Armelle Kloppenburg is a Dutch, independent structural geologist with global reach and widespead experience and curiosity

Armelle is a independent structural geology consultant, with a world-wide client base across the resource industry, including those in mineral exploration and mining, petroleum and geothermal industry. She is specialized in constructing 2D and 3D models, not just present-day geometries, but palaeo-geometries at key moments in geological time (4D), based on structural geological principles. Developing understanding and structural geological framework models across scales, to inform exploration and production / mining strategies, with analysis on-site, in-house and in the field.

Since 2001 I have worked as a structural geology consultant with interests ranging from basement to upper crustal rocks and the link between the two. Particular emphasis is on structural development and time aspect of geometrical change of rocks in relation to understanding the development of a system, whether it is a mineral system, a petroleum, groundwater or a geothermal one.

My approach is to integrate and visualize surface data with data underground and bridge the gap spatially and at a range of scales in digital georeferenced space. This then forms the basis for interpretation and construction of geometrically valid and geologically sound models (or a range of models) to help understand the present-day geometry of key structural elements, in maps, sections and in 3D. These models can then be used to explain and quantify the geological evolution through time using sequential restoration and forward modelling techniques, with the aim to help develop a geological understanding and optimize the use of geological (in the widest sense) datasets to minimize interpretation uncertainty. Current particular interests include fault development and fracturing through time, connectivity and interconnectedness of structures across scales and the role of structures as pathways and traps for mineralizing fluids.

I have worked on a range of structural styles across the globe including those in contractional, extensional and strike-slip settings working on both on- and off-shore assets. I have applied structural analysis, model construction, validation (balancing) and sequential restoration techniques working with a range of commodities and plays, including oil and gas, base and precious metals, and on a range of scales, from regional exploration (data-poor) to local mine /field development-scale (data-rich) projects. I work with uncertainty by rapidly identifying the full set of modelling variables, recognizing the most significant ones, and defining end-member and optimum scenario(s).

The consulting work, ideally, is combined with client mentoring and teaching. I provide theoretical and applied structural geology courses, translating concepts and modelling philosophy into using software tools and techniques, with emphasis on kinematic modelling software MoveTM. I have designed and taught public and bespoke courses for junior exploration companies to mining houses, oil and gas companies, geological surveys, and universities for the last 25 years.  I am set up as an independent consultant based in The Hague, The Netherlands, with a global reach and widespread curiosity.

 

Key skills

• Integrating data and knowledge across scales, linking local studies to regional context, provide key constraints and insights for constructing internally consistent, geometrically valid and geologically sound models in 2D, 3D and through time.
• Using kinematic structural modelling software MoveTM, for data interpretation, digital field mapping, and construction of maps, sections and 3D framework models. Model balancing and interpretation validation. Sequential reconstructions and forward modelling, as well as strain and Discrete Facture Network modelling and connectivity analysis.
• Developing geological understanding working with uncertainty, identifying and ranking modelling variables to test different scenarios and the significance for the outcome. Identifying and communicating the systematics of essential components in complex geological systems.
• Working with clients, efficiently and to deadlines, while drawing conclusions with care.