David Waltham

From Sand Grains to Solar Systems

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Modelling Spreadsheets

ModellingImage2Here are some excel-based spreadsheets which produce forward models of tectonic and sedimentary processes. You are free to use these in any way you wish but I find these very simple models to be particular useful for teaching purposes. If you want to demonstrate how delta geometries are affected by sea level change or how obstacles influence deposition from turbidity currents then these may be what you are looking for.

Spreadsheet Description
Carbonate.xls Carbonate platform forward modelling program based upon algorithm in Boylan et al, 2002, Basin Research 14, 401-415.
Delta.xls Forward modelling of a prograding delta controlled by varying sea level and varying sediment supply.
DiffLoad2D.xls Differential loading of a buried salt body by a prograding delta.  Algorithm is based upon thin film theory summarized in Waltham, 1997, Why does salt start to move?, Tectonophysics 282, 117-128.
ThrustTemp.xls Forward modelling of syn-tectonic sedimentation and temperature history in the hangingwall of a thrust fault.  For further details see Willacy et al, 1995.  Velocity description of deformation, Paper 3.,  Marine & Petroleum Geology 12, 477-490.
Turb2d.xls Cross-section modelling of a propagating turbidity current and its deposits.
Turb3d.xls Plan view modelling of a propagating turbidity current and its deposits.  For further details see Waltham D & Davison I, 2001.  Obstacles and Sinks.  GCSSEPM 21st Annual Research Conference, 511-522.