Fluid flow features in hydrocarbon plumbing systems: What do they tell us about the basin evolution?

Abstract

Fluid flow features such as sandstone intrusions, mud volcano systems and pockmarks represent well-known geological structures generated due to flow of fluids in the subsurface. However, the integration of fluid flow features in quantitative and qualitative basin analysis is still in its infancy. This study presents a review and a qualitative integration of fluid flow features in basin analysis of the Danish North Sea area and of salt mini-basins offshore Angola, based on results from six case studies focusing on the detection, mapping and evaluation of features related to focused fluid flow in these areas. In the study the diversity of seismically imaged fluid flow features in hydrocarbon plumbing systems is reviewed and their utility is demonstrated. This is done by focusing on the aspects of fluid flow related features that can be integrated into basin analysis studies and how these may help us increase the understanding of basin evolution and to achieve the major goals of basin analysis such as understanding the depositional and tectonic context of the basin and the presence and extent of hydrocarbons. Particularly concerning the determination of fluid flow timing, triggers, sources, and routes, fluid flow features represent a major but underused tool in basin analysis.