Facies architecture of the Etjo Sandstone Formation and its interaction with the Basal Etendeka Flood Basalts of northwest Namibia: implications for offshore prospectivity

Abstract

Abstract The Basal Etendeka Flood Basalt stratigraphy in the Huab Basin of northwest Namibia comprises a series of lava flows interleaved with aeolian sandstone bodies of the Etjo Sandstone Formation. The sandstone units are characterized by three main types: (1) the major erg — a mixed aeolian and fluvial facies up to 150 m thick; (2) minor ergs — aeolian facies which occur directly above the first volcanic units and are up to 60 m thick; (3) isolated bodies — multidune, single dune and lava topography infills. A variety of bypass surfaces identified by sand-filled cracks and sediment-lava breccias occur on lava top surfaces. Preserved ripples and pahoehoe lava imprints indicate that the aeolian sand dunes were actively migrating during basalt emplacement. Observations recorded in the Basal Etendeka Flood Basalts which may be of relevance to offshore hydrocarbon exploration include: a major-minor erg relationship resulting in large sandbodies up to 60 m thick which occur directly after the first volcanic units; the occurrence of sand-filled fissures up to 36 m in depth which would greatly influence connectivity in an offshore setting; the identification of bypass surfaces as marker horizons which may laterally correlate with isolated sandbodies.