--> ABSTRACT: 3-D Seismic Expression of Producing Plio-Pleistocene Turbidite Systems, Northern Deep Gulf of Mexico, by P. Weimer, P. Varnai, G. Soto, and A. Garcia; #91021 (2010)

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3-D Seismic Expression of Producing Plio-Pleistocene Turbidite Systems, Northern Deep Gulf of Mexico

WEIMER, PAUL., PETER VARNAI, GERARD SOTO, and ALFONSO GARCIA

A sub-regional 3-D seismic data set was used to describe the producing Plio-Pleistocene turbidite systems in eight intraslope mini-basins in the north-central Green Canyon area, northern deep Gulf of Mexico. Study area includes six fields/discoveries: Bullwinkle (GC 65/109), Rocky (GC 110), Troika (GC 200/244), Genesis (GC 161/205), Brutus (GC 158), and Fuji (GC 506).

Four main turbidite elements were identified. Stratal geometries of the different turbidite elements were interpreted from wireline profiles integrated with 2-D profiles and the amplitude distribution recognized on series of horizon slices and on amplitude extraction maps (horizontal seismic facies). Depositional lobes (basins-floor fans) are characterized by roughly circular amplitude anomalies that on lap the flanks of the mini-basins. Sands tend to be well developed and blocky in log shape (50 to 150 feet thick), indicating laterally continuous, sheet-like sands. The sinuous high and low- amplitude anomalies reflect both erosional and depositional channels. Channel widths are 0.5 to 1.2 miles, and channel-fill varies between 20 to 150 feet. The widespread low- to moderate-amplitude areas are interpreted as overbank deposits. Slides have a more discontinuous character in horizon slices.

The results of the study show a systematic stratigraphic evolution in these mini-basins. Sheet sands and/or erosional channels overlie the sequence boundary. Erosional channels are interpreted to act primarily as a conduit for coarser grained sediments that bypass farther downslope. Overlying that are sinuous, depositional channels that regularly shifted their positions in the mini-basins by avulsion. These channels, and associated overbank deposits comprise the bulk of the sediment in any sequence.

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