Along- and down-slope process interactions in proximal channel-levee systems: Implications for hydrocarbon exploration
Creaser, A.; Hernández-Molina, F.J. (2014). Along- and down-slope process interactions in proximal channel-levee systems: Implications for hydrocarbon exploration, in: Van Rooij, D. et al. (Ed.) Book of Abstracts. 2nd Deep-Water Circulation Congress: The Contourite Log-book. Ghent, Belgium, 10-12 September 2014. VLIZ Special Publication, 69: pp. 19-20
In: Van Rooij, D.; Rüggeberg, A. (Ed.) (2014). Book of Abstracts. 2nd Deep-Water Circulation Congress: The Contourite Log-book. Ghent, Belgium, 10-12 September 2014. VLIZ Special Publication, 69. Ghent University, Department of Geology and Soil Science/Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ): Oostende. xviii, 152 pp., more
In: VLIZ Special Publication. Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee (VLIZ): Oostende. ISSN 1377-0950, more
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Document type: Summary
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Mixed-drift; Reworked deposits; Reservoir quality; Cleaned’ turbidite; Channel-levee |
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- Creaser, A.
- Hernández-Molina, F.J.
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| Abstract |
There is an increasing catalogue of turbidites hosting atypical characteristics across proximal channel-levee systems. While some of these may be attributed to system instabilities, these proximal deposits host characteristics more associated with contourites than turbidites, identifying a potential for a new ‘mixed-levee zone’ to become incorporated into turbidity models. Integrating pre-existing mixed-drift theories with a large literature review and newly acquired 3D seismic data, we have began to identify key characteristics promoting the interplay of along- and down-slope processes along proximal turbidity system, suggesting a ‘mixed-levee’ system should be used in proximal settings. Deposit confinement has been recognised due to the morphological constraints of turbidites and contourite drifts, though synchronous (simultaneous) and interpolated (in between) process-interactions offers the most significant potential for deposit alteration. Interpolated interactions are fairly long-lived, with the potential to rework sediments across submarine fans, though will offer only subtle differences in reservoir geometries and qualities and have little effect proximally. Synchronous interactions are periodic, following the frequency of turbidity events, bottom-currents have the potential to strip fine-grained overspill in proximal zones, leaving reduced flow quantities, but better sorting. The extent of this flow-stripping in mixed-levee systems has the potential to significantly enhance flow quality, and has been proven to provide economic quantities of ‘clean’ channel-fill deposits. |
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