Stratigraphic and sedimentological characterization of the Late Cretaceous post-rift intra Lange Sandstones of the Gimsan Basin and Grinda Graben (Halten Terrace, Norwegian Sea)

Abstract

Abstract Deep-marine gravity-driven deposits represent one of the more investigated depositional systems owing to their potential interest as targets for exploration and carbon capture and storage activities, as well as an important record of the depositional history of a basin through time. Although the Halten Terrace (Norwegian Sea) is one of the main successful exploration areas, we still have poor understanding of the post-rift Cretaceous interval. Here, 3D seismic reflection and borehole data are integrated to investigate the stratigraphic distribution and sedimentological characteristics of the Cenomanian–Turonian intra Lange Sandstones in the Gimsan Basin and Grinda Graben. The Lange Fm records the deposition in a deep-marine environment of a 1000 m-thick shale unit punctuated by gravity-driven coarse-grained sandstone intervals that are tens of metres-thick and sourced from the Norwegian mainland. The presence of gravity-driven deposits and the deep-marine setting are supported by seismic interpretation, architectural elements and the facies analysis of cored material acquired within the studied stratigraphic interval. Borehole data indicate the presence of both turbidites and hybrid-event beds rich in mud content. The results of this study have implications for understanding the distribution and reservoir potentiality of the Late Cretaceous Lange Fm in the Halten Terrace.