Abstract: Fault Pattern Analysis: How 3D SPOT Imagery on East African Rift Help 3D Seismic Interpretation in the North Sea

C. Le Turdu, P. Charpentier, J.-P. Richert, J.-P.Xavier, D. Coquelet, C. Coussement, J. Rolet, J.-J. Tiercelin, R. W. Renaut

The East African Rift and the North Sea are two well known major rifts systems, but only few authors, however, have attempted to compare their structure. In the North Sea System, petroleum industries acquired a huge amount of 3D off-shore seismic data, which can be used for fault mapping. In the East African Rift, only some 2D seismic lines exist, but most of the informations on the fault system may be retreived from photo-interpretation and remote sensing.

In the African Rift, SPOT data are used to create 3D views or Digital Elevation Models. The resolution of these images is sufficient to map accuratly the fault pattern, i. e. fault trajectories, throw and relays, to perform statistical analysis at a medium scale (1 km to 50 m), and to guide field studies. Both geometrical and kinematic informations of good quality can be obtained. Field trips in study areas, provide additional structural and kinematic constraints which adequately complete remote sensing investigations.

In the North Sea, seismic maps are built from 3D data. Similar pictures of fault pattern are obtained but, due to the poor quality of seismic methods, they offer a lower resolution. We suggest that a combination of SPOT images analysis in Africa and 3D seismic data studies in the North Sea help to improve the interpretation of fault pattern in rifts.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90956©1995 AAPG International Convention and Exposition Meeting, Nice, France