Javier Peralta '21

Research with Chris Connors, Summer 2020

I, along with four other students, spent this summer working with Professor Connors interpreting 3D seismic data from the North Slope and adjacent offshore Beaufort Sea in Arctic Alaska. In addition to adding to the regional understanding of the area, the purpose of our study was to look at the geometry and distribution of certain geological formations ranging from the Mississippian period to the Early Jurassic. The formations record a rich history of the south-facing passive margin present at the time and its transitions between nonmarine to marine settings. Moreover, their vertical and lateral distribution have implications for hydrocarbon accumulation in Alaska's National Petroleum Reserve.

My group specifically looked at three formations higher up in the sequence ranging from the Permian to the Jurassic: the Ledge Sandstone, the Shublik formation, and the Sag River formation. An understanding of both the Ledge sandstone and Shublik formation is imperative as both play key roles in oil accumulation at Prudhoe Bay, one being a reservoir and the other a source rock. We made 3D surfaces using the Kingdom Suite software for each formation in several of the surveys that were provided. With each survey, we got a clearer picture of how the formations changed laterally, vertically, and through time. Our findings were consistent with the patterns described by the literature on the North Slope, making us confident in our interpretations.

Although it was not a conventional summer due to Covid-19, I had a great research experience working with Professor Connors. We were required to overcome the difficulties of remote research by being independent thinkers and communicative with our group members. We learned how petroleum geologist and geophysicist work to understand the subsurface and how they work together to synthesize an interpretation of a region. We delved deeply into the specialized literature of the North Slope, gained valuable skills in Kingdom Suite, and became confident interpreters in a geologically complex region. After this summer research experience, I feel more prepared to make post-graduation plans.

Support provided by the Geology Department and the Kozak, McGuire, Spencer, Schwab Fund