Faults resembling channel-like features

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Paritosh Bhatnagar ◽  
Pierre Karam ◽  
Sumit Verma
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Attributes ◽  
Normal Faults ◽  
Fluid Migration ◽  
Relative Location ◽  
Seismic Amplitude ◽  
Gravitational Loading ◽  
Transfer Zones ◽  
Offshore Field ◽  
Transfer Zone

We analyzed a synthetic transfer zone and its associated fault planes and relay ramp in Penobscot, a potential offshore field in the Scotian Basin. Transfer zones are structural areas where one fault dies out and another fault begins, forming a relay ramp in the middle. They can be categorized as divergent, convergent, and synthetic transfer zones depending on the relative location and dipping directions of the faults. These zones not only play an important role in fluid migration but also help interpreters delineate secondary features such as fractures, splay shears, and Riedel faults. Commonly those faults would branch into smaller splays and the relay ramp can get “breached” with connecting faults with the increase of slip. The study area in the Scotian basin is characterized by two major listric normal faults dipping in the same direction giving rise to a synthetic transfer zone. These faults are clearly visible on seismic attributes, including curvature and coherence slices extracted along the top of the Cretaceous Petrel Formation. However, when analyzing the seismic attributes along the overlying Wyandot Formation’s top, we observe channel-like features, which run parallel as well as at an angle to these faults. However, when we performed further analysis using seismic amplitude’s vertical slices, interpreted horizons, and seismic attributes, we found that these features are not channels. We divided the features into two types, the first is parallel to the main faults and can be associated with the grabens formed by synthetic and antithetic secondary faults (NE-SW). The second type is related to the polygonal faulting associated with differential compaction and gravitational loading of the Wyandot Chalk Formation. Apart from the two lineations, there are NNE-SSW oriented lineations which are an impression of basement faulting, and NNW-SSE oriented lineations representing acquisition footprint.

Synthetic Transfer Zone Characterization Using Seismic Attributes: An Example from the Parihaka Fault System in the Taranaki Basin, New Zealand.

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-73
Author(s):  
Pierre Karam ◽  
Shankar Mitra ◽  
Kurt Marfurt ◽  
Brett M. Carpenter
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Structural Parameters ◽  
Seismic Attributes ◽  
Fault System ◽  
Structural Interpretation ◽  
Transfer Zones ◽  
Seismic Characterization ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Transfer Zone

Synthetic transfer zones develop between fault segments which dip in the same direction, with relay ramps connecting the fault blocks separated by the different fault segments. The characteristics of the transfer zones are controlled by the lithology, deformation conditions, and strain magnitude. The Parihaka fault is a NE-SW trending set of three major en-echelon faults connected by relay ramps in the Taranaki Basin, New Zealand. The structure in the basin is defined by extension during two episodes of deformation between the late Cretaceous and Paleocene and between the Late Miocene and recent. To better understand the evolution of a synthetic transfer zone, we study the geometry and secondary faulting between the individual fault segments in the Parihaka fault system using structural interpretation of 3D seismic data and seismic attributes. This interpretation allows for a unique application of seismic attributes to better study transfer zones. Seismic attributes, including coherence, dip, and curvature are effective tools to understand the detailed geometry and variation in displacement on the individual faults, the nature of secondary faulting along the transfer zones, and the relationship between the faults and drape folds. Seismic characterization of the fault system of Miocene to Pliocene age horizons highlights variations in the degree of faulting, deformation, and growth mechanism associated with different stages of transfer zone development. Coherence, dip, and curvature attributes show a direct correlation with structural parameters such as deformation, folding, and breaching of relay ramps.. All three attributes enhance the visualization of the major and associated secondary faults and better constrain their tectonic history. The observed correlation between seismic attributes and structural characteristics of transfer zones can significantly improve structural interpretation and exploration workflow.

scholarly journals Novel Bathymetry of Lake Afdera Reveals Fault Structures and Volcano-Tectonic Features of an Incipient Transform Zone (Afar, Ethiopia)

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Charles Schaegis ◽  
Valentin Rime ◽  
Tesfaye Kidane ◽  
Jon Mosar ◽  
Ermias Filfilu Gebru ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Afar Depression ◽  
Nodal Basin ◽  
Bathymetric Data ◽  
The North ◽  
Transfer Zones ◽  
Fault Structures ◽  
Bathymetric Map ◽  
Endorheic Lake ◽  
Tectonic Features ◽  
Transfer Zone

Lake Afdera is a hypersaline endorheic lake situated at 112 m below sea-level in the Danakil Depression. The Danakil Depression is located in the northern part of the Ethiopian Afar and features an advanced stage of continental rifting. The remoteness and inhospitable environment explain the limited scientific research and knowledge about this lake. Bathymetric data were acquired during 2 weeks expeditions in January/February 2016 and 2017 using an easily deployable echosounder system mounted on an inflatable motorized boat. This study presents the first complete bathymetric map of the lake Afdera. Bathymetric results show that the lake has an average depth of 20.9 m and a total volume of 2.4 km3. The maximum measured depth is 80 m, making Lake Afdera the deepest known lake in Afar and the lowest elevation of the Danakil Depression. Comparison with historical reports shows that the lake level did not fluctuate significantly during the last 50 years. Two distinct tectonic basins to the north and the south are recognized. Faults of different orientations control the morphology of the northern basin. In contrast, the southern basin is affected by volcano-tectonic processes, unveiling a large submerged caldera. Comparison between the orientation of faults throughout the lake with the regional fault pattern indicates that the lake is part of two transfer zones: the major Alayta–Afdera Transfer Zone and the smaller Erta Ale–Tat’Ali Transfer Zone. The interaction between these Transfer Zones and the rift axis forms the equivalent of a developing nodal basin which explains the lake’s position as the deepest point of the depression. This study provides evidence for the development of an incipient transform fault on the floor of the Afar depression.

scholarly journals Influence of basement rocks on fluid evolution during multiphase deformation: the example of the Estamariu thrust in the Pyrenean Axial Zone

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Muñoz-López ◽  
Gemma Alías ◽  
David Cruset ◽  
Irene Cantarero ◽  
Cédric M. Jonh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sedimentary Cover ◽  
Crystalline Basement ◽  
Normal Faults ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Fluid Migration ◽  
Rock Interaction ◽  
Fluid Chemistry ◽  
Vein Formation ◽  
Basement Rocks ◽  
Calcite Veins

Abstract. Calcite veins precipitated in the Estamariu thrust during two tectonic events decipher the temporal and spatial relationships between deformation and fluid migration in a long-lived thrust and determine the influence of basement rocks on the fluid chemistry during deformation. Structural and petrological observations constrain the timing of fluid migration and vein formation, whilst geochemical analyses (δ13C, δ18O, 87Sr/86Sr, clumped isotope thermometry and elemental composition) of the related calcite cements and host rocks indicate the fluid origin, pathways and extent of fluid-rock interaction. The first tectonic event, recorded by calcite cements Cc1a and Cc2, is related to the Alpine reactivation of the Estamariu thrust, and is characterized by the migration of meteoric fluids, heated at depth (temperatures between 56 and 98 °C) and interacted with crystalline basement rocks before upflowing through the thrust zone. During the Neogene extension, the Estamariu thrust was reactivated and normal faults and shear fractures with calcite cements Cc3, Cc4 and Cc5 developed. Cc3 and Cc4 precipitated from hydrothermal fluids (temperatures between 127 and 208 °C and between 102 and 167 °C, respectively) derived from crystalline basement rocks and expelled through fault zones during deformation. Cc5 precipitated from low temperature meteoric waters percolating from the surface through small shear fractures. The comparison between our results and already published data in other structures from the Pyrenees suggests that regardless of the origin of the fluids and the tectonic context, basement rocks have a significant influence on the fluid chemistry, particularly on the 87Sr/86Sr ratio. Accordingly, the cements precipitated from fluids interacted with crystalline basement rocks have significantly higher 87Sr/86Sr ratios (> 0.710) with respect to those precipitated from fluids that have interacted with the sedimentary cover (

REDUCING RESOURCE UNCERTAINTY USING SEISMIC AMPLITUDE ANALYSIS ON THE SOUTHERN RANKIN TREND, NORTHWEST AUSTRALIA

1999 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 128 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Sibley ◽  
F. Herkenhoff ◽  
D. Criddle ◽  
M. McLerie
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Attributes ◽  
3D Seismic ◽  
Amplitude Analysis ◽  
Seismic Amplitude ◽  
Amplitude Versus Offset ◽  
Minimum Number ◽  
Gas Fields ◽  
Resource Uncertainty

Between 1973 and 1996 West Australian Petroleum Pty Limited (WAPET) discovered five major gas fields on the southern Rankin Trend including Spar, West Tryal Rocks, Gorgon, Chrysaor, and Dionysus (collectively termed the Greater Gorgon Resource). Recent discoveries at Chrysaor and Dionysus emphasise the role of subtle 3D seismic attributes in finding hydrocarbons and defining reserves with a minimum number of wells.The Gorgon, Chrysaor, and Dionysus fields were covered by 3D seismic data shot in 1991 and 1995, which led WAPET to discover Chrysaor and later Dionysus. Subsequent to the 3D acquisitions, field reservoirs have been correlated with anomalous seismic events (seismic amplitude and amplitude versus offset) that conform to depth structure. Follow-up work has shown that combining these 3D seismic attributes improves the prediction of wet sands, gas sands, and other lithologies.The resulting understanding and confidence provided by this 3D seismic has driven an aggressive exploration program and defined field reserves at a high confidence level. Results include the recent award of permit area WA-267-P to WAPET and the ongoing studies to begin development of the Greater Gorgon Resource.

scholarly journals Seismicity induced by fluid migration in the Main Ethiopian Rift

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martina Raggiunti ◽  
Derek Keir ◽  
Carolina Pagli ◽  
Aude Lavayssiere
Keyword(s):  
Velocity Model ◽  
Normal Faults ◽  
Ethiopian Rift ◽  
Fluid Migration ◽  
Average Depth ◽  
Main Ethiopian Rift ◽  
3D Velocity Model ◽  
Geothermal Activity ◽  
Fluid Pore Pressure ◽  
Remote Sensing Mapping

<p>Faults can act as preferential degassing pathways for fluids of deep origin. Their migration and consequently variation of fluid pore pressure can cause a reduction of normal stress on the fault planes and trigger earthquakes. This can generate not only microseismicity but also events with significant magnitude. To understand this phenomenon, we studied the spatial, temporal and waveform characteristics of local seismicity from the northern sector of Main Ethiopian Rift (MER) of East Africa near Fentale and Dofen volcanoes. The seismic database contains events occurred in the MER from October 2001 to January 2003, and acquired by the Ethiopia Afar Geoscientific Experiment (EAGLE Project). The recorded events have been relocated with NLLoc using a new 3D velocity model derived from a wide-angle controlled source experiment. The relocated catalog contains a total of 1543 events with magnitudes between 0 and 4. The seismicity is mainly concentrated in two areas: near the border faults of the Ethiopian plateau and within the rift. On the border faults, events mostly occur down to 20 km depth, with an average depth of ~ 12 km. Within the rift, the events mostly happen down to 15 km depth, with an average depth of ~ 9 km. The seismicity is divided into several clusters aligned parallel to the rift direction, and in profile sections the clusters are mostly dipping steeply sub-vertical and dipping consistent with Andersonian normal faults. The analysis of the temporal-spatial distribution of earthquakes shows that some of the clusters are strongly concentrated in time and in space, and therefore swarm-like. To understand if the different clusters have been conditioned by fluid migration we have also analyzed the frequency content, release of seismic moment, and b-val is cut out. The link between earthquakes and fluid migration has also been explored by interpreting the distribution of seismicity using remote sensing mapping of faults, fumaroles and hydrothermal springs. Understanding where and how the fluid migration occurs will aid geothermal exploration efforts in the region, also improved knowledge of where geothermal activity is linked to seismicity has implications for seismic hazard estimation, which is very important for this densely and economically active areas.</p>

scholarly journals A GLACIAÇÃO STURTIANA (~750 MA), A ESTRUTURA DO RIFTE MACAÚBAS-SANTO ONOFRE E A ESTRATIGRAFIA DO GRUPO MACAÚBAS, FAIXA ARAÇUAÍ

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandre Uhlein ◽  
Roland R. Trompette ◽  
Marcos Egydio-Silva ◽  
Alan Vauchez
Keyword(s):  
Tectonic Setting ◽  
Normal Faults ◽  
Sedimentary Sequence ◽  
Mafic Dike ◽  
Ice Caps ◽  
Sediment Gravity Flows ◽  
Gravity Flows ◽  
Rodinia Supercontinent ◽  
Eastern Edge ◽  
Transfer Zone

This paper is a contribution to the knowledge of the Sturtian glaciation (~800-750 Ma) and the gravitationalsedimentation of the Macaúbas and Santo Onofre Groups. The primary goal of this paper is: (1) todescribe glaciogenic deposits on the eastern edge of the São Francisco craton; (2) to present stratigraphic,sedimentologic and the tectonic setting of the Macaúbas-Santo Onofre rift. An extensional phase is markedby the intrusion of mafic dike swarms at 1100 – 900 Ma and alkaline rocks (750-670 Ma). The Sturtianglacial event (800-750 Ma), with formation of ice-caps in Rodinia supercontinent, is well exposed in theJequitaí area. Glaciomarine facies developed on the border of the craton grade laterally into debris-flowand turbidites. The Neoproterozoic Macaúbas – Santo Onofre rift evolved into a wide embayment limitedby normal faults and a transfer zone. The sedimentary sequence consists of the diamictites, conglomerates,sandstones,, graywackes, pelites deposited by sediment gravity flows. The Neoproterozoic Macaúbas Grouprepresents rift to drift sedimentation related to the break-up of Rodinia. Macaúbas- Santo Onofre rift isregarded as intracontinental with a limited oceanization located at southern of the basin.

Seismic attributes and structural interpretation—it takes two to tango...

2012 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guillaume Backé ◽  
Ernest Swierczek ◽  
Justin MacDonald ◽  
Adam Bailey ◽  
David Tassone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Structural Information ◽  
Median Filter ◽  
Seismic Attributes ◽  
3D Seismic ◽  
Seismic Amplitude ◽  
The North ◽  
Amplitude Data ◽  
Fracture Models ◽  
Processing Techniques

In this paper, different 3D seismic attributes calculated to improve the accuracy and robustness of structural interpretations in several energy-rich Australian basins are compared. Detailed and precise fault and fracture maps are crucial not only for initial petroleum play assessment, but also for fault seal analysis and reservoir integrity studies. Robust fault and fracture models are also needed to improve the design of reservoir simulation programs and to manage the long-term containment of gas in geological formations. Different attributes (including coherency, dip-steered similarity, dip-steered median filter, dip-steered variance, apparent dip, and dip-steered most-positive and most-negative curvatures) from an array of 3D seismic datasets to better image structural fabrics, such as normal and different fractures patterns, in the North Perth, Cooper, Ceduna, Otway and Gippsland basins have been calculated. The results provide a remarkable improvement in the quality and precision of structural maps using this multi-attribute mapping workflow by comparison with more conventional maps produced, solely using seismic amplitude data. The key to the successful application of multi-attribute structural analysis, however, remains with the ability of the interpreter to identify meaningful structural information from a large volume of data. Thus, the structural expertise of the interpreter remains as the cornerstone to making geological sense of the various seismic processing techniques available.

Reservoir property prediction using abductive networks

Geophysics ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. P1-P9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Osama A. Ahmed ◽  
Radwan E. Abdel-Aal ◽  
Husam AlMustafa
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Methods ◽  
Seismic Data ◽  
Polynomial Regression ◽  
Seismic Attributes ◽  
Oil Field ◽  
Attribute Selection ◽  
Reservoir Properties ◽  
Seismic Amplitude ◽  
Porosity Logs ◽  
High Degree

Statistical methods, such as linear regression and neural networks, are commonly used to predict reservoir properties from seismic attributes. However, a huge number of attributes can be extracted from seismic data and an efficient method for selecting an attribute subset with the highest correlation to the property being predicted is essential. Most statistical methods, however, lack an optimized approach for this attribute selection. We propose to predict reservoir properties from seismic attributes using abductive networks, which use iterated polynomial regression to derive high-degree polynomial predictors. The abductive networks simultaneously select the most relevant attributes and construct an optimal nonlinear predictor. We applied the approach to predict porosity from seismic data of an area within the 'Uthmaniyah portion of the Ghawar oil field, Saudi Arabia. The data consisted of normal seismic amplitude, acoustic impedance, 16 other seismic attributes, and porosity logs from seven wells located in the study area. Out of 27 attributes, the abductive network selected only the best two to six attributes and produced a more accurate and robust porosity prediction than using the more common neural-network predictors. In addition, the proposed method requires no effort in choosing the attribute subset or tweaking their parameters.

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