--> ABSTRACT: 3D Restoration of Hangingwall Volumes - Application to a Seismic Data Set from Cardigan Bay, Offshore West of Britain, by T. S. Buddin, G. D. Williams, S. J. Kane, and A. J. Richards; #91021 (2010)

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3D Restoration of Hangingwall Volumes - Application to a Seismic Data Set from Cardigan Bay, Offshore West of Britain

BUDDIN, TIM S., G. D. WILLIAMS, S. J. KANE, and A. J. RICHARDS

Seismic data from of the Cardigan Bay basin, northeastern Celtic Sea, are presented in the form of a 3D structural model. The development of the basin was controlled by major extension accommodated by large normal faults, with the development of thick syn-rift stratigraphy. Cretaceous and Tertiary inversion is very pronounced in the region and this must be taken into account before modelling the rifting phase of structural development. An approach is outlined which uses 3D restoration and balancing to define the structural style and detailed kinematics of a structurally complex part of the basin.

A 3D model is presented which analyses the degree of inversion, and its kinematics relative to the rifting phase in the basin, using flexural slip and inclined shear based restoration algorithms. The modelling is carried out by determining the geometry of a major listric fault in 3D using inclined simple shear fault prediction techniques. The best-fit fault model predicted from multiple horizons is applied as a template on which to restore key hangingwall horizons using various movement directions (slip vectors). Restoration misfit is mimimised, leading to convergence on a best-fit restoring slip vector. Decompaction is also modelled during sequential restoration and the result is a fully integrated, compaction corrected, kinematic model of part of. the basin. 

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91021©1997 AAPG Annual Convention, Dallas, Texas.