Who is Peter Flemings? My research couples observation with theoretical analysis to study crustal fluid flow at human and geologic timescales. We ask classical questions such as: 1) what is the relationship between faulting, pressure, and stress? 2) what is the shallow crust’s permeability and how does it vary with pore pressure? 3) how is continental margin morphology controlled by fluid flow? 4) how do hydrocarbons move at both geological and production time scales?
I work closely with the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP). My current projects include the study of fluid pressure in the Nankai Accretionary Prism, analysis and modeling of hydrate systems on southern Hydrate Ridge, the study of slope stability on continental margins, and the development of a pore pressure penetrometer for ocean drilling.
I think there is a great opportunity to work with industry
to pursue fundamental research questions. I lead the Penn State Geofluids
Consortium and am part of the G3
Initiative. This academic industry consortium focuses on the study
of overpressure and fluid flow in sedimentary basins. I also co-direct
the GeoSystems
Initiative. This graduate educational initiative involves students
working with scientists from both academia and industry in an interdisciplinary
mode. We strive to instill disciplinary depth, yet also promote understanding
of the linkage between disciplines, the methodology of team-based analysis,
and the potential for interdisciplinary work.