The Fold-Fault Research Project
(FRP) involves integrated geophysical and geological
research into the 3-D geometry and evolution of structures of economic
and academic interest in fold and thrust belts. Studies are being
undertaken at a number of locations along
the Rocky Mountain Fold and Thrust Belt: in Alberta, northeastern
British Columbia, the
Yukon and Northwest Territories, based on 2-D and 3-D seismic data
available from the
sponsoring companies, ERCB well data and new geological mapping. We are
expanding
our research to other fold and thrust belts as data become available.
The emphasis of the research is to develop general models for
fold-thrust deformation and
to also analyze the variations in structural style along and across
strike that are related to
fault propagation, lithologic changes and pre-existing basement
structures. Physical
centrifuge models and numerical modelling are being used to study the
evolution of fold and
thrust belts. The project also addresses problems of seismic imaging of
Foothills structures
and the role of anisotropy in time-to-depth conversion. Problems
associated with the
imaging and processing of seismic data over 3-D structures in
anisotropic rocks are being
analyzed with physical and numerical seismic modelling. Knowledge
obtained from this
research will reduce the risk of finding oil and gas reservoirs in fold
and thrust belts and
allow more efficient exploration and production of these resources
based on the improved
understanding of their 3-D geometry.
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Fold-Fault Research Project members are presently working in field areas in western Alberta and northeastern British Columbia. Most of the studies involve both geological mapping and 2-D seismic data. Several 3-D seismic volumes are being used in the project. FRP hopes to utilise the skills gained in the Rocky Mountain Fold and Thrust Belt, in other parts of the world such as the Northwest Territories, the Yukon Territory, South America, Southeast Asia, and New Zealand. |
Interpreted seismic section from the triangle zone
across the Crowsnest
Deflection in the Rocky Mountain Thrust Front of southern Alberta
The Department of Geoscience at the University of Calgary
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