Lithostratigraphic-seismic evaluation of hydrocarbon potential: North Carolina coastal and continental margins

Abstract

A review of available subsurface geological data in the Pamlico-Albemarle-Croatan Sound area of North Carolina indicates considerable variability in the sedimentary section partially controlled by the underlying crystalline basement. Studies of reconnaissance seismic profiles also indicate rifting in the basement complex, but the associated faults do not generally cut the overlying sediments. Basement faulting trends northeast, but variations in interval velocities, tied to the variable lithology of the stratigraphic section, trend northwest. Progradation of the Miocene deposits is recorded and supports an earlier hypothesis that Gulf Stream activity influenced sedimentation in the Tertiary. Hydrocarbon potential, although high risk, may exist along the persistent velocity anomalies in the Albian-Cenomanian portion of the stratigraphic section and in the deeper rift sediments. Velocity control indicates the extreme variability of the sedimentary section of the Cretaceous and permits more careful evaluation of the Cretaceous sedimentary processes.