Explorable Structures in Old Bahama Channel, North of Cuba: ABSTRACT

Abstract

Approximately 3,500 km of reflection seismic profile, augmented by some gravity and magnetic data, revealed five domal structures beneath water depths of 500 m in the western reaches of Old Bahama Channel. Closure crossings span as much as 10 km. Cores of these structures are overlain by up to 400 m of semiconsolidated sediment. Cores may be salt diapirs or subducted shallow-water carbonate blocks or both. The size of these structures and their occurrence in relatively shallow water make them attractive exploration targets at the present time. Additional seismic characteristics of the semiconsolidated sediments comprising the basin fill are (1) extensive continuity of reflections probably resulting from interbedding of shallow-water carbonate turbidites with pelagic oozes, and (2) crinkling of reflections at depths of several hundred meters which may be a compaction phenomenon. Normal faults are common in the sediments. In some places, related faulting and apparent flowage in the sediments may result from compaction and attendant water loss or from flowage of evaporites deeper in the section. End_of_Article - Last_Page 674------------