Characterization of channels along lateral pinch out with respect to the growing salt anticline using 3D seismic interpretation from Lower Congo Basin.

Abstract

Abstract Extensive 3D seismic data from the Lower Congo Basin, offshore Angola, have been used to investi-gate the influence of salt-related structures on the location, geometry and evolution of deepwater depositional systems. Complex geometry of submarine channels, diapiric salt structures and pinch out structures have been created by the interaction between salt tectonics and submarine sediment gravity flow deposits. The interpreted result shows that the channels often follow complicated routes downslope, and have generally developed highly variable channel geometries. Around lateral pinch out the channels have particular geometry with predominantly laterally stacking patterns and common dis-organized sequence, with thickness averaging around 600m and width averaging in 200ms (twt), pre-dominantly with V shape geometry, while at the distal part is characterized by broader channel sys-tems, channels are relatively uniform in thickness and also lateral stacking in overall with organized and disorganized sequence, U shape geometry is predominant. The result also suggest that the channels are associated with levee system, with high sinuosity around 2.5 and these sinuosity are related with influence of salt tectonics. Salt tectonics is the main control of channel configuration with minor influ-ence by sediment supply. The results improve our ability to predict the channels geometry and recog-nize keys parameters and evolutionary trends.