The University of Southampton
University of Southampton Institutional Repository

Reconstructing the Ocean Floor Shape in Turbidite Basins using Seismic Interpretations and Forward Modelling

Reconstructing the Ocean Floor Shape in Turbidite Basins using Seismic Interpretations and Forward Modelling
Reconstructing the Ocean Floor Shape in Turbidite Basins using Seismic Interpretations and Forward Modelling
Deep-water depositional systems in different tectonic regimes display markedly different tectonostratigraphic evolution. The objective of this PhD was to develop a stratigraphic forward modelling program which deconvolves the controlling factors on basin fill architecture, in order to understand the dynamic interaction between structural deformation and sediment supply, using real, mapped structural geometries and stratigraphic package thicknesses. Understanding the interaction between structural deformation and sediment supply is important on active continental slopes. This interaction controls the vertical and lateral distribution of reservoir and seal lithologies, and their relation to growing structures. Subsurface prediction of trap and seal effectiveness is a vital component of CO2 sequestration or hydrocarbon exploration projects.
Onlapse-2D is a geometric-based stratigraphic forward modelling program that simulates the tectonostratigraphic evolution of mini-basins using only commonly available reflection seismic, age-dated horizon interpretations and well data, if available (not required). The resulting models efficiently simulate the stratal architecture and palaeobathymetry of the mini-basin through time. Onlapse-2D produces geologically realistic cross-sections of a range of idealized mini-basins and simulates the evolution of a mini-basin using real data in the Gulf of Mexico.
Through the modelling, I show that the development of offlap and onlap stratal terminations in structurally active mini-basins may be linked to sediment supply in some cases. However, in others the link between onlap and offlap may be weak or non-existent. Therefore, there is no requirement for the development of onlap or offlap to have a hard-wired link to extrinsic processes, such as relative sea-level change.
Simulating the tectonostratigraphic evolution of the Late Miocene within three mini-basins in the Sureste Basin of Mexico allowed me to test and develop the capacity of Onlapse-2D. This case study integrated high resolution age-dated horizons and well data with 3D-seismic horizon interpretations, and the model results revealed three phases of structural activity, which controlled the stratigraphic development in the Late Miocene. These comprise two distinct pulses of contraction-related folding, and the long-term effects of salt-withdrawal and diapirism. This case study highlights the capacity of Onlapse-2D to aid in hydrocarbon exploration, by predicting reservoir presence away from well control and by identifying candidate stratigraphic traps.
University of Southampton
Christie, Donald, Neil
4585e825-0806-420f-90b9-da011122f9d9
Christie, Donald, Neil
4585e825-0806-420f-90b9-da011122f9d9
Peel, Frank J.
ccbb86f8-56a0-4b59-b664-e772a9c4015f
Sumner, Esther
dbba4b92-89cc-45d9-888e-d0e87e5c10ac

Christie, Donald, Neil (2022) Reconstructing the Ocean Floor Shape in Turbidite Basins using Seismic Interpretations and Forward Modelling. University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis, 203pp.

Record type: Thesis (Doctoral)

Abstract

Deep-water depositional systems in different tectonic regimes display markedly different tectonostratigraphic evolution. The objective of this PhD was to develop a stratigraphic forward modelling program which deconvolves the controlling factors on basin fill architecture, in order to understand the dynamic interaction between structural deformation and sediment supply, using real, mapped structural geometries and stratigraphic package thicknesses. Understanding the interaction between structural deformation and sediment supply is important on active continental slopes. This interaction controls the vertical and lateral distribution of reservoir and seal lithologies, and their relation to growing structures. Subsurface prediction of trap and seal effectiveness is a vital component of CO2 sequestration or hydrocarbon exploration projects.
Onlapse-2D is a geometric-based stratigraphic forward modelling program that simulates the tectonostratigraphic evolution of mini-basins using only commonly available reflection seismic, age-dated horizon interpretations and well data, if available (not required). The resulting models efficiently simulate the stratal architecture and palaeobathymetry of the mini-basin through time. Onlapse-2D produces geologically realistic cross-sections of a range of idealized mini-basins and simulates the evolution of a mini-basin using real data in the Gulf of Mexico.
Through the modelling, I show that the development of offlap and onlap stratal terminations in structurally active mini-basins may be linked to sediment supply in some cases. However, in others the link between onlap and offlap may be weak or non-existent. Therefore, there is no requirement for the development of onlap or offlap to have a hard-wired link to extrinsic processes, such as relative sea-level change.
Simulating the tectonostratigraphic evolution of the Late Miocene within three mini-basins in the Sureste Basin of Mexico allowed me to test and develop the capacity of Onlapse-2D. This case study integrated high resolution age-dated horizons and well data with 3D-seismic horizon interpretations, and the model results revealed three phases of structural activity, which controlled the stratigraphic development in the Late Miocene. These comprise two distinct pulses of contraction-related folding, and the long-term effects of salt-withdrawal and diapirism. This case study highlights the capacity of Onlapse-2D to aid in hydrocarbon exploration, by predicting reservoir presence away from well control and by identifying candidate stratigraphic traps.

Text
Reconstructing the Ocean Floor Shape in Turbidite Basins using Seismic Interpretations and Forward Modelling - Version of Record
Available under License University of Southampton Thesis Licence.
Download (15MB)
Text
Permission to deposit thesis - Signed DNC-EJS
Restricted to Repository staff only
Available under License University of Southampton Thesis Licence.

More information

Submitted date: 2021
Published date: 2022

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 455067
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/455067
PURE UUID: a3b312e7-fc2d-48d3-9399-32213c96c81d

Catalogue record

Date deposited: 08 Mar 2022 17:34
Last modified: 16 Mar 2024 16:21

Export record

Contributors

Author: Donald, Neil Christie
Thesis advisor: Frank J. Peel
Thesis advisor: Esther Sumner

Download statistics

Downloads from ePrints over the past year. Other digital versions may also be available to download e.g. from the publisher's website.

View more statistics

Atom RSS 1.0 RSS 2.0

Contact ePrints Soton: eprints@soton.ac.uk

ePrints Soton supports OAI 2.0 with a base URL of http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/cgi/oai2

This repository has been built using EPrints software, developed at the University of Southampton, but available to everyone to use.

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we will assume that you are happy to receive cookies on the University of Southampton website.

×