Non-standard Problems in Basin Modelling

This book details how the GALO system of basin modelling may be used in the analysis of actual, non-standard problems of geology. It begins by addressing the tectonic subsidence of sedimentary basins, and goes on to consider the problems of maturation of organic matter and hydrocarbon generation in the vicinity of intrusions and subtrappean sedimentary complexes. Lastly, the book discusses the formation of temperature and heat flow distributions with depth due to the sharp climate variations in the Quaternary, which was marked by repeated formation and degradation of permafrost.

The book studies the application of the GALO basin modelling system to the three problems mentioned above. Employing the GALO system provides a unique opportunity to assess the amplitude and duration of the stretching and thermal activation of the basin lithosphere, and to study in detail the formation of a maturity aureole of organic matter in the basin's subtrappean sedimentary cover.

This book offers a valuable resource for all graduate students and professionals interested in numerical modelling of the thermal evolution of sedimentary basins. It will also be of great interest to petroleum geologists engaged in oil and gas exploration in the trap provinces of the world. Lastly, it will benefit those students and geologists dealing with the thermal field of sedimentary blankets in actual and degraded permafrost areas.

Yurii Galushkin graduated from the Institute of Physics and Technology. Since 1975 he has dealt with the numerical simulation of the thermal field of both the oceanic and the continental lithosphere. He has developed a number of computer programs for modeling basins (the GALO package), which allow numerical simulation of the evolution of the thermal regime and the degree of maturation of organic matter of sedimentary basins in the various tectonic settings of their formation. The principles of operation of the software package and its application to the modeling of different sedimentary basins are discussed in several articles and books that Prof. Galushkin has published in English and Russian.