The course aims to provide a theoretical-practical overview of the quantitative analysis of the spatio-temporal evolution of sedimentary basins. Starting from the different classifications of sedimentary basins, the geological and geodynamic factors that regulate their evolution will be investigated in order to realise models of burial history, subsidence, T-P and acquire the multidisciplinary analytical datasets for the calibration of the models. The study of case histories related to the retrieval of natural gas, geothermal fluids, and critical materials for the energy transition (e.g., lithium) will provide information specific to each resource. The topic of energy transition will also be contextualised in the current global scenario and in the framework of Goals 7 and 13 of the UN 2030 Agenda.
teacher profile teaching materials
The global energy issue; causes and drivers of the energy transition; the 2030 Agenda and Goals 7, 11 and 13; the geologist’s contribution from the global to the local scale.
Unit 2 — Principles for the study of sedimentary basins
Definition of sedimentary basins as complex systems; classification criteria; comparison of age, heat flow, fate, subsidence, sedimentation rate and storage potential. Conventional and unconventional petroleum systems, high- and medium-enthalpy geothermal systems, and fluid storage sites in sedimentary settings.
Unit 3 — Dynamics of Basin Formation
Geological and geodynamic mechanisms of traction and flexure basins; relationships between tectonics, accommodation space and sedimentary filling.
Unit 4 — Subsidence and Burial
Compressibility and compaction of porous sediments; evolution of porosity and permeability; reconstruction of the history of subsidence; backstripping and estimation of tectonic subsidence; principles and workflow of one-dimensional modelling.
Unit 5 — Thermal History and Calibration
The Arrhenius equation and thermal maturity indices; factors controlling temperature and palaeotemperature; thermal and thermochronological calibration parameters: dispersed organic matter, low-temperature thermochronology, clay mineralogy and correlations between indicators.
Unit 6 — Applications and Case Studies
Case studies relating to natural gas, geothermal fluids, materials critical to the energy transition – with particular reference to lithium – and the responsible assessment of subsurface resources. Applications to the biomass processing sector.
Unit 7 — Modelling Exercises
Construction, parameterisation, calibration and interpretation of 1D models of burial history, subsidence and temperature; sensitivity analysis and discussion of uncertainties.
- Selected scientific articles indexed in Scopus, provided by the lecturer in relation to individual topics and case studies.
- Topic-specific handouts provided by the lecturer.
- PDF files of the slides used during lectures.
Programme
Unit 1 — Energy transition, climate and the role of the geologistThe global energy issue; causes and drivers of the energy transition; the 2030 Agenda and Goals 7, 11 and 13; the geologist’s contribution from the global to the local scale.
Unit 2 — Principles for the study of sedimentary basins
Definition of sedimentary basins as complex systems; classification criteria; comparison of age, heat flow, fate, subsidence, sedimentation rate and storage potential. Conventional and unconventional petroleum systems, high- and medium-enthalpy geothermal systems, and fluid storage sites in sedimentary settings.
Unit 3 — Dynamics of Basin Formation
Geological and geodynamic mechanisms of traction and flexure basins; relationships between tectonics, accommodation space and sedimentary filling.
Unit 4 — Subsidence and Burial
Compressibility and compaction of porous sediments; evolution of porosity and permeability; reconstruction of the history of subsidence; backstripping and estimation of tectonic subsidence; principles and workflow of one-dimensional modelling.
Unit 5 — Thermal History and Calibration
The Arrhenius equation and thermal maturity indices; factors controlling temperature and palaeotemperature; thermal and thermochronological calibration parameters: dispersed organic matter, low-temperature thermochronology, clay mineralogy and correlations between indicators.
Unit 6 — Applications and Case Studies
Case studies relating to natural gas, geothermal fluids, materials critical to the energy transition – with particular reference to lithium – and the responsible assessment of subsurface resources. Applications to the biomass processing sector.
Unit 7 — Modelling Exercises
Construction, parameterisation, calibration and interpretation of 1D models of burial history, subsidence and temperature; sensitivity analysis and discussion of uncertainties.
Core Documentation
- Allen, P. A.; Allen, J. R. (2013). Basin Analysis: Principles and Application to Petroleum Play Assessment. 3rd ed. Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN 978-0-470-67377-5, 632 pp.- Selected scientific articles indexed in Scopus, provided by the lecturer in relation to individual topics and case studies.
- Topic-specific handouts provided by the lecturer.
- PDF files of the slides used during lectures.
Reference Bibliography
Selected scientific articles Material distributed in lecturesAttendance
Attendance is strongly recommended, particularly for the modelling exercises and for project planning and review sessions. Any requirements, minimum attendance rates or provisions for specific categories of students are governed by the Degree Programme’s Academic Regulations, to which reference should be made.Type of evaluation
The examination comprises two parts: 1. An oral examination on the theoretical and practical topics covered in the syllabus, designed to assess conceptual understanding, the ability to make connections, the application of methods, independent interpretation and the appropriate use of scientific language. 2. Presentation and discussion of an individual project, agreed with the lecturer and developed with her support, concerning the assessment of a catchment’s potential for the sustainable production of a renewable and/or non-renewable resource. The project must outline the research question, data, methodology, model, results, uncertainties, sustainability and conclusions. Assessment criteria: accuracy and comprehensiveness of knowledge; ability to apply methods and integrate data; quality and consistency of the model; critical interpretation and management of uncertainties; ability to present a case; clarity of presentation and use of specialist terminology; ability to apply knowledge to new cases. Approximate duration of the interview and presentation: 1 hour Format and deadlines for the assignment: PowerPoint file with detailed written comments on each slide Percentage weighting of the two components: 50% syllabus, 50% project Validity period of the project: 2 academic years Taken together, the interview and the project assess knowledge and understanding, application, independent judgement, communication skills and the ability to learn. The discussion of the project, in particular, enables the assessment of the integration of data, the rationale behind choices and the application of methods to a specific case.