Shankar Mitra

Victor E. Monnett Chair in Geology and Geophysics

  Ph.D., 1977, Johns Hopkins University
  M.A., 1977, Johns Hopkins University
  M.Sc., 1972, Calcutta University
  B.Sc. (Hons.), 1969, Calcutta University

smitra@ou.edu

Structural Geology, Petroleum Geology, Fractured and Faulted Reservoirs

Shankar Mitra holds the Victor E. Monnett Chair and Professorship of Energy Resources at the University of Oklahoma. He spent 19 years at ARCO Research and Exploration as Senior and Principal Research Geologist, Director of Structural Geology, Manager of Geological Research, Director of Exploration (Europe), and Senior Exploration Research Advisor. His primary research interests are in the development of structural concepts and methods and their application to exploration and production problems. He has numerous publications on structural modeling and methodology and deformation mechanisms in rocks. He is a recipient of A.A.P.G.'s Wallace Pratt and Cam Sproulle best paper awards, and was Associate Editor of the A.A.P.G. Bulletin for nine years. He is a fellow of the Geological Society of America.

Current Research Interests

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

(1) 3-D analysis and modeling of structures in sedimentary basins

(2) 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 have 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. This research will complement recent advances in the area of 3-D seismic imaging and interpretation. It involves integration of outcrop studies, subsurface structural analysis and experimental and mechanical modeling of structures.

Minor- and microscopic-scale deformation plays a major role in determining the geometry and mechanics of large-scale structures. Therefore, it is important to understand the effects of deformation mechanisms such as faulting, fracturing, pressure solution, and cataclasis in the formation of large-scale structures. From a more practical perspective, these mechanisms also influence reservoir properties in producing fields. 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.

Selected Publications

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

Mitra, S., and Islam, Q.T., 1994, Experimental (clay)models of inversion structures, Tectonophysics, v. 230, p. 211-222.

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

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., 1990, Fault-propagation folding: geometry, kinematic evolution and hydrocarbon traps: American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, v. 74, p. 921-945.

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

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

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

	School of Geology and Geophysics
Prospective Undergraduates What are Geology and Geophysics? What do Geologists and Geophysicists do? Why do we need Geologists and Geophysicists? You might be a Geologist or Geophysicist if you... Why study Geology and Geophysics at OU? Scholarships Degrees Offered Areas Of Emphasis Prospective Graduate Students Areas of Emphasis Degrees Offered Admissions Assistantships and Fellowships Successful Graduates Field Trips Recruiting Current Students Student Organizations Geology Courses Geophysics Courses OU Course Catalog CEE Student Services Registration Degree Navigator Mission People Faculty Staff Students Research Areas of Emphasis Laboratories Alumni School Policies, Forms, and Archives	Shankar Mitra Victor E. Monnett Chair in Geology and Geophysics Ph.D., 1977, Johns Hopkins University M.A., 1977, Johns Hopkins University M.Sc., 1972, Calcutta University B.Sc. (Hons.), 1969, Calcutta University smitra@ou.edu Structural Geology, Petroleum Geology, Fractured and Faulted Reservoirs Shankar Mitra holds the Victor E. Monnett Chair and Professorship of Energy Resources at the University of Oklahoma. He spent 19 years at ARCO Research and Exploration as Senior and Principal Research Geologist, Director of Structural Geology, Manager of Geological Research, Director of Exploration (Europe), and Senior Exploration Research Advisor. His primary research interests are in the development of structural concepts and methods and their application to exploration and production problems. He has numerous publications on structural modeling and methodology and deformation mechanisms in rocks. He is a recipient of A.A.P.G.'s Wallace Pratt and Cam Sproulle best paper awards, and was Associate Editor of the A.A.P.G. Bulletin for nine years. He is a fellow of the Geological Society of America. Current Research Interests Current interests are developing a research program in pure and applied structural geology. The research consists of two main themes: (1) 3-D analysis and modeling of structures in sedimentary basins (2) 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 have 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. This research will complement recent advances in the area of 3-D seismic imaging and interpretation. It involves integration of outcrop studies, subsurface structural analysis and experimental and mechanical modeling of structures. Minor- and microscopic-scale deformation plays a major role in determining the geometry and mechanics of large-scale structures. Therefore, it is important to understand the effects of deformation mechanisms such as faulting, fracturing, pressure solution, and cataclasis in the formation of large-scale structures. From a more practical perspective, these mechanisms also influence reservoir properties in producing fields. 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. Selected Publications Mitra, S., and Mount, V.S., 1998, Foreland Basement-Involved Structures, A.A.P.G. Bulletin, v. 82, p. 70-109. Mitra, S., and Islam, Q.T., 1994, Experimental (clay)models of inversion structures, Tectonophysics, v. 230, p. 211-222. Mitra, S., 1993, Geometry and kinematic evolution of Inversion Structures: American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, v. 77, p. 1159-1191. 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., 1990, Fault-propagation folding: geometry, kinematic evolution and hydrocarbon traps: American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, v. 74, p. 921-945. Mitra, S., and Namson, J.S., 1989, Equal-area balancing, American Journal of Science, v. 289, p. 563-599. 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., 1988, Three-Dimensional geometry and kinematic evolution of the Pine Mountains thrust system, southern Appalachians, Geological Society of America Bulletin, v. 100, p. 72-95. 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., 1986, Duplex structures and imbricate thrust systems: Geometry, structural position and hydrocarbon potential, American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, v. 70, p. 1087-1112