CONSUMING THE DATA
The availability and consumption of geodynamic models is changing, and access to this powerful tool
is increasing. A plate model can be consumed as individual time slices displayed as images. These can
also be collated into an animation, with jumps of millions of years related to the gaps between time
slices (Blakey, 2011). While this delivery method is the most accessible, it not very interactive, and there
is a limited amount that can be done with global-scale static images.
To use and manipulate a plate model fully, specialized software is necessary. Software packages, such
as GPlates or the PaleoGIS extension for ArcGIS, allow geoscientists to create their own time slice
reconstructions and include their own proprietary data.
The next step to democratizing the access to plate models in exploration was provided by the Neftex
QuickPlates platform, first released in 2016. This innovative application provides an integrated, online,
browser-based plate reconstruction micro-service. It allows users to view, interact, and interrogate plate
models and a vast amount of associated data and geological knowledge. QuickPlates removes the need
for specialist software. The cloud-based approach allows more development flexibility, a better and
simpler user experience, and portability across devices. QuickPlates removes some of the key barriers
to users, and makes it fast and easy for a much wider audience to utilize the power of plate model
interpretations in their daily exploration decisions.
REFERENCES
Fowler, C.M.R. 2004. The Solid Earth: An Introduction to Global Geophysics. Cambridge University Press, 1-728 p.
(XURBB_590013)
Hochard, C. 2008. GIS and Geodatabases Application to Global Scale Plate Tectonics Modelling. Institut de Geologie et
Paleontologie, Universite de Lausanne, Switzerland. (XURBB_465123).
Ivanov, A.V. 2007. Evaluation of different models for the origin of the Siberian Traps. In G.R. Foulger and D.M. Jurdy (Eds.), Plates,
Plumes and Planetary Processes. GSA - Special Paper no. 430, p. 669-691. (XURBB_421671)
Lang, C. and M. Reynald 2016. Exploration insights from global paleogeography. Neftex Exploration Insights Magazine. Exploration
Insights Magazine no. December/January, p. 16-21. (XURBB_634439)
Muller, R.D., J-Y Royer and L.A. Lawyer, 1993, Revised plate motions relative to the hotspots from combined Atlantic and Indian
Ocean hot spot tracks. Geology, v. 21, no. 3, p. 275-278. (XURBB_469480)
O’Neill, C., D. Müller and B. Steinberger 2005. On the uncertainties in hot spot reconstructions and the significance of moving hot
spot reference frames. Geochemistry Geophysics Geosystems, v. 6, no. Q04003, p. 1-35. (XURBB_477728)
Scotese, C.R. and D.W. Baker 1975. Continental Drift Reconstructions and Animation. Journal of Geological Education. Taylor and
Francis Group, p. 167-171. (XURBB_641561)
Scotese, C.R. 1976. A continental drift ‘flip book’. Computers and Geosciences, v. 2, no. 1, p. 113-116. (XURBB_641562).
Stampfli, G.M. and G.D. Borel 2002. A plate tectonic model for the Paleozoic and Mesozoic constrained by dynamic plate
boundaries and restored synthetic oceanic isochrons. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, v. 196, no. 1-2, p. 17-33.
(XURBB_463865).
Torsvik, T.H. 2019. Earth history: A journey in time and space from base to top. Tectonophysics. Tectonophysics no. 760, p. 297-
313. (XURBB_641633).
Van Der Meer, D.G., D.J.J. Van Hinsbergen and W. Spakman 2018. Atlas of the underworld: Slab remnants in the mantle, their
sinking history, and a new outlook on lower mantle viscosity. Tectonophysics, v. 723, p. 309-448. (XURBB_639346).
Van Der Meer, D.G., W. Spakman, D.J.J. Van Hinsbergen, M.L. Amaru and T.H. Torsvik 2010. Towards absolute plate motions
constrained by lower-mantle slab remnants. Nature Geoscience, v. 3, no. 1, p. 36-40. (XURBB_643585).
Vérard, C., C. Hochard, P.O. Baumgartner and G.M. Stampfli 2015. Geodynamic evolution of the Earth over the Phanerozoic: Plate
tectonic activity and palaeoclimatic indicators. Journal of Palaeogeography, v. 4, no. 2, p. 167-188. (XURBB_593333).
Vérard, C. 2019. Plate tectonic modelling: review and perspectives. Geological Magazine, v. 156, no. 2, p. 208-241.
(XURBB_643522).
Wrobel-Daveau, J-C. and G. Baines 2015. Geodynamic Controls on Critical Petroleum Elements in the Caucasus-Zagros Foldbelt.
Neftex Exploration Insights Magazine. Exploration Insights Magazine no. December/January, p. 18-25. (XURBB_634434).
Wrobel-Daveau, J-C. and N. Dowey 2017. Using plate tectonics alongside source to sink analysis and basin modelling to
investigate frontier plays, Western Black Sea. Neftex Exploration Insights Magazine. Exploration Insights Magazine no. June, p.
5-12. (XURBB_634407).
Wrobel-Daveau, J-C., and G. Nicoll 2019. The Drift Towards Plate Tectonic Theory. Exploration Insights Magazine. Exploration
Insights Magazine no. September, p. 10-15. (XURBB_643054).
Exploration Handbook | 27
AUTHOR
Craig Lang, Senior Geoscientist, Geodynamics, Halliburton
Landmark
Craig started his career when he joined Neftex Petroleum
Consultants in 2011, working initially on the South America region.
He was part of the team that undertook global, and then global palinspastic,
mapping. He is now part of the geodynamics team and contributes to the
development of the Neftex ® Plate Model. Craig holds an M.Sci in Geology from
the University of Southampton.
Dr. Jean-Christophe Wrobel-Daveau, Structural Geology and Plate
Tectonics Advisor, Halliburton Landmark
Jean-Christophe has 12 years of industry experience in play-based
hydrocarbon exploration. He has specialized in plate tectonic
modeling and subsurface model validity, in data poor and structurally complex
regions. He currently supports the development of various products across
Landmark including LithoTect ® , Dynamic Frameworks to Fill ® , Neftex ® Plate
Tectonic Framework, and QuickPlates ® . Jean-Christophe holds an MSc degree
in geochemistry and cosmonucleids dating methods from the University
of Grenoble, France, and a PhD degree in structural geology and detrital
thermochronology from Cergy-Pontoise University, France, sponsored by Total
SA.
Dr. Graeme Nicoll, Solution Owner of Source to Sink, Halliburton
Landmark
Graeme is responsible for the strategy, scientific vision, and
development of the Neftex ® Insights global geoscience products
connected to the Earth System. He joined Neftex Petroleum Consultants
in 2012, after completing post-doctoral work in geochronology and basin
dynamics at Edinburgh University, and working as a consultant looking at North
Atlantic crustal evolution. He has developed the Neftex mineral deposit and
geochronology datasets, and their subsequent integration into supporting plate
modeling and gross depositional environment mapping. Since 2017, he has led
our Source to Sink and Geochronology teams. Graeme holds a PhD degree
from Trinity College, Dublin.
DISCLAIMER
This article is a synthesis based upon published data and information, and derived knowledge
created within Halliburton. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, no proprietary client data has been
used in its preparation. If client data has been used, permission will have been obtained and is
acknowledged. Reproduction of any copyrighted image is with the permission of the copyright
holder and is acknowledged. The opinions found in the articles may not necessarily reflect the
views and/or opinions of Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. and its affiliates including but not
limited to Landmark Graphics Corporation.
“QuickPlates removes some
of the key barriers to users,
and makes it fast and easy
for a much wider audience to
utilize the power of plate model
interpretations in their daily
exploration decisions”
26 | Halliburton Landmark