Geometry, scale, distribution and evolution of slope-confined gullies
Dr Christopher Jackson (Imperial College)
Dr David Hodgson (University of Leeds)
Submarine canyons are common geomorphic feature on many continental margins and
large volumes of sediment may be transferred through these conduits from continents
to the deep ocean floor to form large basin-floor fans. However, slope confined ‘gully’
systems, which do not extend on to the continental shelf, have received considerably
less attention, despite their common occurrence on many continental margins. Existing
studies suggest that these systems are characteristic of low sediment supply portions of
continental margins and that these systems typically form in response to thick, wide,
mud-rich, dilute, turbidity currents. Furthermore, their evolution is dominated by
aggradational processes, with limited and localised evidence for erosion and sediment
bypass (Fig. 1). However, these conclusions have been drawn from a limited number of
studies, thus additional qualitative and quantitative data are required to test and refine
these models.
This project will utilise high-quality 3D seismic reflection and well data to document the
depositional architecture of Cenozoic-to-Recent slope gullies offshore NW Australia. The
large size (>5000 km2) of the seismic dataset and the tight line spacing (<25 m x <25 m)
mean that the geometry, distribution, and long-term evolution (>5 Myr) of the gulley
systems can be determined. The tectonic, ancient and modern oceanographic setting
and sediment supply characteristics of the study area will also be compared and
contrasted to investigate the key controls on the development of the gullies.
This PhD would suit a student with an interest in sedimentology, stratigraphy and/or
3D seismic interpretation. The candidate will hold a strong (high 2:1 or 1st)
undergraduate (BSc or equivalent) degree and/or masters (MSc) level degree in geology
or geophysics. The PhD student will receive training in seismic interpretation and
wireline log analysis. These skills will be useful for a future career in the hydrocarbon
industry or in research. For further information on this project please contact Dr
Christopher Jackson (c.jackson@imperial.ac.uk).