Joe Cartwright

My research interests are in understanding process linkages between depositional, diagenetic and deformational processes in sedimentary basins. I have primarily used seismic data for this purpose, and have built laboratories at Imperial College, London and Cardiff prior to coming to Oxford. I am particularly interested in developing quantitative methods in 3D seismic interpretation to gain a better understanding of basin shaping and filling processes. Current projects include: seal integrity for hydrocarbons and CCS; hydrocarbon migration and leakage and how understanding of these processes can be used in the geological sequestration of carbon dioxide; the propagation of tectonic faults; the genesis of polygonal fault systems; the emplacement of giant dyke swarms; the genesis of mud volcanoes; fluid overpressure in the subsurface: mechanisms and controls on highly focused fluid venting; the seismic and petrophysical characterisation of evaporites as seals. My longer term interests centre on the break up of continents and the formation of volcanic passive margins using the South Atlantic as a playground.