Conferences and Seminars
International Workshop
Geological and bio(geo)chemical processes at cold seeps: Challenges in recent and ancient systems
Varna, Bulgaria 28 - 29/09/2009
Phenomena related to the hydrocarbon migration and gas / fluid seepage have been recognized and studied worldwide in both recent active and fossil seep sites in various sedimentological and geodynamic settings. These locations have a unique potential to study the interaction between the geosphere and (micro) biosphere and investigate the fingerprinting and preservation of biogeological processes.
Moreover, they can provide a window into the (paleo) fluid flow of hydrocarbon-bearing fluids in different geological contexts. Research on active cold seeps reveals valuable information on near-seabed processes, often studied with highly advanced analytical techniques. On the contrary, paleoseeps are logistically easily accessible spots, allowing a detailed study of the subsurface seep plumbing system and the heterogeneity of complex seep processes in 4D (space and time).
The goal of this workshop is to bring together geologists, geochemists, microbiologists, biologists, geophysicists and scientists from other disciplines, both from academy and industry to:
- define the key research directions, and
- highlight the new emerging concepts and approaches in the study of cold seep systems through geological time.
Host
The workshop is hosted by The Institut of Oceanology “Fridtjof Nansen.”
Workshop Convener
Rudy Swennen, K.U. Leuven, Belgium
Lyudomir Dimitrov, IO-BAS, Bulgaria
Eva De Boever, K.U. Leuven, Belgium
Workshop Programme
The workshop will be organized as a series of round table discussions, starting from a set of specific research questions.
The participants are invited to prepare a presentation formulating a scientific statement based on their research, which can be used as a base for discussion and synthesis.
Specific topics to be addressed include (but are not limited to):
- Authigenic seep products
- Tracing the presence, function and activity of microbial life at recent and ancient seep sites
- Fluid flow from source to surface
- Modelling and quantification of seep processes
A field trip to the “Pobiti Kamani” paleoseep area (NE Bulgaria) will be organized before in-house workshop.
Place and Date
The International Workshop will be held in Varna / the Resort of St. Konstantin-Helena, Bulgaria, from Monday, September 28, to Wednesday, September 30, 2009.
Accommodation and Transport
Accommodation for all participants will be arranged by the Organizing Committee. Details will be provided in the Second Circular.
Varna is easily reachable by plane from different European airports either direct or via Sofia ou Bourgas.
Registration
Details on registration and payment will be given in the Second Circular.
Important Dates
- 16/01/2009
- Deadline for preliminary registration
- 02/02/2009
- Distribution of Second Circular
- 20/03/2009
- Deadline for registration & abstract submission
- 25/05/2009
- Distribution of Workshop programme
For more information please consult the web site or
contact Rudy Swennen