Source rock characterization and petroleum system modeling offshore Cyprus (Eastern Mediterranean): New analytical and numerical methods.
Keywords: basin modelling, organic geochemistry, geology, Cyprus
Academic supervisor PROF. DR. RALF LITTKE
Institute of Geology and Geochemistry of Petroleum and Coal
Aachen University of Technology (RWTH).
PROF. DR. FRANCOIS BAUDIN
Géosciences, Ressources Naturelles et Environnement, Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC)
Doctoral School: RWTH Aachen University – UPMC (COTUTELLE)
IFPEN supervisor DR. Maria ROMERO-SARMIENTO, Geoscience Division (R163).
DR. Fadi H. NADER, Geoscience Division (R161)
PhD location IFP Energies Nouvelles, Rueil-Malmaison, France
Duration and start date 3 years, starting preferably on April 1, 2016
Employer IFP Energies Nouvelles, Rueil-Malmaison – France
Academic requirements University Master degree in Geochemistry, Geology
Language requirements Fluency in French or English, willingness to learn French For more information or to submit an application, see theses.ifpen.fr or contact the IFPEN supervisor.
About IFP Energies nouvelles IFP Energies nouvelles is a French public-sector research, innovation and training center. Its mission is to develop efficient, economical, clean and sustainable technologies in the fields of energy, transport and the environment. For more information, see www.ifpen.fr. IFPEN offers a stimulating research environment, with access to first in class laboratory infrastructures and computing facilities. IFPEN offers competitive salary and benefits packages. All PhD students have access to dedicated seminars and training sessions.
Résumé
The main scientific objective of this PhD project is to understand the mechanisms of hydrocarbon generation and migration within source-rock systems in a complex tectono-stratigraphic sedimentary basin. The work will deal with the following tasks and challenges: (1) Model the initial distribution of organic matter at the time of deposition using DionisosFlow Organic Matter software for real case marine source rocks.
Geochemical and petrographical analyses of rock samples from wells and outcrops will be also integrated; (2) Improve TemisFlow basin model database using results from new analytical approaches – including results of rocks with low TOC values (e.g., Pliocene source rocks, Levant) and add information on biogenic gas generation from various source rocks; (3) Use basin modeling not only to define the timing of petroleum systems, but also to anticipate the impact of spatial-temporal fluid flow on the diagenesis on reservoir rocks; and (4) Complete previous (sedimentology/stratigraphy and structural) studies on offshore Cyprus, by constructing a basin model which integrates all data produced to date in-house at IFPEN and establish a reference case study. Surface exposed hydrocarbon and source rock analogues, limited subsurface drilled cores and regional correlations will be used to infer about potential equivalent source rocks in the subsurface, offshore Cyprus (Eratosthenes Seam ount and the western part of Levant Basin). The challenge is double as it concerns two distinct systems (platform carbonates and basin hemipelagic/siliciclastics). The distribution of such source rocks and their quality will be constrained by modern analytical aptitudes and numerical modeling. The student will benefit from two complimentary environments in two European academic environments. The student will be trained to perform typical geochemical characterization of organic-rich sediments (with modern technologies) as well as numerical modelling of sedimentary basins and petroleum systems. This work will deal with real petroleum systems in the eastern Mediterranean and will aim to infer fluid evolution in two distinct geological domains, i.e. platform carbonates of Eratosthenes Seamount and siliciclastic turbidites in the Levant Basin. The 3D basin model will act as a tool to test various scenarios allowing a better understanding of this complex geological province.