3D Seismic analysis of complex faulting patterns and fluid escape features and their relation to late Cenozoic magmatism in the Bass Basin, offshore southeast Australia

Abstract

Abstract Igneous intrusions in sedimentary petroleum basins are often perceived as having a negative impact on the elements of the petroleum system, though the impact of intrusion-related deformation features on petroleum systems and broader geoenergy applications is not well understood. In this study, we use 3D seismic reflection data to document a variety of deformation styles that are spatially and temporally associated late Cenozoic magmatic activity in the Bass Basin, offshore southeastern Australia; three types of normal fault systems (conjugate faults, concentric faults, radial faults) and fluid escape pipes. These deformation features occur in the overburden up to ∼600 m above underlying igneous intrusions, within the Eocene to Miocene Demons Bluff and Torquay formations. The conjugate faults bound grabens and are interpreted to have formed in response to underlying dyke intrusions. The radial faults are interpreted to have formed in response to overburden uplift, though the link between these and associated igneous activity is less clear. We identify 101 fluid escape features that show variation in both the morphology of their surficial depressions and of the seismic reflection characteristics of their infilling deposits. These features are interpreted to be hydrothermal or volcanic vents with underlying pipe-like feeders, depending on their spatial association with adjacent or underlying igneous intrusions. The concentric fault systems are associated with surficial depressions, and quantitative analysis of reflection sags within these depressions suggest that they are a result of subsurface subsidence in response to formation of maar-craters. The intrusion-related deformation features documented in this study may have multiple effects on working petroleum systems, such as providing secondary fluid flow pathways that can either reduce seal integrity, or enabling migration of fluids into shallower reservoirs.