LOBE 2

 

Overview

The Lobe Phase 2 Joint Industry Project; supported by 16 companies, started in May 2012. The project builds upon the results and experience of Phase 1, which focused on developing models for the depositional architecture and stratigraphic evolution of submarine lobe deposits based on field and core data in the Karoo Basin South Africa. Complementary process-based numerical models tested hypotheses of conceptual models developed from outcrop investigations. A new predictive understanding of lobe hierarchy has demonstrated that lobe volume is independent of supply system size. A 530m-deep research borehole (BAV1b) was fully cored through Units A and B.

The objectives of Lobe Phase 2 are:
1) to better understand the stratigraphic architecture and process record near channel mouths
2) to characterise the full variety of lobes in different geographic and stratigraphic settings
3) to quantify the range and distribution of hybrid bed types (and key permeability controls)
4) to apply generic concepts to subsurface datasets
5) To understand lobe architecture and stratigraphic record in post-rift settings

The Lobe Phase 2 Project will still have a big focus on the Karoo basin (South Africa), but will extend its working field to the Neuquen basin in Argentina.

The research work will be undertaken by 3 PhD at the University of Leeds, UK. The scientific rationale for collecting the boreholes are to provide callibration to sedimentary facies at outcrop, to constrain the depositional architecture of the system and to further our fundamental understanding of the geological history of the Karoo Basin during the Permian period. The research drilling operations are being conducted in close collaboration with Dr. DeVille Wickens of Georoutes Petroleum. The Research boreholes are being cored in the Tanqua and Laingsburg areas. There will be annual sponsors training fieldtrips with input via the steering group into the scope and direction of the research programme.
Finally, we thank the Karoo landowners for access to the outcrops and permission to drill the wells. Without their understanding and support (and their continuing willingness to accommodate field courses), this workshop would not be possible. Finally, we thank the Karoo landowners for access to the outcrops and permission to drill the wells. Without their understanding and support (and their continuing willingness to accommodate field courses), this workshop would not be possible.