Porosity of the Bunter sandstone in the Southern North Sea basin based on selected borehole neutron logs

This report presents the results of a porosity study of the Bunter Sandstone (BNS) in the Southern North Sea Basin based primarily on the analysis of neutron logs. The Bunter Sandstone is a Triassic fluvial sandstone (Cameron et al 1992). It contains layers or lenses of varying thickness of shale and/or siltstone. The Prizm module from the GeoGraphix interpretation software suite (v. 2004.1), was used to display the borehole logs. Neutron logs were plotted alongside gamma, sonic and density logs. The gamma log was used to identify shales in the Bunter Sandstone to assist in averaging the neutron porosity over the sandy intervals only. Most porosities in the BNS had values in the interval of 10-22% but some extremes as low as 1% and as high as 27% were identified. Gas effect and salt cementation were also noted in some boreholes. Maps of the neutron and core porosities, depth to, and thickness of the sandstone, were produced in GeoAtlas, also from the GeoGraphix Interpretation suite 2004.1. In general the lowest porosities not linked with salt cementation coincided with the Sole Pit Trough, a major depocentre for the BNS

Thermal modelling of the Cheshire Basin using BasinModTM

The Cheshire Basin is a half-graben formed as one of a series of sedimentary basins during Permo-Triassic rifting. The Permo-Triassic infill of this basin may have been up to four or five kilometres thick prior to geologically recent erosion. The basin is flanked to the East and West by Carboniferous and older rocks. The succession in this region displays widespread uplift and erosion resulting from northward encroachment of the Variscan Front at the end of the Carboniferous. This report details the development of 1-D thermal models and integration to a 2-D model of the Cheshire Basin. BasinModTM (Platte River Software) has been used to model compaction and temperature through burial over geological time using a variety of datasets. The report considers the Cheshire Basin area through the Carboniferous to the present day, concentrating on the late Carboniferous Coal Measures where maturity data are available. Heat flow in this region was assumed to be generally high during the latest Carboniferous to early Permian. Modelled isotherms and maturity plots imply that the greatest temperatures attained in the productive Coal Measures occurred during Permian to Cretaceous burial in the basin centre, and during late Carboniferous to Permian time outside of the basin. The 1-D models imply that some Carboniferous Coal Measures reached the oil generation window. Minor oil stains and shows were found in some Cheshire Basin boreholes. However there does not appear to be a suitable trap to create a commercially viable reservoir. The BasinMod model results and this best practice report with accompanying checklist and guidelines are stored electronically for the DGSM

Contractive De-noising Auto-encoder

Auto-encoder is a special kind of neural network based on reconstruction. De-noising auto-encoder (DAE) is an improved auto-encoder which is robust to the input by corrupting the original data first and then reconstructing the original input by minimizing the reconstruction error function. And contractive auto-encoder (CAE) is another kind of improved auto-encoder to learn robust feature by introducing the Frobenius norm of the Jacobean matrix of the learned feature with respect to the original input. In this paper, we combine de-noising auto-encoder and contractive auto- encoder, and propose another improved auto-encoder, contractive de-noising auto- encoder (CDAE), which is robust to both the original input and the learned feature. We stack CDAE to extract more abstract features and apply SVM for classification. The experiment result on benchmark dataset MNIST shows that our proposed CDAE performed better than both DAE and CAE, proving the effective of our method.Comment: Figures edite

Maturity modelling of selected wells in the Orcadian Study Area

This report details maturity and migration modelling of four wells for the 21CXRM Palaeozoic project, Orcadian study area. The aim of the maturity modelling was to predict if Devonian and Carboniferous source rock intervals within the wells are, or have been, mature for hydrocarbon generation. Wells 12/27- 1 and 20/10a- 3 were chosen for 1D modelling based on availability of maturity and geochemical data (Figure 1). As this region comprises a series of Palaeozoic structural highs and basins, two wells cannot fully represent the geological evolution of the study area. Two ‘scenario’ or ‘pseudo’ wells, 12/16- 1 and 21/06b- 5 were included to contrast the basin history. Previous basin modelling work in the Inner Moray Firth is summarised in Greenhalgh (2016) and this study is placed in regional context in Monaghan et al. (2016). Inner Moray Firth (IMF) Lacustrine strata deposited during Lower and Middle Devonian times are believed to offer the main source rock potential in the IMF (see summary in Greenhalgh, 2016), as the high TOC Jurassic strata are largely immature (Fraser et al., 2003, their fig. 17.2). Well 12/27- 1 is situated on a post-Lower Devonian relative high (Figure 2), has moderate/good Total Organic Content (TOC) in the Lower Devonian Struie Formation and oil and gas shows are observed (well report; Vane et al., 2016). Two cases were modelled to accommodate uncertainty in the maturity data, with a significant impact on the timing of generation. If deepest burial was achieved during Devonian times (fitted to higher maturity values; Figure 13, 14, 15), then main hydrocarbon generation occurred during Devonian burial (Figure 17). However, if deepest burial occurred during Cretaceous – Cenozoic times (best fit to maturity values, though these data are possibly supressed; Figure 5, 7, 8) then generation occurred from the Struie Formation during both Devonian and Cretaceous – Cenozoic times (Figure 9). Please see Section 4 for more detail. Carboniferous strata are rarely penetrated by wells in the IMF. The anomalous Firth Coal Formation to Devonian succession proven in Well 12/16- 1, close to the Great Glen and Wick faults was modelled (Figure 21, 24). Well 12/16-1 lies in a different Palaeozoic sub-basin to Well 12/27-1. It is classed as a ‘scenario’ well due to uncertainties in the constraining data. The source rock intervals contain mainly gas prone kerogens and as the Carboniferous strata only reached the main oil maturity window during deep Carboniferous burial, significant gas generation is not expected. Given the block and basin structure of the IMF during the Palaeozoic Era and the variable distribution of facies, any single well is unlikely to provide a complete representation of the geological history and petroleum systems. The model results are useful in assessing the maturity geohistory and generation potential of the region, but must be considered in the regional context of the Orcadian study area (see Monaghan et al., 2016). South Buchan Basin Well 20/10a- 3 was drilled on a high at the western margin of the South Buchan Basin and was chosen for modelling based on availability of maturity data. The Firth Coal Formation source rocks are interpreted to be mainly gas prone but some condensate prone intervals were noted towards the bottom of the drilled interval. The 1D basin modelling shows that the Firth Coal Formation reached the mid mature window for oil generation during deep Cenozoic burial (Figure 288, 30, 31, 32)

Maturity modelling of selected wells in the central North Sea

This report details maturity and migration modelling of selected wells in the UK Central North Sea for the 21CXRM Palaeozoic project. The aim of the maturity and migration modelling was to predict if Carboniferous-Devonian source rock intervals are, or have been, mature for hydrocarbon generation around the Mid North Sea High (MNSH) region and to examine the timing and possible migration routes of any generated hydrocarbons. Modelling data selection and main expected plays Eight wells were chosen for 1D modelling based on availability of data and the location of the wells such that the models would contribute to understanding the thermal maturity of four selected Palaeozoic regions; the Forth Approaches Basin (Quadrant 26), the Mid North Sea High (Quadrant 36), an area to the south of the MNSH (Quadrants 41, 42, 43) and an area to the east of the MNSH (Quadrants 29 and 38; the North Dogger and Quadrant 29 basins). Few data were available for the latter area so this region was modelled using two ‘scenario’ wells to consider different possible burial histories and the generation potential. For the 1D well modelling, the main play examined was generation from the late Palaeozoic mid–late Carboniferous Scremerston/Firth Coal, Yoredale and Millstone Grit formations and laterally equivalent Cleveland Group. The main caprock formation was expected to be the Zechstein Group. Other Palaeozoic rocks were also examined as potential source rocks

Pathways from pilot to demonstration : how can research advance CO2 geological storage deployment?

An international workshop was hosted by the British Geological Survey (BGS), supported by the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), from the 1st to the 3rd of March 2016 at the BGS offices in Keyworth, Nottingham, United Kingdom. The workshop objectives were to: Examine how pilot, field laboratory and laboratory projects can inform and advance large-scale CO2 storage and low-carbon geo-energy resources. Reinforce the importance of advancing CCS through practical experience at varied relevant scales: pilots/field labs (testing concepts) and demonstrations (deploy technologies and identify new technical questions for pilots to examine) Strengthening international links between field lab, pilot, demonstration and large scale project operators to make it easier to share lessons learned Exchange research learning between CCS and other geo-energy disciplines The workshop outcomes were intended to identify of opportunities for collaboration and development of outline proposals to advance CCS and geo-energy research through practical experience and demonstrations. Workshop invitees included policy makers, demonstration project representatives, academics and pilot project operators. A total of 75 delegates attended, who represented 46 organisations including research institutions, industry (national, multinational and suppliers), global and national CCS networks and trade associations (see attached delegate list – Appendix 1), and a government representative from UK DECC. Delegates were from 13 countries worldwide

Informal carer role in the personalization of assistive solutions connected to aspirations of people with dementia

The increase in the elderly population over the last thirty years with consequent increase in the number of people living with dementia (PwD) has resulted in a research focus on improving quality-of-life and well-being beyond basic needs, to address psychosocial needs and to provide technological support for these. As part of a UK industry-led, publically supported, project Connect-ing Assistive Solutions to Aspirations (CASA), research is being conducted to inform the design of assistive technology packages that are aspiration-led. Focus groups were conducted with informal carers (family relatives) of persons with dementia to elicit views on technology use for increasing independence of PwD (with a carer living at home). The focus groups were analysed through thematic analysis and the results have been used to produce personas and scenarios for creation of demonstrator assisted living packages

Global Extinction Risk for Seahorses, Pipefishes and Their Near Relatives (Syngnathiformes)

Few marine taxa have been comprehensively assessed for their conservation status, despite heavy pressures from fishing, habitat degradation and climate change. Here we report on the first global assessment of extinction risk for 300 species of syngnathiform fishes known as of 2017, using the IUCN Red List criteria. This order of bony teleosts is dominated by seahorses, pipefishes and seadragons (family Syngnathidae). It also includes trumpetfishes (Aulostomidae), shrimpfishes (Centriscidae), cornetfishes (Fistulariidae) and ghost pipefishes (Solenostomidae). At least 6% are threatened, but data suggest a mid-point estimate of 7.9% and an upper bound of 38%. Most of the threatened species are seahorses (Hippocampus spp.: 14/42 species, with an additional 17 that are Data Deficient) or freshwater pipefishes of the genus Microphis (2/18 species, with seven additional that are Data Deficient). Two species are Near Threatened. Nearly one-third of syngnathiformes (97 species) are Data Deficient and could potentially be threatened, requiring further field research and evaluation. Most species (61%) were, however, evaluated as Least Concern. Primary threats to syngnathids are (1) overexploitation, primarily by non-selective fisheries, for which most assessments were determined by criterion A (Hippocampus) and/or (2) habitat loss and degradation, for which assessments were determined by criterion B (Microphis and some Hippocampus). Threatened species occurred in most regions but more are found in East and South-east Asia and in South African estuaries. Vital conservation action for syngnathids, including constraining fisheries, particularly non-selective extraction, and habitat protection and rehabilitation, will benefit many other aquatic species

Associations of genetic risk scores based on adult adiposity pathways with childhood growth and adiposity measures

Background: Results from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified many loci and biological pathways that influence adult body mass index (BMI). We aimed to identify if biological pathways related to adult BMI also affect infant growth and childhood adiposity measures. Methods: We used data from a population-based prospective cohort study among 3,975 children with a mean age of 6 years. Genetic risk scores were constructed based on the 97 SNPs associated with adult BMI previously identified with GWAS and on 28 BMI related biological pathways based on subsets of these 97 SNPs. Outcomes were infant peak weight velocity, BMI at adiposity peak and age at adiposity peak, and childhood BMI, total fat mass percentage, android/gynoid fat ratio, and preperitoneal fat area. Analyses were performed using linear regression models. Results: A higher overall adult BMI risk score was associated with infant BMI at adiposity peak and childhood BMI, total fat mass, android/gynoid fat ratio, and preperitoneal fat area (all p-values < 0.05). Analyses focused on specific biological pathways showed that the membrane proteins genetic risk score was associated with infant peak weight velocity, and the genetic risk scores related to neuronal developmental processes, hypothalamic processes, cyclicAMP, WNT-signaling, membrane proteins, monogenic obesity and/or energy homeostasis, glucose homeostasis, cell cycle, and muscle biology pathways were associated with childhood adiposity measures (all p-values <0.05). None of the pathways were associated with childhood preperitoneal fat area. Conclusions: A genetic risk score based on 97 SNPs related to adult BMI was associated with peak weight velocity during infancy and general and abdominal fat measurements at the age of 6 years. Risk scores based on genetic variants linked to specific biological pathways, including central nervous system and hypothalamic processes, influence body fat development from early life onwards

Physical and mechanical properties of fresh and sterilized oil palm fruitlets

The outcome of this study is to determine the physical and mechanical properties of fresh and sterilized oil palm fruitlets as criteria for the use in the design of the mesocarp dehusker to separate the palm mesocarp from the nuts prior to screw-pressing process. Size, sphericity index, aspect ratio, true density, bulk density, and porosity are the attributes for physical properties that are being investigated in this study. For the mechanical properties, dynamic angle of repose, coefficient of friction and the work of shear/toughness are the attributes that are needed to slice the fiber strands of the mesocarp layer. The results were compared for fresh fruitlets and sterilized fruitlets at 121°C for 90 and 120 min and it shows that sterilized fruitlets yielded lower values compared to fresh fruitlets for the sphericity index, true density, bulk density, angle of repose, coefficient of friction, size, and work of shear/toughness needed to slice through the mesocarp for sterilized fruitlets. On the contrary, only the porosity value increases. This trend that was observed for sterilized and fresh fruitlets was also found for longer duration time of the sterilization process. The comprehensive results showed that the heat treatment brought about by sterilization process can weaken the structure of the fruitlets. The outcome of the study will not only be functional in design of oil palm processing machines but also in deciding the proper physical and mathematical model for the optimization of the processing operations