The Fluvial and Eolian Research Group

fluvial and eolian

The Fluvial and Eolian Research Group (FRG-ERG) is a recognized leader in the study and analysis of fluvial and aeolian sedimentary systems. This industry facing research group brings together multi-disciplinary expertise in all aspects of applied fluvial and aeolian sedimentary research.

Aim and Objectives

The principal aim of the group is to conduct cutting-edge research into the application of fluvial and aeolian sedimentology for developing a better understanding of issues relating to environmental geology, hydrocarbon systems, mining and mineral exploration, appraisal of groundwater aquifers and carbon sequestration. Specific research objectives of the group are to develop a state-of-the-art knowledge transfer programme, to distil current thinking and trends in applied fluvial and aeolian research, and to present results and models in a format suitable for direct use by industrial sponsors.

Group format

FRG-ERG provides runs as a Joint Industry Project (JIP) with a research programme focussed on cutting-edge applied fluvial and aeolian research, with emphasis on characterization of subsurface sedimentary architecture, development of novel and innovative techniques in reservoir prediction, and the delivery of a web-based Knowledge Transfer Programme.

Principal FRG-ERG Deliverables Company-wide access to:

  • Web-based front-end to the world’s largest database of fluvial architectural element dimensions, the Fluvial Architecture Knowledge Transfer System (FAKTS);
  • Access to entire catalogue of research results; 
  • Searchable bibliographic database and recommended literature summaries;
  • Database of aeolian architectural element dimensions;
  • Digital online training and self-learning materials;
  • Video case studies and virtual outcrop guides;
  • Cutting-edge novel and innovative approaches to reservoir modelling of non-marine and marginal marine successions;
  • Dedicated sponsors’ meetings (e.g., Europe and USA);
  • Specially tailored training and field courses run on a cost-only basis.

Research outputs in:

  • Fluvial and aeolian depositional models for subsurface prediction and correlation;
  • Atlases depicting morphology of modern fluvial and aeolian systems;
  • Process sedimentology;
  • Novel and innovative approaches to reservoir characterization;
  • External controls on fluvial and aeolian systems;
  • High-resolution studies of fluvial and aeolian stratigraphic architecture;
  • Non-marine sequence stratigraphy;
  • Seismic geomorphology;
  • Quantitative numerical models for bridging the gap between sedimentological datasets and reservoir modelling workflows;
  • Studies of tidally influenced fluvial, fluvio-deltaic and fluvio-lacustrine modern sediment systems, outcropping ancient successions and subsurface reservoir intervals;
  • Software for numerical sedimentological & tectono-stratigraphic modelling.

Funding and Sponsorship

Current and past phases of the FRG-ERG research programme have been supported by the following sponsor companies and funding bodies: Areva, BHP Billiton, Cairn India, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Aker BP, Murphy Oil Corporation, NERC, Nexen, Saudi Aramco, Shell, Tullow Oil, Woodside, YPF.

Research Partners

We also have a partnership with Petrotechnical Data Systems (PDS) who develop Ava Clastics.

Project website

https://frg.leeds.ac.uk