Sep 15th-Potential Fields SIG: Evaluating the Compatibility of Plate Kinematic Models with* ...
Complete Title: Evaluating the Compatibility of Plate Kinematic Models with Geologic and Geophysical Observations
Meeting Location:
HESS Club (Houston Engr. & Science Society)
5430 Westheimer
Houston, TX 77056
NOTE: You Must Be Logged In to Register
Speaker: Daniel Minguez, Chevron Energy Technology
Authors: Daniel Minguez and Elizabeth (Betty) Johnson, Chevron Energy Technology
Paleogeographic reconstructions, and the plate kinematic models that underlie them, are fundamental tools in hydrocarbon play assessment. However, a multitude of plate models currently exist with substantive differences which impact reconstructions and geologic predictions through time. Here we present a method for evaluating the consistency of a plate model with a standardized set of geologic and geophysical observations. These tests enable a user to make an objective selection of a plate model for a given area and technical objective. Plate models are evaluated based on their ability to reproduce oceanic fracture zones, hotspot tracks, paleolatitude observed via paleomagnetism, intracratonal deformation, timing of rift initiation, and crustal thickness in the incipient rift zone. Least squared residuals between model predictions and geologic observations are used to rank the models’ accuracy. Tolerances for passing each test are based on the standard deviation of average crustal thickness, 95% confidence ellipses for Paleomagnetic data, Ar39/Ar40 age uncertainties for rift associated magmatism, and azimuthal deviation of linear modeled features from observed linear features (fracture zones, hotspot tracks, and intracratonal geologic lineaments). A test application of this method to 6 different plate models along the south Atlantic margin demonstrates major discrepancies between models in predicting paleo latitude, pre rift crustal thickness, timing of rift initiation, and intracratonal deformation. However, some models do pass all of the listed tests. We suggest that models that pass these tests support higher confidence predictions of hydrocarbon system elements, based on their ability to also predict known geologic features.
Speaker/Author Biographies, Chevron Energy Technology
Daniel Minguez earned his BA in English and Geology from Occidental College and his PhD in Earth and Environmental Science from Lehigh University. His research has focused on the application of paleomagnetism and other rock magnetic techniques to Chronostratigraphy, Plate Kinematics, and studies of the geomagnetic field. He is currently a Potential Fields Geophysicist at Chevron with technology foci in Gravity, Magnetics, and Plate Kinematics.
Elizabeth (Betty) Johnson is Team Leader of Chevron’s Basin Framework Technology team. She earned a B.S. in Physics from Harvey Mudd College, and has over 38 years in the industry as an exploration earth scientist with specific interests in non-seismic geophysics, new ventures exploration, and technology strategy.
5:30 Registration / Cash Bar
6:30 Dinner Served
7:30 Presentation Begins
8:30 Adjourn
Price List:
|
Pre-Registered |
Late/Walk-Up
|
Member
|
$30 |
$40 |
| Non-Member |
$35 |
$45 |
Student Member
|
$15 |
$25 |