Controls of sedimentary basin evolution on petroleum systems

Sedimentary basins are the sites on Earth in which the main fossil energy reserves are hosted. In this topic we investigate the generation, sequestration and transport of subsurface fluids within the context of sedimentary basin evolution, focusing on the timing of the main tectonic events, the coupling of onshore and offshore processes in a source to sink framework, the depositional environments leading to source rock formation, the fluid types and quality generated and general hydrocarbon prospectivity. We not only perform basic research, but also work closely with petroleum industrial partners to investigate the processes which lead to the development of fossil fuels.



Ongoing Projects  

• Long-term evolution of the Argentinean Continental margin: implications for hydrocarbon generation, migration, leakage in the Austral Basin. 
• Orange Basin Petroleum System Model 
• Evolution of Australian sedimentary basins: The NW Shelf and the Gipsland basin. 

Specific Topics:  

• Timing and rates of subsidence, uplift, and erosion, petroleum system evolution
• Identification of basin’s main stratigraphic sequences and depositional cycles
• Coupling of onshore and offshore processes in a source-to-sink framework
• Source rock deposition, facies
• Petroleum fluid types

New project proposals:  

• Project Proposal South Altlantic PSM (pdf)