Comparative Sedimentology Laboratory

The Comparative Sedimentology Laboratory conducts integrated research in sedimentology, stratigraphy, geochemistry, and geophysics basic research to better understand the processes controlling carbonate systems and reservoirs. To reach this goal, the CSL is comparing: outcrop and subsurface data (reflection seismic, ground penetrating radar, core a... nd logs), and This approach enables us to relate processes and product in the rock record. For example, sedimentologic and hydrodynamic processes in the modern help understand the development of facies, facies belts and their distribution in the ancient strata. Likewise the chemical and physical processes that cause the geophysical properties of subsurface strata are assessed in the laboratory measurements and experiments. Most importantly, the integration of lithologic, seismic, log and geochemical data with sedimentologic, stratigraphic and diagenetic rock attributes provides the base for a comprehensive understanding of the rock record that can be mined to address fundamental scientific questions. Research at the Comparative Sedimentology Laboratory has three main themes: In the first theme, basic scientific questions in carbonate sedimentology, stratigraphy and sequence stratigraphy are addressed. They include the role of controlling parameters such as sea level, currents, and antecedent topography on the evolution of the depositional system and its stratigraphic architecture. In the modern, we use a combination of remote sensing data, hydrodynamic measurements and surface samples to capture the spatial trend metrics of sedimentary bodies and facies belts. The relationship between process and product help understand the stratigraphic record and can be used as input parameters in quantitative geologic models. In the ancient, we use outcrop and subsurface data for assessing facies distribution in carbonate reservoirs, the relationship between the high-resolution sequence stratigraphy and sea-level changes, and fracture patterns in carbonates. The major objective ...Read More