Influence of igneous sills on Paleocene turbidite deposition in the Faroe–Shetland Basin: a case study in Flett and Muckle sub-basin and its implication for hydrocarbon exploration

Abstract

Abstract A new interpretation on three-dimensional seismic data from the Flett and Muckle sub-basins of the Faroe–Shetland Basin has shown dyke and sill emplacement influencing the Paleocene turbidite deposition. Sill and dyke emplacement in the study area created significant inflation anticlines during Paleocene time and affected palaeotopography at the seafloor. The uplift of older Early Paleocene (Sullom) and Middle Paleocene (early Vaila) turbidite deposits results in their erosion and redeposition in adjacent lows or transports them further into the basin by erosive channels. By using public domain well and biostratigraphic data from wells 208/19-1, 206/2a-1 and 206/1-2, seismic data and the use of seismic sequence stratigraphy to map the onlapping seismic reflectors on the flanks of the inflated anticlines, the relative timing of sill emplacement in the study area is shown to be Early–Middle Paleocene. The ability to identify these systems and understand the interaction between palaeotopography and Paleocene turbidite deposition in the basin is key to unlocking the hydrocarbon potential in the UK flank of the Faroe–Shetland Basin.