--> Abstract: Sequence Stratigraphic and Structural Interpretation, Modeling and Restoration in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPRA), by Schultz, Lauren E.; Connors, Christopher D.; Houseknecht, David W.; Stier, Natalie; #90162 (2013)
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Sequence Previous HitStratigraphicNext Hit and Structural Previous HitInterpretationNext Hit, Modeling and Restoration in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPRA)

Schultz, Lauren E.; Connors, Christopher D.; Houseknecht, David W.; Stier, Natalie
[email protected]

This study examines Mesozoic progradational clinoform sequences, as well as deformation associated with the Brooks Range orogeny in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPRA). Brookian, Beaufortian and upper Ellesmerian Previous HitstratigraphicNext Hit horizons were interpreted in a sequence Previous HitstratigraphicNext Hit framework along several thousand kilometers of 2d seismic lines in NPRA, and thrusting and resulting folding were interpreted in the foothills of the Brooks Range. An internally consistent 3d model of the region with detailed attention to both structural and sequence Previous HitstratigraphicNext Hit inputs was generated using seismic and well log constraints, extending from the Brooks Range foothills to approximately the Arctic coastline. The model makes use of previous interpretations of several depositional sequences in the Shublik Formation and Kingak Shale. Additionally, this model contributes refinement of Previous HitstratigraphicNext Hit interpretations of the significant clinoform sequences in the Torok and Nanushuk. In particular, more than ten distinct sequence packages that can be tied across 5000 line kilometers of regional seismic lines were interpreted. Structural interpretations of the faulting and deformation in the foothills of the Brooks Range were also developed and balanced restorations were generated by backstripping the Previous HitstratigraphicNext Hit horizons, accounting for decompaction and tectonic uplift, and Previous HitfaultNext Hit-related folding in the foothills.

We recognize progradation of the shelf margin consistent with previous work, and contribute a more detailed Previous HitinterpretationNext Hit across the NPRA with the additional clinoform sequences. Our model maps the Kingak relict shelf margin geometry prior to deformation, which controlled accommodation for subsequent deposition of the Torok and Nanushuk formations. Progradation of the Torok and Nanushuk sequences to the northeast has a significant impact on Previous HitstratigraphicNext Hit Previous HitinterpretationNext Hit in the region, as sequence layer thickness can have considerable variation through space, independent of structural deformation. This sequence Previous HitstratigraphicNext Hit architecture also aids Previous HitinterpretationNext Hit of deformed regions. For example, the positions of certain Previous HitstratigraphicNext Hit intervals appear to control structural deformation to a large extent. Detachments form along sequence boundaries associated with the Carbon Creek Previous HitfaultNext Hit system, thickening in the northern foothills occurs in slope facies in the Torok, and the Previous HitstratigraphicTop position of local detachment horizons appears to be associated with sequence boundaries. We recognize buried thrusts in the northern foothills that require transport of multiple km of slip to the paleo land surface.

 

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90162©2013 Pacific Section AAPG, SPE and SEPM Joint Technical Conference, Monterey, California, April 19-25, 2013