--> Abstract: Slope Deformation Controls on Trap and Reservoir Development in Turbidite Systems, Southeastern Niger Delta, Offshore Nigeria, by Kristian E. Meisling, Katherine A. Kanschat, John M. Armentrout, Robert Dyer, Jerome J. Tsakma, and Francis A. Bassey; #90914(2000)

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Kristian E. Meisling1, Katherine A. Kanschat2, John M. Armentrout2, Robert Dyer3, Jerome J. Tsakma3, Francis A. Bassey3
(1) ARCO, Inc, Plano, TX
(2) Mobil Technology Company, Dallas, TX
(3) Mobil Producing Nigeria, Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract: Slope deformation controls on trap and reservoir development in turbidite systems, southeastern Niger delta, offshore Nigeria

Recently acquired 3D seismic data across the modern shelf edge, proximal slope, and toe thrust belt of the southeastern Niger delta reveal a complex, shale-dominated slope with gravitationally driven deformation. Deformation of Neogene to Recent strata is attributed to seaward gravitational collapse of the Niger delta sedimentary wedge above a deep basal detachment. The resulting detached slope-deformational system can be divided into strike-slip and compressional domains, kinematically linked to activity of listric normal growth faults at the shelf-edge. In the strike-slip domain, sand-prone fairways are separated by structurally complex shale-prone ridges linking the shelf-edge growth faults and toe-thrust ridges. The shale-prone ridges are interpreted as complex structural-stratigraphic growth features that are sand-poor due to persistent bathymetric elevation in response to under-compaction. Preferential deposition of mud-prone facies occurs along these ridges, which is augmented by extrusion of mud volcanoes along systems of axial faults resulting from internal shearing. Sand-prone depositional systems in the strike-slip domain consist of deep-water channel and lobe facies that vary widely in depositional geometry in response to their structural and bathymetric context. In the compressional domain, bathymetrically-expressed toe thrust ridges tend to pond sand-prone facies within intra-slope ‘piggy-back’ basins. Prospectivity is greatest where sands preferentially deposited in paleo-lows have been brought into traps by subsequent deformation. Traps usually involve up-dip, lateral, and/or internal stratigraphic seals.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90914©2000 AAPG Annual Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana