Research Archive

“Science, my lad, is made up of mistakes, but they are mistakes which it is useful to make, because they lead
little by little to the truth.”

Jules Verne, Journey to the Centre of the Earth.

We retain strong links with academia and are involved in cutting edge research, so we are ideally positioned to bridge the gap between scientific rigour and commercial development. Maintaining close ties with our origins in the Department of Earth Sciences at Durham University, and many other universities globally, we are able to deliver innovative and world leading solutions to geoscience problems. 

Our recent publications include collaboration with these research institutions


Durham University UK| Aberdeen University UK | Aix-Marseille University France | Akron University USA | Athens University Greece | Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organisation | Bergen University Norway | Birkbeck University UK | Bristol University UK | Camerino University Italy | Canterbury University UK | Cardiff University UK | Chieti University  Italy | CNRS France | Cologne University Germany | CSIC Spain | CSIRO Australia | Edinburgh UK | ETH Zurich Switzerland | Geological Survey ISPRA Italy | Geological Survey Trentino Italy | GEOMAR Germany | GEUS Denmark | GFZ Potsdam Germany | Glasgow University UK | INGV Italy | Institute for Coastal Marine Environment (CNR IAMC) Italy | Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources (CNR IGG) Italy | Insubria University Italy | Italian Civil Protection Department (DPCN) Italy | Keele University UK | Khalifa University UAE | Leeds University UK | Leicester University UK | Leuven University Belgium | Mainz University Germany | Manchester University UK | Milan University Italy | Montpellier University France | Münster University Germany | New Mexico University USA | Newcastle University UK | Northumbria University UK | Oslo University Norway | Oxford University UK | Padova University Italy | Patras University Greece | Petroleum Institute, Abu Dhabi | Plymouth University UK | Rennes University France | Rome University Italy | Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre UK | Sheffield University UK | University College London UK | Uppsala University Sweden | Utrecht University Nederlands | Wyoming University USA 

Filter our list of Research Articles
Geoscience Content
Research Type
Type Author Year Title (link) Reference
Conference Wilkinson, M.W 2020 Monitoring the surface deformation of geological hazards using low-cost GNSS Geological Society, Northern Group, 16th July 2020.
Conference Kokkalas, S.
Jones, R.R.
Wilkinson, M.W
Daniels, S.E.
and others
2020 Comparison of Fracture Intensity Measured in Outcrop and μCT Core Plugs in a Carbonate Reservoir Analogue 4th EAGE Workshop on Naturally Fractured Reservoirs, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, February 2020.
Conference Jones, R.R.
Long, J.J.
Daniels, S.E.
2019 Fractured Reservoir Analogues: From Virtual Outcrops to Discrete Fracture Models AAPG Annual Convention & Exhibition, San Antonio, May 2019.
Conference Jones, R.R.
Long, J.J.
Daniels, S.E.
Oxlade, D.M.
2018 Quantifying fracture aspect ratios in reservoir-scale fractured carbonates The Geology of Fractured Reservoirs, Geological Society, London, October 2018
Conference Gluyas, J.
Wilkinson, M.W.
Imber, J.
Sowter, A.
and others
2018 Humbly Grove gas storage – does the Earth move? UK Energy Storage Conference, Newcastle, UK, March 2018
Conference Jones, R.R.
Kokkalas, S.
Long, J.J.
Daniels, S.E.
and others
2018 Calibration of Fracture Models Using Multi-Scale Outcrop Analogues – the Importance of Mechanical Stratigraphy Third EAGE Workshop on Naturally Fractured Reservoirs, Muscat, Oman, February 2018
Conference Daniels, S.E.
Long, J.J.
Mawson, M.J.
Tucker M.E.
and others
2017 Specific Play Knowledge of Zechstein Carbonate Reservoirs Applied across the Northern and Southern Permian Basins Cross Border Exploration Between UK & Norway: Comparisons, Contracts and Collaborations; 27-28 November 2017
Conference Jones, R.R.
Daniels, S.E.
Wilkinson, M.W.
Long, J.J.
and others
2017 Importance of Outcrop Analogues for Predicting Fluid Flow in Fractured Rock: Lessons from Hydrocarbon Exploration & Production AAPG Geothermal Cross Over Technology Workshop, April 2017
Scientific Article (peer reviewed) Cowie, P.A.
Phillips, R.J.
Roberts, G.P.
McCaffrey, K.J.W.
and others
2017 Orogen-scale uplift in the central Italian Apennines drives episodic behaviour of earthquake faults Nature Scientifc Reports, 7:44858 DOI: 10.1038/srep44858 (2017)
Conference McCaffrey, K.J.W.
Gregory, L.C.
Walters, R.J.
Roberts, G.
and others
2016 Investigation of post-seismic deformation resulting from the 24th August 2016 Central Italy Earthquake (M 6.2) AGU Fall Meeting, 12-16 December 2016
Conference Daniels, S.
Gluyas, J.
Holdsworth, R.
Long, J.
and others
2016 Understanding Zechstein Carbonate Reservoirs in NW Europe PETEX, London, November 2016
Conference Utley, T.A.G.
Holdsworth, R.E.
McCaffrey, K.J.W.
Jones, R.R.
and others
2016 A reservoir-scale structural reappraisal of onshore Devonian analogues of the Clair Group in the Fair Isle-Shetland region PETEX, London, November 2016.
Conference Jones, R.R.
Long, J.J.
Kokkalas, S.
Daniels, S.E.
2016 Calibration of Fracture Models using Multi-Scale Outcrop Analogues – the Importance of Mechanical Stratigraphy AAPG Annual Convention & Exhibition, Calgary, June 2016.
Conference Daniels, S.E.
Gluyas, J.G.
Holdsworth, R.E.
Long, J.J.
and others
2016 Key Challenges for Understanding Zechstein Carbonate Reservoirs in NW Europe Palaeozoic Plays of Northwest Europe Conference, Geological Society, London, May 2016.
Conference Jones, R.R.
Kokkalas, S.
Long, J.J.
Daniels, S.E.
2016 Prediction of Fracture Networks in Structural Traps: Insights from Outcrop Characterisation of Four-way Closing Anticlines in Reservoir Analogues AAPG International Convention & Exhibition, Barcelona, April 2016.
Conference Kokkalas, S.
Jones, R.R.
Long, J.J.
Gilment, S.
and others
2016 Comparison of Fracture Analysis Methods at Multiple Scales from Outcrop Analogues Geo 2016 12th Middle East Geosciences Conference, Bahrain, March 2016.
Conference Jones, R.R.
Long, J.J.
McCaffrey, K.J.W.
2016 From outcrop analogue to full-field fracture model: the importance of multi-scale fracture size-intensity relationships Geo 2016 12th Middle East Geosciences Conference, Bahrain, March 2016.
Conference Shahar, S.
Dawing, S.
Jones, R.R.
2015 LIDAR Technology application for outcrop to subsurface reservoir study of Oman Interior IPTC - International Petroleum Technology Conference, Doha, December 2015
Conference Daniels, S.
Imber, J.
Wilkinson, M.
Long, J.
and others
2015 Fracture Characterisation in Shales for Efficient Development Geomechanical and Petrophysical Properties of Mudrocks, Geological Society, London, November 2015.
Conference Jones, R.R.
Long, J.J.
Kokkalas, S.
Daniels, S.E.
and others
2015 Improved Multi-Scale Fracture Models based on Quantitative Analysis of Outcrop Analogues EAGE Third EAGE Workshop on Iraq, Dubai UAE, November 2015.
Scientific Article (peer reviewed) Wilkinson, M.
Roberts, G.P.
McCaffrey, K.
Cowie, P.A.
and others
2015 Slip distributions on active normal faults measured from LiDAR and field mapping of geomorphic offsets: an example from L’Aquila, Italy, and implications for modelling seismic moment release Geomorphology, 237, 130-141 (2015).
Scientific Article (peer reviewed) Hancock, S.
Essery, R.
Reid, T.
Carle, J.
and others
2014 Characterising forest gap fraction with terrestrial lidar and photography: An examination of relative limitations Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, 189-190, 105-114 (2014).
Conference Jones, R.
Long, J.
McCaffrey, K.
Wilkinson, M.
and others
2014 Minimising Risk in Fractured Reservoirs using Outcrop Analogues Reducing Subsurface Uncertainty & Risk through Field-based Studies Conference, Geological Society, London, March 2014.
Conference Daniels, S.
Imber, J.
Wilkinson, M.
Long, J.
and others
2014 Utilising Outcrop Analogues to Understand Natural Fracture Systems in Shales Reducing Subsurface Uncertainty & Risk through Field-based Studies Conference, Geological Society, London, March 2014.
Scientific Article (peer reviewed) Reid, T.
Spencer, M.
Huntley, B.
Hancock, S.
and others
2014 Spatial quantification of leafless canopy structure in a boreal birch forest Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, 188, 1-12 (2014).
Conference Long, J.J.
Jones, R.R.
Oxlade, D.M.
Carle, J.A.
and others
2013 Multi-scale nature of fracture properties: outcrop to satellite scales EGU General Assembly, Vienna, April 2013.
Conference Vsemirnova, E.A.
Long, J.J.
Jones, R.R.
2013 Evaluation of a discrete fracture network model from fractured outcrop analogues EGU General Assembly, Vienna, April 2013.
Conference Vsemirnova, E.A.
Wilkinson, M.W.
Carle, J.A.
Jarvis, Z.
and others
2013 Appraisal of peat thickness using combined GPR and terrestrial lidar survey EGU General Assembly, Vienna, April 2013.
Conference Pless, J.
Franklin, B.
McCaffrey, K.
Holdsworth, R.
and others
2012 Fracture Characterisation in Crystalline Basement: Building an Analogue for the Clair Basement Based on the Lewisian Gneiss Complex of NW Scotland Geological Society, London, "Industrial Structural Geology", November 2012.
Conference Gómez, P.
Jones, R.
Niño, F.
Naranjo, J.
2012 Implementation of Digital Outcrop Models for Subsurface Extrapolation: A Pilot study in the San Jacinto Belt, Colombia XI Bolivarian Symposium: Petroleum Exploration in the Subandean Basins, Cartagena, Columbia, July-August 2012.
Conference Vsemirnova, E.A.
Jones, R.R.
McCaffrey, K.J.W.
2012 Studies of fracture network geometry of reservoir outcrop analogues from terrestrial lidar data: attempts to quantify spatial variations of fracture characteristics EGU General Assembly, Vienna, April 2012.
Conference Bistacchi, A.
Smith, S.A.
Di Toro, G.
Jones, R.
and others
2012 Multi-scale characterization of the seismogenic Gole Larghe Fault Zone (Southern Alps, Italy): methodology and results EGU General Assembly, Vienna, April 2012.
Conference Franklin, B.S.G.
Martin, J.C.
Holdsworth, R.E.
McCaffrey, K.J.W.
and others
2012 Characterising fracture systems within the Lewisian Gneiss Complex, northwest Scotland: An onshore analogue for the Clair Field. Tectonic Studies Group conference, Edinburgh, January 2012.
Conference Phillips, R.J.
Cowie, P.A.
Walker, M.
Roberts, G.
and others
2012 Deriving fault slip histories from cosmogenic exposure ages along bedrock fault scarps. Tectonic Studies Group conference, Edinburgh, January 2012.
Conference Franklin, B.
Martin, J.C.
Holdsworth, R.E.
McCaffrey, K.
and others
2011 Characterising fracture systems within fractured crystalline reservoirs: the Lewisian Gneiss Complex, Scotland as an onshore analogue for the Clair Field basement AGU Fall Meting, San Francisco, December 2011
Conference Jones, R.
Vsemirnova, K.
Bubeck, A.
Pearce, M.
and others
2011 Characterisation of 3D Fracture Networks using Quantitative Outcrop Analogues Analysed with Lidar and Shallow Geophysics AAPG International Convention & Exhibition, Milan, October 2011.
Conference Bubeck, A.A.P.
Vsemirnova, E.A.
Jones, R.R.
Wilkinson, M.W.
2011 Combining GPR and Terrestrial LiDAR to Produce 3D Virtual Outcrop Models 17th European Meeting of Environmental and Engineering Geophysics.
Scientific Article (peer reviewed) Jones, R.R.
Pringle, J.K.
McCaffrey, K.J.W.
Imber, J.
and others
2011 Extending digital outcrop geology into the subsurface In: Martinsen, O.J., Pulham, A.J., Haughton, P.D.W., Sullivan M.D. (eds) Outcrops Revitalized - Tools, Techniques and Applications. SEPM Concepts in Sedimentology, 10, 31-50 (2011).
Scientific Article (peer reviewed) Pearce, M.A.
Jones, R.R.
Smith, S.A.F.
McCaffrey, K.J.W.
2011 Quantification of fold curvature and fracturing using terrestrial laser scanning AAPG Bulletin, 95, 771-794 (2011).
Conference McCaffrey, K.J.W.
Jones, R.R.
Pringle, J.
Bubeck, A.
and others
2011 3D structural and stratigraphical models from laser scan outcrop datasets EGU General Assembly, Vienna, April 2011.
Conference Vsemirnova, E.A.
Jones, R.R.
Guo, J.
McCaffrey, K.J.W.
2011 Quantitative characterization of fracture networks using terrestrial lidar data, an example from high porosity sandstones at Appleby EGU General Assembly, Vienna, April 2011.
Scientific Article (peer reviewed) Bistacchi, A.
Griffith, W.A.
Smith, S.A.F.
Di Toro, G.
and others
2011 Fault roughness at seismogenic depths from LIDAR and photogrammetric analysis Pure Applied Geophysics, 168, 2345-2363 (2011).
Conference McCaffrey, K.
Jones, R.
Wilkinson, M.
2011 Terrestrial Laser Scanning: Creating Virtual Outcrops for Geoscientists GSA Penrose Conference "Google Earth: Visualizing the Possibilities for Geoscience Education and Research", Google HQ California, January 2011.
Conference Sagi, D.
De Paola, N.
McCaffrey, K.J.W.
Holdsworth, R.E.
and others
2011 3D Modeling of Fracture Density and Connectivity Within Faulted Chalk Reservoirs – A Case Study From Flamborough Head, UK Tectonic Studies Group conference, Durham, January 2011.
Scientific Article (peer reviewed) McCaffrey, K.J.W.
Hodgetts, D.
Howell, J.
Hunt, D.
and others
2010 Virtual fieldtrips for petroleum geoscientists Petroleum Geology Conference series, 7, 19-26 (2010).
Conference Bistacchi, A.
Griffith, W.A.
Nielsen, S.
Smith, S.A.
and others
2010 Surface roughness of ancient seismic faults exhumed from 10 km depths (Gole Larghe Fault, Italian Alps) characterized over five orders of magnitude AGU Fall Meting, San Francisco, December 2010
Conference Pless, J.C.
Holdsworth, R.E.
McCaffrey, K.J.W.
Conway, A.
and others
2010 Characterising Fault Networks in Three Dimensions in the Lewisian Gneiss Complex, NW Scotland: Implications for Petroleum Potential in the Clair Field Basement, Faroe-Shetland Basin PETEX Petroleum Geoscience Research Collaboration, London, November 2010
Conference Smith, S.A.F.
Jones, R.
Rempe, M.
Niemeijer, A.
and others
2010 Quantifying the structure of an exhumed seismogenic fault zone using Differential GPS and Terrestrial Laser-Scanning GSA Annual Meeting, Denver, November 2010
Conference Franklin, B.S.G.
Holdsworth, R.E.
McCaffrey, K.J.W.
Krabbendam, M.
and others
2010 Characterising fracture systems on the Isle of Lewis: An onshore analogue for the Clair Field "Stress controls on faulting, fracturing …", EM Anderson Conference, Glasgow, September 2010
Conference Di Toro, G.
Griffith, A.W.
Nielsen, S.
Smith, S.A.
and others
2010 Inferring earthquake mechanics from exhumed faults "Stress controls on faulting, fracturing …", EM Anderson Conference, Glasgow, September 2010
Conference Jones, R.
Imber, J.
Pearce, M.
Wightman, R.
2010 To what extent do fracture arrays conform to Andersonian fault models? "Stress controls on faulting, fracturing …", EM Anderson Conference, Glasgow, September 2010
Conference Franklin, B.S.G.
Martin, J.C.
Holdsworth, R. E.
McCaffrey, K.J.W.
and others
2010 Characterising Fracture Systems within the Lewisian Gneiss Complex, Northwest Scotland: an Onshore Analogue for the Clair Field? AAPG International Convention & Exhibition, Calgary, August 2010.
Conference Bistacchi, A.
Griffith, W.A.
Nielsen, S.
Smith, S.A.F.
and others
2010 Surface roughness of ancient seismic faults exhumed from seismogenic depths (Gole Larghe Fault, Italian Alps): a combined LIDAR and high-resolution photogrammetric analysis Gocad Consortium Annual Meeting, Nancy, May 2010.
Conference Smith, S.
Jones, R.
Di Toro, G.
Mariano, S.
and others
2010 The Structure of Seismogenic Faults in Crystalline Basement EGU General Assembly, Vienna, May 2010.
Scientific Article (peer reviewed) Jones, R.R.
Kokkalas, S.
McCaffrey, K.J.W.
2009 Quantitative analysis and visualization of nonplanar fault surfaces using terrestrial laser scanning (LIDAR) – The Arkitsa fault, central Greece, as a case study Geosphere, 5, 465-482 (2009).
Conference Smith, S.A.
Jones, R.R.
di Toro, G.
Mariano, S.
and others
2009 Quantifying the Structure of an Exhumed Seismogenic Fault Zone Using Terrestrial Laser-Scanning and Differential GPS AGU Fall Meting, San Francisco, December 2009
Conference Jones, R.R.
McCaffrey, K.J.W.
Imber, J.
Wightman, R.
2009 Outcrop Analogues of Fault Systems Showing Variations in Linkage, Segmentation and Compartmentalisation with Increasing Deformation AAPG Annual Convention & Exhibition, Denver, June 2009
Conference Wightman, R.
Imber, J.
Jones, R.R.
McCaffrey, K.J.W.
and others
2009 Virtual outcrop models of the Moab Fault to assess uncertainties in sub-surface fault seal prediction Devex, Aberdeen, May 2009
Scientific Article (peer reviewed) Jones, R.R.
McCaffrey, K.J.W.
Imber, J.
Wightman, R.
and others
2008 Calibration and validation of reservoir models: the importance of high resolution, quantitative outcrop analogues In: Robinson, Griffiths, Price, Hegre, Muggeridge (eds) The Future of Geological Modelling in Hydrocarbon Development The Geological Society London Special Publications, 309, 87–98 (2008).
Conference Jones, R.R.
Pringle, J.K.
McCaffrey, K.J.W.
Reynolds, T.
and others
2008 Extending Virtual Outcrop Geology into the Subsurface – Combining Terrestrial Laser Scanning and Ground Penetrating Radar at the Bridge of Ross, Co. Clare SEPM Outcrops Revitalized Conference, Co. Clare, June 2008.
Conference Jones, R.R.
McCaffrey, K.J.W.
2007 Capturing Detailed Outcrop Geology Using Terrestrial Laser Scanning (Lidar) and Other Digital Technologies: Current Status and Future Directions AGU Fall Meeting, San Francisco, December 2007.
Scientific Article (peer reviewed) Wawrzyniec, T.F.
Jones, R.R.
McCaffrey, K.J.W.
Imber, J.
and others
2007 Introduction: Unlocking 3D Earth Systems – Harnessing New Digital Technologies to Revolutionize Multi-Scale Geological Models Geosphere, 3, 406-407 (2007).
Conference Jones, R.R.
Kokkalas, S.
Healy, D.
McCaffrey, K.
2007 How is oblique extension (transtension) accommodated from regional to local scales? AAPG International Convention & Exhibition, Athens, November 2007.
Scientific Article (peer reviewed) Labourdette, R.
Jones, R.R.
2007 Characterization of fluvial architectural elements using a three dimensional outcrop dataset: Escanilla braided system – South-Central Pyrenees, Spain Geosphere, 3, 422-434 (2007).
Conference Labourdette, R.
Jones, R.R.
2007 Characterisation of Fluvial Architectural Elements Using a Three Dimensional Outcrop Dataset – Escanilla Braided System 69th EAGE Conference and Exhibition, London, June 2007.
Scientific Article (peer reviewed) Kokkalas, S.
Jones, R.R.
McCaffrey, K.J.W.
Clegg, P.
2007 Quantitative fault analysis at Arkitsa, Central Greece, using Terrestrial Laser-Scanning (”LiDAR”) Bulletin of the Geological Society of Greece, XXXVII (2007).
Conference Labourdette, R.
Jones, R.R.
2007 Characterization of Fluvial Architectural Elements Using a Three-Dimensional Outcrop Dataset AAPG Annual Convention & Exhibition, Long Beach, April 2007.
Conference Jones, R.R.
Healy, D.
Imber, J.
Wightman, R.H.
and others
2007 Linking Seismic and Sub-Seismic Fault Predictions Using Laser Scanning of Outcrop Analogues AAPG Annual Convention & Exhibition, Long Beach, April 2007.
Conference Labourdette, R.
Jones, R.R.
2007 Characterization of Fluvial Architectural Elements Using a Three-Dimensional Outcrop Dataset Outcrop to Asset Conference, Manchester, January 2007.
Conference Jones, R.R.
Healy, D.
Kokkalas, S.
Imber, J.
and others
2007 Spatial variation in fault curvature and slip patch segmentation Tectonic Studies Group conference, Glasgow, January 2007.
Conference Pearce, M.A.
Smith, S.A.F
Jones, R.R.
McCaffrey, K.
and others
2006 Quantifying Fold and Fracture Attributes Using Real Time Kinematic (RTK) GPS and Laser-Scanning AGU Fall Meeting, San Francisco, December 2006.
Conference Jones, R.R.
Kokkalas, S.
Healy, D.
2006 Curvature of Fault Planes and Heterogeneity of Slip Patches AGU Fall Meeting, San Francisco, December 2006.
Conference Smith, S.A.F.
Jones, R.R.
Pearce, M.A.
McCaffrey, K.
and others
2006 Quantifying Fold and Fracture Attributes Using RTK GPS and Laser-Scanning Unlocking 3D Earth Systems, Penrose Conference, Durham, September 2006.
Article Clegg, P.
Trinks, I.
McCaffrey, K.J.W.
Holdsworth, R.E.
and others
2005 Towards the Virtual Outcrop Geoscientist, 15, 1, 8-9 (2005).