental research that is relevant to energy resources and CO2 sequestration, reflecting available sources of federal and private research funding. Current and past federal funding includes US Department of Energy (BES-CSGB-Geosciences, BES-EFRC), RPSEA, and the National Science Foundation (NSF). Private funding includes the GDL Foundation, the Geology Foundation at UT Austin, and industry support (FRAC).
Current and past projects
Fracture opening and cementation in sandstone
Fracture cement geochemistry
Fault hydraulic properties (sealing vs. conduit behavior).
Fluid flow in fractured and faulted sandstone reservoirs and aquifers
Deformation mechanisms in granular media
Diagenesis and formation of fractures and veins (Monterey Formation)
Geological fracture mechanics
Structural control on cold seeps and authigenic carbonates
The role of faults on basin-scale fluid flow (Monterey Formation)
last update: 6/6/11
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