Energy Geosciences

Faculty

	Peter B Flemings Stratigraphy, basin analysis, basin-scale fluid flow, pore pressures in seafloor sediments, submarine landslides, oil and gas migration, methane hydrates, Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP)
	Sergey Fomel Computational and exploration geophysics; seismic imaging; wave propagation; seismic data analysis; inverse problems; geophysical estimation
	Charles Kerans Carbonate sequence stratigraphy, depositional systems, reservoir characterization, basin analysis, seismic interpretation, seismic stratigraphy, paleokarst analysis, carbonate diagenesis
	Richard A Ketcham High-resolution X-ray computed tomography, CT scanning, 3D image analysis, fission-track dating, thermochronology, thermal history inversion, structural geology, tectonics, digital morphology, trabecular bone
	Luc L Lavier Tectonics; the structural and geodynamical evolution of continental and oceanic rifts, as well as collisional environments; numerical techniques to model tectonic processes on crustal and lithospheric scales; deformation; subduction
	Jung-Fu Lin Mineral physics, physics and chemistry of planetary materials, solid-Earth geophysics and geochemistry, high-pressure diamond anvil cell, X-ray and laser spectroscopy
	Shujuan Mao Environmental seismology, Hydrogeophysics, Geothermal energy, Carbon sequestration, Critical-zone processes, Time-lapse imaging, Ambient seismic field, 4D seismology
	David Mohrig Sedimentary Geology, Sedimentology, Stratigraphy, Geomorphology, Rivers, Deltas, Coastlines, Submarine Channels, Geohazards, Sediment-Gravity Currents, Sediment Transport, Seismic Interpretation, Basin Analysis
	Mrinal K Sen Seismic wave propagation including anisotropy, geophysical inverse problems, earthquakes and earth structure, applied seismology, petroleum exploration including 4D seismology
	Kyle T Spikes Exploration Geophysics, in particular rock physics applications and seismic inversion techniques for reservoir characterization.
	Scott W Tinker Global energy supply and demand, Technology Administration, Multidisciplinary reservoir characterization, Carbonate sedimentology, Sequence stratigraphy, 3-D reservoir modeling, Resource assessment.
	Nicola Tisato Experimental rock physics and rock mechanics. Digital Rock Physics. Speleology. Seismic wave attenuation, Physical properties of rocks, Wave-Induced-Phenomena, Genesis of caves and speleothems, Reservoir characterization, Nuclear waste management.

Lecturers

Kenneth W Wisian Geothermal Geophysics, SETI, Exoplanets, Space Exploration, Disaster Response, Recovery & Resiliency, Military Technology Applications, International Affairs, Innovation, Curriculum Development

Affiliated Faculty

Michael Pyrcz geological modeling, geostatistics, spatial statistics, data analytics, machine learning

Emeritus

	Robert E Dickinson Climate, Global Warming, Land Surface Processes, Remote Sensing, Hydrological Cycle, Carbon Cycle, and Modeling.
	William L Fisher Basin analysis, sequence stratigraphy, depositional systems, petroleum geology, resource assessment, energy policy
	Paul L Stoffa Multichannel seismic acquisition, signal processing, acoustic and elastic wave propagation, modeling and inversion of geophysical data
	Clark R Wilson Geophysics, including gravity, space geodesy, and applied seismology

Postdocs

	Abdo Elmeliegy My research expertise lies in the intersection between applied mathematics, mechanics, and computational sciences. Specifically, I am actively conducting research in developing efficient methodologies for seismic full-waveform inversion. Also, I am actively developing efficient framework for soft tissue imaging which shares similar principles as those of seismic imaging.
	Nadine Igonin Seismology, microseismic, induced seismicity
	Fritz Palacios
	Zhicheng Wang Multiphase flow/Reservoir Simulation/CCS
	Qiqi Wang Research Wang’s research includes fundamental work on fracture pattern formation, methods to analysis patterns, clastic diagenesis, reservoir characterization, rock properties evaluation, and reservoir quality predictive modelling. Wang has expertise in petrography, scanning electron microscopy, fluid inclusion micro thermometry, field- and core-based fracture description, image log analysis, diagenetic and rock ...
	Shuo Zhang

Research Scientists

	Athma R Bhandari Experimental rock mechanics Geotechnical laboratory testing Measurement of porosity and permeability in gas and oil shales Digital-image-based deformation measurements Microstructure characterization of soils and rocks Constitutive and numerical modeling of soils and rocks
	Shuvajit Bhattacharya Petrophysics, Formation Evaluation, Quantitative Seismic Interpretation, Machine Learning, Integrated Subsurface Characterization, Carbon Sequestration
	Alejandro Cardona Ramirez methane hydrates, geomechanics, rock mechanics, petrophysical properties of geomaterials, multiphase flow, fractured rocks
	Ian J Duncan Expertise in geomechanic and geochemistry applied to: risks associated with CO2 sequestration; hydraulic fracturing for shale gas production; environmental impact of hydraulic fracturing; and the water-energy nexus. Current research focuses on the scientific, environmental and public policy aspects of unconventional natural gas production, the water-energy nexus, and carbon capture and ...
	Tingwei (Lucy) Ko Source Rock Characterization Geochemistry (Organic, Biomarker, Gas Isotope) Mudrock Characterization Petrography, SEM
	Kitty L Milliken Petrography and geochemistry of siliciclastic rocks; diagenesis; electron microbeam methods: X-ray mapping, cathodoluminescence imaging; micro-scale reservoir characterization
	Cornelia Rasmussen Paleoecology, geobiology, geochemistry, geochronology, sedimentology
	Michael L Sweet
	Kenneth W Wisian Geothermal Geophysics, SETI, Exoplanets, Space Exploration, Disaster Response, Recovery & Resiliency, Military Technology Applications, International Affairs, Innovation, Curriculum Development

Research Staff

	Mohsen Ahmadian Program Manager for the Advanced Energy Consortium Managing multidisciplinary nanosensor, miniaturized electronics, and smart materials research for the assessment of subsurface properties in various applications, including energy exploration, geothermal, CCUS, etc. https://www.beg.utexas.edu/aec/
	Richard J Chuchla Graduate studies were focused on igneous processes, magmatism and related formation of ore deposits. Professional career included exploration for base and precious metal ore deposits, coal assessment and development, and research, exploration and development in the upstream sector of the oil and gas business. Managerial positions led to development of ...
	Robin D Dommisse 3D geological interpretation and modeling - Integrated reservoir characterization - Petroleum Geology - Petroleum Engineering - Carbonate sequence stratigraphy - Conventional and unconventional reservoir exploration and development - Oil field exploration and production reservoir management - Petrophysics - Geostatistics - Reservoir simulation - Software development
	Raymond L Eastwood Petrophysics; mainly creation of core-calibrated interpretation models for well logs.
	Sara Elliott
	Kelly Hattori Carbonate sedimentology and stratigraphy, sequence stratigraphy, mixed carbonate-siliciclastic systems, salt-sediment interactions, reefs, ocean anoxic events and effect on carbonate deposition
	Thomas Hess Geoscience software, anisotropic imaging, seismic processing, seismic geometry, deconvolution, problem solving.
	Jay P Kipper Personnel management, fiscal reporting, budget management, contract negotiation, management of geological samples
	Francis Peel Salt Tectonics Gulf of Mexico Seismic Interpretation Salt Deposition RIsk and probability in exploration Fold and Thrust Belts Deepwater systems
	Robert M Reed Microstructural analysis of rocks, particularly small-scale deformation structures and pores in mudrocks.
	Ramon Trevino Sequence stratigraphic interpretations (well logs, 3-D seismic), integrated reservoir characterization, subsurface correlation and mapping (using workstation and PC) and subsurface structural interpretation (using 3-D seismic), project management, CO2 sequestration
	Christopher K Zahm Reservoir characterization, flow modeling in fractured reservoirs, porosity-permeability evolution

Graduate Students

	Tolulope Agbaje Tolulope holds a B-Tech in Applied Geology from the Federal University of Technology Akure, an MS in Geology from Kansas State University, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Geology at the Jackson School of Geosciences. His primary research centers on utilizing machine learning for pore pressure prediction.
	Abdulmajeed Alrefaei I am an exploration geologist working for Saudi Aramco where I conduct surface studies of subsurface reservoirs. I worked within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on many different basins such as Tabuk basin, Central Arabia basin, Hail basin and Qasim basin. I am personally interested in the lower Paleozoic (Hirnantian) ...
	Taufik Al Amin My research work with Reservoir Characterization Research Laboratory (RCRL) - Bureau of Economic Geology, pertains to the examination of facies variability, mechanical stratigraphy, and their implications on the heterogeneity of natural and induced fractures in the upper Wolfcamp formation of mixed carbonate-siliciclastic fans, Permian, Delaware Basin.
	William S Bailey
	Chiara Ballam
	Cameron M deFabry
	Dallas B Dunlap Quantitative Clastics Laboratory, Geologic Subsurface Mapping, Deepwater Depositional Processes
	Luis Carlos Escobar Arenas The research of Luis Carlos (he/him) is focused on clastic sedimentary environments and stratigraphic architecture. He uses thin sections, lab analyses, outcrops, cores, well logs and seismic data to predict subseismic architecture and its impact on connectivity. Furthermore, he is interested in efforts to increase diversity, equity and inclusion ...
	Ismail H Faruqi
	Stephanie R Forstner Structural geology Fluid inclusion petrography & microthermometry Geochemical fluid-rock interactions Diagenesis
	Hector K Garza
	Shuhua Hu
	Mrittika Kabir Environmental Conservation and Renewable Energy
	Sarp Karakaya Thesis Project: Constraining and quantifying depositional controls on mixed carbonate & siliciclastic sequence stratigraphy of the Eastern Shelf of the Permian Basin and reservoir modeling using 3D seismic interpretation, well log interpretation, seismic inversion, core analysis, and machine learning applications Tasks: o Interpreted a 3D seismic volume and well logs in ...
	Landon Lockhart My expertise is in petrophysics and geomechanics, and I have proficiency in log-based petrophysical analysis, in laboratory measurements, and broadly in geomechanics, both in conventional and unconventional reservoirs. A key highlight of my research is the development of a model to predict pore pressure in the Permian Basin. In this ...
	Shirley T Mensah Shirley Mensah completed her BS in Geology and Professional Science Master's in Geographic Information Science and Cartography from Eastern Illinois University. After her graduation, she worked with various companies like Apple and Nicor Gas as a GIS Technician and Geospatial Analyst. Currently, she is a Ph.D. student working with ...
	Fernando Rey My research focus is to link the stratigraphic record with tectonic processes using geochronology and geochemical signatures. I am currently working on projects in southern Patagonia (Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous Rocas Verdes Back-arc basin) and Japan (Neogene opening of the Sea of Japan).I am also interested in the dispersal of ...
	Akshika Rohatgi
	Cole M Speed I am a Ph.D. student with interests in remote sensing, geospatial data analytics, and Earth/planetary surface processes. My current research focuses on quantifying the evolution of modern fluvial landscapes and their preservation in the ancient rock record using high-resolution topography, time-lapse satellite imagery, numerical models, and field data. ...

The Jackson School offers graduate level courses covering a wide range of subject areas in the Energy Geosciences ranging from depositional systems to geochemistry, reservoir structure and tectonics, and exploration geophysics. A course selection is listed below. Students frequently take additional courses in the Cockrell School of Engineering (Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering) and the McCombs School of Business. Please consult the online course schedule to determine when courses are offered.

Geological Sciences

Sedimentary Petrology, Sedimentology, and Stratigraphy

GEO 380G. Construction and Interpretation of 3-D Stratigraphy.
Uses three-dimensional volumes of basin-filling stratigraphy to explore how depositional landscapes are preserved in the sedimentary record and how sedimentary deposits can be analyzed to produce quantitative reconstructions of past environmental states. Four lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

GEO 380N. Sequence Stratigraphy.
Organization and interpretation of stratigraphic successions in time-bounded units of genetically related strata. Sequence stratigraphy, as a predictive branch of stratigraphic analysis, provides insight into the origin of the entire spectrum of siliciclastic, carbonate, and evaporite sediments from shallow to deep settings. Laboratory component involves the interpretation of sequences using outcrop measured sections, core data, wireline log sections, field trips, and 2D and 3D seismic data from modern and ancient settings. Three lecture hours and one and one-half laboratory hours a week for one semester. Normally offered in the spring semester only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, and Geological Sciences 416M and 465K or their equivalents.

GEO 380P. Advanced Reservoir Characterization: Carbonates.
Advanced instruction in the integration of geologic and engineering methods for building 3-D reservoir models of carbonate reservoirs. Four lecture hours a week for one semester. Offered in alternate years. Geological Sciences 380P and 391 (Topic: Advanced Reservoir Characteristics: Carbonates) may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

GEO 380R. Dynamics of Sedimentary Systems I.
Explores the fundamental concepts of transport systems at the Earth's surface, focusing on principles and quantitative aspects of fluid flow, sediment transport, and bedforms, as well as atmospheric and oceanic circulation, complex systems, and the integration of small-scale processes in developing quantitative stratigraphic models. Four lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

GEO 380S. Dynamics of Sedimentary Systems II.
Explores the fundamental concepts of transport systems at the Earth's surface, focusing on principles and quantitative aspects of fluid flow, sediment transport, and bedforms, as well as atmospheric and oceanic circulation, complex systems, and the integration of small-scale processes in developing quantitative stratigraphic models. Four lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and Geological Sciences 380R.

GEO 383. Clastic Depositional Systems.
River-, wave-, tide-, and gravity-driven processes are examined in modern depositional systems and considered in relation to sediment-flux, base-level, and autogenic changes. Application to the development of dynamic facies models and alluvial-shoreline-shelf-deepwater transitions in stratigraphic data. The equivalent of four lecture hours a week for one semester, including a four- to five-day field seminar. Normally offered in the fall semester only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in geological sciences.

GEO 383S. Sedimentary Basin Analysis.
Quantitative and applied study of basin subsidence and sediment accumulation. The first half of the course considers theoretical basin evolution due to flexural, thermal, dynamic, and fault-related subsidence. The second half of the course involves in-depth analysis of selected basin systems and includes student research projects and presentations on assigned topics. Specific topics vary from year to year. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Normally offered in the spring semester only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, and Geological Sciences 383 or the equivalent.

GEO 383T. Tectonic and Climatic Interactions in Foreland Basins.
Integration of recent advances in the understanding of modern and ancient foreland basin sedimentation, quantitative basin modeling, regional and global climate change, and the geometry and kinematics of fold-thrust belts. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.

GEO 383L. Petrography of Sandstones.
Interpretation of microscale features of sandstones to decipher the paleogeographic, tectonic, and postdepositional controls on sandstone composition and texture. Examines the effects of chemical and mechanical processes in the subsurface on sandstone properties, including porosity. Two lecture hours and three laboratory hours a week for one semester. Offered irregularly. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in geological sciences.

GEO 383M. Petrology of Carbonates and Evaporites.
Description and interpretation of carbonate and evaporite rock deposition and paragenesis. Essentials of petrology; petrography, including identification of grain types, cement types, recrystallization, and dolomitization; and porosity evolution. Global geochemical signals in carbonate sediments, and geochemical processes of early and late diagenesis. Three lecture hours and two laboratory hours a week for one semester. Offered irregularly. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

GEO 383N. Depositional Systems: Carbonates and Evaporites.
Analysis of carbonate and evaporite depositional systems from sedimentary structures, faunal and ichnofaunal associations, grain types, vertical and lateral facies successions within time-significant packages, and sediment body geometries. Three lecture hours and three laboratory hours a week for one semester. Offered irregularly. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.

GEO 383R. Reservoir Geology and Advanced Recovery.
Analysis of geologic controls on composition and architecture of oil and gas reservoirs, with emphasis on reservoir heterogeneity resulting from depositional and diagenetic processes. Geological and petrophysical determinants of fluid flows and behavior. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Normally offered in the fall semester only. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Graduate standing; and credit or registration for Geological Sciences 380N, 383, and 383N, or consent of instructor.

Reservoir structure and tectonics

GEO 380C. Advanced Structural Geology.
Origin of earth structures, solution of advanced structural problems, newest techniques, field techniques, and field problems. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Normally offered in the fall semester only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.

GEO 381E. Brittle Structure.
Quantitative analysis of folding, faulting, and fracturing at all scales in the upper crust, with emphasis on cross-section construction, subsurface mapping, and fracture analysis. Three lecture hours a week for one semester, and several field trips. Normally offered in the spring semester only, in alternate years. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and a course in structural geology.

GEO 381K. Tectonic Problems.
Origin of regional structural features, complex and controversial structures; tectonic control of ore deposits. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Offered irregularly. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in geological sciences and consent of instructor.

GEO 381T. Marine Tectonics.
Tectonic processes within the dynamic Earth, with a focus on oceanic structures. Subjects may include fundamentals of plate tectonics; plate motion, driving forces, and mantle convection; evolution of triple junction and plate margins; plate reconstructions; earthquakes and focal mechanisms; structure and geochemistry of the Earth's interior; mantle structure and tomography; rheology and deformation mechanisms in mantle and crust; heat flow, gravity, the geoid, and paleomagnetism; hotspots and mantle plumes; seafloor spreading and oceanic spreading ridges; oceanic transform faults and fracture zones; and subduction zones, volcanic island arcs, and marginal seas. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Normally offered in the spring semester only. Only one of the following may be counted: Geological Sciences 338T, 371C (Topic: Tectonics I), 381T, 391 (Topic: Tectonics I). May not be substituted for any required geological sciences course. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in geological sciences, or graduate standing and consent of instructor.

GEO 382T. Continental Tectonics.
Tectonic processes, with a focus on continental lithospheric structures. Subjects may include convergent margins, subduction zones, magmatic arcs, and foreland structures; collisional orogenesis, arc-continent collisions, continent-continent collision, and mountain building; formation of supercontinents; uplift and exhumation; orogenic collapse and extensional tectonics; continental rifting and passive margins; transform margins; and the effect of tectonics on climate and oceanic circulation. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Normally offered in the fall semester only. Only one of the following may be counted: Geological Sciences 339T, 371C (Topic: Tectonics II), 382T, 391 (Topic: Tectonics II). May not be substituted for any required geological sciences course. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in geological sciences, or graduate standing and consent of instructor.

GEO 388R. Radiogenic Isotopes and Tectonic Processes.
Application of radiogenic isotopes to tectonic problems. Particular attention is given to methods and tools in thermochronology and geochronology for understanding thermal histories, uplift rates, slip rates, timing relationships, landform development, and provenance. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Offered in alternate years. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

GEO 391D. Regional Tectonics.
Development of tectonic theory culminating in the new global tectonics, and application of theory to selected orogenic areas. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Offered irregularly. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in geological sciences.

GEO 348k/397F Marine Geology and Geophysics Field Course
Field course designed to provide hands-on instruction for graduate and upper-level undergraduate students in the collection and processing of marine geological and geophysical (MG&G) data. The course covers high-resolution air gun and streamer seismic reflection, CHIRP seismic reflection, multibeam bathymetry, sidescan sonar, sediment coring, grab sampling and the sedimentology of resulting seabed samples (e.g., core description, grain size analysis, x-radiography, etc.) Scientific and technical experts in each of the techniques first provide students classroom instruction. The class then travels to the Gulf Coast for a week of at-sea field work as well as on-shore lab work. Two small research vessels are used concurrently: one for multibeam bathymetry, sidescan sonar, and sediment sampling, and the other for high-resolution seismic reflection and CHIRP sub-bottom profiling. Students rotate daily between the two vessels and lab work. Upon returning to Austin, students, working in teams, are expected to integrate the techniques into a final project that examines the geologic history and/or sedimentary processes as typified by a small area of the Gulf Coast continental shelf. This class satisfies field experience requirements for some degree programs. Enrollment is limited to 12 students.

GEO 191 - Topics in Marine Geology and Geophysics
"Topics in Marine Geology and Geophysics" is tailored to graduate students researching active plate boundaries, with an emphasis on marine geophysical and geological data (seismic, potential field, bathymetric, geological sample, and other relevant data) from rifting and passive margins, mid-ocean ridges, and convergent margins. However, the course is open to all graduate-level geologists and geophysicists. The primary goal of the class is to use the literature to equip students with an ability to efficiently read a scientific paper, and recognize the relative importance, roots, and possible future impact of the paper. Each student and lecturer will be responsible for mediating discussions with appropriate materials, including original research. A secondary goal is to provide a community-building forum for marine geology and geophysics students where they can discuss their original research and other goals.

Exploration Geophysics/Seismology

GEO 380J. Mathematical Methods in Geophysics.
Vectors and matrices, linear algebra, complex variables and contour integration, integral transforms, partial differential equations of geophysics (Laplace, Poisson, and acoustic wave equations), and simple solutions. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Normally offered in the fall semester only. Geological Sciences 366M and 380J may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

GEO 382M. Programming in FORTRAN and MATLAB.
FORTRAN for students without knowledge of a computer programming language: survey of all variable types, loops, arrays, subroutines, and functions; overview of UNIX and MATLAB. Two lecture hours and two laboratory hours a week for one semester. Normally offered in the spring semester only. Geological Sciences 382M and 391 (Topic: Programming in FORTRAN and MATLAB) may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, and Mathematics 408D or the equivalent.

GEO 383D. Numerical Methods I: Computational Methods in Geological Sciences.
A survey of geophysical data analysis methods, with a focus on time series, including sampling and aliasing, convolution and correlation, statistics, linear digital filters, properties and applications of the discrete Fourier transform, and least squares. Instruction in MATLAB and Fortran and solution of data analysis problems using these two languages. Two lecture hours and two laboratory hours a week for one semester. Normally offered in the fall semester only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

GEO 383P. Potential Field Applications in Geophysics.
Introduction to the theory, measurement, and application of gravity and magnetic and electric fields to exploration and global-scale problems. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Normally offered in the spring semester only. Geological Sciences 365P and 383P may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

GEO 384C. Seismology I.
GEO 384C and GEO 465K provide an introduction to exploration seismology intended for first year graduate students with a minimal exposure to exploration geophysics. Three lecture hours and two laboratory hours a week for one semester. Normally offered in the fall semester only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

GEO 384F. Computational Methods for Geophysics.
Numerical methods for solution of partial differential equations arising in continuum geophysics and geodynamics. Focuses on finite element methods and their application to heat conduction, viscous flow, wave propagation, and transport problems in geophysics. Four lecture hours a week for one semester. Geological Sciences 384F and 391 (Topic: Computational Methods for Geophysics) may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.

GEO 384G. Subsurface Mapping and Petroleum Workstations.
Introduction to basin analysis, subsurface mapping, and petroleum exploration using a workstation. Subjects may include common tectonic settings of petroleum basins, seismic stratigraphy, structural styles, and petroleum systems. Workstation techniques include well log editing, lithology interpretation, correlation of tectonic events, integration of seismic and subsurface well data, interpretation of two- and three-dimensional seismic reflection data and structure, and isopach and seismic attribute mapping. Four lecture hours a week for one semester. Geological Sciences 384G and 391 (Topic: Introduction to Petroleum Workstations) may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.

GEO 384M. Inverse Theory.
Vector spaces; model parameter estimation methods from inaccurate, insufficient, and inadequate measurements; linear, quasi-linear, and highly non-linear problems; local and global optimization methods. Emphasis on practical problem solving. Three lecture hours and two laboratory hours a week for one semester. Normally offered in the spring semester only, in alternate years. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and knowledge of linear algebra, basic calculus, and statistics.

GEO 384N. Rock Physics.
Focuses on how rocks, pore fluids, and physical conditions of temperature, stress, diagenesis, and geological processes impact wave propagation, with an emphasis on how laboratory and theoretical results can be applied to field data. Presentation of case studies that outline strategies for seismic interpretation, site characterization, and recovery monitoring. Upscaling seismic and rock properties from the laboratory scale to borehole and reservoir scales. Multidisciplinary approaches to combination of geostatistical and stochastic methods, seismic-to-rock property transforms, and geologic information for reservoir characterization. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Geological Sciences 384N and 391 (Topic: Rock Physics) may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

GEO 384R. Geophysical Time Series Analysis.
Surveys the following topics in time series analysis with geophysical applications: Fourier transforms, linear digital filters and their design, frequency domain analysis methods (power and coherence spectrum estimation), least squares and related methods with time series applications. MATLAB is used extensively. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, and Geological Sciences 325K or 383D or the equivalent.

GEO 384U. Quantitative Seismic Interpretation.
Seismic inversion, a tool for reservoir characterization, post- and pre-stack modeling, rock physics and fluid replacement modeling, wavelet estimation and post-stack inversion, AVO and pre-stack inversion, multiattribute regression and neural network, and net pay estimation. Extensive hands-on training with three-dimensional seismic and well-log data. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Normally offered in the spring semester only, in alternate years. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

GEO 384W. Seismic Imaging.
Seismic reflection imaging for visualizing the interior of Earth's upper crust. Study of fundamental imaging concepts from a unified geometrical point of view. Hands-on practical experience with imaging seismic data in an open-source software environment. Three lecture hours and one laboratory hour a week for one semester. Normally offered in the fall semester only, in alternate years. Geological Sciences 384W and 391 (Topic: Wavefield Imaging) may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Graduate standing; programming experience and familiarity with seismology are helpful.

GEO 390D. Seismology III.
Advanced treatment of elastic wave propagation in heterogeneous anisotropic media, vectors and tensors, Christoffel equation, group and phase velocities, invariant embedding (reflectivity), finite difference, finite elements, and spectral elements. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Normally offered in the spring semester only, in alternate years. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, and Geological Sciences 380F or the equivalent.

GEO 391 Multidimensional Data Analysis in Geosciences
Multidimensional analysis of digital geoscience datasets from different sources (seismic, satellite, bathymetry, CT- scan, etc.) using an open-source software environment. This BYOD ("bring your own data") course addresses the first steps of multidimensional data analysis. How does one extract predictable patterns from the data? Is it possible to reconstruct missing data? What is signal and what is noise and how to separate them?

GEO 185G. Geophysics Colloquium.
Open to non-geological sciences majors, but registration priority is given to geological sciences majors. Exploration of a variety of problems in modern geophysics. Two lecture hours a week for one semester, and at least one weekend field trip. Geological Sciences 185G and 194 (Topic: Geophysics Colloquium) may not both be counted. May be repeated for credit. Offered on the credit/no credit basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Geochemistry, Geofluids, Petroleum Systems

GEO 382D. Crustal Geofluids.
Designed to provide a technical foundation for exploring how fluids drive fundamental geologic processes in sedimentary basins. Includes characterizing pressure and stress in sedimentary basins, exploring the origin of overpressure through theory and characterization, and examining how pressure and stress couple. Problems include how sedimentation generates overpressure, how hydrocarbons are trapped in the subsurface, how mud volcanoes form, how submarine landslides are generated, and the origin of methane hydrates. Three lecture hours per week for one semester, with a four-day field trip to be arranged during spring break. Normally offered during the spring semester. Geological Sciences 382D and 391 (Topic: Crustal Fluids) may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

GEO 382F. Fractured Rock Hydrology and Mechanics.
Introduction to the physics of flow in fractured rocks and soils; fracture mechanics; fracture skins; analysis of solute transport; and methods of characterizing and modeling fractured systems. Class field trips are an integral part of the class. Three lecture hours a week for one semester, with field trips to be arranged. Offered irregularly. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in geological sciences and consent of instructor. Previous coursework in hydrogeology (such as Geological Sciences 476K or the equivalent) and mathematics (such as Mathematics 427K or the equivalent) is recommended.

GEO 382G. Fluid Physics for Geologists.
Flow and transport phenomena within an earth science context. Includes extensive use of Maple, MATLAB, and COMSOL Multiphysics. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Normally offered in the spring semester only, in alternate years. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in geological sciences or graduate standing and consent of instructor; and Geological Sciences 346C or 391C, 383D or 383E, and Mathematics 408D, 408L, or 427K.

GEO 383G. Geochemistry of Sedimentary Rocks.
The hydrologic cycle, the early diagenesis, carbonate sediments, chemical sediments, and burial processes. Three lecture hours a week for one semester, with laboratory hours to be arranged. Offered irregularly. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

GEO 388L. Isotope Geology.
Relation of isotope fractionation to earth processes; age determinations from ratios of unstable isotopes to daughter products; techniques of mass spectrometry. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Normally offered in the fall semester only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.

GEO 390M. Thermodynamics of Geologic Processes.
Applications of physical chemistry to natural systems; interactions of minerals, solutions, and the atmosphere. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Offered in alternate years. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.

GEO 390R. Analytical Methods: Electron-Microbeam Techniques.
An introduction to electron-microbeam instruments and their applications in the earth sciences. Lectures on relevant theory and concepts are supplemented by hands-on experience. Two lecture hours and three laboratory hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in geological sciences or graduate standing and consent of instructor.

GEO 390S. Analytical Methods: Mass Spectrometry.
An introduction to mass spectrometers and their applications in the earth sciences. Lectures on relevant theory and concepts are supplemented by hands-on experience. Two lecture hours and three laboratory hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in geological sciences or graduate standing and consent of instructor.

Resource Geology

GEO 381R. Regional Studies in Mineral Resources Geology.
Geologic evolution of a region, with emphasis on factors that control the origin of selected mineral resources. Study area varies according to the interests of participants and other factors. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Normally offered in the spring semester only. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.

GEO 386R. Geology of Earth Resources.
Same as Energy and Earth Resources 396 (Topic 5: Geology of Earth Resources). Study of geologic, economic, societal, and environmental issues related to the production and consumption of energy, metal, industrial mineral, and water resources. Emphasizes the descriptive geology and origin of earth resources within the context of their overall geologic settings. Three lecture hours and one laboratory hour a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Energy and Earth Resources 396 (Topic: Geology of Earth Resources), 396 (Topic 5), Geological Sciences 386R, 391 (Topic: Geology of Earth Resources). May not be counted toward a graduate degree in geological sciences or petroleum engineering. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

GEO 391 Advances in Unconventional Shale Gas Resources
Overview over shale gas and mudrocks, and the major differences between "conventional" and "unconventional" reservoirs. The course is suitable for students in both geosciences and petroleum engineering programs. Graduate students, engineers and geologist in industry alike can learn and develop a useful knowledge base from this course on cutting-edge subjects dealing with gas and liquid production from mudrock/shale gas systems.

Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering

PGE 322K. Transport Phenomena in Geosystems.
Applications of mass, heat, and momentum balances to fluid flow problems; shell balances; non-Newtonian fluids; transport processes through permeable media. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Engineering Mechanics 306 and Mathematics 427K with a grade of at least C- in each.

PGE 334. Reservoir Geomechanics.
Basic stress and strain analysis; pore pressure and in situ stress estimation and measurement; deformation mechanisms in rock; rock fracture description and analysis; wellbore stresses and failure; wellbore stability analysis; fault stability analysis; depletion-induced reservoir deformation; and hydraulic fracturing. Emphasis on applications to petroleum engineering. Two lecture hours and three laboratory hours a week for one semester. Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering 432 and 334 may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Engineering Mechanics 319, Geological Sciences 416M, and admission to the major sequence.

PGE 337. Introduction to Geostatistics.
Basic probability and statistics, study of correlated variables, statistical interpolation and simulation, and global optimization. Emphasis is on the ways the results of these procedures are related to geology and fluid flow. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: For petroleum engineering majors, Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering 310, Mathematics 408D or the equivalent, and admission to the major sequence; for others, Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering 210, and Mathematics 408D or the equivalent.

PGE 368. Fundamentals of Well Logging.
Principles, applications, and interpretation of well logs as used in exploration and evaluation of subsurface formations. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Geological Sciences 416M and Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering 424, and admission to an appropriate major sequence in engineering or consent of instructor.

Center for Integrated Seismicity Research The TexNet Seismic Observatory and the Center for Integrated Seismicity Research (CISR) at The University of Texas at Austin are multidisciplinary, trans-college research centers managed by the Bureau of Economic Geology (BEG) and are two vital parts of a whole. The overall goals of the TexNet-CISR collaborative are to collect high-quality data on earthquakes in Texas and conduct fundamental and applied research to better understand naturally occurring and potentially induced earthquakes and the associated risks. Our thoroughly integrated research program is studying the subsurface processes that may influence seismicity that will lead to better quantification of the associated hazards and risks to the citizens and infrastructure of Texas. A primary application of the data and research is to improve standards of practice resulting in the mitigation of seismicity that may stem from industrial activity. The highest priority is fact-based communication with stakeholders and rapid response to public concerns regarding seismicity.

Gulf Coast Carbon Center The 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.

TexNet Seismic Monitoring Program In its 84th and 85th legislative sessions, the Texas Legislature tasked the Bureau with helping to locate and determine the origins of earthquakes in our state and, where possibly caused by human activity, with helping to prevent earthquakes from occurring in the future. The TexNet Seismic Monitoring Program was established to accomplish these goals.

Bars in Tidal Environments

EDGER Forum (Exploration & Development Geophysics Education & Research) The Edger Forum is a consortium of industry participants sponsoring Education & Research in Exploration Geophysical Technology.

Exploration Geophysics The Exploration Geophysics Laboratory (EGL) develops a wide range of technologies using all components of the seismic wavefield, including seismic field-recording techniques, data-processing and data-interpretation procedures, for improved reservoir characterization and prospect evaluation.

Fracture Research and Application Consortium The 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 Project The 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 Laboratory The 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 Laboratory The 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 Laboratory The 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 Initiative Structural 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.

TexNet Seismic Monitoring Program In the 84th Legislative Session, the Texas Legislature tasked us with helping to locate and determine the origins of earthquakes in our State, and, where they may have been caused by human activity, helping to prevent them from occurring in the future. We have established the TexNet earthquake monitoring program to accomplish these goals, and we plan to place earthquake monitoring stations across Texas to gather information about and study these events as they occur. We want to help inform Texas citizens so that they can keep their property safe from the impact of earthquakes.

UT GeoFluids The 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

Center for Subsurface Energy and the Environment The Center for Subsurface Energy and the Environment (CSEE) is an organized research unit in the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin wtih a mission to foster the development of interdisciplinary programs in subsurface energy and the environment.

Texas Advanced Computing Center The Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) at The University of Texas at Austin is one of the leading centers of computational excellence in the United States. Located on the J.J. Pickle Research Campus, the center's mission is to enable discoveries that advance science and society through the application of advanced computing technologies.

UT Austin Energy Institute The 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

Structural Diagenesis Initiative

Alaska Fieldwork

Posted by Peter P Flaig
Photo set includes images of fieldwork done on the North Slope of Alaska from 2005-2013

Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway Fieldwork

Posted by Peter P Flaig
Photos of fieldwork on clastic wedges of the Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway in Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming

Brittle structures, fluid flow, and diagenesis: Valley of Fire to Moab, October 2014

Posted by Peter Eichhubl
Field trip to Valley of Fire (NV), San Rafael Swell (UT), and Moab (UT) in October 2014, sponsored by a grant by the GDL Foundation. Team: Peter Eichhubl (instructor), Jon Major (co-leader), Sara Elliott (co-leader), Andras Fall, Chris Landry, Zhiqiang Fan, Nike Tokan-Laval, Casey O'Brien, Erick Wright, Mint Doungkaew, Peter Laciano.