Salt Tectonics and Sedimentation on Continental Margins
Tutors: Ian Davison (Earthmoves Ltd.)
Dave Waltham (Royal Holloway, University of London)

This unique practical one- or two-day course deals with the physical processes of salt tectonics and the effects on sedimentation along continental margins, using seismic interpretation, field studies, physical and numerical modeling. This course is run at a series of venues once every two years on a multiclient basis or in-house at any convenient time for clients

Aims of the course

to increase understanding of basic physical processes.

to make predictions about salt deformation, sediment pathways, and depositional sites on continental margins.

provide experience in seismic interpretation of complex salt structures and deformed overburden.

Course work:

involves, seismic interpretation exercises, demonstration of physical models of salt diapirs, numerical modeling of salt tectonics and sedimentation and lectures. Participants will create and run their own numerical models of turbidite flows, prograding sediment wedges and salt pillow and diapir growth.

Topics covered:

Physical properties of salt, and salt deformation mechanisms

Physical properties of turbidite flows and fluid dynamic concepts

Interaction of turbidite flows with sea-bed topographic obstacles and basins

Progradation of sediment wedges over ductile layers

Formation of salt welds, turtles, counter-regional faults, canopies

Drag fold development adjacent to salt structures

Salt in deep-water fold and thrust belts

Seismic interpretation with examples from: Angola, Brazil, North Sea, and Red Sea.
UK and Norway courses will also have a specialised session on overburden deformation and growth of salt diapirs and salt pillows in the North Sea, using examples of Machar, Mungo, Monan, Banff, Kyle, North and South Pierce.

The course notes are provided in a hard copy manual of 200 pages and on CD Rom in web browser format. All powerpoint slides presented are included on the CD Rom and detailed notes accompany each slide. The software programs are written in Excel 2000 and are very easy to use and do not require detailed knowledge of Excel.

Tutors:

Dave Waltham is an internationally reknowned geophysicist and specializes in sedimentary basin processes and seismic imaging. He has developed a wide array of numerical models used in the oil industry.

Cost of course includes: course manual, CD roms, powerful new modeling software, refreshments and lunch.

N.B. The course notes and programs have taken over one year to write and course participants are allowed to copy the course notes and programs to other members of their organization, thus maximizing the benefit of the course.