Interactive interpretation of morphology of upper Tertiary contourites, Porcupine basin, offshore Ireland
A workstation-based, seismic-stratigraphic study of a series of Miocene-Pliocene sequences in the eastern portion of Porcupine basin, offshore Ireland, reveals the stratigraphic complexities and evolution of a contourite dune. Five seismic facies are present: parallel reflectors, which onlap the continental slope; a mound, with internal prograding oblique reflectors that dip to the southwest; a channel axis, oriented northwest-southeast; a natural levee, on the southwest side of the channel; and parallel or hummocky reflectors, downdip toward the basin center. Morphologically the mound, comprised of prograding clinoforms and channel and levee facies, resembles the point bar, channel, and levee of a terrestrial river meander system. The length of the mound exceeds 50 km; channel widths are as great as 8 km. Internally the mound is comprised of at least six sequences that were deposited episodically. Current flow was southeast, parallel to contours. Interactive mapping and contouring of seismic sequences, using paper and a seismic workstation, allow the shifts of directions of progradation and main depocenters to be detailed through the Miocene-Pliocene interval. Mapping of seismic facies suggests possible variations in environments and lithofacies. Ongoing investigations of contourites suggest that possible end members are morphologically complex and variable. By understanding their variability, the role of contour currents in modifying submarine fans or possibly forming sand facies capable of reservoiring hydrocarbons can be determined.
- Research Organization:
- The Energists, Houston, TX (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 5880386
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-890404-
- Journal Information:
- AAPG Bull.; (United States), Vol. 73:3; Conference: AAPG annual convention with DPA/EMD Divisions and SEPM, San Antonio, TX, USA, 23-26 Apr 1989
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
IRELAND
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
RESERVOIR ROCK
MIOCENE EPOCH
SEDIMENTARY BASINS
SEISMIC SURVEYS
STRATIGRAPHY
CENOZOIC ERA
EUROPE
GEOLOGIC AGES
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
GEOLOGY
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
MINERAL RESOURCES
RESOURCES
SURVEYS
TERTIARY PERIOD
WESTERN EUROPE
020200* - Petroleum- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration