James Morse

MR. JAMES D. MORSE is an applied structural geologist and President of Computational Geology, Inc. (CG). After studying structural geology and rock mechanics at Texas A&M University, Morse worked for Amoco, gaining valuable experience mapping the complex structures of the Idaho-Wyoming-Utah Thrust Belt. Seismic quality in thrust belts is often fair or poor, making the use of dip data and modern methods of structural geology (including cross-section restoration and balancing) essential in mapping. He participated in Amoco's surface geology field programs, which documented the dip-domain character of folds in the Thrust Belt, providing valuable geometric constraints on subsurface maps. By taking part in teaching Amoco Denver's structural field seminars, Morse helped other geologists apply structural principles in their mapping. After leaving Amoco, he founded a consultancy that specialized in mapping complex structures using modern structural methods, including SCAT dip analysis. With SCAT inventor C.A. Bengtson, Morse co-authored papers on the advantages of SCAT in mapping both subtle (i. e., low-dip) and complex structures. Recognizing the value of SCAT for markedly improving structure maps, Morse and a partner developed GEODES, a SCAT-based program for complete structural interpretation of dip data. In 1991, the partners founded CG to provide subsurface mapping and GEODES dip analysis services. Morse and CG have consulted for clients worldwide in extensional, compressional, and transpressional terrains and have mapped both simple and complexly faulted and folded structures, including structures below salt, where seismic is often fair or poor. CG's clients have used GEODES worldwide to markedly improve subsurface structure maps of many important fields, including October (Gulf of Suez) and Thunderhorse (Gulf of Mexico), both of which are subsalt giants. Morse earned his BA from the University of Vermont and MS from Texas A & M, both in Geology.