--> Structure of Falkland Islands Continental Shelf: Initial Results from New Seismic, Gravity and Magnetic Data in the Eastern Malvinas Basin, by N. H. Platt, A. McGrandle, and P. R. Philip; #90986 (1994).

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Abstract: Structure of Falkland Islands Continental Shelf: Initial Results from New Seismic, Gravity and Magnetic Data in the Eastern Malvinas Basin

Nigel H. Platt, Andrew McGrandle, Peter R. Philip

Two sub-basins are recognized to the southwest and southeast of the islands. Both are grossly assymetric, with their thickest development to the south adjacent to the Burdwood Bank, the surface manifestations of the Scotia Arch. The southerly regional dip within the sediments is augmented by prominent tilted fault blocks defined by extensional faults downthrowing to the north-northwest. Large structures, similar in style to the Brent field of the North Sea, are apparent to the southwest. The southeast sub-basin is characterized by varied and extensive submarine fan systems.

Trends exhibited on transform maps of gravity and magnetic data suggest that a pervasive basement trend of ENE to WSW controls the internal structure of the basins, but that this is modified by the NNE-SSW trend apparent within the islands themselves. The prominent deep gravity low to the northwest of the islands in revealed on seismic as a linear ridge of pre-Mesozoic rocks which may represent the extension of the Paleozoic basin exposed on the Islands themselves.

These initial results, together with the hydrocarbon discoveries already made further west, indicate considerable economics potential in this part of the Falkland Islands Continental Shelf.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90986©1994 AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado, June 12-15, 1994