ALBERT

Description: We present a generic algorithm for automating sedimentary basin reconstruction. Automation is achieved through the coupling of a two-dimensional thermotectonostratigraphic forward model to an inverse scheme that updates the model parameters until the input stratigraphy is fitted to a desired accuracy. The forward model solves for lithospheric thinning, flexural isostasy, sediment deposition, and transient heat flow. The inverse model updates the crustal- and mantle-thinning factors and paleowater depth. Both models combined allow for automated forward modeling of the structural and thermal evolution of extensional sedimentary basins. The potential and robustness of this method is demonstrated through a reconstruction case study of the northern Viking Graben in the North Sea. This reconstruction fits present stratigraphy, borehole temperatures, vitrinite reflectance data, and paleowater depth. The predictive power of the model is illustrated through the successful identification of possible targets along the transect, where the principal source rocks are in the oil and gas windows. These locations coincide well with known oil and gas occurrences. The key benefits of the presented algorithm are as follows: (1) only standard input data are required, (2) crustal- and mantle-thinning factors and paleowater depth are automatically computed, and (3) sedimentary basin reconstruction is greatly facilitated and can thus be more easily integrated into basin analysis and exploration risk assessment.

Description: The 11-year solar cycles in ozone and temperature are examined using new simulations of coupled chemistry climate models. The results show a secondary maximum in stratospheric tropical ozone, in agreement with satellite observations and in contrast with most previously published simulations. The mean model response varies by up to about 2.5% in ozone and 0.8 K in temperature during a typical solar cycle, at the lower end of the observed ranges of peak responses. Neither the upper atmospheric effects of energetic particles nor the presence of the quasi biennial oscillation is necessary to simulate the lower stratospheric response in the observed low latitude ozone concentration. Comparisons are also made between model simulations and observed total column ozone. As in previous studies, the model simulations agree well with observations. For those models which cover the full temporal range 1960–2005, the ozone solar signal below 50 hPa changes substantially from the first two solar cycles to the last two solar cycles. Further investigation suggests that this difference is due to an aliasing between the sea surface temperatures and the solar cycle during the first part of the period. The relationship between these results and the overall structure in the tropical solar ozone response is discussed. Further understanding of solar processes requires improvement in the observations of the vertically varying and column integrated ozone.