![Professor Andrew Hurst Professor Andrew Hurst](/img/200x200/staffpages/assets/images/default-profile-picture.jpg)
CGeol - Chartered Geologist, Geological Society of London
Chair Of Energy Geoscience
- About
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- Telephone Number
- +44 (0)1224 273713
- Office Address
- School/Department
- School of Geosciences
Biography
How and why sediment is deposited, the processes by which it consolidates and lithifies, and its micro- and macro-mineralogy fascinate me. I integrate data from global to sub-micro-scale, examining basin evolution, sediment provenance and its relationship to climate change including weathering and erosion and diagenesis. While focussing on understanding process, my research has a strong element of resource evaluation, and its contribution to the inventory of Earth resources.
For more than 25 years, the Sand Injection Research Group (SIRG) studied the natural injection of fluidised sand into actively propagating hydraulic fractures, and their influence on fluid migration and expulsion. This is significant for resource entrapment and recovery, and waste (nuclear, CO2) or resource (hydrogen, CH4) sequestration. Other research includes a) self-sufficient low C energy systems in rural environments, b) the origin, physical characterisation, and climatic significance of loessite, specifically associated with mass extinction events, c) modelling the effect of micro-scale granular features on rock physical characteristics, d) mineral-chemical stratigraphy.
Since 1992 I held the Chair in Production Geoscience (now Energy Geoscience). I am a former Director of MSc IPG and taught MSc IPG, OGEM & Oil & Gas Engineering, as well as level 1 and 4 UG courses. In 2015 I was awarded a Blaustein Professorship at Stanford University.
I was an elected Trustee of the Geological Society of London and served on various GSL committees. I served on senior committees in the AAPG and EAGE and I am an active member of the International Association of Sedimentology. I co-founded and was Chief Editor of Petroleum Geoscience (GSL/EAGE). As part of the Deepwater Horizon Trial between 2011 and 2014, I was engaged as an expert witness for the prosecution during which I was cross examined in court.
Sand Injection Research Group (SIRG)
Sand injectites - Regional development of natural hydraulic fractures in the shallow crust, and concomitant sand fluidisation and injection; their role in the evolution of sedimentary basins.
Loessite – Origin and provenance of loessite and its significance as extra-basinal fill and as an indicator of ancient atmospheric circulation patterns.
Green rural energy – Self-sustainable energy by repurposing domestic waste, integrating agricultural waste with energy crops, and reduction of transport.
Qualifications
- PhD Geology1981 - University of Reading
- BSc Hons Geology & Mineralogy1977 - University of Aberdeen
Memberships and Affiliations
- Internal Memberships
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Throughout my career I assiduously avoided serving on University of Aberdeen committees.
- External Memberships
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I am member of the: Geological Society of London (C Geol), European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE), American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), International Association of Sedimentologists (IAS), and Geoscience Energy Society of Great Britain.
Latest Publications
Investigation of coupled hydro-mechanical modelling of hydraulic fracture propagation and interaction with natural fractures
International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, vol. 169, 105418Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmms.2023.105418
- [ONLINE] View publication in Scopus
Outcrop Characterization and Modelling of Sand Injection Complexes
Chapters in Books, Reports and Conference Proceedings: Conference Proceedings- [ONLINE] View publication in Scopus
Provenance Variability in Coeval Slope Channel Systems: Hermod S2 Member Sandstone (Eocene), South Viking Graben (North Sea)
Geosciences (Switzerland), vol. 12, no. 12, 450Contributions to Journals: ArticlesPermeability heterogeneity of sandstone intrusion fluid-escape systems, Panoche Hills, California: Implications for sedimentary basins globally
Sedimentology, vol. 69, no. 6, pp. 2463–2485Contributions to Journals: ArticlesA giant sand injection complex: Processes and implications for basin evolution and subsurface fluid flow
American Journal of Science, vol. 322, no. 6, pp. 729-794Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.2475/06.2022.01
- [ONLINE] View publication in Scopus
Prizes and Awards
1993 William Smith Award (Geological Society of London)
2004 Wegener Medal (European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers)
2007 Distinguished Service Award (American Association of Petroleum Geologists)
2012 Grover E Murray Distinguished Educator Award (American Association of Petroleum Geologists)
2015 Blaustein Professor in Geology, Stanford University
- Research
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Research Areas
Funding and Grants
Since 1998 research on sand injectites became a huge part of my research activity. Chevron UK initiated the first 2-year project in 1998 that in 2000 became the Sand Injection Research Group (SIRG) consortium, which remains active today. Almost 40 energy companies have invested in SIRG consortia
- Publications
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Page 1 of 3 Results 1 to 50 of 109
Investigation of coupled hydro-mechanical modelling of hydraulic fracture propagation and interaction with natural fractures
International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, vol. 169, 105418Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmms.2023.105418
- [ONLINE] View publication in Scopus
Outcrop Characterization and Modelling of Sand Injection Complexes
Chapters in Books, Reports and Conference Proceedings: Conference Proceedings- [ONLINE] View publication in Scopus
Provenance Variability in Coeval Slope Channel Systems: Hermod S2 Member Sandstone (Eocene), South Viking Graben (North Sea)
Geosciences (Switzerland), vol. 12, no. 12, 450Contributions to Journals: ArticlesPermeability heterogeneity of sandstone intrusion fluid-escape systems, Panoche Hills, California: Implications for sedimentary basins globally
Sedimentology, vol. 69, no. 6, pp. 2463–2485Contributions to Journals: ArticlesA giant sand injection complex: Processes and implications for basin evolution and subsurface fluid flow
American Journal of Science, vol. 322, no. 6, pp. 729-794Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.2475/06.2022.01
- [ONLINE] View publication in Scopus
Hydraulic fracture propagation and interaction with natural fractures by coupled hydro-mechanical modeling
Geomechanics and Geophysics for Geo-Energy and Geo-Resources, vol. 8, 4Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40948-021-00307-9
Correction to: Hydraulic fracture propagation and interaction with natural fractures by coupled hydro-mechanical modeling (vol 8, 4, 2022)
Geomechanics and Geophysics for Geo-Energy and Geo-Resources, vol. 8, 24Contributions to Journals: Comments and Debates- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40948-021-00334-6
Characteristics of a wing-like sandstone intrusion, Volund Field
Subsurface Sand Remobilization and Injection. Geological Society of London, pp. 151-166, 16 pagesChapters in Books, Reports and Conference Proceedings: Chapters (Peer-Reviewed)- [ONLINE] https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/gsl/books/edited-volume/2341/chapter-abstract/132270942/Characteristics-of-a-wing-like-sandstone-intrusion?redirectedFrom=fulltext
- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1144/SP493-2017-309
- [OPEN ACCESS] http://aura.abdn.ac.uk/bitstream/2164/16222/1/Satur_etal_GeolSocSpecPub_Characteristics_of_AAM.pdf
- [ONLINE] View publication in Scopus
Introduction: Subsurface sand remobilization and injection
Subsurface Sand Remobilization and Injection. Silcock, S., Huuse, M., Bowman, M., Hurst, A., Cobain, S. (eds.). Geological Society of London, pp. 1-10, 10 pagesChapters in Books, Reports and Conference Proceedings: Chapters (Peer-Reviewed)- [ONLINE] https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/gsl/books/edited-volume/2341/Subsurface-Sand-Remobilization-and-Injection
- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1144/SP493-2020-268
- [OPEN ACCESS] http://aura.abdn.ac.uk/bitstream/2164/16962/1/Hurst_etal_GSL_Introduction_subsurface_sand_VOR.pdf
- [ONLINE] View publication in Scopus
Sandstone intrusions along different types of faults and their effect on fluid flow in siliciclastic reservoirs
Subsurface Sand Remobilization and Injection. Geological Society of London, pp. 273-286, 14 pagesChapters in Books, Reports and Conference Proceedings: Chapters (Peer-Reviewed)- [ONLINE] https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/gsl/books/edited-volume/2341/chapter-abstract/132271422/Sandstone-intrusions-along-different-types-of?redirectedFrom=fulltext
- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1144/SP493-2018-45
- [OPEN ACCESS] http://aura.abdn.ac.uk/bitstream/2164/16158/1/Palladino_etal_GeolSocSpecPub_Sandstone_Intrusions_AAM.pdf
Some petrographic and mineralogical diagnostics of sandstone intrusions
Subsurface sand remobilization and injection. Geological Society of London, pp. 287-302, 16 pagesChapters in Books, Reports and Conference Proceedings: Chapters (Peer-Reviewed)- [ONLINE] https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/gsl/books/edited-volume/2341/chapter-abstract/132271479/Some-petrographic-and-mineralogical-diagnostics-of?redirectedFrom=fulltext
- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1144/SP493-2018-063
- [OPEN ACCESS] http://aura.abdn.ac.uk/bitstream/2164/16745/1/Hurst_et_al_GSLSP_SomePetrographicAnd_AAM.pdf
Subsurface Sand Remobilization and Injection
Geological Society of London. 310 pagesBooks and Reports: Books- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1144/SP493
The Tumey Giant Injection Complex, Tumey Hill, California (USA)
Subsurface Sand Remobilization and Injection. Silcock, S., Huuse, M., Bowman, M., Hurst, A., Cobain, S. (eds.). Geological Society of London, pp. 181-214Chapters in Books, Reports and Conference Proceedings: Chapters- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1144/SP493-2019-3
- [OPEN ACCESS] http://aura.abdn.ac.uk/bitstream/2164/14770/1/SP493_2019_3.full.pdf
- [ONLINE] View publication in Mendeley
Provenance and sedimentary context of clay mineralogy in an evolving forearc basin, Upper Cretaceous-Paleogene and Eocene mudstones, San Joaquin Valley, California
Minerals, vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 1-18Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/min11010071
- [OPEN ACCESS] http://aura.abdn.ac.uk/bitstream/2164/15926/1/minerals_11_00071_v4.pdf
- [ONLINE] View publication in Scopus
Coupled hydro-mechanical evolution of fracture permeability in sand injectite intrusions
Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, vol. 12, no. 4, pp. 742-751Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrmge.2019.10.007
- [OPEN ACCESS] http://aura.abdn.ac.uk/bitstream/2164/14712/2/Gan_etal_JRMGT_Coupled_VOR.pdf
- [ONLINE] View publication in Scopus
Petrofacies of Eocene sand injectites of the Tumey Giant Injection Complex, California (USA)
Sedimentary Geology, vol. 400, 105617Contributions to Journals: ArticlesMineralogical evidence for multiple dust sources in an early Triassic loessite
Sedimentology, vol. 67, no. 1, pp. 239-260Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/sed.12641
- [OPEN ACCESS] http://aura.abdn.ac.uk/bitstream/2164/14831/2/Sedimentology_Accepted_Manuscript.pdf
- [OPEN ACCESS] http://aura.abdn.ac.uk/bitstream/2164/14831/1/figures_1_.pdf
- [ONLINE] View publication in Mendeley
Seismic imaging of complex geometry: Forward modeling of sandstone intrusions
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, vol. 513, pp. 51-63Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2019.02.011
- [OPEN ACCESS] http://aura.abdn.ac.uk/bitstream/2164/13752/1/Binder1.pdf
- [ONLINE] View publication in Scopus
- [ONLINE] View publication in Mendeley
Evolution of permeability in sand injectite systems
International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, vol. 106, pp. 176-189Contributions to Journals: ArticlesGrain and pore microtexture in sandstone sill and depositional sandstone reservoirs: preliminary insights
Petroleum Geoscience, vol. 24, no. 2, pp. 236-243Contributions to Journals: ArticlesSandstone-filled normal faults: A case study from central California
Journal of Structural Geology, vol. 110, pp. 86-101Contributions to Journals: ArticlesSeepage rate of hydrothermally generated petroleum in East African Rift lakes: an example from Lake Tanganyika
Marine and Petroleum Geology, vol. 92, pp. 149-159Contributions to Journals: ArticlesPalaeo-environment in an ancient low-latitude, arid lacustrine basin with loessite: The Smith Bank Formation (Early Triassic) in the Central North Sea, UK Continental Shelf
Sedimentology, vol. 65, no. 2, pp. 335-359Contributions to Journals: ArticlesEvolution of Permeability in Sand Injectite Systems
Chapters in Books, Reports and Conference Proceedings: Conference Proceedings- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.2118/190853-MS
- [ONLINE] View publication in Scopus
Heavy-Mineral Assemblages In Sandstone Intrusions: Panoche Giant Injection Complex, California, U.S.A.
Journal of Sedimentary Research, vol. 87, no. 4, pp. 388-405Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.2110/jsr.2017.22
- [OPEN ACCESS] http://aura.abdn.ac.uk/bitstream/2164/10349/17/submissionREV4.doc_jsessionid_1B3F3BC5780D963AC5A2A9E765444DC3.pdf
- [OPEN ACCESS] http://aura.abdn.ac.uk/bitstream/2164/10349/19/Table_1.pdf
- [OPEN ACCESS] http://aura.abdn.ac.uk/bitstream/2164/10349/18/Table_2.pdf
- [OPEN ACCESS] http://aura.abdn.ac.uk/bitstream/2164/10349/15/Fig.1.pdf
- [OPEN ACCESS] http://aura.abdn.ac.uk/bitstream/2164/10349/12/Fig.2.pdf
- [OPEN ACCESS] http://aura.abdn.ac.uk/bitstream/2164/10349/2/Fig.3.pdf
- [OPEN ACCESS] http://aura.abdn.ac.uk/bitstream/2164/10349/5/Fig.4.pdf
- [OPEN ACCESS] http://aura.abdn.ac.uk/bitstream/2164/10349/4/Fig.5.pdf
- [OPEN ACCESS] http://aura.abdn.ac.uk/bitstream/2164/10349/7/Fig.6.pdf
- [OPEN ACCESS] http://aura.abdn.ac.uk/bitstream/2164/10349/1/Fig.7.pdf
- [OPEN ACCESS] http://aura.abdn.ac.uk/bitstream/2164/10349/13/Fig.8.pdf
- [OPEN ACCESS] http://aura.abdn.ac.uk/bitstream/2164/10349/14/Fig.9.pdf
- [OPEN ACCESS] http://aura.abdn.ac.uk/bitstream/2164/10349/9/Fig.10.pdf
- [OPEN ACCESS] http://aura.abdn.ac.uk/bitstream/2164/10349/11/Fig.11.pdf
- [OPEN ACCESS] http://aura.abdn.ac.uk/bitstream/2164/10349/10/Fig.12.pdf
- [OPEN ACCESS] http://aura.abdn.ac.uk/bitstream/2164/10349/3/Fig.13.pdf
Saucer-shaped sandstone intrusions: An underplayed reservoir target
AAPG Bulletin, vol. 101, no. 4, pp. 625-633Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1306/011817DIG17070
A working model for building equitable relationsips in international academic partnerships
Chapters in Books, Reports and Conference Proceedings: Conference Proceedings- [ONLINE] View publication in Scopus
Application of outcrop analogues in successful exploration of a sand injection complex, Volund Field, Norwegian North Sea
The Value of Outcrop Studies in Reducing Subsurface Uncertainty and Risk in Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production. Bowman, M., Smyth, H. R., Good, T. R., Passey, S. R., Hirst, J. P. P., Jordan, C. J. (eds.). Geological Society of London, pp. 75-92, 18 pagesChapters in Books, Reports and Conference Proceedings: Chapters- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1144/SP436.3
- [ONLINE] View publication in Scopus
Emplacement of sandstone intrusions during contractional tectonics
Journal of Structural Geology, vol. 89, pp. 230-249Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2016.06.010
- [OPEN ACCESS] http://aura.abdn.ac.uk/bitstream/2164/8905/1/Palladino_et_al._2016.pdf
First recorded occurrence of detrital baddeleyite (ZrO2) in sedimentary rock (Smith Bank Formation, Triassic, Central North Sea)
Scottish Journal of Geology, vol. 51, no. 2, pp. 185-189Contributions to Journals: ArticlesSaucer-shaped sandstone intrusions: a global deepwater play?
Chapters in Books, Reports and Conference Proceedings: Conference Proceedings- [ONLINE] View publication in Scopus
Constraining the origin of reservoirs formed by sandstone intrusions: Insights from heavy mineral studies of the Eocene in the Forties area, United Kingdom central North Sea
AAPG Bulletin, vol. 98, no. 3, pp. 545-561Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1306/06141312191
Provenance models: the role of sandstone mineral–chemical stratigraphy
Sediment Provenance Studies in Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production. Scott, R. A., Smyth, H. R., Morton, A. C., Richardson, N. (eds.). Geological Society of London, pp. 7-26, 20 pagesChapters in Books, Reports and Conference Proceedings: Chapters- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1144/SP386.11
Saucer-shaped sandstone intrusions – a global deepwater play?
Chapters in Books, Reports and Conference Proceedings: Conference Proceedings- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.3997/2214-4609.20141064
Understanding the provenance and reservoir quality of the Sele Formation sandstones of the UK Central Graben utilizing detrital garnet suites
Sediment Provenance Studies in Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production. Scott, R. A., Smyth, H. R., Morton, A. C., Richardson, N. (eds.). Geological Society of London, pp. 129-142, 14 pagesChapters in Books, Reports and Conference Proceedings: Chapters- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1144/SP386.16
Long term geological record of a global deep subsurface microbial habitat in sand injection complexes
Scientific Reports, vol. 3, 1828Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/srep01828
- [OPEN ACCESS] http://aura.abdn.ac.uk/bitstream/2164/2854/1/Injectite_habitat_published.pdf
Outcrop-based reservoir characterization of a kilometer-scale sand-injectite complex
AAPG Bulletin, vol. 97, no. 2, pp. 309-343Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1306/05141211184
Provenance models: the role of sandstone mineral-chemical stratigraphy
Special Publication - Geological Society of London, vol. 386Contributions to Journals: Special Issues- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1144/SP386.11
Kilometer-scale sand injectites in the intracratonic Murzuq Basin (South-west Libya): an igneous trigger?
Sedimentology, vol. 59, no. 4, pp. 1321-1344Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3091.2011.01308.x
Clay Mineral Variations in Holocene Terrestrial Sediments from the Indus Basin: a Response to SW Asian Monsoon Variability?
Quaternary Research, vol. 77, no. 3, pp. 368-381Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yqres.2012.01.008
Sand Injectites - Implications for overpressure and compaction
Chapters in Books, Reports and Conference Proceedings: Conference Proceedings- [ONLINE] View publication in Scopus
Physical characteristics of sand injectites
Earth Science Reviews, vol. 106, no. 3-4, pp. 215-246Contributions to Journals: Literature Reviews- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2011.02.004
Regional sand injectite architecture as a record of pore-pressure evolution and sand redistribution in the shallow crust: insights from the Panoche Giant Injection Complex, California
Journal of the Geological Society , vol. 167, no. 5, pp. 889-904Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1144/0016-76492010-004
Three-dimensional seismic characterisation of large-scale sandstone intrusions in the lower Palaeogene of the North Sea: completely injected vs. in situ remobilised sandbodies
Basin Research, vol. 22, no. 4, pp. 517-532Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2117.2010.00469.x
Benchmarking methods of enhanced heavy oil recovery using a microscaled bead-pack
Lab on a Chip, vol. 10, no. 7, pp. 819-823Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/b926815d
Deserts: modern studies influence interpretation of origins and demise of ancient deserts
Horizons in Earth Science Research. Veress, B., Szigethy, J. (eds.). Nova Science Publishers, pp. 141-162, 22 pagesChapters in Books, Reports and Conference Proceedings: ChaptersPredicting reservoir characteristics from drilling and hydrocarbon-gas data using advanced computational mathematics
Chapters in Books, Reports and Conference Proceedings: Conference Proceedings- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.2118/123785-MS
- [ONLINE] View publication in Scopus
The Process of Sand Injection: Internal Structures and Relationships with Host Strata (Yellowbank Creek Injectite Complex, California, U.S.A.)
Journal of Sedimentary Research, vol. 79, no. 8, pp. 568-583Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.2110/jsr.2009.062
Sedimentary flow units in hydrocarbon reservoirs: Some shortcomings and a case for high-resolution permeability data
The Geological Modelling of Hydrocarbon Reservoirs and Outcrop Analogues. Flint, S. S., Bryant, I. D. (eds.). Wiley, pp. 190-204, 15 pagesChapters in Books, Reports and Conference Proceedings: Chapters- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/9781444303957.ch12
- [ONLINE] View publication in Scopus
Mass-wasting of ancient aeolian dunes and sand fluidization during a period of global warming and inferred brief high precipitation: the Hopeman Sandstone (late Permian), Scotland
Terra Nova, vol. 20, no. 4, pp. 274-279Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3121.2008.00817.x