James Bryan Tapp

bryan tapp

ChairmanKeplinger Hall M231A
918-631-3018
jbt@utulsa.edu

My background is in classical and analytical structural geology, application of numerical techniques to the analysis of structural systems, and in computational structural geology. I have worked on fractured reservoir analysis both using surface studies and numerical approximations. My key research interests at present are in structural inversion, balancing methods in areas of shear strain, as well as fold mechanics and continued work on deformation mechanisms in carbonates over a range of P, T and strain rate conditions. In addition, over the past 15 years, I have developed expertise in applications of spatial analysis and Geographic Information Systems in geologic mapping and in petroleum systems analysis, as well as in environmental geology and biogeosciences.

Education and Degrees Earned

  • Ph.D., Geology, University of Oklahoma, 1983
  • M.S., Geology, University of Oklahoma, 1978
  • B.S., Geology, University of Oklahoma, 1975 

Areas of Research Focus

  • Structural Geology: Inversion Structures, Balancing techniques in complex structures, fold analysis, carbonate deformation mechanisms, Finite Element Analysis of geological structures, Structural and
  • Tectonic Evolution of Southern Oklahoma, Fractured Reservoirs, Reservoir characterization, Numerical Methods
  • Environmental Biogeosciences
  • Geographic Information Systems and spatial analysis.

Previous Relevant Work Experience

  • Consultant to several oil companies on Oklahoma Structural and Tectonic history, fractured reservoirs, inversion and balanced cross sections, coal bed methane and applications of GIS in petroleum.

Professional Affiliations

  • American Association of Petroleum Geologists (Active)
  • American Geophysical Union
  • Geological Society of America - Campus Representative
  • Phi Kappa Phi
  • Tulsa Geological Society

Courses Taught at TU

  • Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GEOL 4083)
  • Regional Tectonics (GEOL 7713)
  • Structural Geology (GEOL 3063/3061)

Awards & Recognition

  • 1992 College of Engineering and Applied Sciences Teaching Excellence Award
  • 2003 Elected Phi Kappa Phi
  • 2002 Kermit Brown Teaching Excellence Award - College of Engineering and Natural Sciences
  • 2002 Tulsa University Outstanding Professor Award

Publications

  • Interdisciplinary Lively Application Projects in Calculus Courses
    Farrior, Donna, William Hamill, Leslie Keiser, Michael Kessler, Peter LoPresti, Jerry McCoy, Shirley Pomeranz, William Potter, Bryan Tapp: Journal of STEM Education: Innovations and Research, v. 8, no. 3-4, p. 1-13 (2007)
  • Inversion model for the structural style of the Arbuckle Region
    Tapp, J.B.: In Johnson, K.S., ed, Structural Styles in the Southern Mid-continent, 1992 Symposium. Oklahoma. Geological Survey, Circular 97, p. 113-118 (1995)
  • Lessons Learned in Remediation and Restoration in the Oklahoma Prairie
    Sublette, K.L., Tapp, J.B., Fisher, J.B., Jennings, E., Duncan, K., Thoma, G., Brokaw, J., and Todd, T.: Applied Geochemistry, Vol. 22, Issue 10, p.2225-2239. doi:10.1016/j.apgeochem.2007.04.011 (2007)
  • Raman and FTIR studies of Complex Formation in Aluminum Trichloride-Alkali Thicyanate Ambient Temperature Molten Salt Solutions
    Liu, C., Teeters, D., Potter, W., Tapp, B., and Sukkar, M.: Solid State Ionics, v 86-88, p. 431-440 (1996)
  • Reconnaissance study of the Womble Formation, Broken Bow Uplift
    Erickson, S. G., and Tapp, J.B.: In Johnson, K.S., ed, Structural Styles in the Southern Mid-continent, 1992 Symposium. Oklahoma. Geological Survey, Circular 97, p. 240-243 (1995)
  • Remediation of oil-field brine-impacted soil using a subsurface drainage system and hay
    Harris, T.M., Tapp, J.B., and Sublette, K.L.: Environmental Geosciences, Vol. 12, Issue 2, pp. 101-113 (2005)
  • Small-scale inversion feature on the flanks of the Ardmore Basin, Structural Study of the Milroy Field
    Harmon, R.E., and Tapp, B.: Oklahoma Geological Survey Circular No. 106, p. 187-190 (2001)