Shankar Mitra

Structural Geology, Petroleum Geology, Fractured and Faulted Reservoirs

Current interests are developing a research program in pure and applied structural geology. The research consists of two main themes: 

• 3-D analysis and modeling of structures in sedimentary basins
• analysis of minor and microscopic-scale mechanisms of deformation including faulting, fracturing, cataclasis, and pressure solution.

A major focus of the program is the application of structural concepts and techniques to problems in hydrocarbon exploration and production.

An understanding of the structural and tectonic architecture of sedimentary basins requires a good understanding of fold-fault relationships and the mechanics of formation of these structures. Past research in the area has included the development of kinematic models for different types of structures, as well as the use of methods such as balanced cross sections to improve structural interpretations. Current research interests are to extend these approaches to the 3-D analysis and modeling of structures.

Other areas of research interest include the role of fracturing and other deformation mechanisms in enhancing or reducing reservoir porosity and permeability, and their influence on whether faults are sealing or non-sealing.

Graduate

Structural Geology in Petroleum Exploration and Production I

Structural Geology in Petroleum Exploration and Production II

Faulted and Fractured Reservoirs

Undergraduate

Stratigraphy and Structural Geology for Petroleum Engineers

RECENT PUBLICATIONS

Mitra, S., 1986.  Duplex structures and imbricate thrust systems: Geometry, structural position and hydrocarbon potential, American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, v.70, p.1087-1112.

Mitra, S., 1987.  Regional variations in deformation mechanisms and structural styles in the central Appalachian orogenic belt, Geological Society of America Bulletin, v. 98, p. 569-590.

Mitra, S., 1988.  Three-dimensional geometry and kinematic evolution of the Pine Mountain thrust system, southern Appalachians, Geological Society of America Bulletin, v.100, p. 72-95.

Mitra, S., 1988.  Effects of deformation mechanisms on reservoir potential in the central Appalachians, American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, v.72, p. 536-554.

Mitra, S., and Namson, J.S., 1989.  Equal-area balancing, American Journal of Science, v. 289, p. 563-599.

Mitra, S., 1989, Fault-propagation folding: geometry, kinematic evolution and hydrocarbon traps: American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, v. 74, p. 921-945.

Mitra, S., 1992, Balanced structural interpretations in fold and thrust belts: p. 53-77, in  Mitra, S., and Fisher, G.W., eds.,  Structural Geology of Fold and Thrust Belts, Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, 254 p.

Mitra, S., 1993, Geometry and kinematic evolution of Inversion structures: American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, v. 77, p. 1159-1191.

Mitra, S., and Islam, Q. T., Experimental (clay) models of inversion structures, Tectonophysics, v.230, p. 211-222.

Mitra, S., and Mount, V.S., 1998, Foreland Basement-Involved Structures, A.A.P.G. Bulletin, v. 82, p. 70-109.

Mitra, S., 2002, Fold Accommodation Faults: A.A.P.G. Bulletin, v. 86, p. 671-693.

Mitra, S., 2002, Structural models of faulted detachment folds, A.A.P.G. Bulletin, v. 86, p. 1673-1694.

Mitra, S., and Leslie, W., 2003, Three-dimensional structural geometry of the Rhourde el Baguel field, Algeria, A.A.P.G. Bulletin, v. 87, p. 231-250.

Mitra, S., 2003,  A unified structural model for disharmonic detachment folds and lift-off folds, Journal of Structural Geology,v. 25, p. 1659-1673.

Banerjee, S., and Mitra, S., 2004, Remote surface mapping using orthophotos and geologic maps draped over digital elevation models: Application to the Sheep Mountain anticline, Wyoming, A.A.P.G. Bulletin, v. 88, p. 1227-1237.

Mitra, S., 2005, The Sequatchie anticline, Cumberland plateau, Tennessee: A low-displacement fault -bend fold. A .A. P. G.  Atlas on Seismic Expression of Compressive Structures , No. 53, John H. Shaw, Christopher Connors, and John Suppe, eds.

Mitra, S., 2005, Structural inversion along the Sakala fault, East Java Sea, Indonesia, A.A.P.G. Atlas on Seismic Expression of Compressive Structures, No. 53, John H. Shaw, Christopher Connors, and John Suppe, eds.

Banerjee, S., and Mitra, S., 2005, Fold-thrust styles in the Absaroka thrust sheet, Caribou National Forest Area, Idaho-Wyoming Thrust Belt, Joutnal of Structural Geology, v. 27, p. 51-65.

Mitra, S., Correa, G.F., Garcia, J.H., Alvarado, A.M., 2005, Three-dimensional structural model of the Cantarell and Sihil structures, Campeche Bay, Mexico, AAPG Bulletin, v.89, p.1-26.

Dischinger,  J. and Mitra, S., 2006, Three-dimensional structural model of the Painter and East Painter reservoir structures, Wyoming fold and thrust belt, AAPG Bulletin, v.90, p. 1171-1185.

Mitra, S., Gonzalez, J.A.D., Garcia, J.H., Hernandez, S.G., Banerjee, S., 2006, Structural geometry and evolution of the Ku, Zaap, and Maloob structures, Campeche Bay, Mexico, AAPG Bulletin, v.90, p. 1565-1584.

Mitra, S., Gonzalez, J.A.D., Garcia, J.H., Ghosh, K., 2007, Ek Balam field: A structure related to multiple stages of extension and salt tectonics, AAPG Bulletin, A.A.P.G. Bulletin, v. 91, p. 1619-1636.

Bose, S., and Mitra, S., 2009, Deformation along oblique and lateral ramps in listric normal faults: Insights from experimental models, A. A. P.G. Bulletin , v.93, p.431-451.

Ghosh, K., and Mitra, S., 2009, Structural Controls of Fracture Orientations, Intensity, and Connectivity, Teton Anticline, Sawtooth Range Montana, A.A.P.G. Bulletin, v.93, p.995-1014.

Ghosh, K., and Mitra, S., 2009, Two-dimensional simulation of controls of fracture parameters on fracture connectivity, A.A.P.G. Bulletin, v.93, p.1517-1533.

Bose, S., and Mitra, S., 2010, Analog modeling of divergent and convergent transfer zones in listric normal fault systems, A.A.P.G. Bulletin, v.94, p.1425-1452.

Mitra, S., and Paul, D., 2011, Structural geometry and evolution of releasing and restraining bends: Insights from laser-scanned experimental models, A.A.P.G. Bulletin, v. 95, no. 7, p. 1147-1180.

Miller, J.F., and Mitra, S., 2011, Deformation and secondary faulting associated with basement-involved compressional and extensional structures, A.A.P.G. Bulletin, v. 95, no. 4, p. 675-689.

Bose, S., and Mitra, S.,  2012, Controls of listric normal fault styles in the northern Gulf of Mexico: Insights from experimental models, Marine and Petroleum Geology, v. 35(1), p. 41-54.

Paul, D., and Mitra, S., 2012, Controls of basement faults on the geometry and evolution of compressional basement-involved structures, A.A.P.G. Bulletin, v. 96, no. 10, p. 1899-1930.

Paul, D., and Mitra, S., 2013, Experimental models of transfer zones in rift systems, AAPG Bulletin, v. 97, p. 759-780.

Mitra, S., and Miller, J., 2013, Strain variation with progressive deformation in basement-involved trishear structures, Journal of Structural Geology, v.53, p. 70-79.

Bose, S., and Mitra, S., 2014. Structural analysis of a salt-cored transfer zone in the South Timbalier block 54, Offshore Gulf of Mexico: Implications for restoration of salt-related extensional structures, A.A.P.G. Bulletin, v.98, no. 4, p. 825-849.

Paul, D., and Mitra, S., 2015, Fault patterns associated with extensional fault-propagation folding, Marine and Petroleum Geology, v.67, p. 120-143.

Mitra, S., and Karam, P., 2015, Controls of Shapes and Evolution of Salt Diapirs: Experimental Studies, Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Trans., v. 65, p. 281-292.

Mitra, S., and Karam, P., 2016, Controls of the Geometry and Evolution of Salt Diapirs in Experimental Models and Natural Examples, GCAGS Journal, v. 5 (2016), p. 203–214.

Karam, P., and Mitra, S., 2016, Experimental Studies of the controls of the geometry and evolution of salt diapirs, Marine and Petroleum Geology, v. 77, 1309-1322.

Li, J. and Mitra, S, 2017, Geometry and Evolution of Fold-Thrust Structures at the Boundaries between Frictional and Ductile Detachments, Marine and Petroleum Geology, v. 85, p. 16-34.

RECENT ABSTRACTS

Mitra, S., Figueroa, G.C., Garcia, J.H., Alvarado, A.M., 2004, Three-dimensional structural model of the Cantarell and Sihil Structures, Campeche Bay, Mexico, A.A.P.G. Annual Meeting.

Mitra, S., Figueroa, G.C., Garcia, J.H., Alvarado, A.M., 2004, Cantarell and Sihil Structures, Campeche Bay, Mexico: Three dimensional visualization and interpretation, A.A.P.G. International Meeting, Cancun, October.

Mitra, S., Figueroa, G. C., Garcia, J.H., Alvarado, A.M., 2005, Three-dimensional structural model of the Cantarell and Sihil structures, Campeche Bay province, Mexico, A.A.P.G. Annual Meeting, Dallas.

Mitra, S., 2005, Controls of Mechanical Stratigraphy on Fault-Related Folding in Fold-Thrust Belts: Examples from Campeche Bay, Mexico, International Conference on Folding and Thrusting, Beijing, China.

Mitra, S., 2006, Contrasting Structural Styles of Major Fields Associated with Fold-Thrust Structures in the Offshore Campeche Bay, Mexico, A..A..P.G.  Annual Meeting Abstracts.

Morales, M., Mitra, S., 2006, Structure and Tectonic Evolution of the Provincia Field, Middle Magdalena Valley, Colombia A..A..P.G.  Annual Meeting Abstracts.

Banerjee, S., Mitra, S., 2006. Structural evolution of basement-involved anticlines on the western margin of Bighorn basin, Wyoming. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, vol. 38, no. 7, p. 414.

Ghosh, K., Mitra, S., 2006. Characterizing Fracture network patterns in the Teton Anticline, Sawtooth Range, Montana. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, vol. 38, no. 7, p. 412.

Bose, S., Mitra, S., 2006. Fault patterns and connectivity along extensional oblique and lateral ramps: insights from clay experiments. Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, vol. 38, no. 7, p. 411.

Banerjee, S., Mitra, S., 2007, 3-D Structural Model of Structures along the Western Margin of the Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, A.A.P.G., Annual Meeting Abstracts with Programs, v. 91.

Ghosh, K., Mitra, S., 2007, Fracture Characteristics of Folded Carbonates, Teton Anticline, Sawtooth Range, Montana, A.A.P.G., Annual Meeting Abstracts with Programs, v. 91.

 Bose, S., Mitra, S., 2007, Fault Patterns and Connectivity along Extensional Oblique and Lateral Ramps: Insights from Experimental Models, A.A.P.G., Annual Meeting Abstracts with Programs, v. 91.

Bayer, W. S., Mitra, S., Slatt, R., Boljen, S.S.,  and Pomerene, J.S., 2007, Structural and Stratigraphic Evaluation of the Southern Belgian Anticline Area, North Midway-Sunset Field, San Joaquin Basin, California, A.A.P.G., Annual Meeting Abstracts with Programs, v. 91.

Banerjee, S., and Mitra, S., 2008, 3-D Structural Model of Basement-Involved Anticlines Along the Western Margin of the Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, A.A.P.G. Annual Meeting 2008, San Antonio.

Bose, S., and Mitra, S., 2008, Experimental Modeling of Transfer Zones In Listric Normal Fault Systems, G.S.A. Annual Meeting, 2008, Houston.

Bose, S., and Mitra, S., 2008, A Transfer Zones in Listric Normal Fault Systems: Insights from Clay Experimental Models, A.G.U. Annual Meeting, San Francisco, 2008.

Ghosh, K., and Mitra, S., 2008, Two-Dimensional Simulation of the Controls of Fracture Parameters on Fracture Connectivity, G.S.A. Annual Meeting, 2008, Houston.

Ghosh, K., and Mitra, S., 2008, Fracture Connectivity Patterns of Folded Carbonates, Teton Anticline, Sawtooth Range, Montana, A.A.P.G. Annual Meeting 2008, San Antonio.

Mitra, S.,  and Paul, D., 2011, Experimental Modeling of the Controls of Basement Faults on Structural Geometry: 1. Single and Opposite Vergent Structures, G.S.A.  Annual Meeting, Minneapolis.

Paul, D., and Mitra, S., 2011, Experimental Modeling of the Controls of Basement Faults on Structural Geometry: 2. Offset and Relay Structures, G.S.A.  Annual Meeting, Minneapolis.

Mitra, S., 2011, 3-D Structural Models of Complex Trap-Forming Structures: Applications to Petroleum Exploration and Production, Geo_India International Conference, New Delhi.

Mitra, S.,  and Paul, D., 2012, Experimental Models of transfer zones in rift systems: 2. Synthetic transfer zones, G.S.A.  Annual Meeting, Charlotte.

Paul, D., and Mitra, S., 2012, Experimental Models of transfer zones in rift systems: 1. Convergent and Divergent transfer zones, G.S.A.  Annual Meeting, Charlotte.

Paul, D., and Mitra, S., 2013,  Models of fault transfer zones in rift settings: insights from laser scanned clay models: Abstracts: Annual Meeting – American Association of Petroleum Geologists, v.2013.

Mitra, S., and Paul, D., 2014, Structural Geometries and Secondary Fault Patterns Associated with Extensional Fault-Propagation Folds, GSA Annual Meeting, Paper 86-09.

Karam, P., and Mitra, S., 2014, Experimental  Modeling of the  Controls of Shapes and Flow Rates of Salt Diapirs, GSA Annual Meeting, Paper 86-12.

Paul, D., and Mitra, S., 2014, Fault Evolution and Role of Salt in Extensional Tectonics in the Smorbukk Area, Halten Terrace, Offshore Mid-Norway, GSA Annual Meeting, Paper 86-11 (Abstract only).

Leavitt, R., and Mitra, S., 2014, 3-D Structural Architecture and Block Rotations along the Nordland Ridge, Offshore Mid-Norway, GSA Annual Meeting, Paper 197-6 (Abstract only).

Karam, P., and Mitra, S., 2015, Controls of the Geometry and Evolution of Salt Diapirs: Experimental Models and Applications, A.A.P.G. Annual Meeting Abstracts with Programs, Denver.

Li, J., and Mitra, S., 2015, Experimental Modeling of the Geometry and Kinematics of Structures above Ductile and Frictional Detachments, G.S.A. Annual Mtg. Abstracts with Programs, Baltimore.

Basnet, S., and Mitra, S., 2015, Controls of Pre-Existing Normal Faults on the Geometry and Location of Thrust Faults in Fold-Thrust Belts, G.S.A. Annual Mtg. Abstracts with Programs, v.47, no. 7, p. 151, Baltimore.

Mitra, S., and Karam, P., 2015, Controls of Shapes and Evolution of Salt Diapirs: Experimental Studies, GCAGS Annual Meeting, Houston.

Mitra, S., and Karam, P., 2015, Controls of Mechanisms of Salt Diapirism: Experimental Modeling and Natural Examples – A.A.P.G. International Conference and Exhibition, Melbourne.

BOOKS

Mitra, S., and Fisher, G.W., eds., 1992.  Structural Geology of Fold and Thrust Belts, Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, 254 p.