The Salt Tectonics Modeling Lab is Open for Business
Physical modeling is one of the core research tools in the Applied Geodynamics Laboratory’s (AGL’s) focus on salt tectonic processes. The salt tectonics modeling laboratory was one of a handful of the Bureau’s research facilities allowed to remain open during the COVID-19 lockdown, thanks to lobbying by AGL, Bureau leadership, and the Jackson School Dean’s office. Principal Investigator and Senior Research Scientist Tim Dooley is the sole researcher in these facilities and thus an expert on social distancing!
Most of the AGL’s experiments last for weeks or even months, which factored into the lab gaining its exemption from the lockdown. Dooley is currently working on three main experimental threads in close consultation with other AGL researchers:
- Shortening of diaper-bearing trapezoidal-shaped salt basins with and without regional dip at the salt base.
- Minibasin subsidence into layered evaporite sequences.
- Growth and shortening of sediment-inclusion-bearing salt walls.
Tim Dooley completing work in the salt tectonics modeling laboratory while maintaining social distancing.
Modeling showing shortening of diaper-bearing trapezoidal-shaped salt basins.
