Abstract: Satellite and Seismic Seafloor Bathymetry Observations Pertaining to Petroleum Exploration Congo River Basin, Angola

Guderjahn, C. G. - BP Exploration

Observations of seafloor bathymetric features in the Lower Congo Basin have relevant implications for petroleum exploration both at basin-wide and finely detailed scales. Satellite derived bathymetry provides large scale coverage across the entire Atlantic and is useful for tectonic reconstruction and basin modeling. Two dimensional seismic data provides more detailed coverage across the Lower Congo Basin which allows interpretation of recent deep water fan deposition, faulting related to salt tectonics, and the definition of petroliferous structural provinces. Clearly visible in long wavelength structures, the trends in which several giant discoveries have been made within the last two years are discernible from bathymetry alone. Three dimensional seismic details small features including submarine canyons, scours, slumps, oil seeps, and seafloor mega-ripples formed from deep water currents.

The integration of bathymetric data provides a surprising wealth of information which should not be overlooked in the rush to begin the subsurface interpretation.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90933©1998 ABGP/AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil