Sedimentary Geology/Geomorphology
The Jackson School of Geosciences is home to one of the largest and most diverse sedimentology & stratigraphy faculties in the nation. When U.S. News & World Report last ranked sedimentology & stratigraphy graduate programs, UT Austin was No. 1. The program has a long tradition of excellence. It is the birthplace of depositional systems analysis, a fundamental approach for relating the spatial distribution of sedimentary rocks to their environments of deposition and a school of thought that has been widely influential in both academia and industry.
Major advances in the petrology and diagenesis of sedimentary rocks can also be tied to the program. Marine geology and geophysics has become an equally strong component through expertise across the Jackson School. The program was among the first to use multichannel seismic reflection techniques to understand the geologic history of continental margins around the world, and has pioneered the academic use of 3D seismic imaging for a variety of applications, from basin history and evolution to reservoir assessment. The program is currently focused in the areas of global change, geochemistry and diagenesis, sequence stratigraphy, seismic stratigraphy and geomorphology, surficial processes and sedimentary process modeling, and pore-scale to full field reservoir characterization.
The sedimentology/stratigraphy research community at JSG includes over 30 Ph.D. faculty, research scientists, and senior research scientists spread across the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Bureau of Economic Geology, and Institute for Geophysics. This group provides as wide a range of areas of research specialization as any similar program in the nation.
The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences group has core areas in seismic and sequence stratigraphic analysis of both clastic and carbonate systems, diagenesis and geochemistry of carbonates and clastics including extensive stable and radiogenic isotope labs, physical and numerical modeling of eolian, fluvial, and shallow to deep marine transport systems with an emphasis on the construction of sedimentary deposits, petrology, basin analysis, and the application of field, petrologic, chemical, and isotopic methods for studying chemical evolution of groundwater and ancient oceans.
The Institute for Geophysics is focused on large multidisciplinary research programs looking at 2D and 3D geophysical studies of stratigraphic evolution of marine and lacustrine basins worldwide. The sedimentology/stratigraphy group at the Institute makes use of a wide range of geophysical tools and datasets to attack problems of global geodynamics and climate change.
The Bureau of Economic Geology has research efforts in clastic and carbonate sequence stratigraphy, diagenesis and reservoir characterization, as well as seismic geomorphologic analysis of 3D seismic data, visualization of subsurface systems, mudrock depositional systems, basin-forming processes, and classic and digital outcrop analysis. They are working on basins and outcrop areas all over the world to answer questions concerning the fundamental processes that act to control rock properties in the subsurface.
Faculty
 | Daniel O Breecker |
 | Julia A ClarkeVertebrate paleontology |
 | Peter B FlemingsStratigraphy, basin analysis, basin-scale fluid flow, pore pressures in seafloor sediments, submarine landslides, oil and gas migration, methane hydrates, Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) |
 | Timothy A GoudgeRemote sensing; surface processes; geomorphology; sedimentology; reflectance spectroscopy; martian surface geology; planetary science. |
 | Brian K HortonTectonics of sedimentary basins, evolution of orogenic systems, sediment provenance and routing systems, nonmarine depositional processes. |
 | Matthew A Malkowskidepositional systems, tectonics |
 | Rowan C MartindaleTriassic and Jurassic reef paleoecology, mass extinctions (Triassic-Jurassic, 201 Ma), carbon cycle perturbation events in deep time, ocean acidification in deep time, Oceanic Anoxic Events, invertebrate paleontology (corals, sponges, algae, microbes), Mesozoic marine communities and ecosystems, exceptional fossil preservation (Lagerstätten), paleoecology, marine ecology, Geoscience Education, educational game design, carbonate ... |
 | Lorena G Moscardellisedimentology and stratigraphy |
Research Faculty
 | James A Austin, Jr |
 | Naïm A Celini |
 | Jacob A Covaultsedimentology, stratigraphy, marine geology |
Xuesong DingBasin stratigraphic modeling; Landscape evolution modeling; Tectonic geomorphology; | |
 | Peter P FlaigNorth Slope-Alaska, Central Transantarctic Mountains-Antarctica, Canada, stratigraphy, architecture, Antarctica, Clastic sedimentology, lidar |
 | Qilong FuSedimentology and stratigraphy, petrology of sedimentary rocks, reservoir characterization |
 | Marcus GaryKarst Hydrogeology |
 | Susan D HovorkaCarbon Sequestration, sedimentology, hydrogeology |
 | Xavier JansonCarbonates sedimentology and sequence stratigraphy, petrophysics of carbonate, seismic signature of carbonate rock, seismic modeling, carbonate modern depositional environment |
Tingwei (Lucy) KoSource Rock Characterization | |
 | Robert G LoucksResearch in carbonate, sandstone, mudrock stratigraphy, sedimentology, diagenesis, reservoir characterization, pore network analysis |
 | Cornel OlariuClastic Sedimentology, Stratigraphy, Depositional Environments, Basin Analysis |
 | Jeffrey G Painecoastal geology, Quaternary geology and geomorphology, Geophysics, hydrogeology, Geomorphology |
 | Zoltan Sylvestersedimentology, Geomorphology, Stratigraphy |
 | Michael H Young |
 | Hongliu ZengSeismic sedimentology; seismic geomorphology; seismic and sequence stratigraphy; Characterization of thin-bed reservoirs; seismic chrono-stratgraphy |
Lecturers
| Marcus GaryKarst Hydrogeology |
 | Joel P JohnsonProcess geomorphology, bedrock river erosion, flash floods, arroyo erosion, canyon formation, laboratory flume experimentation, numerical modeling, storm surges, Geomorphology, hydrology, Sediment Transport |
Research Scientists
 | Kitty L MillikenPetrography and geochemistry of siliciclastic rocks; diagenesis; electron microbeam methods: X-ray mapping, cathodoluminescence imaging; micro-scale reservoir characterization |
 | Michael L Sweet |
Research Staff
Richard A Dennedepositional systems | |
 | Robin D Dommisse- Integrated reservoir characterization, - Petroleum Geology, - Petroleum Engineering, - Carbonate sequence stratigraphy, - Petrophysics, - Geostatistics, - Reservoir simulation, - Software development, and modeling, Integrated reservoir characterization, petroleum geology, Sequence stratigraphy, Petrophysics, geostatistics, reservoir simulation |
Sara Elliott | |
 | Kelly HattoriCarbonate sedimentology and stratigraphy, sequence stratigraphy, mixed carbonate-siliciclastic systems, salt-sediment interactions, reefs, ocean anoxic events and effect on carbonate deposition |
 | Robert M ReedMicrostructural analysis of rocks |
 | John W SneddenGulf of Mexico Basin global expert, Sequence Stratigraphy, Sedimentology, Reservoir Development and Connectivity, Petroleum Geoscience |
Emeriti
 | William L FisherBasin analysis, sequence stratigraphy, depositional systems, petroleum geology, resource assessment, energy policy |
 | Charles KeransCarbonate sequence stratigraphy, depositional systems, reservoir characterization, basin analysis, seismic interpretation, seismic stratigraphy, paleokarst analysis, carbonate diagenesis |
 | John M Sharp, JrHyrdogeology, flow in fractured rocks, thermohaline free convection, fracture skin effects, effects of urbanization, alluvial aquifers, hydrogeology of sedimentary basins, hydrogeophysics, hydrology, hydrogeology |
 | Ronald J Steeltectonics |
 | Robert H Tatham |
 | Frederick W Taylor, Jrtectonic geomorphology, Stratigraphy, Paleoclimate |
 | Scott W TinkerGlobal energy supply and demand, Technology Administration, Multidisciplinary reservoir characterization, Carbonate sedimentology, Sequence stratigraphy, 3-D reservoir modeling, Resource assessment. |
Graduate Students
 | August AaltoPlanetary Science, Geomorphology, remote sensing, history of science, Aqueous geochemistry |
 | Jonathan P AmendolaGeomorphology |
Mitchell Baird | |
 | Amanda Z CalleGeochronology |
 | Morgan A Carrington |
 | Anthony Chiassontectonics |
 | Dallas B DunlapQuantitative Clastics Laboratory, Geologic Subsurface Mapping, Deepwater Depositional Processes |
 | Bella F Graynumerical modeling, machine learning, hydrology, Sediment Transport |
 | Eric Guentherremote sensing, lidar |
Tanner Johnson | |
 | Caroline Mackin |
 | Medha PrakashPlanetary surface processes, remote sensing, Paleoclimate |
 | Isaac Rangel-Landeros |
Danielle Zaleski |
Carbon Cpature and Geologic StorageUndergraduate - ongoing - get in touch: tip.meckel@beg.utexas.eduThe Gulf Coast Carbon Center often engages with undergradutes in geology, EER, and petroleum engineering on topic related to carbon capture and geologic storage (CCS). Posted by: Tip Meckel |
Offshore CO2 StorageGraduate - Seeking Graduate Research Assistant interested in integrated seismic, well log, and geology integration for CO2 storage resource assessment.Current DOE grant to study CO2 storage options in the Gulf of Mexico offshore Corpus Christi, Texas. Posted by: Tip Meckel |
UTIG Undergraduate Research Opportunities Fellowship in "Sediment Microplastics in Austin's Waterways"Undergraduate - Fall 2023 semesterThe UTIG Undergraduate Research Opportunities Fellowship in "Sediment Microplastics in Austin's Waterways" is open to third and fourth year JSG undergraduates for the fall, 2023 semester (September-December). Fellowship recipients will process sediment samples from Lake Austin and Lady Bird Lake to extract microplastics (at the sedimentary lab at Pickle Research Campus) as part of a baseline study funded by UTIG and the City of Austin. The project includes optional opportunities for local field work, independent research projects, and publication. Get involved! Fellows will receive a monthly stipend of $500/month. No experience necessary! To apply, email resume and brief statement of interest to Marcy Davis (marcy@ig.utexas.edu) and Cornel Olariu (cornelo@jsg.utexas.edu). Please include your major, year in school, and contact information in the body of the email. Posted by: Cornel Olariu |
Community-Based Research Program, BRIDGES: Building Resilience via Interdisciplinary Design, Geoscience, and Community-Engaged Solutions (Undergraduate)GraduateBRIDGES represents an emerging approach to environmental resilience that emphasizes bidirectional learning between universities and communities. These teams will comprise a 'Community of Practice' to design and implement research projects addressing community challenges in numerous themes, such as Water Resources, Climate Resilience, Land use, and Air Quality. Posted by: Jay L Banner |
Graduate and undergraduate research in geologic sequestration of CO2GraduateGulf Coast Carbon Center supports a team of students and post docs working in geologic sequestration (deep subsurface long-duration storage) of the major greenhouse gas CO2, as a method to reduce release to the atmosphere. Student projects are wide ranging, from sedimentology to policy, linked in that they are 1) multidisciplinary and 2) applied to current issues. |
MSc or PhD StudentGraduateOur team is almost always interested in recruiting new graduate students who are interested in paleoecology, marine communities, carbonate sedimentology, and/or geobiology. We currently have teo areas of focus, modern and Pleistocene reef and coastal communities in Jamaica and Early Jurassic marine paleoecology in Morocco Posted by: Rowan C Martindale |
High Resolution 3D marine seismic for fluid studiesGraduateOpportunities exist to become involved in the design, acquisition, processing, and interpretation of high-resolution 3D marine seismic data. Current applications include characterization for subsurface storage of carbon dioxide and natural fluid migration studies. We anticipate development into imaging modern systems as reservoir analogs. Posted by: Tip Meckel |
Postdoctoral FellowGraduatePurpose of position: To conduct research in numerical simulation of fluid flow using both traditional Darcy flow simulators as well as Invasion Percolation methods, sandbox flow modeling, and development of a strong publication record on the topic. Essential functions: Develop numerical simulations of fluid flow CO2 in mm to m scale models informed by geologic depositional heterogeneity. Assist in designing and implementing laboratory validation experiments of sandbox flow modeling to support theoretical and numerical simulations. Publish results in peer reviewed outlets, assist in project reporting and make presentations, as needed to support project. Required qualifications: PhD in hydrogeology, environmental engineering, or closely related geoscience field earned within the last three years. Relevant laboratory experience with sandbox scale flow experiments. Demonstrated research interest in forward and inverse modeling of subsurface flow and transport pertaining multi-phase flow. Preferred qualifications Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to conduct experimental studies. Demonstrated experience in presenting and publishing results, including CO2 or CCS. Posted by: Tip Meckel |
Innovative Detrital Provenance Studies - Double Dating PLUSGraduateA major thrust of my current research the development and application of more comprehensive isotopic detrital provenance tools. U-Pb on zircon is clearly the big work horse, but only goes so far and sometimes yields "no" useful info, e.g., if the source of the sediment is mostly recycled sediment. We have extensively pursued double dating of zircons by U-Pb and He, as zircon He ages yield very interesting insights into the thermal and tectonic history of the source terrane; often yielding very different insights than crystallization ages. The combination is powerful, but I think we can take things so much farther by combining double dating with other constrains. People have tried fission track (not precise enough), Hf/Hf (to get mantle separation model ages), etc., but what we want to do and are working on is really Double Dating ++, combining zircon U-Pb-He dating with a variety of other geochemical aspects to more comprehensive understand detrital provenance and improve paleo-tectonic reconstructions. For example, trace-element thermometry (Ti in zirc), REE on zircon (met vs mag origin), Hf/Hf (see above), oxygen isotopes, etc. and also to develop rutile in an analogous manner (e.g., Zr in rut thermometry, Cr/Nb ratio (mafic vs granulitic), REE, etc.). The sky is the limit and what can learn so much. The issue in part it, how much can a single grain tell us before it's gone? The project sounds very laboratory oriented, but it's really a combination of field and lab work. We have identified a few possible case study areas, e.g., Morocco; great exposures, long-lived and preserved record of basin deposition since the Precambrian. My group is already working on some case studies in NW Himalayas, the N & S Pyrenees, the Sevier FTB, Permian Basin and other foreland basin. New projects include provenance studies along rifted and passive continental margins such the Gulf of Mexico, the central Atlantic Margins in Canada, USA, Portugal, and Morocco. Posted by: Danny Stockli |
Center for Planetary Systems HabitabilityThe Center for Planetary Systems Habitability is an interdisciplinary research center at UT and is the result of a partnership between the Jackson School, the College of Natural Sciences, and the Cockrell School of Engineering. The center advances our ability to search for life on other planets by collaborating on research that helps better understand where habitable zones develop and how they evolve within planetary systems. |
Gulf Coast Carbon CenterThe Gulf Coast Carbon Center (GCCC) seeks to apply its technical and educational resources to implement geologic storage of anthropogenic carbon dioxide on an aggressive time scale with a focus in a region where large-scale reduction of atmospheric releases is needed and short term action is possible. |
Bars in Tidal Environments |
Fracture Research and Application ConsortiumThe Fracture Research and Application Consortium (FRAC) is an alliance of scientists from the Bureau and the departments of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering and Geological Sciences that seeks fundamental understanding of fractures and fracture processes dedicated to conquering the challenges of reservoir fractures. |
Gulf Basin Depositional Synthesis ProjectThe UT Gulf Basin Depositional Synthesis Project (GBDS) is an ongoing, industry-supported, comprehensive synthesis of Cenozoic fill of the entire Gulf of Mexico basin. The results are distributed as a digital data base that is updated regularly. The project has led to major new contributions to the understanding of the depositional history and framework of the Gulf of Mexico Basin. The project has focused on refining sequence correlations between the continental margin and deep basin stratigraphies, mapping sedimentary transport axes and paleogeographies through time, defining the evolving roles of submarine canyons, retrogradational margins, and shelf-margin delta systems in localizing in time and space sand transport to the slope and abyssal plain, and better understanding regional controls on reservoir facies and their deposition.). |
Mudrock Systems Research LaboratoryThe Mudrock Systems Research Laboratory (MSRL) is dedicated to the twin goals of unraveling fundamental scientific aspects of the most common sedimentary rock type and devising applications of this understanding to the characterization of an important and growing unconventional resource. |
Quantitative Clastics LaboratoryThe Quantitative Clastics Laboratory (QCL) carries out geologic studies of the processes, tectonics, and quantitative morphology of basins around the world, with research that emphasizes the use of mega-merged 3D seismic data sets for quantitative seismic geomorphologic study of the basin fill, evaluation of source-to-sink relationships between the shelf, slope and deep basin and analyses of the influence of tectonics and fluids on the evolution of these complex continental margin settings. |
Reservoir Characterization Research LaboratoryThe Reservoir Characterization Research Laboratory (RCRL) seeks to use outcrop and subsurface geologic and petrophysical data from carbonate reservoir strata as the basis for developing new and integrated methodologies to better understand and describe the 3-D reservoir environment. |
Structural Diagenesis InitiativeStructural diagenesis is a new perspective on interaction of mechanical and chemical processes at high crustal levels in the Earth. SDI promotes the growth of this new discipline. |
UT GeoFluidsThe UT GeoFluids studies the state and evolution of pressure, stress, deformation and fluid migration through experiments, theoretical analysis, and field study. This industry-funded consortium is dedicated to producing innovative concepts that couple geology and fluid flow. |
Affiliated UT Programs & Centers
UT Austin Energy InstituteThe Energy Institute has been established at the University of Texas at Austin to provide the State of Texas and the Nation guidance for sustainable energy security through the pursuit of research and education programs - good policy based on good science.
The Institute will determine the areas of research and instruction in consultation with an Institute Advisory Board, faculty and staff at the University of Texas at Austin, the private energy sector, public utilities, non-governmental organizations, and the general public.
The economic future of the State of Texas, and our Nation, depends upon the viability of sustainable energy resources. The mission of the Energy Institute is to provide the transformational changes through research and instruction that are required for this State's and Nation's sustainable energy security. |
Research Groups
Dynamic Stratigraphy Workgroup |
Morphodynamics and Quantitative Stratigraphy |