Forced Folds Research Articles

Fractures and faults across intrusion-induced forced folds: a georesource perspective

Abstract Intruding magma can create space by uplift and elastic bending of the overburden, which locally fractures the deforming volume and produces flat-topped or dome-like forced folds. Here, I map such fracture networks and quantify their geometry and connectivity across a range of natural and modelled intrusion-induced forced folds. I show that there is a positive relationship between forced fold length and amplitude, and all fracture networks comprise traces, with variable lengths and orientations, that are more intense and denser where fold curvature is greatest. Fracture length populations are typically best described by power-law distributions, but some fit better to log-normal or exponential distributions. Connectivity of fracture networks is low and generally increases with folding, but resurfacing by eruptive products can disrupt this trend. My work supports previous analyses of forced folds and fractures, suggesting that we can use the fracture characteristics of exposed forced folds to predict that of buried forced folds. Due to their geometry and fracture network, intrusion-induced forced folds make ideal fluid traps. As these forced folds are common in many volcanic settings and sedimentary basins, we should consider their potential as exploration targets for water, magmatic-related mineral and metal deposits, and particularly CO 2 storage.

Fold localization at pre-existing normal faults: field observations and analogue modelling of the Achental structure, Northern Calcareous Alps, Austria

Abstract. Within the Northern Calcareous Alps (NCA) fold-and-thrust belt of the Eastern Alps, multiple pre-shortening deformation phases have contributed to the structural grain that controlled localization of deformation at later stages. In particular, Jurassic rifting and opening of the Alpine Tethys led to the formation of extensional basins at the northern margin of the Apulian plate. Subsequent Cretaceous shortening within the Northern Calcareous Alps produced the enigmatic Achental structure, which forms a sigmoidal transition zone between two E–W-striking major synclines. One of the major complexities of the Achental structure is that all structural elements are oblique to the Cretaceous direction of shortening. Its sigmoidal form was, therefore, proposed to be a result of forced folding at the boundaries of the Jurassic Achental basin. This study analyses the structural evolution of the Achental structure through integrating field observations with crustal-scale physical analogue modelling to elucidate the influence of pre-existing crustal heterogeneities on oblique basin inversion. From brittle–ductile models that include a weak basal décollement, we infer that oblique shortening of pre-existing extensional faults can lead to the localization of deformation at the pre-existing structure and predicts thrust and fold structures that are consistent with field observations. Consequently, the Achental low-angle thrust and sigmoidal fold train was able to localize at the former Jurassic basin margin, with a vergence opposite to the controlling normal fault, creating the characteristic sigmoidal morphology during a single phase of NW-directed shortening.

Does the syn- versus post-rift thickness ratio have an impact on the inversion-related structural style?

Abstract. Many extensional basins worldwide are modified by subsequent compressional episodes, which lead to inverted structures. The structures associated with the reactivation of pre-existing faults are critically important in the formation of suitable subsurface traps for hydrocarbons. Major concerns regarding inverted structures are the trap integrity and fault seal. In general, the preferred structures have simple four-way closures due to the minor forced folding of the post-rift cover, as opposed to (reverse) fault-related structures, which have a higher risk of breaching. Such reverse-fault-bounded structures have been generally observed in basins with a thick syn-rift fill and a relatively thin post-rift sequence at the time of inversion (Mode I). In contrast, gentle/open forced folds have been described in basins with thicker post-rift sequences than the syn-rift basin fill (Mode II). Five physical sandbox models, coupled with particle image velocimetry (PIV) analysis, have been performed to address the influence of the syn- versus post-rift thickness ratio on the inversion-related structural style of the post-rift cover. The main control on the development of Mode I or Mode II inversion structures within the post-rift sequence appears to be different due to the amount of compressional displacement accommodated by the inherited listric fault and the thickness of the post-rift cover. These observations do have a direct impact on the understanding of the geo-energy systems associated with inverted structures and are broadly comparable with natural data examples from Aotearoa/New Zealand, Israel, Romania, and the Republic of Türkiye.

Magmatic intrusion impacts on source-to-sink system of rift basins: Eocene Lufeng-22 sub-sag, Pearl River Mouth Basin, South China Sea

• Magmatic intrusion is classified based on deformation and position. • Magmatic intrusion changes the figuration of border faults and basin structure. • Intrusion-induced deformation separates original unified source-to-sink system into minor system. • Intrusion-induced deformation transforms distal source-to-sink system into proximal system. Magmatism plays an important role in the rifting of the continental margins. The intrusion effects on topography and petroleum systems within sedimentary basins have been well reported. However, the way in which the source-to-sink (S2S) system responds to intrusions is less well studied. In order to ascertain the effects of intrusions, different types of intrusion and their relationship with the S2S system are investigated. Three-dimensional seismic data calibrated with wireline logs covering Eocene Lufeng-22 sub-sag in the Northern Pearl River Mouth Basin provide support for the construction of a stratigraphic framework and for the recognition and timing of magma emplacement, and the restoration of the S2S system. Six types of magmatic intrusion are classified based on various intrusion-induced deformation in different tectonic units. The geomorphology shows that the original half-graben basin structure is complicated by intrusion-induced forced folds and secondary faults. Accompanied with deformation along border faults, weak-deformation intrusions generate low-throw secondary faults and uplift with little denudation, whereas intense intrusions result in the large-offset faults and high-amplitude denudation. The intense uplift and denudation occur both in the erosional and depositional zones of the pre-emplacement S2S system, which transform distal source system into proximal system. Moreover, forced folds and faults in the sink area separate original unified subsidence center into several minor centers. In addition, the S2S system of the syn-emplacement period exhibits complex basin structure and a reduced storage area. The analysis of intrusion-induced deformation is important in basin analysis and quantitative restoration of the S2S system.

Overburden deformation induced by active diapirism: Discrete element numerical simulations

AbstractActive diapirs are commonly observed in sedimentary basins worldwide. Factors controlling overburden deformation processes and patterns during the active rise of active diapirs, such as sediment cohesion and overburden thickness, are not well understood. We have utilised the discrete element numerical simulation method to simulate active diapirism in models comprised of sediments with varying cohesions and roof thicknesses. We found that sediment cohesion can significantly affect overburden deformation with low‐cohesion sediments favouring the generation of a broad, smooth forced fold and a symmetric graben, while high‐cohesion sediments favour the formation of master reverse faults and preferentially uplifted and rotated fault blocks in their hangingwalls in the central crest, with an overall asymmetric structural geometry. Moreover, overburden thickness does not significantly affect structural styles in the overburden. Our results also suggest that the higher the sediment cohesion, the higher the amplitude (the lower the wavelength) of the forced fold above the rising diapir becomes. Our models produced a wide spectrum of deformation structures that resemble those in nature and reveal a strong link between structural styles and sediment diagenesis in the context of active diapir‐piercing sediments with varying degrees of lithification.

Patterns and Failure Modes of Fractures Resulting From Forced Folding of Cohesive Caprocks – Comparison of 2D vs. 3D and Single-vs. Multi-Layered Analog Experiments

Knowledge of the formation mechanisms and geometries of fracture systems in sedimentary rocks is crucial for understanding local and basin-scale fluid migration. Complex fracture networks can be caused by, for instance, forced folding of a competent sediment layer in response to magmatic sill intrusion, remobilisation of fluidized sand or fluid overpressure in underlying porous reservoir formations. The opening modes and geometries of the fractures mainly determine the bulk permeability and sealing capacity of the folded layer. In this study, we carried out laboratory analog experiments to better comprehend patterns and evolution of the fracture network during forced folding as well as differences of the fracture patterns between a 2D and 3D modelling approach and between a homogenous and a multi-layered cover. The experimental layering consisted of a lower reservoir layer and an upper cover, which was either a single high-cohesive layer or an alternation of low- and high-cohesive layers. The two configurations were tested in an apparatus allowing quasi-2D and 3D experiments. Streaming air from the base of the model and air injected through a needle valve was used to produce a regional and a local field of fluid overpressure in the layers. The experimental outcomes reveal that the evolution of the fracture network undergoes an initial phase characterized by the formation of a forced fold associated with dominantly compactive and tensile fractures. The second phase of the evolution is dominated by fracture breakthrough and overpressure release mainly along shear fractures. Structures observed in 2D cross sections can be related to their expressions on the surface of the 3D respective experiments. Furthermore, the experiments showed that the intrusion network is more complex and laterally extended in the case of a multi-layered cover. Our results can be instructive for detecting and predicting fracture patterns around shallow magmatic and sand intrusions as well as above underground fluid storage sites.

Anatomy of intrusion related forced fold in the offshore Otway Basin, SE Australia

Magmatic sills emplaced at shallow-levels are commonly associated with bending and uplift of the overburden. Such phenomena result into domed-shaped structures, known as forced folds whose structural architecture is chiefly controlled by the geometry of underlying intrusions. Several models for host-rock deformation have been proposed and are based on elastic bending-related uplift of the associated overburden. However, the importance of inelastic compaction of overburden for accommodating intruded magma volume has remained underestimated. In this study, we document a forced fold developed above magmatic sills intruded at shallow levels into the sedimentary layers of the offshore Otway Basin, southeastern Australia, from high-quality 3D reflection seismic data. The intruded sills S1 and S2 have an average thickness of 81 m and 223 m, and its emplacement uplifted the paleo-seabed to an average amplitude of 93 m. The intruded sill S2 possess larger contribution in bending the overburden, however, the discrepancy (∼65%) between the sill thickness and vertical uplift observed at the paleo-surface, indicates the occurrence of localized host rock deformation caused by pore space collapse and fluidization of shallow buried consolidated sediments. In addition, we assume that the imaged igneous sill may include flakes of sedimentary rocks, which caused an overestimation of the sill thickness, using the widely accepted seismic velocity for mafic intrusions. Our observations imply that porosity reduction due to compaction of both proximal syn-emplacement and post-emplacement sediments, could play a vital role in accommodating this intrusion within the associated stratigraphic succession. Thus, our study provides critical insights into the compaction-related mechanism involved in overburden deformation as a result of sill intrusion.

Impact of igneous intrusion and associated ground deformation on the stratigraphic record

Abstract The geomorphology and sediment systems of volcanic areas can be influenced by uplift (forced folding) related to subsurface migration and accumulation of magma. Seismic geomorphological analysis presents a unique tool to study how surface morphology and subsurface magma dynamics relate, given seismic reflection data can image buried landscapes and underlying intrusions in 3D at resolutions of only a few metres–decametres. However, differential compaction of the sedimentary sequence above incompressible igneous intrusions during burial modifies palaeosurface morphology. Here we use 3D seismic reflection data from offshore NW Australia to explore how the stratigraphic record of igneous intrusion and associated ground deformation can be unravelled. We focus on a forced fold that likely formed in the Early Cretaceous to accommodate intrusion of magma, but which was later amplified by burial-related differential compaction of the host sedimentary sequence. We show how: (1) marine channels and clinoforms may be deflected by syn-depositional intrusion-induced forced folds; and (2) differential compaction can locally change clinoforms depth post-deposition, potentially leading to erroneous interpretation of shoreline trajectories. Our results demonstrate seismic geomorphological analysis can help us better understand how magma emplacement translates into ground deformation, and how this shapes the landform of volcanic regions.

Giant paleo-seafloor craters and mass wasting associated with magma-induced uplift of the upper crust

Giant seafloor craters are known along many a continental margin with recurrent mass-wasting deposits. However, the impact of breakup-related magmatism on the evolution of such craters is barely understood. Using high-quality geophysical datasets, this work examines the genetic relationship among the location of magmatic sills, forced folds and the formation of giant paleo-seafloor craters underneath an ancient mass-transport complex in the Møre and Vøring basins, offshore Norway. The data reveal that forced folding of near-seafloor strata occurred because of the intrusion of several interconnected magmatic sills. Estimates of 1-dimensional uplift based on well data show that uplift occurred due to the intrusion of magma in Upper Cretaceous to Lower Eocene strata. Our findings also prove that subsurface fluid plumbing associated with the magmatic sills was prolonged in time and led to the development of several vertical fluid flow conduits, some of which triggered mass wasting in Neogene to Recent times. The repeated vertical expulsion of subsurface fluids weakened the strata on the continental slope, thereby promoting mass wasting, the selective cannibalization of the paleo-seafloor, and the formation of elongated craters at the basal shear zone of the mass-transport complex. Significantly, the model presented here proves a close link between subsurface magmatic plumbing systems and mass wasting on continental margins.

The development of the eastern Orpheus rift basin, offshore eastern Canada: A case study of the interplay between rift-related faulting and salt deposition and flow

The salt-rich Orpheus rift basin, part of the eastern North American (ENAM) rift system, formed during the Late Triassic to Early Jurassic prior to opening of the Atlantic Ocean. Using a dense grid of 2D seismic-reflection lines, data from nearby wells, and information from adjacent ENAM rift basins, we have established a tectonostratigraphic framework, identified key structural elements, and reconstructed the deformation history for the eastern part of the basin. Our work shows that a series of E-striking, S-dipping faults with normal separation bound the basin on the north. Deformation within the basin is complex with forced folds above deep-seated intrabasin faults, detachment folds, detached thrust faults, and salt diapirs. The synrift evaporite sequence consists of an older massive salt unit that underlies a younger unit with two distinct interfingering facies. Facies A, consisting of salt and interbedded sedimentary rocks (likely shales), developed near the border-fault system and its relay ramps. Facies B, consisting of massive salt with few interbedded sedimentary rocks, developed toward the basin center. The youngest synrift unit accumulated exclusively within minibasins near the northern border-fault system. Based on location, this youngest synrift unit likely consists of coarse-grained and poorly sorted alluvial-fan or talus-slope deposits shed from the footwall. All synrift units are intruded by igneous sheets likely associated with the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province and, thus, are mostly Late Triassic in age (or possibly older). The border-fault system profoundly affected deposition within the eastern Orpheus rift basin by providing pathways for clastic sediment input into the salt-rich basin. These depositional patterns subsequently influenced deformation associated with lateral salt flow during minibasin formation. In regions with interbedded salt, detachment folds and thrust faults developed, whereas salt walls and stocks developed in regions with more massive salt.

Sediment deformation triggered by underlying magma intrusion

Magma intrusion often uplifts and deforms overlying strata to produce forced folds. How the amplitude changes of forced folds through time reflect the transverse thickness changes in the deformed sedimentary strata, and can thus shed light on the processes driving deformation. For example, we expect the original morphology of intrusion-induced forced folds to reflect the shape and emplacement history of the underlying magma body. However, in sedimentary basins, the geometry of forced fold above ancient, buried magma body is a function of intrusion-induced uplift and post-emplacement compaction. Few studies have attempted to separate such syn- and post-intrusion deformation, meaning we poorly understand how burial-related compaction can modify forced fold geometry. This paper deals with the forced folds which are presently buried to depths of 2350–2600 m and caused by underlying magma intrusions, using high-resolution 3D seismic data and well data from the Pearl River Mouth Basin, northern South China Sea. The contribution of differential compaction (compaction-related deformation) was estimated by calculating sediment compaction curve, which allows the reconstruction of original syn-emplacement fold amplitude. This study shows that during magma emplacement, overlying strata greatly thin due to shear compaction. Moreover, burial can increase the amplitude of forced fold, improving their potential for capturing and storing fluids, and making it attractive site for hydrocarbon accumulation or carbon sequestration.

3D seismic reflection constraints on the emplacement of mafic laccoliths and their role in shallow crustal magma transport: A case study from the Ceduna sub-basin, Great Australian Bight

Magma plumbing systems transport and store magma in the subsurface, as well as playing an important role in feeding eruptions and inducing overburden deformation. Whilst the important role of sills and dikes in these systems is well documented, the three-dimensional (3D) morphology of mafic laccoliths and their role in magma transport and eruption is less well understood. This is due to a paucity of well-documented examples from 3D seismic reflection data, and the limited exposure provided by field examples. Here we use 3D seismic reflection data to document for the morphology and emplacement of a multi-lobed laccolith of inferred mafic composition (the Hammerhead Laccolith (HHL)). This middle Eocene-age intrusion was emplaced at <320 m beneath the paleosurface within the intraplate Bight Basin Igneous Complex located offshore southern Australia. The HHL is composed of multiple convex-upwards, flat-based, laccolith-shaped lobes between 5 and 270 m thick and 2–14 km long. Inflation of the lobes resulted in the formation of a ≤150 m high, compound forced fold at the paleosurface, whose morphology mirrors that of the underlying laccolith. Subsequent drainage of magma from the HHL to feed small-volume lava flows resulted in the formation of collapse faults which focus on the margin of a magma reservoir, similar to those associated with calderas. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study using 3D seismic reflection data to document the morphology of a shallow mafic laccolith and its relationship to its erupted products, whilst the HHL is notable for possessing characteristics of both classic laccoliths and shallowly emplaced, multi-lobate mafic sills. We highlight the important role of laccoliths in magma plumbing systems, and their potential for inducing both brittle and ductile host-rock deformation. Finally, our detailed mapping of the HHL and its associated forced fold provides a valuable exemplar that may assist the identification of mafic laccoliths using 3D seismic reflection data in energy-rich sedimentary basins.

Tectono‐stratigraphic development of a salt‐influenced rift margin: Halten Terrace, offshore Mid‐Norway

AbstractPre‐rift salt controls structural style variability within rifts by decoupling sub‐ and supra‐salt faults. However, the way in which this variability controls sediment erosion and dispersal, and facies distributions within the coeval syn‐rift stratigraphic succession, remains poorly known. We here use 3D seismic reflection and borehole data to study the tectono‐stratigraphic development of the Halten Terrace, offshore Mid‐Norway, a salt‐influenced rifted margin formed during Middle to Late Jurassic extension. On the eastern basin margin, the rift structural style passes southwards from an unbreached extensional growth fold dissected by numerous horst and graben (Bremstein Fault Complex [BFC]), into a single, through‐going normal fault (Vingleia Fault Complex [VFC]). This southwards change in structural style is likely related to the pinch‐out of or a change in the dominant lithology (and thus rheology) within a pre‐rift (Triassic) evaporite layer, which was thick and/or mobile enough in the north to decouple basement‐ and cover‐involved faulting, and to permit extensional forced folding. As a result, the salt‐influenced BFC underwent limited footwall uplift, with minor erosion of relatively small horsts supplying only limited volumes of sediment to the main downdip depocentre. In contrast, the VFC, which was directly coupled to basement, experienced significant uplift and extensive footwall erosion. The footwall of this structure also locally underwent salt‐detached gravity gliding and collapse as the pre‐rift detachment was tilted. Our results show that where through‐going normal faults develop along the rift flanks, the presence of a pre‐rift salt layer will suppress the topographic expression of the footwall. The pre‐rift salt layer may however facilitate footwall collapse and limit the volume of sediment supplied to downdip basins. Our results also show that variable topography along the rift flanks facilitated the development of relatively small, localised, intra‐rift flank accommodation that trapped flank‐derived sediment, and which meant basins nearer the rift axis were starved of sediment.

Strong breathable membrane with excellent self‐cleaning, wave‐transparent, and heat dissipation performances

AbstractMultifunctional membranes with outstanding heat dissipation, wave‐transparent, and self‐cleaning performance, as well as strength and ventilation, are urgently needed to meet the rapid development of portable electronics. Herein, we reported an improved phase separation process to prepare thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/multi‐wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composite membranes with open‐cell porous structure. Their morphology can be manipulated by regulating the content of MWCNT and varying processing parameters. These TPU/MWCNT composite membranes exhibit outstanding mechanical properties. For example, they can possess elastic deformation behavior in a wide temperature range from −50 to 100°C, and bear a load of more than 40,000 times their own weight. Moreover, there is not any obvious crease on the surface of membranes after a forced folding process, indicating their outstanding shape‐recovery ability and elasticity. Furthermore, these membranes have low dielectric constant and loss factor, and they are almost transparent to X‐band electromagnetic waves. What's more, these membranes also show outstanding water‐vapor breathable performance. In addition, MWCNT and open‐cell porous structure endow TPU/MWCNT membranes efficient heat dissipation capacity and good self‐cleaning performance.

Forced Fold Amplitude and Sill Thickness Constrained by Wireline and 3-D Seismic Data Suggest an Elastic Magma-Induced Deformation in Tarim Basin, NW China

Disparities between fold amplitude (A) and intrusion thickness (Hsill) are critical in identifying elastic or inelastic deformation in a forced fold. However, accurate measurements of these two parameters are challenging because of the limit in separability and detectability of the seismic data. We combined wireline data and 3-D seismic data from the TZ-47 exploring area in the Tarim Basin, Northwest China, to accurately constrain the fold amplitude and total thickness of sills that induced roof uplift in the terrain. Results from the measurement show that the forced fold amplitude is 155.0 m. After decompaction, the original forced fold amplitude in the area penetrated by the well T47 ranged from 159.9 to 225.8 m, which overlaps the total thickness of the stack of sills recovered by seismic method (171.4 m) and well log method (181.0 m). Therefore, the fold amplitude at T47 area is likely to be elastic. In contrast, the outer area of the TZ-47 forced fold is characterized by shear-style deformation, indicating inelastic deformation at the marginal area. It is suggested that interbedded limestone layers would play an important role in strengthening the roof layers, preventing inelastic deformation during the emplacement of intrusive magma.

Forced folding in the Kora Volcanic Complex, New Zealand: A case study with relevance to the production of hydrocarbons and geothermal energy

The intrusion of magma into relatively shallow strata often results in structural deformation. Forced folds are typically formed above intrusions so as to accommodate the addition of new volumes of magma into the sedimentary pile. This work uses a high-resolution 3D seismic volume from the offshore Taranaki Basin, New Zealand to investigate large forced folds formed in Upper Cretaceous-Paleocene sequences due to the intrusion of magmatic dikes and sills. These magmatic intrusions are related to the plumbing system of the Kora volcano. We apply a novel filtering technique to enhance the contrast between the dip-azimuth of seismic reflectors and that of any overprinting noise, preserving the lateral continuity of seismic events. Forced folds were generated by the intrusion of flat-laying saucer-shaped sills into shallow strata. These folds (Fold A and Fold B) have a domal geometry and a structural relief of 250−350 m, for a total area of 45 km2 and 35 km2, respectively. Out of the 18 interpreted sills, two sills (S1 and S4) contributed the most to the generation of the forced folds in the study area. The sill-fold relationships observed in this work suggest that sills with greater length-to-intrusion ratios deform the strata more effectively. However, it is also clear that forced folds are, in parts of the study area, larger than the intruded sills below. This hints at the presence of a larger volume of intruded magma than that imaged on seismic data where forced folds are significantly larger than the volume of the sills below. Such a character makes the establishment of fold-sill relationships crucial to the identification of magmatic bodies below forced folds - if one identifies a large forced fold on seismic profiles, but only a few small sills are imaged, then the mass of igneous rock below the fold is potentially larger than that imaged on seismic data. More importantly, forced folding in the Taranaki Basin is shown to have led to the development of four-way closures to form prolific traps for hydrocarbon and geothermal energy resources.

Sill-related seafloor domes in the Zhongjiannan Basin, western South China Sea

Magmatism can exert significant impact on sedimentary basins such as the Zhongjiannan Basin (ZJNB), western South China Sea. We have evaluated multibeam bathymetric and multichannel seismic reflection data acquired by the Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey in recent years, in order to investigate the distribution, the characteristics and the subsurface structures related to seafloor domes found in the northeastern ZJNB. Our data revealed forty-two domes at water depths between 2312 m and 2870 m, which are clustered around volcanic mounds, large seamounts and along the edge of the central depression in the study area. These domes are generally circular to elongate or irregular in plan view with large basal areas, and they also have gentler flanks (dips of 1.46°–7.73°) with vertical reliefs ranging from tens to hundreds of meters. In seismic sections, majority of the domes are underlain by variably shaped and complex magmatic sills, which provide a cause-effect relationship between domes formation and igneous intrusions. These intrusions heat surrounding organic-rich sediments, release hydrocarbons, fluidize sediment pore waters and form gas-rich fluids, which fill in sediment and uplift overlying strata immediately above the sills to form forced folds, which are manifested as seafloor domes. These sill-folds-dome structures have important implications for understanding geomorphologic features caused by sills emplaced at depth.

Interpretation of magma transport through saucer sills in shallow sedimentary strata using an automated machine learning approach

In sedimentary basins, emplacement of sheet intrusions such as sill complexes significantly contributes to the transport and storage of hot magma at shallow level. Such emplacement at shallow depth leads in doming of the overburden, which acts as plausible structural traps useful for hydrocarbon exploration. The petroliferous Canterbury Basin, SE offshore New Zealand, is a classic example of such phenomena, where saucer-shaped magmatic sills are emplaced within the Cretaceous to Eocene succession. This has resulted into forced folds and hydrothermal vents above the sill terminations within the Eocene sequences. The present study attempts to capture this scenario through a neural network by designing meta-attributes, called as the Sill Cube (SC) and Fluid Cube (FC). The meta-attributes are computed by unifying different seismic attributes that are trained over interpreter's knowledge on the geologic targets following a supervised scheme of neural learning. The approach prominently arrests the structural geometry of sill complexes and fluxed-out magmatic fluids within the Cretaceous to Eocene strata from 3D seismic reflection data of the Waka prospect, offshore Canterbury Basin. Based on the meta-attribute interpretation, the individual sills within the Waka prospect cover areas of ~1.5 km2 to 17 km2, where the principal sills namely the Sill W1 and Sill W2 spread over an area of ~12 km2 and 17 km2, respectively. Moreover, the fluxed out magmatic fluids vertically rise to a height of ~800 m through hydrothermal vents from the tip of the principal sills, and uplift the overburden. Such approach is automated and incorporates interpreter's acquaintances to effectively capture subsurface magmatic activities for better interpretation of 3D seismic data.

Cenozoic tectonic inversion in the Naglfar Dome, Norwegian North Sea

Extensional settings with multiple phases of rifting are often intermitted by compressional tectonics or inversion. Differentiating compressional structures/phases in such settings become difficult when magma-induced forced folds are also present. This study uses a high-quality 3D seismic data to interpret tectonic inversion structures in the Naglfar Dome of the Norwegian North Sea. Cenozoic tectonic inversion in the Naglfar Dome is clearly observed in the area as (a) snakehead reflections and (b) trains of fault propagation anticlines along inverted normal faults. These structures selectively affect strata of Early Eocene to Oligocene age, indicating that both basin-wide and localised tectonic inversion have occurred in the Naglfar Dome. Early Miocene inversion in the study area occurred along reactivated, main and boundary faults between the Hel Graben and the Nyk High. Tectonic inversion in a purely extensional domain such as the Naglfar Dome post-dated the formation of a regional magma-induced forced fold. These inversion structures are cumulative consequences of the interaction of a NW-SE compression associated with a reconfiguration of plate motion during the opening of the Norwegian-Greenland Sea in the Eocene to Oligocene, active ridge push from both the Mohns Ridge and the Iceland insular margin, and far-field plate tectonic stresses associated with late stages of the Alpine orogeny. The results presented here demonstrate the rare occurrence of contractional structures within a purely extensional domain, with further implications for understanding the dynamics and evolution of faults along continental margins.

Mechanical control on patterns of overburden deformation induced by dyke-fed sandstone intrusions: Insights from numerical experiments

Conical sandstone intrusions, as a distinct type of hydrocarbon reservoir, remain poorly understood regarding their emplacement mechanics. Here, we report a numerical modelling study of conical sandstone intrusions using the two-dimensional discrete element method. We built numerical models that contain bonded elastic particles with predefined mechanical properties in an open box as the overburden. A thin tube filled with unbonded particles, and connected to the upper box, was used to model the feeder dyke. The dynamic behavior of the assembly was enabled by the displacement of a driving wall that defines the lower boundary of the feeder dyke. The results show that the model composed of soft materials produced a pair of conical, opening-mode fractures in the host sediments as the result of tensile stress concentrations in the fracture tip zones. The overburden deformation was largely localised within the sediments adjacent to the sandbody, and without the formation of a forced fold and significant uplift of the surface. In contrast, the model composed of stiffer materials produced conical fractures that have closed lower segments and opening upper segments with a reverse sense of shear. The intrusion also caused a forced fold in the overburden, with a vertical opening-mode fracture generated in the fold hinge. The modelling results demonstrate that dyke-fed sand intrusions can significantly distort the local stress field and the overburden can be subjected to fracturing and/or folding due to differential compaction during gradual inflation of the intrusive sandbody. Importantly, deformation patterns of the overburden in response to sandstone intrusion largely depend on mechanical properties of the host sediments.