Professor Adrian Hartley
Chair in Sedimentology, Department of Geology and Geophysics, School of Geosciences
Email: a.hartley@abdn.ac.uk
Tel: +44 1224 273712
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Research Profile
My research is focussed on all aspects of clastic sedimentology and stratigraphy from basin to pore scale. In particular I focus on predicting and understanding subsurface reservoir architecture to aid extraction of fluids from the subsurface.
A particular interest is the application of geomorphology to the rock record in continental environments. This has led to the development of a number of concepts that have been widely applied in the subsurface such as the recognition of characterisation of distributive fluvial systems. This work is supported by sponsorship from oil and gas companies and has led to the development of a number of industry sponsored consortium. These skill sets can equally be applied to extraction of groundwater from aquifers and the development of low enthalpy geothermal resources for the transition to net zero.
Current Projects
- Triassic Phase 3 and FORCE Triassic project. Joint industry projects funded by a consortium of oil and gas companies focussed on the UK and Norwegian sectors of the North Sea. The aim is to constrain the provenance, sedimentology and biostratigraphy of the Triassic succession in the Central and Northern North Sea. This will enable better prediction of reservoir distribution and quality in reservoir units that still contain remaining potential in the North Sea.
- Geothermal potential of northern Scotland: Assessment of the geothermal potential of shallow groundwater aquifers in northern Scotland. The work is at an early stage but will audit aquifer distribution, assess potential economic targets and develop feasibility studies for high graded areas. Work will link with a range of stake holders including government sponsored and industrial partners.
- Evolution of the Central Andes: using stratigraphic, sedimentological and structural data to reconstruct the timing and cause of climate change and uplift in the Central Andes over the last 65 million years. This has been a long term research focus which aims to determine the role of an orogenic-orographic feedback loop in facilitating and preserving surface uplift and has applications to all mountain ranges.
