Deep-water Channel Systems Research Articles

Seismic facies and reservoir characteristics of a deep-marine channel belt in the Molasse foreland basin, Puchkirchen Formation, Austria

Oligocene–Miocene deep-water deposits of the Puchkirchen and basal Hall formations contain the main gas reservoirs of the Austrian Molasse Basin. A new seismostratigraphic model, based on a 2000-km2 (772-mi2), regional, three-dimensional (3-D) seismic data set, has fundamentally changed our understanding of the depositional processes and reservoir distribution in this classic deep-water foreland basin. Regional 3-D seismic attribute maps, calibrated by nearly 350 wells, reveal that sedimentation occurred primarily within the confines of a large (3–5 km [1.8–3.1 mi] wide by 100 km [62 mi] long), low-sinuosity channel belt that occupied the Molasse Basin foredeep. The channel fill consists predominantly of turbiditic conglomerate and sandstone, as well as chaotic slump and debris-flow deposits. Overbank areas are characterized by fine-grained turbiditic sandstone and mudstone. Incised canyons and ponded slope fans were active along the southern basin margin; lateral tributary channels intersected the axial channel belt in the north. Significant accumulations of gas are stratigraphically and structurally trapped in channel thalweg and slope-fan sandstones, with more modest amounts in overbank lobe and tributary-channel deposits. Basin geometry had a profound effect on the architecture of the channel belt and subsequent sediment distribution. Large-scale deep-water channel systems are poorly documented from foreland basins; the depositional model developed for the Puchkirchen Formation was made possible through the use of high-quality seismic data and an extensive drill-core database. The depositional model may be a useful analog for other elongate, deep-water basins, especially those that lack extensive, modern data sets.

ABSTRACT: Lower Tertiary Deepwater Channel Systems In Offshore Douala Basin, Cameroon

ABSTRACT: Lower Tertiary Deepwater Channel Systems In Offshore Douala Basin, Cameroon

Deepwater Channel Systems in Turkey as a Comparative Architectural Analogue for Sinuous Depositional Channel Systems in High-Resolution 3-D Seismic

Deepwater Channel Systems in Turkey as a Comparative Architectural Analogue for Sinuous Depositional Channel Systems in High-Resolution 3-D Seismic

Slumps, debris flows and sandy deep-water channel systems: implications for the application of sequence stratigraphy to deep water clastic sediments

The Hecho Group is a classic sedimentary system from which turbidite classifications have been defined. This study of mudstone-rich intervals from this group suggests that published models in which Type 2 and 3 systems develop in response to changes in relative sea level or tectonic activity need to be reassessed. Intervals developed between channel/lobe sandstones comprise mud-matrix supported conglomeratic debris flows and/or slump deposits which blanket the underlying sand-rich channel-fills. They record periods of major disturbance and re-organization of the sedimentary regime. The sandstone bodies are not strongly incised and have high aspect ratios. Previous interpretations of these intervening muddy intervals as overbank wedge/levee deposits, developed during a relative rise in sea level (Type 3) are considered inappropriate for the sections studied.