--> Abstract: Stratigraphic Evolution of Lobe-Channel-Levee Complexes Offshore West-Africa — Controls from Architectural Styles and Proportions, by Frode Hadler-Jacobsen, Ole Martinsen, Kristina Bakke, Nils E. Janbu, and William T. Shea; #90082 (2008)

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Stratigraphic Evolution of Lobe-Channel-Levee Complexes Offshore West-Africa — Controls from Architectural Styles and Proportions

Frode Hadler-Jacobsen1, Ole Martinsen1, Kristina Bakke1, Nils E. Janbu1, and William T. Shea2
1Research Centre, StatoilHydro ASA, Trondheim&Bergen, Norway
2Envision Ltd, Stavanger, Norway

High-resolution seismic stratigraphic and geomorphic analysis reveal the evolution of deep-water channels and associated lobe complexes in a deep-marine setting of the West African Cenozoic continental margin. Depositional outbuilding of the continental margin, in part by gravity-driven processes, generates local gradients and seafloor topography that determine cyclic changes in aggradational and degradational patterns. This is manifested in the proportion, distribution, size, shape and orientation of observed lobe-channel-levee complexes (LCLCs). These depositional elements show an upward increase in channel-levee elements and a decrease in lobe proportion.

The complete understanding of deep-marine sedimentary deposits within this stratigraphic record relates to dynamic changes in local gradient and seafloor topography. In addition, cyclic changes in sediment supply and calibre driven by glacially-driven eustatic sea-level changes contributed to the observed architectural changes. Furthermore, other controls that probably contributed to the observed stratigraphic patterns and trends were the positioning of the staging area, feeder canyons and inherited slope and basin topography.

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