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Evolution, structure, and petroleum potential of Aleutian subduction complex

Conference · · Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5187321
;
Along the southern margin of the Aleutian arc is a large accretionary wedge or subduction complex of offscraped terrigenous and pelagic sediments. The authors believe the wedge has been accumulating since the late Miocene onset of increased sediment supply to the Aleutian Trench, initiated by glaciation in Gulf of Alaska drainages. Sediment incorporated into the accretionary body was originally deposited in abyssal plain and trench axis settings, and contains both pelagic ooze and thick turbidite facies. Adjacent to the central Aleutian Islands, (long. 172/sup 0/-177/sup 0/W), a 300-km long mass of offscraped sediment (36,000 km/sup 3/) forms a tectonic wedge 6-8 km thick that contains many potential structural and stratigraphic traps for oil and gas accumulations. Seismic reflection profiles reveal antiforms, normal and reverse fault traps, and stratigraphic pinch-outs. The source potential of these deposits is low to moderate with an estimated total organic content of 0.3-0.6%. Both potential reservoir turbidite sands and clay seals exist in the accretionary complex. Heat-flow values inferred from indirect measurements place the oil-generation window at 3-6.5 km. An active water drive to sweep petroleum generated at depth into trapping structures is a likely consequence of the compaction and tectonic dewatering of the accreted trench sediment. Although prerequisite conditions exist for the formation and entrapment of oil and gas deposits in the Aleutian accretionary wedge, the actual existence of large deposits of petroleum in an active tectonic zone is impossible to predict.
Research Organization:
Geological Survey, Menlo Park, CA
OSTI ID:
5187321
Report Number(s):
CONF-8608105-
Conference Information:
Journal Name: Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States) Journal Volume: 70:7
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020200* -- Petroleum-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
03 NATURAL GAS
030200 -- Natural Gas-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
ALASKA
CENOZOIC ERA
EXPLORATION
FEDERAL REGION X
GEOLOGIC AGES
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC TRAPS
MINERAL RESOURCES
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
NORTH AMERICA
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
RESERVOIR ROCK
RESOURCES
SOURCE ROCKS
TECTONICS
TERTIARY PERIOD
USA