Geology & Geophysics Group
Fluid Flow through the Seafloor
Contact: Dr Rachael James
G&G research into fluid flow aims to improve our understanding of the physical, chemical and geological processes that govern the migration of fluids through the subsurface and up to the seafloor.
Right: 3D seismic image of the Mercator Mud Volcano in the Gulf of Cadiz
Key areas of our research include:
- Fluid migration through the sedimentary column
- Gas hydrate dynamics and distribution, and the nature of the link between them
- Acoustic character, lithology and geotechnical properties of sediments
- Geological controls on hydrothermal venting
- Understanding the imprint of seafloor venting and seepage on the marine geochemical record
- Development of technology to seismically image and geochemically characterise fluid flow systems.
Current topics contributing to our Core Strategic Research programme (Seafloor Processes, Dynamism, Variability and Disturbance) include subsurface sediment mobilisation, polygonal faulting and seabed stability, and the climatic impact of volcanic sill intrusions.
A significant part of our current research is carried out within the HERMES project, investigating the fluid flow dynamics at mud volcanoes, in particular the Hakon Mosby Mud Volcano (HMMV) on the Norwegian margin, and mud volcanoes in the Gulf of Cadiz. G&G scientists are working closely on these topics with colleagues in the Geochemistry Research Group.
Non-tectonic polygonal faulting as a means for transfer of fluids through the seafloor is a relatively new area of research, but has important implications for fluid flow and hydrocarbon reservoir dynamics. Polygonal faults are related to sediment compaction and fluid expulsion, and occur in fine-grained sediments after deposition but the underlying processes are poorly understood.
Above left: High-resolution seismic image of polygonal fault systems feeding fluid expulsion pipes in the overlying strata. Image courtesy Fugro Geoteam.
Other research topics within the team include an industry-sponsored study of the Atlantic continental margins of Africa, the impact of halokinesis on seabed properties, and volcanism-related fluid flow in the Faroe Shetland Trough.
