N144 Rift Systems, Faulting and Fault-Controlled Sedimentary Architecture: Gulf of Corinth (Greece)
N144 Rift Systems, Faulting and Fault-Controlled Sedimentary Architecture: Gulf of Corinth (Greece)
This course evaluates rift stratigraphy and structure, the geometry and kinematics of a normal fault network and the facies of selected Gilbert-type fan deltas. Participants will examine fluvial successions, fan deltas and turbidites deposited in an active rift; the controlling factors in delta construction and distribution; geometry, connectivity and growth of a normal fault network; the interaction of surface processes and tectonics in active rifts.
This course will primarily be of use in exploration but is also applicable to reservoirs and oil fields in extensional settings during appraisal, development and production.
This is a five-day course, consisting primarily of field work with some classroom tuition. The proportion of field and classroom time is approximately 80/20. Classwork will comprise presentations and practical exercises such as construction of cross sections. Outcrop investigations will be linked to subsurface examples with a particular emphasis on reservoir geology.
Participants will learn to:
The Gulf of Corinth is one of the fastest opening rifts in the world with a rate of NS extension of up to 1.6 cm/yr. On the south side of the Gulf, the rift’s tilted fault blocks and their synrift succession (Late Pliocene-Middle Pleistocene) are exceptionally well-exposed due to rapid uplift up to 1200 m and deep incision by rivers. The onshore clastic rift succession, up to 2.8 km thick, includes a series of spectacular giant Gilbert-type fan deltas (up to 800 m thick, radii up to 4 km) that are used as analogues for reservoirs. These are exposed on cliffs up to 800 m high, where their stratigraphic architecture and facies can be studied in detail.
Theme 1
The behaviour of the normal fault network during evolution of the rift, in particular the distribution of displacement on the fault network in space and time and the apparent abandonment of large parts of the network as tectonic activity became focussed within a relatively narrow basin in the last one million years. The narrowness of the fault blocks (4 to 8 km wide) is also a topic of debate.
Theme 2
The stratigraphic architecture and facies distribution within the Plio-Pleistocene syn-rift stratigraphy. Particular attention has been focused on the giant Gilbert-type fan delta systems.
Exercise topics and practical work that will be taught with this fieldtrip:
Itinerary
The course will undertake field excursions to the Vouraikos Valley, Kerinitis Valley, Krathis valley and Derveni area, all within 1 hour’s drive from the hotel. Participants will construct cross-sections and make stratigraphic correlations across a series of fault blocks, each with a different geometry and stratigraphic architecture.
Day 0:
Assemble at Athens airport, travel to the Gulf of Corinth with short visit to the Corinth canal. Check in to hotel at Elaionas, followed by Course Introduction, and Safety Brief.
Day 1:
General overview and introduction to the Corinth Rift. Geometry and stratigraphy of a single fault block (Trapeza, Ano Diakofto, Asomati Plateau, West Helike Fault)
Day 2:
Vouraikos section: Fault block geometry and stratigraphic architecture (Mikros church, Doumena east, Kato Zachlorou, Megha Speleo, Kalavryta road junction, Railway crossing)
Day 3:
Krathis section: relay ramp evolution, lateral variations in rift infill and fault geometries (Bridge to Kalamia and Bougsismos, Vallimi North, Tsivlos road exercise,Tsivlos Lake, Mavra Litharia, Krathis-Diakopto Road corals)
Day 4:
The Keranitis Gilbert-type fan delta (Aghio Andreas area, Keranitis valley)
Eastern rift and its Gilbert deltas and prodelta turbidites (Evrostini delta panorama, Medourianika south, Evrostina road).
Travel to Athens, final group dinner.
Day 6:
Depart Athens.
The course is relevant for all geoscientists who wish to broaden and deepen their knowledge of tectonics and sedimentation in rift systems. The course will provide a working knowledge of these systems for graduates and inexperienced staff, while providing deeper insights to more experienced participants for more detailed application to subsurface projects.
Multidisciplinary teams working assets in extensional settings would benefit from collaborating in this field environment.
It is assumed that participants will have a basic knowledge of structural geology and sedimentology and be familiar with associated terminology before attending the class.
This course is complementary to other courses focusing on extensional tectonics and fault systems such as N041 (Extensional Tectonics and Normal Fault Patterns, Utah).
The physical demands for this class are LOW according to the Nautilus Training Alliance field course grading system. There will be multiple walks of up to 1 km (0.5 miles) most days. The longest walk is approximately 3 km (1.5 miles) with an ascent (and descent) of 200 m (80 feet). The field area is at an elevation approximately 300 m (1000 ft) and conditions are variable but likely to be hot. There may be rain from late autumn to early spring. Transport will be by minicoach on paved roads.
Click on a name to learn more about the instructor
Background
• Dynamic Earth, Structural geology and tectonics; Geological mapwork, Orogens, Basin geodynamics, Techniques in structural geology
for exploration geologists, Field mapping.
• Kinematics and dynamic evolution of fold and thrust belts and foreland basins, Interaction of surface processes (sedimentation, erosion) and
tectonics in foreland basins and rifts. Dynamics of rifting. Evolution of normal fault systems.
• Professor of Structural Geology and Tectonics, Nancy School of Geology, Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Géologie (ENSG), Nancy University.
• Habilitation, ETH, Zurich, Switzerland: Foreland basin systems: an Alpine Perspective.
• Oberassistent (Lecturer, Assistant Professor), Geological Institute, ETH, Zurich, Switzerland
• Lecturer and Senior lecturer, Department of Geological Sciences, Plymouth Polytechnic, U.K.
• Senior Demonstrator, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Liverpool, U.K.
Affiliations and Accreditation
PhD University College Cork, Ireland
Courses Taught
N144: The Corinth Rift: Normal Faults, Tectonics and Stratigraphic Architecture (Gulf of Corinth, Greece)
A biography for this new tutor is currently being sourced.
Please revisit this biography soon for updated information. Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.
Our Safety Management Systems ensure that every course is risk managed appropriately to enable quality, safe and enjoyable learning to take place in the field environment.
To learn more about how RPS manages your health and safety, visit the HSE section of this site.