PhD position: Upscaling sediment-petrographic properties of a clastic reservoir

The ongoing gas depletion from the Groningen gas field led to pressure loss within the sandstones, which resulted in reservoir compaction and associated surface subsidence and increasing seismicity. However, the model of rock properties in the Groningen gas field, where production-induced compaction is an issue of major socio-economic impact, can be improved.

We are looking for a PhD student who will investigate the upscaling of petrographic heterogeneity of the Rotliegend sandstone reservoir of the Groningen gas field within a wider project entitled “The role of heterogeneity in controlling the geomechanical behavior of sandstone reservoirs”. The petrographic composition (detrital and authigenic mineralogy, sedimentary facies, grain shape and size, ...) of the reservoir is thought to be one of the factors controlling its geomechanical behavior.

The PhD student will use existing 3D geological data, high resolution core images, and a petrographic dataset currently being created in Groningen to develop an upscaling model of the petrographic parameters. This model will then be used to create a predictive model of spatial distribution of sandstone petrography within the gas fields and the surrounding aquifers.

Responsibilities and tasks:

- Identifying sedimentological trends within the Rotliegend of the Groningen gas reservoir based on existing data
- Linking petrographic parameters to reservoir geology
- Create a predictive petrographic model for the reservoir area
- Preparation of scientific articles and conference contributions
- Contributing and participating in scientific conferences
- Teaching activities (15 % of total workload) include mostly supervision of bachelor and master students.