Structural Compartmentalization Research Articles

Stratigraphic framework and late Holocene history of a lacustrine beach-ridge complex: Paleoclimate archives within migrating strand promontories

This paper focuses on the physiography, stratigraphy, and age composition of a migrating strandplain promontory on Lake Michigan, discussing implied changes in alongshore sediment-transport dynamics within context of regional climate data. The Zion Beach-ridge Plain, a mainland-attached system believed to have migrated by >10 km over the past 4.5 kyrs, is partitioned into distinct physiographic zones. Its structural compartmentalization into distinct ridge sets, recognized in LiDAR-based topographic datasets and subsurface reflection geophysical records, reflects a punctuated morphodynamic development that has implications for understanding groundwater-flow patterns, wetland ecology, and coastal morphodynamic evolution. The most recent physiographic boundary within the strand dates to a high-amplitude lake-level rise event (>3 m in magnitude) that coincided with a regional shift in dominant storm-wind direction. The abrupt juxtaposition of young, high-relief dune-ridge terrain against old, low-relief wetland meadow attests to increased rates of littoral sand transport under conditions of heightened wave and current energies. Ongoing work to refine the geochronology of this and similar events is underway and stands to enhance our understanding of late Holocene coastal evolution. Strandplains are studied globally as important coastal paleoclimate archives, yet in the Great Lakes region the emphasis has been on embayed systems. While sheltered environments (e.g., bedrock-confined strandplains) foster high preservation potentials, optimal for paleohydrographic reconstructions from progradational sequences, the complex depositional architectures of strandplain promontories may provide information on open-water processes not contained within the former.

A data-driven approach to estimating post-discovery parameters of unexplored oilfields

Consider a typical situation where an investor is considering acquiring an unexplored oilfield. The oilfield has undergone a preliminary geological and geophysical study in which pre-discovery data such as lithology, depth, depositional system, diagenetic overprint, structural compartmentalization, and trap type are available. In this situation, investors usually estimate production rates using a volumetric approach. A more accurate estimation of production rates can be obtained using analytical methods, which require additional data such as net pay, porosity, oil formation volume factor, permeability, viscosity, and pressure. We call these data post-discovery parameters because they are only available after discovery through exploration drilling. A data-driven approach to estimating post-discovery parameters of an unexplored oilfield is developed based on its pre-discovery data by learning from proven reservoir data. Using the Gaussian mixture model, and a data-driven reservoir typology based on the joint probability distribution of post-discovery parameters is established. We came up with 12 reservoir types. Subsequently, an artificial neural network classification model with the resilient backpropagation algorithm is used to find relationships between pre-discovery data and reservoir types. Based on k-fold cross-validation with k = 10, the accuracy of the classification model is stable with an average of 87.9%. With our approach, an investor considering acquiring an unexplored oilfield can classify the oilfield's reservoir into a particular type and estimate its post-discovery parameters' joint probability distribution. The investor can incorporate this information into a valuation model to calculate the production rates more accurately, estimate the oilfield's value and risk, and make an informed acquisition decision accordingly.

ACOX-driven peroxisomal heterogeneity and functional compartmentalization in brown adipocytes of hypothyroid rats.

We previously demonstrated that hypothyroidism increases peroxisomal biogenesis in rat brown adipose tissue (BAT). We also showed heterogeneity in peroxisomal origin and their unique structural association with mitochondria and/or lipid bodies to carry out β-oxidation, contributing thus to BAT thermogenesis. Distinctive heterogeneity creates structural compartmentalization within peroxisomal population, raising the question of whether it is followed by their functional compartmentalization regarding localization/colocalization of two main acyl-CoA oxidase (ACOX) isoforms, ACOX1 and ACOX3. ACOX is the first and rate-limiting enzyme of peroxisomal β-oxidation, and, to date, their protein expression patterns in BAT have not been fully defined. Therefore, we used methimazole-induced hypothyroidism to study ACOX1 and ACOX3 protein expression and their tissue immunolocalization. Additionally, we analysed their specific peroxisomal localization and colocalization in parallel with peroxisomal structural compartmentalization in brown adipocytes. Hypothyroidism caused a linear increase in ACOX1 expression, while a temporary decrease in ACOX3 levels is only recovered to the control level at day 21. Peroxisomal ACOX1 and ACOX3 localization and colocalization patterns entirely mirrored heterogeneous peroxisomal biogenesis pathways and structural compartmentalization, e.g. associations with mitochondria and/or lipid bodies. Hence, different ACOX isoforms localization/colocalization creates distinct functional heterogeneity of peroxisomes and drives their functional compartmentalization in rat brown adipocytes.

Structural compartmentalization and its relationships with gas accumulation and gas production in the Zhengzhuang Field, southern Qinshui Basin

The Zhengzhuang Field is a new developing coalbed methane (CBM) field in the southern Qinshui Basin. To disclose the high interwell heterogeneity in production, we provide a detailed investigation of local structural controls on the gas accumulation in the Zhengzhuang Field. The Zhengzhuang Field is a northwest-dipping homocline that contains abundant normal faults, and several secondary folds, karst collapse columns, and thrust faults. These structures divided the study area into three regions (fault-trough, fault-fold, and sub-sag) and 11 sub-regions. The gas content of the No. 3 coal seam is 0 to 35 m3/t, and the gas content exhibits a distinctly positive correlation with the methane δ13C isotopic ratio. Both gas content and methane δ13C isotopic composition are compartmentalized by structural regions or sub-regions, indicating significant effects from structural effects. The general gas-content distribution was separated by low-permeability boundaries created by F1 and F2 faults, resulting in several gas reservoir compartmentalizations. Locally, secondary faulting and small-scale folding resulted in redistributions of gas contents, i.e., relatively high gas content on the downthrow side of secondary faults and in the structural-trough zones of small-scale folds. As a continuous-type gas reservoir, the CBM accumulation mechanism is complex and differs from conventional gas reservoirs. Because coal has an extremely high adsorption capacity, the gravity separation of free gas and water is notably subordinate to sorption on micropore surfaces in CBM reservoirs. It is known that the No. 3 coal seam has extremely low permeability and low–medium gas saturation; thus, the gas isotopic fraction caused by hydrodynamic flushing probably enhanced the gas desorption and resulted in the migration of δ13C-enriched gas within the coal seam and into adjacent locations with high reservoir pressures for gas re-adsorption. This mechanism explains the relatively high gas content and enriched methane isotopic composition in the local structural lows in the Zhengzhuang Field. Structural controls on gas production indicate that the most productive CBM wells are commonly completed in the structural highs of the fault-nose-structure (i.e., the sweet spots), where there is high reservoir permeability resulting from stress relief, and also relatively high gas content induced by the secondary migration of gas from the structural lows. The source driving force for gas migration within the coal seam is the result of gas diffusion fractionation which commonly occurs simultaneously with the slow seepage of groundwater from low to high spots in the Zhengzhuang Field.

Dynamic MicroRNA Expression Profiles During Embryonic Development Provide Novel Insights Into Cardiac Sinus Venosus/Inflow Tract Differentiation.

MicroRNAs have been explored in different organisms and are involved as molecular switches modulating cellular specification and differentiation during the embryonic development, including the cardiovascular system. In this study, we analyze the expression profiles of different microRNAs during early cardiac development. By using whole mount in situ hybridization in developing chick embryos, with microRNA-specific LNA probes, we carried out a detailed study of miR-23b, miR-130a, miR-106a, and miR-100 expression during early stages of embryogenesis (HH3 to HH17). We also correlated those findings with putative microRNA target genes by means of mirWalk and TargetScan analyses. Our results demonstrate a dynamic expression pattern in cardiac precursor cells from the primitive streak to the cardiac looping stages for miR-23b, miR-130a, and miR-106a. Additionally, miR-100 is later detectable during cardiac looping stages (HH15-17). Interestingly, the sinus venosus/inflow tract was shown to be the most representative cardiac area for the convergent expression of the four microRNAs. Through in silico analysis we revealed that distinct Hox family members are predicted to be targeted by the above microRNAs. We also identified expression of several Hox genes in the sinus venosus at stages HH11 and HH15. In addition, by means of gain-of-function experiments both in cardiomyoblasts and sinus venosus explants, we demonstrated the modulation of the different Hox clusters, Hoxa, Hoxb, Hoxc, and Hoxd genes, by these microRNAs. Furthermore, we correlated the negative modulation of several Hox genes, such as Hoxa3, Hoxa4, Hoxa5, Hoxc6, or Hoxd4. Finally, we demonstrated through a dual luciferase assay that Hoxa1 is targeted by miR-130a and Hoxa4 is targeted by both miR-23b and miR-106a, supporting a possible role of these microRNAs in Hox gene modulation during differentiation and compartmentalization of the posterior structures of the developing venous pole of the heart.

Structural Compartmentalization and its Relationships with Gas Accumulation and Gas Production in the Zhengzhuang Field, Southern Qinshui Basin

Structural Compartmentalization and its Relationships with Gas Accumulation and Gas Production in the Zhengzhuang Field, Southern Qinshui Basin

Aeolian Sand Dune Sedimentary Architecture Is Key in Determining the “Slow-Gas Effect” during Gas Field Production Performance

Summary Aeolian deposits are typically considered to act as homogeneous “tanks” of sand, which do not contain significant heterogeneities that impact the production of hydrocarbons. However, a succession of deeply buried aeolian gas reservoirs from the Permian Rotliegend exhibit a characteristic production decline profile that is typified by high initial flow rates, followed by a rapid decline in bottomhole pressure and decline in flow rate, subsequently followed by stabilization at low flow rates for an extended period (over several decades). This effect has been termed here as the “slow-gas effect,” and this production phenomenon has previously been attributed to structural compartmentalization. This paper presents an alternative, sedimentological hypothesis for the cause of the slow-gas effect based upon facies-controlled permeability differences within aeolian dune trough architectures. To test this, three interwell (km) scale models from well-studied aeolian analogs from Utah and Arizona were modeled with standard geostatistical reservoir techniques and populated with petrophysical properties from producing Rotliegend reservoirs in Germany. These models were subsequently dynamically simulated to analyze production behavior and test whether a similar “slow-gas” production profile could be reproduced. This study finds that the slow-gas effect primarily results from heterogeneities created by the complex interaction of deposition, accumulation, and erosion within aeolian strata, as opposed to the structural compartmentalization of homogeneous tanks of sand as previously thought. Structural compartmentalization and baffling through faulting where present will have an impact on fluid flow; however, it is not considered here to be the primary cause of the slow-gas effect. Results of this work demonstrate the necessity of accurately characterizing and reproducing low permeability heterogeneity in aeolian systems. These heterogeneities can either be modeled explicitly through the use of geostatistical reservoir modeling techniques as done here, or implicitly through the use of characteristic length and transmissibility multipliers. These results have significant implications on our understanding of how tight aeolian systems produce; namely, after depletion of the near-wellbore volume, production from the surrounding reservoir is baffled by a hierarchy of low permeability bounding surfaces and associated transmissibility barriers. Application for enhancing reservoir depletion strategies include optimizing well trajectories to maximize the number of dune penetrations and percentage of net reservoir facies in communication to the well; maximizing the size of the primary reservoir compartment. Neighboring wells should be placed in separate compartments to maximize the amount of fast-flowing gas production during the early production stage. Pressure management can be used to cyclically produce, deplete, and recharge the primary reservoir compartment to manage and optimize recovery during the decline phase and production tail.

Benchmarking Study Finds Additional Potential of Ultimate Recovery Factor Across Kuwait

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 203422, “Benchmarking of Ultimate Recovery Factor Across Kuwait: Unlocking Additional Potential,” by Mohammad Al-Ghanemi, Prashant Dhote, SPE, and Anup Bora, Kuwait Oil Company, et al., prepared for the 2020 Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference, Abu Dhabi, held virtually 9–12 November. The paper has not been peer reviewed. A countrywide benchmarking of ultimate recovery factor (URF) for oil reservoirs in Kuwait is presented in the complete paper. The results of this study have been useful in supporting identification of long-term opportunities for the operator and have influenced the creation of conceptual development plans for newly discovered prospects. The study focused on the reservoir complexity index (RCI) method and global analogs to identify development opportunities and improvements to the URF in the brown and green fields of Kuwait. Approach to Reservoir Benchmarking The recovery factor of a reservoir is a function of reservoir characteristics such as structural compartmentalization, depositional continuity, reservoir net-to-gross, permeability, fluid type, pressure, and field-development choices such as recovery process, well-completion type, and well spacing. Therefore, to benchmark reservoir performance appropriately, it is important to consider those factors relevant to the reservoir being studied. Additionally, limited value exists in using an analog with the “correct” reservoir geology and fluid properties if the development scheme is not also considered. The study provides an objective procedure to measure the uncertainty in reservoir complexity and characterization. It also identifies and documents appropriate analog data derived from internal company and commercial third-party databases. Selection of Analog Reservoirs - The process for gathering appropriate analog reservoirs does not seek to identify a single perfect analog. Instead, it aims to analyze key reservoir characteristics and field-development methods to identify groups of analogs, which in aggregate can represent a reasonable comparison with a study reservoir. The philosophy is to select a range of analog reservoirs based on the key parameters that influence URF.

Isotopic and hydrogeochemical evidence for biogenic gas in Cuervos Formation coal beds, Cesar Rancheria Basin, Colombia

Coal bed methane (CBM) has recently been produced from sub-bituminous to high volatile bituminous low rank coals (vitrinite reflectance 0.39 to 0.53%) from the Paleocene Cuervos Formation in the Cesar Sub-basin, Colombia. Understanding CBM gas origin is vital for designing exploration and production strategies, in order to target either shallow economic accumulations of microbial gas or deeper and thermally mature coal seams. In this context, this study aims to determine whether thermogenic gas, biogenic gas, or a mixture of both gas types have contributed to gas yield in the Cesar Sub-basin; it also discusses the relationship between gas origin and tectonics. For the first time, co-produced waters and gas samples from CBM multi-seam production wells and shallow aquifer water-wells were collected in the Boqueron compartment (Cesar Sub-basin) and were analysed via stable isotope composition and molecular geochemistry. Structural compartmentalisation in the Sub-basin as a result of interplate shortening during the Mid-Paleogene has resulted in slightly different coal ranks, saturation, and gas contents between compartments of the Paleocene Cuervos Formation. This event could have interrupted early thermogenesis and allowed the introduction of meteoric waters carrying bacteria consortia responsible for biogenesis.The produced waters from the CBM wells were HCO3 > Na+ > Cl− type, and ranged in TDS (Total dissolved solids) from 2268 to 6602 mg/L (avg. 3887 mg/L). Recently revised genetic diagrams of δ13C-CH4 versus δ2H-CH4 and additional parameters, such as gas dryness ratio and water chemistry, corroborated biogenesis as the main gas origin. Carbon isotopic differences between carbon dioxide and methane (Δ13CH2O–CH4), as well as those of hydrogen isotopes in water and methane (Δ2HH2O–CH4), also indicated a typical microbial CO2 reduction pathway. The positive carbon isotope composition of dissolved inorganic carbon (δ13C-DIC) not only showed a clear differentiation between waters from CBM wells and those from shallow aquifers, but also confirmed the occurrence of methanogenesis when paired with high alkalinity. In addition, the water quality analysis showed increasing sodium and bicarbonate concentrations with depth, which is typical of CBM production basins. Although biogenic gas was identified, tectonic settings do not seem to explain gas origin occurrence, since secondary biogenesis was expected in an uplifted basin such as Cesar Rancheria. Isotopic data was not decisive in differentiating primary versus secondary biogenesis, since the gas isotope compositions plot close to the boundary between the primary and secondary biogenic gas fields. Further studies on isotopic chemistry are required to refine this interpretation and confirm gas generation in the other two compartments.

Electrophysiological Remodeling: Cardiac T-Tubules and ß-Adrenoceptors.

Beta-adrenoceptors (βAR) are often viewed as archetypal G-protein coupled receptors. Over the past fifteen years, investigations in cardiovascular biology have provided remarkable insights into this receptor family. These studies have shifted pharmacological dogma, from one which centralized the receptor to a new focus on structural micro-domains such as caveolae and t-tubules. Important studies have examined, separately, the structural compartmentation of ion channels and βAR. Despite links being assumed, relatively few studies have specifically examined the direct link between structural remodeling and electrical remodeling with a focus on βAR. In this review, we will examine the nature of receptor and ion channel dysfunction on a substrate of cardiomyocyte microdomain remodeling, as well as the likely ramifications for cardiac electrophysiology. We will then discuss the advances in methodologies in this area with a specific focus on super-resolution microscopy, fluorescent imaging, and new approaches involving microdomain specific, polymer-based agonists. The advent of powerful computational modelling approaches has allowed the science to shift from purely empirical work, and may allow future investigations based on prediction. Issues such as the cross-reactivity of receptors and cellular heterogeneity will also be discussed. Finally, we will speculate as to the potential developments within this field over the next ten years.

Compartmentation in the Guarani Aquifer System northeastern region of the Rio Grande do Sul State

This study aims to evaluate the structural compartmentation of the Guarani Aquifer System (GAS) in the northeastern region of the Rio Grande do Sul (RS) state. For this purpose, an integrated analysis of 747 morphostructural lineaments identified in the scale 1:1,000,000 with geometry features and potentiometry of the GAS was performed. Based on this evaluation, a main set of structures, N30W and N60E oriented, responsible for the GAS compartmentation within the study area, was identified. These directions are related to the main tectonic structures that originated from the basement of the Paraná Basin, which could indicate that these identified structures are part of large fault systems in this region. The variations in the GAS potentiometry and altimetry of the top related to the compartmentation show the existence of several blocks formed under the influence of NW and NE structures located mainly in the large valleys, which sometimes work as a discharge zone of the aquifer. According to the analysis, the GAS in the northeastern region of RS seems to be divided into compartments of different sizes. This structural and geometrical framework imposed by tectonic structures influences the GAS potentiometry and flow dynamics.

Estabilidade de taludes rochosos em rodovias: análise da compartimentação estrutural de maciços

Há um histórico de eventos de escorregamentos e processos erosivos ocorrentes em gnaisses fraturados localizados em um trecho da Rodovia Régis Bittencourt na Serra do Azeite, Cajati/SP. Buscou-se determinar a influência das estruturas em rocha no processo de escorregamento, através do estudo geométrico do maciço e da caracterização geoestrutural voltada para instabilizações. As principais estruturas que regem o comportamento do maciço são as famílias de fraturas N15E/78NW e N30W/80SW, que são planos mais propícios a escorregamentos tanto planares como em cunha devido a geologia local e ao corte dos taludes. Verificou-se que as encostas possuem alta suscetibilidade a escorregamentos planares mesmo quando não estão saturadas por água, e baixa suscetibilidade a escorregamentos em cunha quando secas, porém há risco de movimentação do bloco da cunha quando estão na presença de água. O uso de um modelo de análise da compartimentação estrutural dos maciços, aplicado no trecho aflorante da Serra do Azeite, auxiliou na compreensão das estruturas que regem a suscetibilidade à escorregamentos das encostas rochosas, sendo uma ferramenta de auxílio para o gerenciamento de riscos dos taludes rodoviários.

Integrated MASW and ERT Imaging for Geological Definition of an Unconfined Alluvial Aquifer Sustaining a Coastal Groundwater-Dependent Ecosystem in Southwest Portugal

This paper integrates multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) and time-lapse electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) to define aquifer geometry and identify transient groundwater features of the Cascalheira Stream Basin Holocene alluvial aquifer (aquifer H), which contributes to the Santo André Lagoon, part of a coastal groundwater-dependent ecosystem (GDE), located in southwest Portugal. MASW measures shear-wave velocity (VS), allowing one to obtain steady geological models of the subsurface, and ERT measures subsurface electrical resistivity (ER), being subjected to ambient changes. MASW enables disambiguation of geological structures in low ER environments, such as coastal areas. This research covered one natural year and involved one MASW campaign, four ERT campaigns, and additional geological field surveys and groundwater monitoring to assist interpretation of results. In the area, the conjugate NW–SE and NE–SW strike-slip fault systems determine compartmentalization of geological structures and subsequent accommodation space for Holocene sedimentation. MASW and ERT surveys show how the NW–SE system deepens these structures toward the coast, whereas the NE–SW system generates small horsts and grabens, being one of these occupied by aquifer H. From upstream to downstream, aquifer H thickness and width increase from 10 m to 12 m and from 140 m to 240 m, respectively. Performance of VS and ER models was satisfactory, with a normalized error of the VR and ER models in the 0.01–0.09 range, meaning that a quantitative quota of uncertainty can be segregated from the overall uncertainty of groundwater models without substantially affecting its simulations accuracy. This methodology seeks to improve the design of shallow groundwater research in GDE preservation policies.

Characteristics of in-situ stress and its controls on coalbed methane development in the southeastern Qinshui Basin, North China

In-situ stress is a key reservoir parameter to evaluate reservoir permeability, hydraulic fractures, coal seam deformation and coalbed methane (CBM) recovery. With limited CBM test wells in the Zhengzhuang field, southeast of the Qinshui basin, North China, the in-situ stress data is inadequate for CBM exploration and development. It is necessary to find a method to predicate in-situ stress through other exploration data such as geophysical well loggings. In this study, we provide a new well-logging data-based model to predicate the in-situ stress based on 17 sets of well test data and comprehensive logging data. As a distinguished characteristic of this model, different structural compartmentalization of CBM reservoirs was considered. A regional adaptive residual strain index was introduced to the model. Based on the model, the in-situ stress distribution in the Zhengzhuang field were evaluated systematically, and the influences of in-situ stress on permeability and the propagation of hydro-fractures were discussed. Results indicate that the magnitude of the maximum (SHmax,14.19–45.40 MPa) and minimum horizontal stresses (Shmin, 10.62–28.38 MPa) and the gravitational stress (Sv, 9.58–30.82 MPa) all show positive correlations with burial depths. The in-situ stress fields in the study area are characterized by 1) SHmax > Sv > Shmin in shallow layers (<700 m), indicating a dominant strike-slip faulting stress regime; 2) Sv ≈ SHmax > Shmin and SHmax > Sv > Shmin in the depth of 700–1050 m, suggesting a transformed regime; and 3) SHmax > Sv > Shmin in deep layers (>1050 m), indicating a strike-slip faulting stress regime. The SHmax in the study area is orientated by NE-SW, with a trend of 40°–49°. Resulted from the change of the in-situ stress regimes from shallow (500 m) to deep layers (∼1000 m), the reservoir permeability variation shows a typical increase followed by decrease. The presence of natural fractures significantly affect the propagation pattern of hydraulic fractures, and the length difference between the major and branch fractures increases with increasing stress anisotropy in the Zhengzhuang field.

Reserve evaluation of a fault-conditioned aquifer: the Barreiras Aquifer in the coastal region of NE Brazil

Abstract Saturated thickness is a vital parameter in the assessment of hydrogeological reserves. By considering thickness variations associated with faults, the present study aimed to evaluate the water reserves of an unconfined aquifer. The study area was the Barreiras Aquifer in the lower course of the Maxaranguape River in Brazil. The methodology involved morphotectonic and lithostratigraphic analysis, well profile correlation, and hydrogeological and geoelectrical analysis (vertical electrical sounding, VES). The morphotectonic analysis employed topographical (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission) and hydrographical data to support the structural characterization, considering the lack of outcrops with specific features in the area. The results of these assessments enabled the creation of a morphotectonic lineament map, highlighting the prevailing NE and NW directions. The hydrogeophysical cross sections obtained from geoelectrical inverse models and well data reveal saturated thickness values ranging from 19 to 66 m, featuring some lineaments as faults. The hydrogeological reserve was calculated based on 18 subareas associated with blocks resulting from structural compartmentalization. Based on an area of approximately 250 km2, the average saturated thickness for each subarea, and an average effective porosity of 7.6%, the saturated reserve is estimated to be 8.7 × 108 m3.

Chapter 2 Structural development of the Arabian Intrashelf Basin region

Abstract This chapter summarizes the tectonic events that have affected the region of the Arabian Intrashelf Basin and the development of the intrashelf basin. Precambrian–Infracambrian fault systems provided a structural framework, which was later reactivated during the Late Paleozoic. Further development along the structural trends continued in the Triassic and Early Jurassic with the development of an Early Jurassic tectonically controlled intrashelf basin. The accommodation space was filled with Dhruma Formation carbonates by the early Bathonian, resulting in a broad and fairly flat platform. A crucial factor is how suppressed tectonism was during the Mid- and Late Jurassic. The intrashelf basin developed on the broad, tectonically stable Tethyan passive margin continental shelf 200--300 km distant from the Tethyan outer shelf edge. During the Mid- and Late Jurassic, this tectonic stability provided the foundation for a broad, stable Tethyan continental shelf region at least 1000 × 1200 km in area, far removed from siliciclastic sources, within which the huge Arabian Intrashelf Basin formed and the sequences of carbonate rocks and evaporites that created the Jurassic hydrocarbon system were deposited. Tectonism during the Mid- to Late Jurassic evolution of the Arabian Intrashelf Basin initially included only moderate subsidence. There was subtle uplift along some of the structural trends in the Late Jurassic and uplift and westwards structural tilt along the Tethys oceanic margin. Relatively stable tectonism continued after the Jurassic and was a major factor in the accumulation of the vast reserves of Jurassic sourced oil. Tectonic stability prevented major faulting and structural compartmentalization of the basin features, which provided large areas for hydrocarbon migration as the large and broad anticlines developed into the huge structural traps. The lack of major faulting limited the movement of burial fluids, preserving the early formed porosity and the regionally extensive seals. The present day structures primarily developed from the Late Cretaceous to Miocene as the Tethys Ocean closed.

Impacts of fault-sill interactions on sill emplacement in the Vøring Basin, Norwegian North Sea

Pre-existing faults may facilitate subsurface magma transport and sill trangression in sedimentary basins. Although widely recognized, interaction between faults and intrusion networks in sedimentary basins remains poorly imaged by seismic reflection data. To understand how sills interact with pre-existing faults in sedimentary basins, we use high-resolution 3-D seismic reflection data from the Naglfar Dome, Vøring Basin to examine the seismic expression of sills, interpret fault geometries and displacement patterns, and characterize sill-fault interactions. The sills are expressed as tuned reflection packages, meaning they are below ∼<50 ± 5 m thick, with saucer-shaped, transgressive, and strata-concordant morphologies that range in area from 6 km2 to 180 km2. The interconnected sills form a sill-complex, which was emplaced during the Eocene and cross-cuts three main stratigraphic intervals (i.e. the Nise, Tang, and Brygge Formations). Faults are of Early Paleocene to Early Eocene age, tectonic in origin and dominated by normal faults that are up to 28 km long. Fault and sill interactions define a spectrum, which we sub-divide into five categories (i.e. Type 1a, 1b, 2, 3 and 4); the two main end-member fault-sill relationships documented here are (a) sills stepping up stratigraphy short distances via faults and (b) those with inclined limbs intruded along fault planes. Whilst interactions between the faults and the sills are common, quantitative displacement analysis reveals fault displacement did not influence where sills exploited faults. In the study, the intricate interaction of fault and magmatic sills and its broader implications to structural compartmentalization and outcrop-scale studies in many magma-rich continental margins are demonstrated.

Structural compartmentation proposal in 041.001 Sierra de Altomira GWB: hydrogeological implications

From the definition of the first aquifer systems in the Sierra de Altomira to the current division in groundwater bodies (GWB), the aquifers defined in this zone have undergone constant changes in their extension and conceptual hydrogeological model. Even today there are uncertainties regarding its internal compartmentation at the hydrogeological level. From a deep structural analysis on the origin and formation of the sedimentary structures that today constitute the permeable levels of the GWB, the resulting tectonic model has been correlated with the hydrogeology of the Sierra de Altomira GWB in general, and with its possible internal compartmentalization in particular. The final structural model has allowed us to distinguish different zones, with repercussions in the local hydrogeology. This has identified sectors with different hydrogeological behaviour. The proposed compartmentation is done at different levels, from the two large northern and southern structural blocks, to the definition of the basic hydrogeological unit (BHU) as a minimum divisible unit in which all the components of the hydrogeological conceptual model are identified. This division is an important starting point for the subsequent definition of the hydrogeological functioning of the Sierra de Altomira GWB locally, although this proposal requires complementary studies for its full definition.

VSP measurements used as a tool for improving seismic sub-salt imaging in brownfield development

Many of the Paleozoic Rotliegend low-permeability dry gas fields in the Southern Permian Basin of northern Germany are covered by Mesozoic salt dome structures. The resulting complexity in the overburden leads to imaging problems in subsalt reservoirs typically situated at depths between 4000 m to 5000 m TVD. Since structural compartmentalization is often the key challenge in field development, good resolution seismic is essential for well planning. For the study area, only a vintage 3D seismic survey from 1993/94 with limited data quality exists. Acquisition of new 3D seismic data is not possible owing to permitting restrictions and public resistance. Therefore the focus is on the acquisition of 2D VSPs in every new drilled well. The VSP measurements give local insights into the reservoir in the vicinity of the wellbore. With a general structural understanding and production history in mind, those local insights generate immense value for the understanding of the field.

Human GUCY2C-Targeted Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-Expressing T Cells Eliminate Colorectal Cancer Metastases.

One major hurdle to the success of adoptive T-cell therapy is the identification of antigens that permit effective targeting of tumors in the absence of toxicities to essential organs. Previous work has demonstrated that T cells engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors (CAR-T cells) targeting the murine homolog of the colorectal cancer antigen GUCY2C treat established colorectal cancer metastases, without toxicity to the normal GUCY2C-expressing intestinal epithelium, reflecting structural compartmentalization of endogenous GUCY2C to apical membranes comprising the intestinal lumen. Here, we examined the utility of a human-specific, GUCY2C-directed single-chain variable fragment as the basis for a CAR construct targeting human GUCY2C-expressing metastases. Human GUCY2C-targeted murine CAR-T cells promoted antigen-dependent T-cell activation quantified by activation marker upregulation, cytokine production, and killing of GUCY2C-expressing, but not GUCY2C-deficient, cancer cells in vitro GUCY2C CAR-T cells provided long-term protection against lung metastases of murine colorectal cancer cells engineered to express human GUCY2C in a syngeneic mouse model. GUCY2C murine CAR-T cells recognized and killed human colorectal cancer cells endogenously expressing GUCY2C, providing durable survival in a human xenograft model in immunodeficient mice. Thus, we have identified a human GUCY2C-specific CAR-T cell therapy approach that may be developed for the treatment of GUCY2C-expressing metastatic colorectal cancer. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(5); 509-16. ©2018 AACR.