GAIA Research Proposal
The Slope and Basin Consortium at Montana State University is launching a new research inititave to improve geologic prediction in the definition and management of petroleum assets. The first three-year phase will focus on the redesign and expansion of the TOADAL Tool with new outcrops and updated software. The combined data management tool and analog database will be used to develop, support, and maintain an Internet-based geological system knowledgebase called the Geological Analog and Information Archive (GAIA).
TOADAL Tool
Part of the SBC, the Turbidite Outcrop Analog Database and Learning tool (TOADAL) is an extensive digital archive containing information and data derived from studies of deepwater clastic rocks. It is designed to aid in the exploration, development, and management of deepwater reservoirs through the application and integration of outcrop analog information in subsurface data analysis.
TOADAL is designed for the archiving, retrieval, dissemination, and application of information about how outcrop analogs can be used to fill information gaps in subsurface geological interpretation. It provides access to three comprehensive and cross-referenced databases featuring (1) outcrop data and documentation, (2) interactive learning modules about deepwater depositional systems and modeling, and (3) how to apply outcrop analog patterns to subsurface exploration. The organization of TOADAL reflects the dual objectives of both retrieving and reviewing data, as well as mining and learning from the data to help make better decisions about subsurface architecture.
