--> Abstract: Morphology, Architecture and Evolution of Channel Levee Complexes as Reconstructed on 3-D Seismic Data, Offshore Nile Delta, Egypt, by Gianluca Badalini, Jonathan Redfern, Andy Samuel, Stuart Burley, Nick Steel, Ramadan Ramadan, and Roger Heath; #90039 (2005)

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Morphology, Architecture and Evolution of Channel Levee Complexes as Reconstructed on 3-D Seismic Data, Offshore Nile Delta, Egypt

Gianluca Badalini1, Jonathan Redfern2, Andy Samuel3, Stuart Burley4, Nick Steel5, Ramadan Ramadan6, and Roger Heath5
1 University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
2 Manchester University, UK, Manchester, United Kingdom
3 BG Group, Reading, United Kingdom
4 BG India Exploration and Production, Mumbai, India
5 Rashpetco, BG Group Plc, Cairo, Egypt
6 BG Egypt, Cairo, Egypt

High-resolution 3D seismic data has been used to reconstruct the geomorphology, internal architecture and evolution of depositional elements of the upper reaches of the Nile delta submarine fan. The shallow section of the slope offshore Nile delta is characterised by entrenched and leveed channels and associated overbank deposits, mass transport complexes, turbidity current sediment waves, and, more locally, by pockmarks and gas chimneys/mud volcanoes. Defining these elements is essential for reconstructing the evolution of slope systems as they reflect the interplay of local and/or regional controls. Seismic data not only enables the geometry of individual components of the depositional system to be mapped but horizontal slicing techniques, seismic attribute extractions, and seismic class generation reveal trends through time in depositional geometry, vertical stacking patterns, and stratigraphic architecture. We describe here the evolution of a superbly imaged channel levee complex consisting of three distinct channel levee systems that are fed by the same canyon and are characterised by different planform geometries and stacking patterns. The oldest system consists of discontinuous laterally migrating channels showing little vertical aggradation. These evolve into a major channel with prominent vertical aggradation and very limited lateral and downslope migration, bounded on each side by well developed levees. The intermediate channel is highly sinuous, develops large outer levees and shows marked meander lateral expansion and down system migration. The youngest channel, a relatively straight feature, is small compared to the previous ones and laterally confined by the outer levees of the intermediate channel.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90039©2005 AAPG Calgary, Alberta, June 16-19, 2005