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IS-AUR-Samarb.progr. Norge Frankrike

Multi-scale deformation around magmatic intrusions in sedimentary basins

Awarded: NOK 40,000

The goal of the proposed project is to address the mechanics of multi-scale deformation as a result of magmatic intrusions, and particularly sills, in sedimentary basins. Such deformation have implications at: (1) large scale, as sills lift up their overb urden, forming dome structures that can act as traps for hydrocarbons; (2) at small scale, as local damage such as faults and joints is produced due to the propagation of sills, potentially generating a connected fracture network that can channel fluids. The physical knowledge of these processes at both scales can thus have major implications on our understanding of petroleum systems in volcanic basins, such as offshore Norway. This project proposes an experimental collaboration between researchers of the University of Oslo and the University of Maine, France. We propose to conduct join experimental activities to study the mechanics of (1) large-scale deformation associated with sill emplacement through a 3D experimental apparatus designed in Oslo, and (2 ) small-scale deformation associated with sill propagation through a 2D experimental apparatus designed in Le Mans. The proposed experiments will lead to (1) a mechanical model of large-scale magma emplacement in sedimentary basin, and (2) mechanical cons traints on the local-scale processes governing the propagation of magmatic sills. In addition, the key objective of the proposed collaboration is to coordinate in a systematic manner both experimental approaches, in order to integrate the results at diffe rent scales into a single coherent model. This integrating approach is the key for up-scaling small-scale processes to large-scale processes, which is a major challenge for many processes in Earth sciences.

Funding scheme:

IS-AUR-Samarb.progr. Norge Frankrike