B.GeoE. Geological Engineering (1997) University of Minnesota

Ph.D. Geosciences (2003) Penn State University

Hydrogeology and fluid flow; Marine Geology; and Sediment Mechanics.

Email: dugan@rice.edu
Phone: 713-348-5088
Office: Keith-Wiess Geological Labs, 203
Web Address:
Rice Geotechnical Lab
Rice Geotechnical Lab

My research focus is on the hydrodynamics of the shallow crust (0-5 km). Through observation, theory, and experimentation, I study the interaction of subsurface flow, sediment deformation, and slope failure. I am particularly interested in how physical properties (e.g., porosity, permeability, compressibility) vary in response to stress perturbations and fluid content (water and hydrocarbon), and how these properties influence sediment strength. It is important to understand these processes to describe fluid/sediment dynamics in the shallow subsurface, to define the conditions of sediments that are eventually buried deeper, and to understand the nature of sediments involved in submarine slope failures. The results are applicable to understanding the hydrodynamic processes in accretionary prisms, gas hydrate provinces, and terrestrial environments.

I use numerical models to describe interaction of geology and fluids as basins and flow systems evolve. Currently I am using models to understand the generation of overpressure, fluid flow processes, and sediment stability along passive continental margins. The research documents that passive margins are active and exciting centers for coupled geological processes such as faulting, slope failure, and shallow hydrogeologic flow systems.

At the experimental level, my research is two-tiered. I perform deformation experiments on natural and reconstituted samples to evaluate in situ conditions and physical behavior of sediments over a wide range of stresses and temperatures. I characterize the effects of mineralogy, grain size, fluid content, and phase changes (e.g. free gas becoming gas hydrate) on poro-elastic and flow behaviors of porous media. I also hope to develop scaled experimental sedimentation models to observe active fluid flow and deformation processes. These models will provide a rare opportunity to observe and measure phenomena that often are not observed in nature, such as the conditions just prior to a submarine slope failure.

My research focus is on the hydrodynamics of the shallow crust (0-5 km). Through observation, theory, and experimentation, I study the interaction of subsurface flow, sediment deformation, and slope failure. I am particularly interested in how physical properties (e.g., porosity, permeability, compressibility) vary in response to stress perturbations and fluid content (water and hydrocarbon), and how these properties influence sediment strength. It is important to understand these processes to describe fluid/sediment dynamics in the shallow subsurface, to define the conditions of sediments that are eventually buried deeper, and to understand the nature of sediments involved in submarine slope failures. The results are applicable to understanding the hydrodynamic processes in accretionary prisms, gas hydrate provinces, and terrestrial environments.

I use numerical models to describe interaction of geology and fluids as basins and flow systems evolve. Currently I am using models to understand the generation of overpressure, fluid flow processes, and sediment stability along passive continental margins. The research documents that passive margins are active and exciting centers for coupled geological processes such as faulting, slope failure, and shallow hydrogeologic flow systems.

At the experimental level, my research is two-tiered. I perform deformation experiments on natural and reconstituted samples to evaluate in situ conditions and physical behavior of sediments over a wide range of stresses and temperatures. I characterize the effects of mineralogy, grain size, fluid content, and phase changes (e.g. free gas becoming gas hydrate) on poro-elastic and flow behaviors of porous media. I also hope to develop scaled experimental sedimentation models to observe active fluid flow and deformation processes. These models will provide a rare opportunity to observe and measure phenomena that often are not observed in nature, such as the conditions just prior to a submarine slope failure.

Publications

Flemings, P.B., H. Long, B. Dugan, J. Germaine, C. John, J.H. Behrmann, D. Sawyer, IODP Exp. 308 Scientists "Pore fluid overpressure measured with penetrometers on the continental slope, Gulf of Mexico."  Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 269 (2008): 309-324, doi:10.1016/j.epsl.2007.12.005.

Winters, W.J., B. Dugan, T.S. Collett "Physical Properties of Sediments from Keathley Canyon and Atwater Valley, JIP Gulf of Mexico Gas Hydrate Drilling Program."  Marine and Petroleum Geology, 25 (2008): 896-905, doi:10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2008.01.018.

Dugan, B., J.T. Germaine "Near-Seafloor Overpressure in the Deepwater Mississippi Canyon, Northern Gulf of Mexico."  Geophysical Research Letters, 35 (2008): L02304, doi:10.1029/2007GL032275.

Dugan, B. "Fluid Flow in the Keathley Canyon 151 Mini-Basin, Northern Gulf of Mexico."  Marine and Petroleum Geology, 25 (2008): 919-923, doi:10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2007.12.005.

Long, H., P.B. Flemings, B. Dugan, J.T. Germaine, D. Ferrell "Data Report: Penetrometer Measurements of In Situ Temperature and Pressure, IODP Expedition 308."  Proceedings of the IODP, 308 (2008): doi:10.2204/iodp.proc.308.203.2008.

Long, H., P.B. Flemings, J.T. Germaine, D.M. Saffer, B. Dugan "Data Report: Consolidation Characteristics of Sediments from IODP Expedition 308, Ursa Basin, Gulf of Mexico."  Proceedings of the IODP, 308 (2008): doi:10.2204/iodp.proc.308.204.2008.

Bhatnagar, G., W.G. Chapman, G.R. Dickens, B. Dugan, G.J. Hirasaki "The sulfate-methane transition as a proxy for average methane hydrate saturation in marine sediments."  Geophysical Research Letters, 35 (2008): L03611, doi:10.1029/2007GL032500.

Jones, E., T. Latham, D. McConnell, M. Frye, J. Hunt Jr., W. Shedd, D. Shelander, R. Boswell, K. Rose, C. Ruppel, D. Hutchinson, T. Collett, B. Dugan, W. Wood "Scientific Objectives of the Gulf of Mexico Gas Hydrate JIP Leg II Drilling."  , Paper OTC 19501 (2008).

Myers, G., C. Winker, B. Dugan, C. Moore, D. Sawyer, P. Flemings, G. Iturrino "Ursa basin explorers shine new light on shallow water flow."  Offshore Engineer, Sept 2007 (2007): 88-93.

Morgan, J., Silver, E. Camerlenghi, A., Dugan, B., Kirby, S., Shipp, C., Suyehiro, K. "Studying Geohazards with Ocean Cores."  EOS (2007).

Urgeles, R., J. Locat, B. Dugan "Recursive failure of the Gulf of Mexico continental slope: timing and causes."  Advances in Natural and Technological Hazards Research, 27 (2007): 207-219.

Long, H., Flemings, P.B., Dugan, B., Germaine, J., Sawyer, D., Expedition 308 Scientists "Pore Pressure Measurements at Ursa Basin, Gulf of Mexico."  Proceedings 2007 Offshore Technology Conference (2007): Paper OTC 18772.

Dugan, B., Flemings, P.B., Uregles, R., Sawyer, D., Iturrino, G.J., Moore, J.C., Schneider, J. "Physical Properties of Mass Transport Complexes in the Ursa Region, Northern Gulf of Mexico (IODP Expedition 308) Determined from Log, Core, and Seismic Data."  Proceedings 2007 Offshore Technology Conference (2007): Paper OTC 18704.

Sawyer, D.E., Flemings, P.B., Shipp, R.C., Dugan, B., Iturrino, G.J. "Lateral Variations in Log, Core, and Seismic Attributes of a Mass Transport Deposit in the Mars/Ursa Region, IODP Expedition 308, Northern Gulf of Mexico."  Proceedings 2007 Offshore Technology Conference (2007): Paper OTC 19098.

Iturrino, G.J., Dugan, B., Sawyer, D., Flemings, P.B., Moore, J.C. "Interpretation of Downhole Measurements, Deformation Analyses, and Lithologic Characterization in the Ursa Basin, Gulf of Mexico."  Proceedings 2007 Offshore Technology Conference (2007): Paper OTC 19097.

Marksamer, A.J., M.A. Person, F.D. Day-Lewis, J.W. Lane Jr., D. Cohen, B. Dugan, H. Kooi, M. Willet "Integrating geophysical, hydrochemical, and hydrologic data to understand the freshwater resources on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts."  Subsurface Hydrology: Data Integration for Properties and Processes, Geophysical Monograph 171 (2007): 143-160, doi:10.1029/171GM12.

Bhatnagar, G., W.G. Chapman, G.R. Dickens, B. Dugan, G.J. Hirasaki "Generalization of gas hydrate distribution and saturation in marine sediments by scaling of thermodynamic and transport processes."  American Journal of Science, 307(6) (2007): 861-900, doi:10.2475/06.2007.01.

Morgan, J., Silver, E., Camerlenghi, A., Dugan, B., Kirby, S., Shipp, C., Suyehiro, K. "Addressing Geologic Hazards Through Ocean Drilling Workshop."  MARGINS Newsletter (2007).

Bhatnagar, G., W.G. Chapman, G.R. Dickens, B. Dugan, G.J. Hirasaki "Scaling of thermodynamic and transport processes for predicting methane hydrate saturation in marine sediments worldwide."  SPE-106519-STU (2006).

Dugan, B., C. Marone, T. Hong, M. Migyanka "Data report: Compressibility, permeability, and grain size of shallow sediments from ODP Sites 1194 and 1198."  Proceedings of the ODP, Scientific Results, 194 (2004).

Person, M., B. Dugan, J.B. Swenson, L. Urbano, C. Stott, J. Taylor, and M. Willett "Pleistocene Hydrogeology of the Atlantic Continental Shelf, New England."  GSA Bulletin, 115 (11) (2003): 1324-1343.

Dugan, B., P.B. Flemings, D.L. Olgaard, and M.J. Gooch "Consolidation behavior, stress and pressure of sediments from ODP Site 1073, US mid-Atlantic continental slope."  Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 215 (2003): 13-26.

Dugan, B. and P.B. Flemings, "Fluid flow and stability of the US continental slope offshore New Jersey from the Pleistocene to the present."  Geofluids, 2(2) (2002): 137-146.

Dugan, B., D.L. Olgaard, P.B. Flemings, and M.J. Gooch, In Christie-Blick, N., J.A. Austin, Jr., and M.J. Malone (Eds.), "Data report: Bulk physical properties of sediments from ODP Site 1073."  Proceedings of the ODP, Scientific Results, 174A (2002).

Dugan, B. and P.B. Flemings, "The New Jersey margin: Compaction and fluid flow."  Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 69-70 (2000): 477-481.

Dugan, B. and P.B. Flemings, "Overpressure and fluid flow in the New Jersey continental slope: Implications for slope failure and cold seeps."  Science, 289 (2000): 288-291.

Nelson, H.M., P.B. Flemings, J.T. Germaine, B. Dugan "Data Report: Radiography and X-Ray CT Imaging of Whole Core from IODP Expedition 308, Gulf of Mexico."  Proceedings of the IODP, 308.(In Press)

Dugan, B., J.T. Germaine "Data Report: Strength Characteristics of Sediments from IODP Expedition 308, Sites U1322 and U1324."  Proceedings of the IODP, 308.(In Press)

Daigle, H., B. Dugan "Extending NMR Data for Permeability Estimation in Fine-Grained Sediments."  Marine and Petroleum Geology.(Submitted)

Dugan, B. "Fluid Flow in the Keathley Canyon 151 Mini-Basin, Northern Gulf of Mexico."  Marine and Petroleum Geology.(In Press)

Dugan, B., J.T. Germaine "Near-Seafloor Overpressure in the Deepwater Mississippi Canyon, Northern Gulf of Mexico."  Geophysical Research Letters: doi:10.1029/2007GL032275.(In Press)

Schneider, J., P.B. Flemings, B. Dugan, H. Long, J.T. Germaine "Overpressure and Compaction Near the Seafloor of Brazos-Trinity Basin IV, Northwest Deepwater Gulf of Mexico."  Journal of Geophysical Research.(In Revision)

Waite, W.F., C. Santamarina, D. Cortes, B. Dugan, N. Espinoza, J. Germaine, J. Jang, J. Jung, T. Kneafsey, H. Shin, K. Soga, W. Winters, T-S. Yun "Physical Properties of Hydrate-Bearing Sediments."  Reviews of Geophysics.(Submitted)

Winters, W.J., B. Dugan, T.S. Collett "Physical Properties of Sediments from Keathley Canyon and Atwater Valley, JIP Gulf of Mexico Gas Hydrate Drilling Program."  Marine and Petroleum Geology.(In Press)

Flemings, P.B., H. Long, B. Dugan, J. Germaine, C. John, J.H. Behrmann, D. Sawyer, IODP Exp. 308 Scientists "Pore fluid overpressure measured with penetrometers on the continental slope, Gulf of Mexico."  Earth and Planetary Science Letters.(In Press)

Sawyer, D.E., P.B. Flemings, B. Dugan, J.T. Germaine "Retrogressive Failures Recorded in Mass Transport Deposits in the Ursa Basin, Northern Gulf of Mexico."  Journal of Geophysical Research.(Submitted)

Hutchinson, D.R., P.E. Hart, C.D. Ruppel, F. Snyder, B. Dugan "Seismic and Thermal Characterization of a Bottom Simulating Reflection in the Northern Gulf of Mexico."  Natural Gas Hydrates: Energy Resources, Potential and Associated Geohazards.(In Press)

Hutchinson, D.R., P.E. Hart, C.D. Ruppel, F. Snyder, B. Dugan "Seismic and thermal characterization of a bottom simulating reflection in the northern Gulf of Mexico."  AAPG Hedberg Conference Special Publication.(In Press)

Bhatnagar, G., W.G. Chapman, G.R. Dickens, B. Dugan, G.J. Hirasaki "The sulfate-methane transition as a proxy for average methane hydrate saturation in marine sediments."  Geophysical Research Letters: doi:10.1029/2007GL032500.(In Press)

Presentations

"Detection and Production of Methane Hydrates."  Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory, Morgantown, WV.  (09 Jan 2007) With W.G., Chapman, G.R. Dickens, B. Dugan, G.J. Hirasaki, K. Mohanty, C. Zelt.

"Slumps and Shallow Water Flows in the Northern Gulf of Mexico."  SPWLA, Houston, TX.  (03/22/2006)

"Geotechnical Properties of Sediments from Keathley Canyon and Atwater Valley, Northern Gulf of Mexico."  DOE/JIP Hydrate Drilling Project, Houston.  (04/13/2006) With G. Humphrey, P. Lee.

"IODP Expedition 308: Gulf of Mexico Overpressures."  IODP Management International, Washington DC.  (February, 2005)

"Characterizing Slumps and Shallow Water Flows in the Ursa Region through Logging, Drilling, and Experimentation."  WADO - Geotechnical Network, Houston.  (04/28/2006)

"Physical Properties of Mass Transport Complexes in the Ursa Region, Northern Gulf of Mexico (IODP Expedition 308)."  Offshore Technology Conference, Houston, TX.  (02 May 2007)

"Natural Gas Hydrates: Energy Resource and Geohazard."  International Workshop on Gas Hydrate Exploration and Exploitation, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.  (November, 2004)

"Shallow Pore Pressure and Physical Properties of Mass Transport Complexes in the Ursa Region."  ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company, Houston, TX.  (10 July 2007)

"Slumps and Shallow Water Flows in the Northern Gulf of Mexico."  Amerada Hess, Houston.  (06/15/2006)

"IODP Drilling to Understand Stability of the US Mid-Atlantic Continental Slope."  ESF Magellan Workshop: Submarine Slides, Barcelona, Spain.  (25-27 October 2006)

"Detection and Production of Methane Hydrate, Task 8: Seafloor and Borehole Stability."  Department of Energy Gas Hydrate Merit Review, Golden, CO.  (19 September 2007)

"Overpressure, Deformation, and Slope Failure of Shallow Marine Sediments."  Gordon Research Conference on Rock Deformation, Mount Holyoke, MA.  (August, 2004)

"Laboratory and Modeling Analyses of Fluid Pressure and Stress at Ursa."  Penn State GeoFluids Consortium, Santa Barbara, CA.  (April, 2004)

"Hydrogeology of the Ursa Region, Northern Gulf of Mexico."  PennState Geofluids Consortium, Galveston, TX.  (September, 2005)

"Hydrogeology of the Ursa Region, Northern Gulf of Mexico, IODP Sites U1324 and U1322."  AGU, San Francisco, CA.  (December, 2005)

"Consolidation Behavior of Fine-Grained Sediments from Deposition to Burial."  ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company, Houston, TX.  (November, 2005)

"Marine Gas Hydrates: Distribution and Quantification."  Shell, Houston, TX.  (October, 2005) With G. Dickens.

"ODP/IODP Geohazard Drilling on Passive Margins."  Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Geohazards Workshop, Portland, OR.  (27 August 2007)

"Fluid Flow, Slope Failure, and Drilling in the Ursa Region, Mississippi Canyon (Gulf of Mexico)."  Geology Department, Louisiana State University.  (March, 2005)

"Slumps and Shallow Water Flows in the Northern Gulf of Mexico."  Indiana University, Bloomington, IN.  (19 March 2007)

"Experimental and Theoretical Controls of Fluid Flow in Northern Gulf of Mexico Sediments."  US Geological Survey, Menlo Park, CA.  (December, 2004)

"Overpressure, Deformation, and Stability of Marine Sediments."  Geology & Geophysics Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole MA.  (September, 2004)

"Experimental and Theoretical Constraints of Fluid Flow in Marine Systems."  US Geological Survey, Reston VA.  (September 2004)

"Hydrogeology of the Ursa Region, Northern Gulf of Mexico."  University of Texas Institute for Geophysics, Austin, TX.  (September, 2005)

Professional Experience

US Geological Survey, Coastal & Marine Geology, Mendenhall Post-Doctoral Fellow.  (04/2003 - 12/2004). (Woods Hole, MA)