Geological and Geophysical Studies of Source and Reservoir Units in the Flemish Pass Basin, Offshore Newfoundland

Suncor Energy Inc. and Memorial University will collaborate on a research program for three Master’s student interns to study the crustal structure and geological history of the petroleum-bearing Flemish Pass Basin and adjoining Central Ridge, offshore Newfoundland and Labrador. The goal of the research is to understand the large and small-scale tectonic processes that formed and modified the basin and underlying crust; reconstruct the ancient drainage system that deposited the sedimentary rocks in the basin; and define the timing and distribution of fluid and oil migration after the rocks were deposited. Geophysical, mineralogical and geochemical techniques will be employed. Suncor holds interests in several exploration and significant discovery licenses in the study area. The internships will provide the company with data and interpretations that will be useful for planning their exploration program in the licensed areas.

This research project was undertaken and completed with a grant from and the financial assistance of Petroleum Research Newfoundland & Labrador.

Faculty Supervisor:

Drs. Paul Sylvester, Karem Azmy & Colin Farquharson

Student:

Matthew William Scott, Di Xiong, Chelsea Squires

Partner:

Suncor Energy Inc.

Discipline:

Geography / Geology / Earth science

Sector:

Oil and gas

University: