David Gardiner
Consultancy Manager, Senior Geochemist & Basin Modeller
Role
I joined IGI in 2011 as a Geochemist & Basin Modeller, working with our clients on basin to prospect-scale projects integrating geochemistry and Basin & Petroleum System Modelling (BPSM) with other G&G studies. My role has since evolved into a senior position which involves project management and teaching our 5-day BPSM Course, and in 2022 became Consultancy Manager whilst maintaining my technical role.
Vision
I am an integrator, utilising all information available to better understand the subsurface. Geochemistry and BPSM are fantastic tools and can be utilised across a range of applications within exploration and production, from the detail of post-well analyses in mature basins to creative ideas and big picture uncertainty and risk quantification in frontier areas. I find it amazing how chemical fossils (biomarkers) can reveal processes which have occurred on tectonic scales millions of years ago, and fitting the pieces of the puzzle together with other information is both really exciting, insightful and interesting to me.
Expertise
My main expertise is in basin modelling where I have researched and published on igneous affected sedimentary basins, and am also experienced modelling in salt basins. Within IGI we are fortunate enough to have world-class specialists within geochemistry and modelling, with a depth of knowledge in specific sub-areas (e.g., age-diagnostic biomarkers). I see my expertise as more of a “big picture” integrator role, considering how this information can relate to other G&G studies (e.g., tectonic evolution, GDE maps).
Background
I have an MSc (2011) and BSc (2010) in Geology from the University of Southampton, where my Masters thesis focussed on inorganic geochemistry and tephrachronology in Iceland. I have published several journal papers, co-edited a GSL Special Publication, and convened conferences, as well as being the lead author (and cover image) on a 2019 paper in Geology proposing a unifying model of igneous intrusions and implications on charge timing in the West of Shetlands Basin. I am currently an Associate Editor of the Journal of Petroleum Geology.
Outside work
I am a semi-pro drummer focussed on recording and producing music for films, TV and adverts, as well as playing locally in both an original and a covers band. I love to spend time converting food to carbon in my pizza oven and being terrorised by my two young children.
