Print this pageTemporal and Spatial Evolution of a Shelf to Toe-of-Slope System, Santos Basin Brazil — A High-Resolution Seismic-Stratigraphic and -Geomorphic Case Study
High-resolution seismic stratigraphic and geomorphic analysis reveals the evolution of a shelf to toe-of-slope sedimentary system within the Santos Basin offshore Brazil. Within a late Cretaceous framework of high confidence 3D-seismic-stratigraphic correlations, genetically linked seismic-geomorphic shoreline-, canyon-, channel- and lobe-elements are analysed, with particular focus on their temporal and spatial genetic relations. Shallow- and deep-marine, partly gravity-driven processes associated with depositional outbuilding of the continental margin, generate local gradients and seafloor topography that determine cyclic changes in aggradational and degradational patterns. This is manifested in the proportion, distribution, size, shape and orientation of seismically expressed shoreline, shelf edge, canyon, slope-channel and toe-of-slope lobe complexes.
The complete understanding of evolving shelf to toe-of slope sedimentary environments within a well constrained stratigraphic record relates to dynamic changes in sediment delivery, shelf accommodation, local slope gradient, seafloor topography and mobile salt substrate geometry. The study documents key shelf to toe-of-slope sediment delivery and distribution mechanisms, including erosional and depositional process-response relations and corresponding facies distribution.
AAPG Search and Discover Article #90100©2009 AAPG International Conference and Exhibition 15-18 November 2009, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil