--> A Permian-Early Triassic Deep Shelf System Along the NWS Margin With Oil-Prone Potential

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A Permian-Early Triassic Deep Shelf System Along the NWS Margin With Oil-Prone Potential

Abstract

Seismic morphologies and facies mapping clearly show the construction of a carbonate margin within the Southern Beagle acreage. These are interpreted as having been developed during the Late Permian eustatic high and build on the edge of a drowned early Permian delta system. Margin slope reconstruction shows a bathymetric variation of up to 500m and the associated creation of an under-filled outboard deep shelf setting. A minor tectonic event at the end of the Permian, namely the Bedout Movement, creates a forced regression and the development of an early Triassic shelf-edge delta system. Large scale early Triassic incised canyons can be mapped along the NWS margin and are indicative of close proximity to a paleo-shelf edge and further support this model. Coastal upwelling along the margins of the Paleo-Tethys ocean results in an organic rich zone at the shelf edge. Song et al [2014] highlight the impact in such a depositional setting at the P/T boundary with a unique anoxic environment created due to anomalously high global temperatures. Source rocks would therefore be concentrated around this location and would explain the failure of most wells drilled to date that have penetrated the inner shallow shelfal environments. The Beagle acreage is in a perfect address with clear shelf edge geometry coupled with Permian carbonate reefs updip and face loaded against these Early Triassic source rocks. These reefs have been exposed and planated during the Bedout movement, increasing their potential for karstification and further enhancing their potential as a hydrocarbon exploration target.