--> Abstract: Spatial and Temporal Variability of a Miocene Platform, Offshore Vietnam: Insights Provided by Three-Dimensional Visualisation and Computer Modelling, by James R. P. Owens, David W. Hunt, Stuart Hardy, and Trevor P. Burchette; #90914(2000)

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James R. P. Owens1, David W. Hunt2, Stuart Hardy3, Trevor P. Burchette4
(1) Manchester University, Manchester, United Kingdom
(2) University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
(3) The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
(4) BPAmoco, Middlesex, United Kingdom

Abstract: Spatial and temporal variability of a Miocene platform, offshore Vietnam: insights provided by three-dimensional visualisation and computer modelling

Antecedent topography, tectonic subsidence and oceanographic setting constitute some of the primary controls on carbonate production and the development of landmass-detached carbonate platforms. A high quality, closely spaced 2D seismic grid imaging a Miocene platform, offshore Vietnam, provides an excellent data base from which these controls can be investigated.

Key seismic surfaces have been mapped over a 160 km long, 25 km wide, elongate platform and reveal significant north to south thickening from less than 500 m to over 1 km. The platform initiated along an established regional structural high and can be divided into three discrete areas of carbonate growth. Internally, the platform demonstrates pronounced asymmetry and significant along strike variability of stacking patterns and seismic facies as a result of initial topography, tectonic and oceanographic controls.

Two wells penetrate the platform succession, providing wireline, core and biostratigraphic data. These data enable the wireline characterisation of carbonate facies and development of a chronostratigraphic framework for platform growth. Seismic stratigraphic surfaces from the 2D database have been depth converted and manipulated using visualisation software to provide a three dimensional view of changing platform morphology.

The platform surfaces have been incorporated into a 3D forward modelling program capable of simulating carbonate growth and deposition. The effects of eustasy, differential subsidence, clastic contamination and windward-leeward energy flux have been investigated. The simulated platform morphologies and stacking patterns have been compared to the subsurface data as a means to understanding spatial and temporal variability of the controls on isolated platform development and architecture.

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