Hydrocarbon Potential of the North Kutei Basin: new Exploration Opportunities based on the new 3D seismic Data

The North Sea has arguably the most extensive geophysical data coverage of any glacier-influenced sedimentary regime on Earth, enabling detailed investigation of the thick (up to 1 km) sequence of Quaternary sediments that is preserved within the North Sea Basin. At the start of the Quaternary, the bathymetry of the northern North Sea was dominated by a deep depression that provided accommodation for sediment input from the Norwegian mainland and the East Shetland Platform. Here we use an extensive database of 2D and 3D seismic data to investigate the geological development of the northern North Sea through the Quaternary.Three main sedimentary processes were dominant within the northern North Sea during the early Quaternary: 1) the delivery and associated basinward transfer of glacier-derived sediments from an ice mass centred over mainland Norway; 2) the delivery of fluvio-deltaic sediments from the East Shetland Platform; and 3) contourite deposition and the reworking of sediments by contour currents. The infilling of the North Sea Basin during the early Quaternary increased the width and reduced the water depth of the continental shelf, facilitating the initiation of the Norwegian Channel Ice Stream.

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Extensive, Gas-charged Quaternary Sand Accumulations of the Northern North Sea and North Sea Fan

10.5194/egusphere-egu2020-18701 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Benjamin Bellwald ◽

Sverre Planke ◽

Sunil Vadakkepuliyambatta ◽

Stefan Buenz ◽

Christine Batchelor ◽

...

Keyword(s):

North Sea ◽

Seismic Data ◽

Data Sets ◽

3D Seismic ◽

Fine Grained ◽

The North ◽

Northern North Sea ◽

Well Data ◽

Sea Fan ◽

3D Seismic Data

Sediments deposited by marine-based ice sheets are dominantly fine-grained glacial muds, which are commonly known for their sealing properties for migrating fluids. However, the Peon and Aviat hydrocarbon discoveries in the North Sea show that coarse-grained glacial sands can occur over large areas in formerly glaciated continental shelves. In this study, we use conventional and high-resolution 2D and 3D seismic data combined with well information to present new models for large-scale fluid accumulations within the shallow subsurface of the Norwegian Continental Shelf. The data include 48,000 km2 of high-quality 3D seismic data and 150 km2 of high-resolution P-Cable 3D seismic data, with a vertical resolution of 2 m and a horizontal resolution of 6 to 10 m in these data sets. We conducted horizon picking, gridding and attribute extractions as well as seismic geomorphological interpretation, and integrated the results obtained from the seismic interpretation with existing well data.The thicknesses of the Quaternary deposits vary from hundreds of meters of subglacial till in the Northern North Sea to several kilometers of glacigenic sediments in the North Sea Fan. Gas-charged, sandy accumulations are characterized by phase-reserved reflections with anomalously high amplitudes in the seismic data as well as density and velocity decreases in the well data. Extensive (>10 km2) Quaternary sand accumulations within this package include (i) glacial sands in an ice-marginal outwash fan, sealed by stiff glacial tills deposited by repeated glaciations (the Peon discovery in the Northern North Sea), (ii) sandy channel-levee systems sealed by fine-grained mud within sequences of glacigenic debris flows, formed during shelf-edge glaciations, (iii) fine-grained glacimarine sands of contouritic origin sealed by gas hydrates, and (iv) remobilized oozes above large evacuation craters and sealed by megaslides and glacial muds. The development of the Fennoscandian Ice Sheet resulted in a rich variety of depositional environments with frequently changing types and patterns of glacial sedimentation. Extensive new 3D seismic data sets are crucial to correctly interpret glacial processes and to analyze the grain sizes of the related deposits. Furthermore, these data sets allow the identification of localized extensive fluid accumulations within the Quaternary succession and distinguish stratigraphic levels favorable for fluid accumulations from layers acting as fluid barriers.

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Diapiric shale and coast-perpendicular, fault-related subbasins, south Texas Gulf Coast

Interpretation ◽

10.1190/int-2014-0016.1 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

pp. T43-T56 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Osareni C. Ogiesoba ◽

Rodolfo Hernandez

Keyword(s):

Seismic Data ◽

Gulf Coast ◽

Structural Features ◽

South Texas ◽

3D Seismic ◽

Texas Gulf Coast ◽

Vertical Loading ◽

The North ◽

Visualization Tools ◽

3D Seismic Data

Coast-perpendicular shale ridges are rare structural features worldwide, and their origin remains a subject of debate. We studied some coast-perpendicular shale ridges and faults within a minibasin located onshore in Refugio County in the Texas Gulf Coast. We used 3D seismic data, visualization tools, and seismic attributes to examine the geometry of coast-perpendicular diapiric structures associated subbasins (SBs) and faults, and coast-parallel listric faults. Our results indicated that the minibasin is subdivided into four SBs by five diapiric shale ridges that intrude through the fault heaves of down-to-the-basin (synthetic) and coast-perpendicular faults. Three of the SBs are oriented perpendicular to the coast, whereas the fourth has a curvilinear form trending northeast–southwest–southeast. Of the five diapiric shale ridges, three are coast-perpendicular. The other two are curvilinear to the coast. All five diapiric shale ridges are associated with coast-perpendicular faults that bound the flanks of the ridges. On the basis of our mapping results, we deduced that the origin of the coast-perpendicular faults in the study area are related to the coalescing of en echelon synthetic faults, as well as the coalition of synthetic and antithetic fault planes. We inferred that the origin of the shale diapirs is related to vertical loading and, possibly, local southwest–northeast lateral compression of interbedded, overpressured, shale-prone intervals. The coast-perpendicular faults within the Frio formed as a result of reactivation of the Eocene-Vicksburg coast-perpendicular faults. Synthetic faults dominate the pattern within the SB in the north where shale ridges are broad, whereas antithetic faults dominate the pattern in the south where shale ridges are narrow.

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Structural and Stratigraphic Resolution of the Permian Minnelusa Formation with 3D Seismic Data at the North Rainbow Ranch Field, Powder River Basin, Wyoming: ABSTRACT

AAPG Bulletin ◽

10.1306/8d2b210f-171e-11d7-8645000102c1865d ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 79 ◽

Author(s):

Peter G. Smith

Keyword(s):

River Basin ◽

Seismic Data ◽

Powder River Basin ◽

3D Seismic ◽

The North ◽

3D Seismic Data

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SEISMIC DELINEATION OF STRUCTURE-CONTROLLED CARBONATE CEMENT AND POTENTIAL ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS, ANGEL FIELD, NORTH WEST SHELF

The APPEA Journal ◽

10.1071/aj94017 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 35 (1) ◽

pp. 280

Author(s):

S. Ryan-Grigor ◽

J.P. Schulz-Rojahn

Keyword(s):

Seismic Data ◽

High Amplitude ◽

Fault System ◽

3D Seismic ◽

Economic Implications ◽

Northern Margin ◽

North West ◽

The North ◽

Migration Pathways ◽

3D Seismic Data

Major carbonate-cemented zones occur in Late Jurassic Angel Formation sandstones of marine mass flow origin that contain large hydrocarbon reserves in the Angel Field, Dampier Sub-basin. Preliminary results suggest that poikilotopic dolomite cement is dominant. The carbonate-cemented zones are identifiable from wireline log response and 3D seismic data, and occur in discrete intervals with a cumulative thickness of approximately 165m at Angel-2. These intervals produce a zone of high amplitude reflections of about 100 ms two-way time. Field-wide seismic mapping indicates that these carbonate-cemented zones sharply abut the northern margin of a major east-west trending strike-slip fault system that traverses this field. The carbonate-cemented zones extend in a wedge-like shape towards the northeast and concentrate along the crest of the main structural trend.The results underscore the importance of 3D seismic data for a better estimation of reservoir risk and reserves in variably carbonate-cemented sandstones.The carbonate-cemented zones may represent a 'plume' related to migration of petroleum and/or carbon dioxide. Therefore delineation of major carbonate-cemented zones using seismic data may aid in the identification of petroleum migration pathways and pools in the North West Shelf. Alternatively, carbonate cements dissolved south of the major fault zone and possibly in downdip locations in which case dissolution pores may exist in these areas. Further research is required to evaluate these hypotheses.

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The Brunei slide: A giant submarine landslide on the North West Borneo Margin revealed by 3D seismic data

Marine Geology ◽

10.1016/j.margeo.2007.07.009 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 246 (1) ◽

pp. 9-23 ◽

Cited By ~ 108

Author(s):

M.J.R. Gee ◽

H.S. Uy ◽

J. Warren ◽

C.K. Morley ◽

J.J. Lambiase

Keyword(s):

Seismic Data ◽

Submarine Landslide ◽

3D Seismic ◽

North West ◽

The North ◽

3D Seismic Data

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Regional evaluation and hydrocarbon potential of the deep section of the Gulf of Mexico offshore Louisiana continental shelf from modern 3D seismic data

10.1190/1.1817937 ◽

2003 ◽

Author(s):

Norman E. Biles ◽

Andrew E. Hannan ◽

George A. Jamieson ◽

Ana Krueger ◽

Dianna L. Shelander ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gulf Of Mexico ◽

Continental Shelf ◽

Seismic Data ◽

Hydrocarbon Potential ◽

3D Seismic ◽

Louisiana Continental Shelf ◽

3D Seismic Data

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Geohazard detection using 3D seismic data to enhance offshore scientific drilling site selection

Scientific Drilling ◽

10.5194/sd-28-1-2020 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 28 ◽

pp. 1-27 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

David R. Cox ◽

Paul C. Knutz ◽

D. Calvin Campbell ◽

John R. Hopper ◽

Andrew M. W. Newton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Site Selection ◽

Seismic Data ◽

Seismic Survey ◽

3D Seismic ◽

Seismic Reflection Data ◽

Scientific Drilling ◽

The North ◽

Reflection Data ◽

3D Seismic Data ◽

Geohazard Assessment

Abstract. A geohazard assessment workflow is presented that maximizes the use of 3D seismic reflection data to improve the safety and success of offshore scientific drilling. This workflow has been implemented for International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Proposal 909 that aims to core seven sites with targets between 300 and 1000 m below seabed across the north-western Greenland continental shelf. This glaciated margin is a frontier petroleum province containing potential drilling hazards that must be avoided during drilling. Modern seismic interpretation techniques are used to identify, map and spatially analyse seismic features that may represent subsurface drilling hazards, such as seabed structures, faults, fluids and challenging lithologies. These hazards are compared against the spatial distribution of stratigraphic targets to guide site selection and minimize risk. The 3D seismic geohazard assessment specifically advanced the proposal by providing a more detailed and spatially extensive understanding of hazard distribution that was used to confidently select eight new site locations, abandon four others and fine-tune sites originally selected using 2D seismic data. Had several of the more challenging areas targeted by this proposal only been covered by 2D seismic data, it is likely that they would have been abandoned, restricting access to stratigraphic targets. The results informed the targeted location of an ultra-high-resolution 2D seismic survey by minimizing acquisition in unnecessary areas, saving valuable resources. With future IODP missions targeting similarly challenging frontier environments where 3D seismic data are available, this workflow provides a template for geohazard assessments that will enhance the success of future scientific drilling.

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Mesozoic tectonostratigraphic evolution of the North Carnarvon Basin unlocked using regional 3D seismic

The APPEA Journal ◽

10.1071/aj15070 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 56 (2) ◽

pp. 564

Author(s):

Daniel Bishop ◽

Megan Halbert ◽

Katherine Welbourn ◽

Ben Boterhoven ◽

Stacey Mansfield ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Seismic Data ◽

Regional Scale ◽

Depositional Environments ◽

Single Channels ◽

Data Sets ◽

3D Seismic ◽

The North ◽

Basin Scale ◽

3D Seismic Data ◽

Carnarvon Basin

Interpretation of regional scale merged 3D seismic data sets covering the North Carnarvon Basin has for the first time enabled a detailed description of Mesozoic stratigraphic and structural features on a basin scale. Isoproportional slicing of the data enables direct interpretation of Triassic depositional environments, including contrasting low-stand and high-stand fluvial channel complexes, marginal marine clastic systems and reef complexes. Channels vary dramatically between sinuous-straight single channels within low net:gross floodplain successions, to broad channel belts within relatively high net:gross fluvial successions. The latter can be traced from the inboard part of the basin to the outer areas of the Exmouth Plateau. 3D visualisation and interpretation has demonstrated the huge variety of structural styles that are present, including basement-involved extensional faults, detached listric fault complexes, polygonal faults, and regional scale vertical strike-slip faults with flower structures. Fault trends include north–south, north–northeast to south–southwest, and northeast–southwest, with deformation events occurring mainly between the Rhaetian and Valanginian. Extensional and compressional deformation has created multiple horsts, three-way fault closures, fold belts and associated four-way anticlinal traps. Wrench tectonics may also explain pock-mark trains with the interpreted transfer of over-pressure from Triassic to Early Cretaceous levels. The use of regional scale merged 3D seismic data sets is now shedding light on tectonostratigraphic features on a basin scale that were previously unrecognised or enigmatic on 2D seismic or local 3D seismic data sets.

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Evaporite controls on basin-inversion structures in the southern Danish Central Graben, North Sea – a 3D seismic-data study

10.5194/egusphere-egu2020-19797 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Torsten Hundebøl Hansen ◽

Ole Rønø Clausen

Keyword(s):

North Sea ◽

Seismic Data ◽

Hydrocarbon Reservoirs ◽

3D Seismic ◽

Basin Inversion ◽

The North ◽

Basement Faults ◽

Permian Salt ◽

Southwestern Margin ◽

3D Seismic Data

During Cretaceous and Paleogene times, tectonic shortening caused mild basin inversion of earlier rifting depocentres in the Danish Central Graben. This exerted an important control on the thickness variations and geometries of e.g. the Late-Cretaceous and Danian Chalk Group. Structural highs formed by inversion and especially Permian-salt movements, host important hydrocarbon reservoirs in the sector. Earlier researchers have linked basin inversion in the North-Sea area to Alpine deformational phases and the onset of seafloor spreading in the North Atlantic.The objective of this 3D seismic-data study is an analysis of the relationships between basement (sub-salt) faults, salt movements, and salt-cover deformation, as well as fluid migration near and within inversion structures.We find that the northeastern margin of the larger inverted area generally has a thick-skinned style. Here, reverse reactivation of the rift-bounding master fault is coupled between the strata above and below the salt. Oppositely, the southwestern margin has a thin-skinned style. Here, buttressed hangingwall folds sit above reverse faults detaching into even thin evaporite sequences. The strike of this cover-fault trend mimics that of the underlying basement faults, although they dip in opposite directions. A triangle-zone model explains how sub-salt shortening (reactivation of major basement faults) can be balanced to the shortening observed in the sedimentary cover. As the current thickness of Permian salt increases and mobile-salt structures become predominant towards the south, the effects of basin inversion grow difficult to distinguish from those of halokinesis.Interestingly, the shallow crests of inversion folds, especially along the southwestern margin, host groups of smaller normal faults. These formed to some degree during inversion, indicating that local extensional tectonism (crestal collapse) took place during the overall shortening. We conclude that the shallow parts of the folds experienced forced bending rather than buckling during folding.A significant number of hydrocarbon reservoirs sit within basin-inversion structures. Potentially, this work can increase our understanding of deformation within these and similar structures.Acknowledgements: We thank the Centre for Oil and Gas &#8211; DTU (DHRTC) for funding and supporting this project and for providing data. We also thank Schlumberger and Eliis for providing seismic-interpretation software.

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