Dr Boyan Vakarelov

Biography/ Background

Contact Information : bvakarelov@asp.adelaide.edu.au

I am a researcher and co-PI of the WAVE Consortium, which is an eleven company-supported  research initiative  investigating the impact of shallow marine mixed-influence stratigraphic heterogeneity on reservoir performance, currently in its second phase (2011-2014). Formerly, I was a Lecturer at the Australian School of Petroleum, where I taught courses in Sedimentology and Sequence Stratigraphy.

My research interests are in high-resolution sequence stratigraphy, with emphasis on sub-seismic scale stratigraphic heterogeneity of shallow marine reservoirs, and shallow marine reservoir facies models. 

I hold a PhD in Sedimentology/Stratigraphy from the University of Texas at Dallas, USA (2006), and a Bachelor's Degree in Geology from the University of Toronto, Canada (2001).

 Professional Work History

• Researcher, WAVE Consortium 2009-present
  
• Lecturer, Australian School of Petroleum 2007-2009
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Australian School of Petroleum/CO2CRC 2006-2007
• Teaching/Research Assistant, University of Texas at Dallas 2001-2006

Qualifications

Ph.D. in Geosciences, 2006, University of Texas at Dallas , Texas , USA

Dissertation: Controls on Stratigraphic Architecture in Shallow Marine Environments: Tectonic Forcing and Mud Geometries, Advisor: Janok P. Bhattacharya

B.Sc. (Honors), Geology, 2001, University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada

Teaching Interests

Short Courses for Industry:

Currently Available:

• Reservoir-Scale Sequence Stratigraphy and Depositional Environments (5 days) - This is a five day course that focuses on the practical application of depositional environment interpretation and sequence stratigraphy.
• Geology of Clastic Reservoirs (5 days) - This course offers an in-depth analysis of the distributions, geometries and sedimentary architectures of clastic reservoir facies. Participants will learn the criteria for distinguishing reservoir facies using wireline log and core data, how to interpret facies distributions at regional and field scales, and how to integrate this information into exploration and development projects.

Previously Presented:
NExT, Moscow, Russia (Sequence Stratigraphy, 5 days) - Sept, 2007

NExT, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Sequence Stratigraphy, 5 days) - July, 2008

NExT, Beijing, China (Sequence Stratigraphy, 5 days) - October, 2008

NExT, Kuala Lumpurt, Malaysia (Sequence Stratigraphy, 5 days - in-house course for Petronas) - February, 2009

NExT, Phuket, Thailand (Sequence Stratigraphy, 5 days) - October, 2010

 

University Courses (2007-2009):

ASP Geology Courses (Short Course Format):

• Siliciclastic Depositional Environments (3 day)

• Concepts of Sequence Stratigraphy (2 day)

• Reservoir-Scale Sequence Stratigraphy (3 day)
  

• Sandstone Petrology and Diagenesis (4 days)
  

• Amadeus Field Course (7 days)

Semester Courses:

• PETROENG 2005 (Sedimentology and Stratigraphy for Engineers)

Research Interests

• Shallow Marine Stratigraphic Architecture: Understanding the principles that govern 3D reservoir and seal architecture, with special emphasis on sedimentation during Greenhouse times of Earth history.
• 3D Reservoir Modeling: Creation of 3D object models to be used for flow simulation, incorporating recent finding from both modern and ancient systems.
• Architecture of mud-dominated portions of sedimentary basins: While mud-dominated clinoforming sets (mud belts) are frequently mapped in the Holocene systems, their importance is vastly underappreciated in the ancient record.
• Effects of syntectonic deformation on shallow marine depositional systems
• Sub-seismic resolution sequence stratigraphy and correlation methodology
• Basin Analysis
• CO2 migration and storage: Examining the effects of stratigraphic architecture on long distance CO2 migration and storage.

Publications

PUBLISHED AND ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPTS:

Nanson, R.A., Vakarelov, B.K., Ainsworth, R.B.. Williams, F., and Price, D., accepted, Evolution of a Holocene, mixed-process, forced regressive shoreline: the Mitchell River delta, Queensland, Australia. Marine Geology.

Vakarelov, B.K. and Ainsworth, R.B, In Press, A hierarchical approach to architectural classification in marginal marine systems – bridging the gap between sedimentology and sequence stratigraphy. AAPG Bulletin.

Massey, T.A., Fernie, A.J., Ainsworth, R.B., Nanson, R.A. and Vakarelov, B.K., In press. Detailed Mapping, 3D Modeling and Upscaling of a Mixed-Influence Delta Complex, Mitchell River Delta, Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia.Geological Society Special Publication.

Vakarelov, B. K., Ainsworth, R. B., and MacEachern, J. A., 2012. Recognition of Wave-dominated, Tide-influenced Shoreline Systems in the Rock Record: Variations from a Microtidal Shoreline Model. Sedimentary Geology, v. 279, p. 23-41.

Ainsworth, R.B., Hasiotis, S.T., Amos, K.J., Krapf, C.B.E., Payenberg, T.H.D., Sandstrom, M.L., Vakarelov, B.V., Lang, S.C., 2012. Tidal signatures in an intracratonic playa lake. Geology, v. 40, p. 607-610.

Nanson, R.A., Ainsworth, R.B., Vakarelov, B.K., Fernie, A. and Massey, T., 2012. Geometric attributes of reservoir elements in a modern, low accommodation, tide-dominated delta. APPEA Journal. v. 52, p. 483-492.

Ainsworth, R.B., Vakarelov, B.V., and Nanson, R.A., 2011. Dynamic Spatial and Temporal Prediction of Changes in Depositional Processes on Clastic Shorelines: Towards Improved Subsurface Uncertainty Reduction and Management. AAPG Bulletin, v. 95, p. 267-297.

Vakarelov, B.K ., and Bhattacharya, J.P., 2009. Effect of Local Tectonic Control on Parasequence Architecture: Second Frontier Sandstone, Powder River Basin, Wyoming . AAPG Bulletin, v. 93, p.295-327.

Miall, A.D., Catuneanu, O., Vakarelov, B.K ., Post, R., 2008. The Western Interior Basin: North American Sedimentary Basins volume, Sedimentary Basins of the World Series Volume 5, Elsevier Science, K. J. Hsu, Series Editor, p.331-364.

Vakarelov, B.K ., Bhattacharya, J.P., and Nebrigic, D.D., 2006. The Importance of high-frequency tectonic sequences during greenhouse times of earth history: Geology, v. 34; p. 797-800.

EXTENDED ABSTRACTS

Vakarelov, B.K. and Ainsworth, R.B., 2011. Predicting Marginal Marine Reservoir Architecture: Examples from Asian Shoreline Systems: International Petroleum Technology Conference, IPTC-14472, Bangkok, Thailand, 10p.

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS:

Vakarelov, B.K., Ainsworth, R.B., and Nanson, R.A. 2012 (talk). Bridging the Gap between Sedimentology and Sequence Stratigraphy: A New Architectural Classification for Marginal Marine Deposits. AAPG Annual Convention, Long Beach, USA, April 2012.

Vakarelov, B.K., Ainsworth, R.B., and Nanson, R.A. 2012 (talk). Predicting Stratigraphic Architecture from Local Basin and Physiographic Attributes: A Process-Based Analysis of Asian Shoreline Systems. AAPG Annual Convention, Long Beach, USA, April 2012.

Ainsworth, R.B., Vakarelov, B.K., Lee, C., and MacEachern, J.A. 2012 (talk). Architecture of a Tide-Dominated, Regressive Marginal Marine Succession, Drumheller, Alberta, Canada. AAPG Annual Convention, Long Beach, USA, April 2012.

Nanson, R.A., Lane, T.I, Amos, K.A., Vakarelov, B.K., and Ainsworth, R.B. 2012 (poster). Towards a Model of Scrolled Point Bar Sedimentology in Tropical Savannah Channel Belts; a Case Study of the Upper Delta Plain of the Mitchell River, Australia. AAPG Annual Convention, Long Beach, USA, April 2012.

Nanson, R.A., Ainsworth, R.B., and Vakarelov, B.K. 2012 (poster). Application of a New Process-Based Classification Scheme to Modern Mixed-Process Systems: A Case Study of the Mitchell River Delta, Queensland, Australia. AAPG Annual Convention, Long Beach, USA, April 2012

Vakarelov, B.K. and Ainsworth, R.B. 2011 (poster). Predicting Stratigraphic Architecture from Local Basin and Physiographic Settings: A Process-Based Analysis of Asian Shoreline Systems. AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, Milan, Italy.

Ainsworth, R.B.,Vakarelov, B.K. and Nanson, R.A. 2011 (talk). A Combined Process- and Architecture-Based Classification of Marginal Marine Systems - Linking the Ancient and the Modern. AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, Milan, Italy.

Vakarelov, B.K. and Ainsworth, R.B. 2011 (talk). Channelization and Stratigraphic Architecture of a Tide-Dominated, High Tidal Resonance Basin Succession: Upper Eocene Temple Member of the Qasr Al Sagha Formation, Egypt. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Annual Convention, Houston, USA.

Ainsworth, R.B., Vakarelov, B.K. and Nanson, R.A. 2011 (talk). A Process-Based Classification for Marginal Marine Systems: Linking the Ancient and the Modern. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Annual Convention, Houston, USA.

Ainsworth, R.B., Vakarelov, B.K. and Nanson, R.A. 2011 (poster). An Architecture-Based Classification for Marginal Marine Systems: Examples from the Ancient and Modern. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Annual Convention, Houston, USA.

Vakarelov, B.K., Ainsworth, R.B. and Nanson, R.A. 2010 (talk). A Novel Database-Driven Approach to Shallow Marine Classification: Towards Building a Knowledge Base. AAPG New Orleans, April 2010.

Vakarelov B.K. and Ainsworth, R.B., 2009 (talk), When the Wave-dominated Shoreface Model Breaks Down: Observations form an Ancient Wave-dominated, Tide-influenced Shoreline System, AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, CO.

Ainsworth, R.B. and Vakarelov B.K., 2009 (talk), Dynamic Prediction of Clastic Coastal Depositional Style Through Time and Space, AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, CO.

Nanson, R., Vakarelov, B.K., Ainsworth, R.B., O'Reilley, D. and Midtkandal, I., 2009 (poster), Assessment of the Relationships Between Coastal Geometry and Depositional Environment on the Australian Coastline; Developing Models for Application to Ancient Systems,  AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, CO.

Vakarelov, B.K., Ainsworth, R.B. and Nanson, R., 2008 (poster), Modern Shoreface-to-Shelf Profiles: Implications for Understanding Ancient Regressive Systems, SEPM Research Conference, Rock Springs, WY.

Vakarelov, B.K. and Ainsworth, R.B., 2008 (talk), The Quest to Build Robust Stratigraphic Models for Shallow Marine Systems: Lessons from the Holocene, AAPG Annual Convention, San Antonio, TX. 

Ainsworth, R.B. and Vakarelov, B.K., 2008 (poster), Improved Prediction of Depositional Elements in Mixed-process Coastal Depositional Systems, AAPG Annual Convention, San Antonio, TX.

Vakarelov, B.K. and Bhattacharya, J.P., 2008 (poster), Local Tectonic Control on Parasequence Architecture: Upper Cretaceous Second Frontier Sandstone, Powder River Basin, AAPG Annual Convention, San Antonio, TX

Vakarelov, B.K. and Ainsworth, R.B., 2008 (poster), Are Ancient Shallow Marine Stratigraphic Models Oversimplified? Potential Compartmentalization Lessons from Holocene Regressive Systems, Reservoir Compartmentalization Meeting, London, United Kingdom

 Vakarelov, B.K ., 2006 (talk), The Importance of Mud Deposition in Generating Realistic Stratigraphic Models, AAPG Annual Convention, Houston , TX

Vakarelov, B.K ., Bhattacharya, J.P., Nebrigic, D., 2006 (talk), The Importance of High-Frequency Tectonic Control during Greenhouse Times of Earth History, AAPG Annual Convention, Houston , TX

Vakarelov, B.K ., Winker, C.D., Bhattacharya, J.P., 2005 (talk), The Missing Mudbelts of the Ancient Record: Implications for Sequence Stratigraphy, AAPG Annual Convention, Calgary , Alberta , Canada

Bhattacharya, J.P., MacEachern, J.A., Vakarelov, B.K ., Howell, C.D, Covault, A.H. 2005, Hyperpycnal Versus Hypopycnal River Plumes and the Origin of Shelf Muds: Examples from the Cretaceous of the Western Interior Seaway, North America, AAPG Annual Convention, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Vakarelov, B.K. and Bhattacharya, J.P., 2005 (talk), High-Frequency Syntectonic Uplift in Outcrop and Subsurface: Examples from the Lower Belle Fourche Member of the Frontier Formation, WY, Cordilleran GSA/Pacific AAPG Joint Meeting, Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs , Vol. 37, No. 4, p. 87

Vakarelov, B.K. , Winker, C.D., 2005 (poster), Mud Belts: A New Architectural Element in Sequence Stratigraphy, Seismic Geomorphology Research Conference, Houston , TX

Vakarelov, B.K ., Bhattacharya, J.P., 2004 (talk), The Missing Mud Belts of the Ancient Record, GSA Annual Meeting, Denver, CO, Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs , Vol. 36, No. 5, p. 461

Vakarelov, B.K ., Bhattacharya, J.P., 2004 (poster), High-Frequency Tectonic Sequences in a Cretaceous Foreland, AAPG Annual Convention, Dallas, TX, AAPG 2004 Annual Convention Abstracts Volume, p. A142

Vakarelov, B.K ., Bhattacharya, J.P., 2003 (poster), High-Frequency Syntectonic Deformation in a Distal Foreland Setting, Powder River Basin, Wyoming, GSA Annual Meeting, Seattle, WA, Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs , Vol. 35, No. 6, p. 427

Vakarelov, B.K ., Payenberg, T.H.D., Miall, A.D., 2002 (talk), Evidence Of First Order Tectonic Control and Point Load Migration in the Upper Cretaceous Milk River - Basal Belly River Interval in the Alberta Foreland Basin (abs.), AAPG Annual Convention, Houston, TX

REPORTS AND FIELD GUIDES:

Gibson-Poole, C M, Edwards, S, Langford, R P and Vakarelov, B.K ., 2006. Review of Geological Settings for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in Victoria . Australian School of Petroleum, The University of Adelaide , Adelaide . ICTPL Confidential Consultancy Report Number ICTPL-RPT06-0506.

Bhattacharya, J.P., Vakarelov, B.K ., Howell, C.D., Jr., Sadeque, J., Tang, H., 2005, Facies Variability, Stratigraphic Compartmentalization, and Tectonic Controls in Mixed-influenced Delta Fronts, Frontier Formation, Powder River Basin, Wyoming, U.S.A., UTD Quantitative Sedimentology Consortium Field Trip, July 29th-August 3rd, 2005, 134p.

Entry last updated: Tuesday, 9 Apr 2013