Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Structural traps (Petroleum geology)'

ABSTRACT The purpose of this thesis project work is to build reservoir models (structural, facies and Petrophysical property models) of the different reservoir surfaces using integrated data sets (seismic, wells, fault sticks, eclipse models, horizon surfaces) of the Norne field which is located in blocks 6608/10 and 6508/1 in the southern part of the Nordland II area. Different visualizations techniques, volume rendering and seismic attributes were applied to aid the seismic interpretation and to provide detailed evaluation/integration of the data. 3D seismic interpretation for the whole seismic volume within the reservoir section was done manually with controlled input surfaces/reflectors of the Top horizons of the Not and Åre Formations. Fault and surfaces interpretation of the reservoir were generated as key inputs in the modeling process The structural 3D grid skeleton and models were generated with critical inputs of the manually interpreted faults/horizons, using different qualitative/quantitative templates in Petrel. This was followed by well interpretation and upscaling to provide discrete facies which are needed in populating the structural models of each of the reservoir surfaces. A probabilistic facies model was done to capture the proportion of the spatial dimensions of each discrete facies in the model frame. The initiation of this study involves quantitative data quality controls and management of inputs files into the Petrel window, qualitative control involves transferring geologic licenses/understanding to the various interpretations in the visualization schemes, seismic interpretation and reservoir modeling templates. The combination of different data type and idea (volumes, wells, top surfaces, and fault sticks) types means that the user must have a multivariate understanding (Geologic, Geophysical, Petrophysical, Geostastistic, Geo-Modeling and Reservoir Engineering) in other to integrate the data sets and deliver the models. Eleven wells were used in reference to the Top surface of the Not, Åre Top surfaces and Statoil Reference report of the field, to deliver and control the seismic interpretation. A wedge shape structure was observed in the reservoir section. Typically, minor and major faults were interpreted as forming compartments in the reservoir, which were interpreted across the different lines. The structural framework in the field was largely defined by the Norne Horst and associated faults, with the erosional surface of the BCU with internal sub unconformities observed. The property facies model of the reservoir surfaces (Garn, Ile, Tofte, and TIlje) suggest that the Norne Horst and sub relief structures are mainly sand rich, which provides additional prospect indicators in exploring the field

The Statfjord Formation (Rhaetian-Sinemurian) produces from six fields across the North Sea, but no discoveries have yet been made in the 12 exploration wells across the Oseberg South Field. The field has undergone two major periods of rifting in the Permian-Triassic and from the mid-Jurassic to Early Cretaceous. The Statfjord Formation was deposited during the Permian-Triassic post-rift period, but its tectonic influence on the paleogeography of the formation is not well understood. An isopach map produced from seismic interpretation and RMS modelling of the Statfjord Formation showed a westward thickening trend towards the present-day Viking Graben. This study presents results obtained using new, high-quality OBC seismic data that has allowed for faults throughout the field to be mapped in great detail. Supported by stratigraphic correlations and biostratigraphy, the mapping has showed that most faults can be assigned to either of the main rifting phases or their associated post-rift subsidence histories. Large, east-dipping faults are believed to have originated during the Permo-Triassic rifting, with evidence of movement into the Cretaceous. Large thickness increases of the formation over the westward dipping Oseberg and Brage Faults, as well as syn-rift sediments within some grabens in the J structure indicate movements of these faults during deposition. Biostratigraphic data show that the lowermost part of the Statfjord Formation was approximately the same thickness across the field until the Late Triassic, constraining the initiation of the Oseberg and Brage Faults to the Early Jurassic. Interpretations from timelines correlated within the Statfjord Formation suggest that the rate of subsidence along different faults was not consistent through time. Thickness changes along strike of the fault indicate that the movement along the fault was diachronous. This study aims to show that major fault activity influenced the deposition, and possibly preservation potential of sediment in the Statfjord Formation. The second phase of rifting is believed to have initiated many of the faults within the field, as well as reactivated the Oseberg and Brage Faults. Additional NW-SE faults in the Omega structure show no evidence of syn-rift sediments at the Statfjord Formation level, suggesting a mid-Jurassic post-rift origin. Similarly oriented faults were seen in the C structure, however, the presence of syn-rift sediments was difficult to ascertain, and no conclusions about the timing of initiation were made.

The North Sea basin is one of the best-studied areas in the world with respect to thestructural and sedimentary architecture of rift zones. The Base Cretaceous Unconformity,which defines a mappable horizon at the transition from synrift to postrift sequencesassociated with the Jurassic–Cretaceous rift, is well known as a reference marker for bothseismic and well log interpretations and covers most of the basin. This unconformity isinterpreted at the locations of the Øygarden Fault Zone, the Troll Fault Block, the NorthViking Graben, the Tampen Spur, the Snorre Fault Block, the Sogn Graben and the HordaPlatform. The complexities of the unconformity have been established and vary with thestructural and geographical position within the basin. However, as the Base CretaceousUnconformity covers most of the northern North Sea, its structural time map, is used to derivethe picture of post-structural framework of a rift basin and to locate essential structures in thedeeper sections.Three main reflectors (Pre-Jurassic 1, Pre-Jurassic 2 and Top seismic basement)located beneath the Base Cretaceous Unconformity on the Horda Platform, and have beeninterpreted using 2D seismic reflection data. These three reflectors have been studied in orderto investigate in detail the displacement gradients and possible linkage of the early faultsystem under the Horda Platform, and to evaluate their effect on the large-scale sedimentarchitecture. A main reason to work on the structures under the Horda Platform is due to thefact that these structures are believed to have existed already in the early stages of thenorthern North Sea basin development.The extensional normal fault systems of both the Permo-Triassic and the Late Jurassicrifts are considered a key control on the geological structures and sedimentary architecture ofthe region as presently seen. The basin evolution related Permo-Triassic rifting is mostpronounced on the eastern part of the Horda platform where its synrift geometry is obviouslyseen with the huge segment length and largest uplift explainable by a flexural stretchingmodel. The rift axis is transferred to position at base of the Viking graben during the Late-Jurassic rifting with the smaller magnitude of extension than the Permo-Triassic as clearlyseen by the less thickness of the synrift geometry. However, the structural evolution of normalfaults and the basin architecture under the Horda Platform is particularly affected by thecomplex interaction of fault linkage, fault propagation, fault growth, and death of faultthrough times from the early stage to the final stage of the basin development. Apart from theeffects of major tectonic controls, additionally, non-tectonic parameters, such as climate, seaor lake level changes, and differences in amount and type of sediment supply, should be takeninto account to influence the stratigraphic and sedimentation patterns in the basin.

The Berea Sandstone is a Late Devonian, tight oil and gas reservoir that intertongues with the Bedford Shale in eastern Kentucky. In order to evaluate the Bedford-Berea interval in the subsurface, 555 well logs from the Kentucky Geological Survey’s oil and gas database were used to construct structure maps, isopach maps, and cross sections of the interval and its possible hydrocarbon source rocks. Gamma-ray logs were compared to known cores in order to separate Bedford from Berea lithologies. Maps and cross sections were compared to known basement structures to evaluate possible structural influences on the interval. The Bedford-Berea interval is thickest along a north-south elongate trend which extends from Lewis to Pike Counties and cuts across basement structures. Along this trend, the interval is thickest and the percentage of Berea lithologies is greatest on known basement highs. The interval is thinnest and dominated by Bedford shales above structural lows and west of the main trend. Several wells are also reported in which the Bedford-Berea thickens on the down-thrown side of major faults. Also, in northeastern Kentucky, where the Berea is thickest, possible submarine channel facies are identified which cut into the underlying Cleveland Shale near the Waverly Arch.

Mapping at 1:25 000 scale on the central Graham Island has shown that Cretaceous strata are more widely distributed than previously known. This study examines the stratigraphy and structural geology of the Cretaceous rock sequence, and also addresses the petroleum potential of these units. At the base is the Cretaceous sandstone unit. This unit is divided into three lithofacies. The massive sandstone lithofacies is a coarse grained, dark green to greenish black, massive sandstone. Parts of this lithofacies contains up to 50 % glauconite. The grey sandstone lithofacies is finer grained and has better defined bedding than the massive sandstone. It is frequently found with interlayered sandstone, siltstone, and shale. The third sandstone lithofacies is characterized by pervasive bioturbation. All three lithofacies are texturally immature, contain angular quartz and feldspar, and are rich in chlorite clay. The Cretaceous sandstone unit is interpreted as a transgressive sequence deposited on a storm dominated shelf. Conformably overlying the sandstones are the massive friable shale and silty shale of the Cretaceous shale unit. Intervals with increased input of storm generated sandstone layers are found throughout the unit. Spherical and elliptical calcareous concretions up to over 1 m across are common. The Cretaceous shale unit represent a continuation of marine transgression with deepening of the sedimentary basin. Turbidites forming the Skidegate Formation are interbedded with the upper part of the shale unit. This formation consists of interbedded shale, siltstone, and fine grained sandstone. Sedimentary structures are often well developed on bedding surfaces. The rocks of this unit are distal turbidites and levee deposits of a submarine fan. Coarse clastic rocks of the Honna Formation are interbedded with the Skidegate Formation. This formation is dominated by pebbly conglomerates and coarse grained sandstones. The clast material in the conglomerate lithofacies is mainly derived from units present on the islands. The sandstone lithofacies consists of indurated, bluish, medium- to coarse-grained sandstone. This formation is richer in quartz and biotite than any other Cretaceous sandstones of the central Graham Island. The Honna and Skidegate formations are the result of deposition from a submarine fan system that was initiated in Late Cretaceous time. Deposition of shale continued after the deposition of the submarine fan-related formations terminated. The Cretaceous rock sequence is overlain by Tertiary volcanic and sedimentary rocks. Volcanic rocks occur throughout the area, and sediments of the Skonun Formation are exposed in north. Three major periods of deformation are recorded in the Cretaceous units. The first event was a Late Cretaceous to Early Tertiary northeast directed compression, resulting in northwest trending folds and thrust faults. The deformation was highly localized to areas were weakness zones existed in the older basement rocks. Two periods of Tertiary block faulting activity are recognized. The first resulted in northwest-trending faults, parallel to older structures. Later Tertiary block faulting developed northeast trending faults, which are the youngest macroscopic structures in the area. The Cretaceous rock sequence does not contain any promising hydrocarbon source or reservoir rocks. The TOC, S1, and S2 values from Rock-Eval® pyrolysis are low for all units, and the organic material present is mostly gas prone. Visual porosity is generally poor, as a result of chlorite pore-filling clay and calcite cement.
Science, Faculty of
Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Department of
Graduate

Hydraulic connectivity for the Tiber field and 17 other Wilcox penetrations in Keathley Canyon (KC) and 5 fields in Walker Ridge (WR) protraction areas was assessed. All five chronostratigraphic Wilcox units are not in vertical communication across both protraction areas. Four of these units are in lateral communication across Tiber field except where faults isolate portions of the structure. Five “areas of connectivity,” where two or more fields are in communication, were found in KC. The fields in WR show no evidence of connectivity despite a relatively simpler structural environment than KC. I propose that the wells in WR are isolated due to a combination of diagenetic cementation and increased vertical effective stress acting to decrease permeability between structures. I also attempted to assess the possibility of hydrodynamic flow in the primary basin encompassing Tiber by geophysically identifying the field’s oil water contact and determining its orientation. This was unsuccessful.

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A presente pesquisa conta com uma área de estudo de 7.737 km2 na porção ojJshore da Bacia do Benin, localizada na Província do Golfo da Guiné, Margem Equatorial Africana, onde a lâmina da água varia de 100 a mais de 3.200 m, cobrindo basicamente o talude. Dados ísmicos 3D e 2D foram disponibilizados pela Compagnie Béninoise des Hydrocarbures(CBH SARL) para interpretação dos mesmos com o objetivo de caracterizar o arcabouço estrutural e estratigráfico da região, assim como avaliar o potencial do armazenamento de hidrocarboneto. Foi necessário o mapeamento dos horizontes sísmicos, a elaboração de mapas de contorno estrutural, de atributos sísmicos e de isópacas. A Bacia do Benin encontra-se entre as zonas de fratura de Romanche e Chain, correlata à Bacia do Ceará na Margem Equatorial Brasileira. Sua evolução tectono-sedimentar está condicionada à ruptura do Gondwana no Cretáceo Inferior, predominando estruturas da fase rifte relacionadas à distensão e transcorrência, a influência da transpressão é muito significativa no Cretáceo Superior. Destaca-se também uma tectônica gravitacional marcada por falhamentos dos níveis estratigráficos cenozóicos. A coluna sedimentar é representada por uma seção rifte continental limitada pela discordância do Meso-Albiano e outra pós-rifte marinha, do Albiano Superior ao Recente; sendo esta subdividida pela discordância do Oligoceno relacionada a uma queda eustática. A sedimentação está controlada pelo strends NE-SW e ENE-WSW, incluindo os canais submarinos. Os principais altos estruturais desta região já foram perfurados sem sucesso comercial, porém o potencial de acumulação de hidrocarbonetos é promissor, pelo menos dois grandes canais foram identificados no estudo em uma região cuja profundidade do fundo do mar é cerca de 2.200 m. Oportunidades...
The present research has a study area of 7.737 km2 located in the offshore portion of Benin Basin in the Gulf of Guinea Province, African Equatorial Margin. The water depth ranges from 100 to more than 3.200 m, basically covering the slope. The Compagnie Béninoise des Hydrocarbures (CBH SARL) provided 3D and 2D seismic data in order to interpret and characterize the stratigraphic and structural frarnework, as well as to evaluate the petroleum exploration potential. To achieve the desired results, it was performed seismic horizons mapping, elaboration of structural outline, isopach and seismic attribute maps. Benin Basin is limited by Romanche and Chain fracture zones and is correlated to Ceará Basin in Brazilian Equatorial Margin. Its tectono-stratigraphic evolution was conditioned by the Gondwana break-up in the Lower Cretaceous and shows rift structures related to extension trike-slip tectonics. The transpression influence is very significant in the Upper Cretaceous. It is also highlighted a gravitational tectonic marked by normal faults in the Cenozoic level. The sedimentary package is represented by a continental rift section limited by a Mid-Albian unconformity and other marine post-rift sequence from Upper Albian to Recent; the last one can still be divided by the Oligocene unconformity. The sedimentation is controlled by NE-SW and ENE- WSW trends, including submarine channels in the Upper Cretaceous. The main structural traps weredrilled in the study area without commercial success. At least two great channels were identified in a region where the water depth is around 2.200 m. Roll-overs and minor channels opportunities in Paleogene and Neogene should also be considered. The pre-rift sequences of the study area are poorly recognized, the absence of well information in this interval and the low resolution of seismic data... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Resumo: A presente pesquisa conta com uma área de estudo de 7.737 km2 na porção ojJshore da Bacia do Benin, localizada na Província do Golfo da Guiné, Margem Equatorial Africana, onde a lâmina da água varia de 100 a mais de 3.200 m, cobrindo basicamente o talude. Dados ísmicos 3D e 2D foram disponibilizados pela Compagnie Béninoise des Hydrocarbures(CBH SARL) para interpretação dos mesmos com o objetivo de caracterizar o arcabouço estrutural e estratigráfico da região, assim como avaliar o potencial do armazenamento de hidrocarboneto. Foi necessário o mapeamento dos horizontes sísmicos, a elaboração de mapas de contorno estrutural, de atributos sísmicos e de isópacas. A Bacia do Benin encontra-se entre as zonas de fratura de Romanche e Chain, correlata à Bacia do Ceará na Margem Equatorial Brasileira. Sua evolução tectono-sedimentar está condicionada à ruptura do Gondwana no Cretáceo Inferior, predominando estruturas da fase rifte relacionadas à distensão e transcorrência, a influência da transpressão é muito significativa no Cretáceo Superior. Destaca-se também uma tectônica gravitacional marcada por falhamentos dos níveis estratigráficos cenozóicos. A coluna sedimentar é representada por uma seção rifte continental limitada pela discordância do Meso-Albiano e outra pós-rifte marinha, do Albiano Superior ao Recente; sendo esta subdividida pela discordância do Oligoceno relacionada a uma queda eustática. A sedimentação está controlada pelo strends NE-SW e ENE-WSW, incluindo os canais submarinos. Os principais altos estruturais desta região já foram perfurados sem sucesso comercial, porém o potencial de acumulação de hidrocarbonetos é promissor, pelo menos dois grandes canais foram identificados no estudo em uma região cuja profundidade do fundo do mar é cerca de 2.200 m. Oportunidades... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo)
Abstract: The present research has a study area of 7.737 km2 located in the offshore portion of Benin Basin in the Gulf of Guinea Province, African Equatorial Margin. The water depth ranges from 100 to more than 3.200 m, basically covering the slope. The Compagnie Béninoise des Hydrocarbures (CBH SARL) provided 3D and 2D seismic data in order to interpret and characterize the stratigraphic and structural frarnework, as well as to evaluate the petroleum exploration potential. To achieve the desired results, it was performed seismic horizons mapping, elaboration of structural outline, isopach and seismic attribute maps. Benin Basin is limited by Romanche and Chain fracture zones and is correlated to Ceará Basin in Brazilian Equatorial Margin. Its tectono-stratigraphic evolution was conditioned by the Gondwana break-up in the Lower Cretaceous and shows rift structures related to extension trike-slip tectonics. The transpression influence is very significant in the Upper Cretaceous. It is also highlighted a gravitational tectonic marked by normal faults in the Cenozoic level. The sedimentary package is represented by a continental rift section limited by a Mid-Albian unconformity and other marine post-rift sequence from Upper Albian to Recent; the last one can still be divided by the Oligocene unconformity. The sedimentation is controlled by NE-SW and ENE- WSW trends, including submarine channels in the Upper Cretaceous. The main structural traps weredrilled in the study area without commercial success. At least two great channels were identified in a region where the water depth is around 2.200 m. Roll-overs and minor channels opportunities in Paleogene and Neogene should also be considered. The pre-rift sequences of the study area are poorly recognized, the absence of well information in this interval and the low resolution of seismic data... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)
Orientador: Nelson Angeli
Coorientador: Maria Gabriela C. Vincetelli
Banca: George Luiz Luvizotto
Banca: Adilson Viana Soares Júnior
Mestre

Using the famous Teapot Dome oil field in Casper, Wyoming, USA as a test case, we demonstrate how high-resolution compressional (P) and horizontally polarized shear (SH) wave seismic reflection surveys can overcome the limitations of conventional 3D seismic data in resolving small-scale structures in the very shallow subsurface (< 100-200 m (~328-656 ft)). We accomplish this by using small CMP intervals (5 ft and 2.5 ft, respectively) and a higher frequency source. The integration of the two high-resolution seismic methods enhances the detection and mapping of fine-scale deformation and stratigraphic features at shallow depth that cannot be imaged by conventional seismic methods. Further, when these two high-resolution seismic methods are integrated with 3D data, correlated drill hole logs, and outcrop mapping and trenching, a clearer picture of both very shallow reservoirs and the relationship between deep and shallow faults can be observed. For example, we show that the Shannon reservoir, which is the shallowest petroleum reservoir at Teapot Dome (depth to the top of this interval ranging from 76-198 m (250-650 ft)) can only be imaged properly with high-resolution seismic methods. Further, northeast-striking faults are identified in shallow sections within Teapot Dome. The strike of these faults is approximately orthogonal to the hinge of Teapot Dome. These faults are interpreted as fold accommodation faults. Vertical displacements across these faults range from 10 to 40 m (~33 to 131 ft), which could potentially partition the Shannon reservoir. The integration of 3D and high-resolution P-wave seismic interpretation helped us determine that some of the northeast-striking faults relate to deeper faults. This indicates that some deeper faults that are orthogonal to the fold hinge cut through the shallow Shannon reservoir. Such an observation would be important for understanding the effect on fluid communication between the deep and shallow reservoirs via these faults. Furthermore, the high-resolution seismic data provide a means to better constrain the location of faults mapped from drill hole logs. Relocation of theses faults may require re-evaluation of well locations as some attic oil may have not been drained in some Shannon blocks by present well locations. Therefore our study demonstrates how conventional 3D seismic data require additional seismic acquisition at smaller scales in order to image deformation in shallow reservoirs. Such imaging becomes critical in cases of shallow reservoirs where it is important to define potential problems associated with compartmentalization of primary production, hazard mitigation, enhanced oil recovery, or carbon sequestration.

Ce travail porte sur la caractérisation de la source et de la dynamique des fluides de bassin au cours de leur chargement à travers deux exemples complémentaires de demi-grabens tardi-orogéniques pétroliers : Le Bassin Permien de Lodève, aujourd'hui à l'affleurement et un bassin jurassique enfouis dans le North Viking Graben (Mer du Nord). Le cœur de la thèse concerne le Bassin de Lodève où, à partir d'une approche pluridisciplinaire intégrée, nous avons caractérisé l'architecture des minéralisations (Ba, F, Cu, Pb) piégées dans un réseau paléokarstique alimenté par les failles syn-rift, dans le substratum carbonaté à l'apex du roll-over. La source, le calendrier et les conditions de migration des fluides ont été approchés à partir de l'analyse de la micro-fabrique, la microthermométrie sur inclusions fluides, les analyses isotopiques (Sr, S, O, H) et de Terres Rares. Les résultats analytiques ont été enfin croisés avec un modèle thermique et structural du bassin qui conforte la séquence et la dynamique du système fluide en cours d'enfouissement. Une démarche similaire, mais plus limitée, a été conduite dans le bassin du North Viking Graben où l'accès aux marqueurs fluides est restreint aux données de sismique 3D et de carottes. Comme à Lodève, les minéralisations Ba-Pb-Zn colmatent un réservoir dans le substratum à l'apex du roll-over. Elles se présentent sous forme de ciments dans des grès ou des fractures. Cette analyse apporte des contraintes complémentaires et permet de proposer un modèle dynamique général avec des variantes en fonction de la nature des fluides et des réservoirs. On retiendra donc la séquence fluide suivante :(a) Dans le cas du bassin de Lodève sur substratum carbonaté, les chemins préférentiels de drainage se développent dans des paléocanyons N-S couplés à un réseau de fractures et d'endokarsts météoriques. Ces derniers sont élargis en début de rifting par la dissolution hypogène sulfurique produite par l'oxydation bactérienne de la pyrite des blackshales, au contact de l'aquifère oxydant du Cambien.(b) Le déséquilibre de compaction initie la migration des fluides interstitiels en surpression vers les marges avec des températures autour de 150-180°C et des salinités entre 9 et 18wt%eq.NaCl. Les analyses isotopiques (Sr, S, O) révèlent que la majorité des fluides provient de l'altération diagénétique des blackshales riches en métaux. Des interactions sont également mises en évidence avec des fluides profonds (entre 240°C et 260°C ; salinités > à 20wt%eq.NaCl), qui lessivent les granites tardi-hercyniens.(c) Pendant le syn-rift, les conditions de surpression de fluide permettent la réactivation cyclique des failles, les décollements stratigraphiques et la formation de brèches hydrauliques, favorisant la mise en connexions avec les réservoirs superficiels à l'apex du roll-over. Le modèle de Sibson ajusté aux fluides de bassins est alors le moteur de la migration verticale.(d) Les fluides thermogéniques commencent à être expulsés avec les derniers fluides de compaction au cours d'un stade plus évolué de l'enfouissement en empruntant les mêmes chemins jusqu'à l'apex du roll over. Ils sont alors partiellement freinés et déviés par les colmatages minéralisés antérieurs.(e) A Lodève, la continentalisation des minéralisations antérieures au cours de l'exhumation post-rift conduit à leur remaniement partiel au niveau de la transition sulfate-méthane induite par l'interaction entre une playa évaporitique et la dysmigration des hydrocarbures. Des barytines secondaires de basse température, déprimées en Sr sont alors précipitées de manière synsédimentaire dans des karsts météoriques du socle.Outre l'illustration d'un modèle complet (source to sink) de dynamique des fluides dans un bassin, ce travail apporte de nouvelles contraintes dans l'approche du colmatage des réservoirs à hydrocarbures sur les têtes de blocs basculés et sur la genèse des gîtes miniers de type Mississippi Valley-Type
This work focus on the characterization of the source and dynamic of compactional fluids during sedimentary burial, through two complementary examples of late orogenic oil-field half-grabens: The exhumed Lodève Permian Basin and a deep buried Jurassic basin in the North Viking Graben (North Sea).Constituting the main part of the thesis, a multi-disciplinary approach was conducted in the Lodève Basin where Ba-F-Cu-Pb polymetalic mineralized systems are trapped into synrift faults and paleokarsts in the carbonate basement at the hinge point of the roll-over. The source, timing and P/T conditions of fluid migration were deduced from the analysis of the microfabric, the fluid inclusions microthermometry, and the isotopic (Sr, S, O, H) and Rare Earth Element (REE) signature. Results are then crossed with a structural and thermal modeling that consolidates the sequence and dynamics of fluid during burial.A similar approach was conducted in the North Viking Graben where fluid markers are restricted to 3D seismic and well core data. Comparable Ba-Pb-Zn veins are reported in basin margin, plugging one of the most important siliciclastic hydrocarbon reservoir in the substratum. This analysis provides additional constraints on basinal fluid behavior and allows us to propose a global dynamic model for various compositions of fluids and reservoirs.We conclude to a polyphase fluid sequence history including:(a) In the carbonate basement of the Lodève Basin, karstic paleocanyon incisions and associated cavities coupled to synrift fault, act as major drain for fluids. These structures are early affected by hypogen-sulfuric karstification in response to the interaction between bacterial oxidation of sulfides entrapped within Lower Permian blackshales and the basement oxidizing aquifer.(b) Disequilibrium compaction initiates overpressure-driven basinal fluid migration towards basin margins, characterized by temperatures around 150-180°C and salinities between 9 et 18wt%eq.NaCl. Isotopic (Sr, S, O) and REE analyses reveal that Ba-M+-rich mineralizing fluids derived mainly from buried blackshales diagenesis. External Fluids coming from the lower crust are also identified that play a key role in fluorite precipitation by the leaching of late hercynian granites (mean temperature of 250°C and salinity > 20wt%eq.NaCl).(c) During the synrift period, fluid overpressure is responsible for the periodic reactivation of fault plane according to seismic-valve process, bedded-control shearing and hydraulic brecciation at the basement-seal interface. These mechanisms induce cyclic polymetallic mineralization by the mixing between in situ formation water and deep ascending basinal fluids.(d) Thermogenic fluids expulsion starts with last basinal fluids during late burial stage. Hydrocarbons thus migrate along the same regional pathways up to the rollover crest, where they are partly rerouted by the previous mineralized baffle.(e) In the Lodève basin, post-rift exhumation of the margins led to the remobilization of synrift deposits by subaerial biochemical processes at the sulfate-methane transition. The latter results from the interaction between the still active hydrocarbon dysmigration with a playa lake sulfate-rich aquifer. Secondary low-temperature barite fronts precipitate then within basement meteoric karsts.In addition to the « source to sink » model of basinal fluids, this work provides new insights on the early plugging of hydrocarbon reservoirs and for the metallogenesis of Mississippi Valley-Type deposits

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2015.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study investigates the crustal structure, and assesses the qualitative and quantitative impacts of crust-mantle dynamics on subsidence pattern, past and present-day thermal field and petroleum system evolution at the southern South African continental margin through the application of a multi-disciplinary and multi-scale geo-modelling procedure involving both conceptual and numerical approaches. The modelling procedure becomes particularly important as this margin documents a complex interaction of extension and strike-slip tectonics during its Mesozoic continental rifting processes. Located on the southern shelf of South Africa, the Western Bredasdorp Basin (WBB) constitutes the focus of this study and represents the western section of the larger Bredasdorp sub-basin, which is the westernmost of the southern offshore sub-basins. To understand the margin with respect to its present-day structure, isostatic state and thermal field, a combined approach of isostatic, 3D gravity and 3D thermal modelling was performed by integrating potential field, seismic and well data. Complimenting the resulting configuration and thermal field of the latter by measured present-day temperature, vitrinite reflectance and source potential data, basin-scale burial and thermal history and timing of source rock maturation, petroleum generation, expulsion, migration and accumulation were forwardly simulated using a 3D basin modelling technique. This hierarchical modelling workflow enables geologic assumptions and their associated uncertainties to be well constrained and better quantified, particularly in three dimensions. At present-day, the deep crust of the WBB is characterised by a tripartite density structure (i.e. prerift metasediments underlain by upper and lower crustal domains) depicting a strong thinning that is restricted to a narrow E-W striking zone. The configuration of the radiogenic crystalline crust as well as the conductivity contrasts between the deep crust and the shallow sedimentary cover significantly control the present-day thermal field of the study area. In all respects, this present-day configuration reflects typical characteristics of basin evolution in a strike-slip setting. For instance, the orientations of the deep crust and fault-controlled basin-fill are spatially inconsistent, thereby indicating different extension kinematics typical of transtensional pull-apart mechanisms. As such, syn-rift subsidence is quite rapid and short-lived, and isostatic equilibrium is not achieved, particularly at the Moho level. Accompanied syn-rift rapid subsidence and a heat flow peak led to petroleum preservation in the basin since the Early Cretaceous. Two additional post-rift thermal anomalies related to the Late Cretaceous hotspot mechanism and Miocene margin uplift in Southern Africa succeeded the syn-rift control on maturation. This thermal maturity of the five mature source rocks culminated in four main generation and three main accumulation phases which characterise the total petroleum systems of the WBB. The Campanian, Eocene and Miocene uplift scenarios episodically halted source maturation and caused tertiary migration of previously trapped petroleum. Petroleum loss related to the spill point of each trap configuration additionally occurs during the Late Cretaceous-Paleocene and Oligocene-Early Miocene. The timing and extent of migration dynamics are most sensitive to the geological scenario that combined faulting, intrusive seal bypass system and facies heterogeneity. In fact, for models that do not incorporate facies heterogeneity, predicted past and present-day seafloor leakage of petroleum is largely underestimated. This complex interplay of generation and migration mechanisms has significant implications for charging of petroleum accumulations by multiple source rocks. Due to early maturation and late stage tertiary migration, the syn-rift source rocks particularly Mid Hauterivian and Late Hauterivian source intervals significantly control the extent of petroleum accumulation and loss in the basin. Lastly, the modelled 3D crustal configuration and Mezosoic to Cenozoic thermal regime of the WBB dispute classic uniform lithospheric stretching for the southern South African continental margin. Rather, this PhD thesis confirms that differential thinning of the lithosphere related to a transtensional pull-apart mechanism is the most appropriate for accurately predicting the evolution of basin and petroleum systems of the margin. Also, the presented 3D models currently represent the most advanced insights, and thus have clear implications for assessing associated risks in basin and prospect evaluation of the margin as well as other similar continental margins around the world.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie ondersoek die korsstruktuur en evalueer die kwalitatiewe en kwantitatiewe impakte van kors-mantel-dinamika op insinkingspatroon, die termiese veld en petroleumstels evolusie aan die suidelike Suid-Afrikaanse kontinentale grens, in die hede en die verlede, deur die toepassing van ’n multidissiplinêre en multiskaal-geomodelleringsprosedure wat beide konseptuele en numeriese benaderings behels. Die modelleringsprosedure veral is belangrik aangesien hierdie kontinentale grens ’n komplekse interaksie van uitbreidings- en strekkingsparallelle tektoniek gedurende die Mesosoïese vastelandskeurprosesse daarvan dokumenteer. Omdat dit op die suidelike platvorm van Suid-Afrika geleë is, maak die Westelike Bredasdorp Kom (WBK) die fokus van hierdie studie uit, en verteenwoordig dit die westelike deel van die groter Bredasdrop-subkom, wat die verste wes is van die suidelike aflandige subkomme. Om die grens met betrekking tot sy huidige struktuur, isostatiese staat en termiese veld te verstaan, is ’n kombinasie benadering bestaande uit isostatiese, 3D-gravitasie- en 3D- termiese modellering gebruik deur potensiëleveld-, seismiese en boorgatdata te integreer Ondersteunend totot die gevolglike konfigurasie en termiese veld van die laasgenoemde deur middel van hedendaagse temperatuur, soos gemeet, vitriniet-refleksiekoëffisiënt en bronpotensiaal data, komskaal-begrawing en termiese geskiedenis en tydsberekening van brongesteentematurasie, is petroleumgenerasie, -uitwerping, -migrasie en -akkumulasie in die toekoms gesimuleer deur gebruik te maak van ’n 3D-kommodelleringstegniek. Hierdie hierargiese modelleringswerkvloei maak dit moontlik om geologiese aannames en hulle geassosieerde onsekerhede goed aan bande te lê en beter te kwantifiseer, veral in drie dimensies. In die hede word die diep kors van die WBK gekarakteriseer deur ’n drieledige digtheidstruktuur (met ander woorde voorrift-metasedimente onderlê deur bo- en benedekors domeine) wat dui op ’n baie wesenlike verdunning, beperk tot ’n dun O-W-strekkingsone. Die konfigurasie van die radiogeniese kristallyne kors, sowel as die konduktiwiteitskontraste tussen die diep kors en die vlak sedimentêre dekking, beheer grotendeels die hedendaagse termiese veld van die studiearea. Hierdie hedendaagse konfigurasie weerspieël in alle opsigte tipiese eienskappe van kom-evolusie in ’n skuifskeur omgewing. Byvoorbeeld, Die oriëntasies van die diep kors en verskuiwingbeheerde komsedimentasie byvoorbeeld is ruimtelik inkonsekwent en dui daardeur op verskillende ekstensiekinematika, tipies van transtensionale tensiemeganisme. As sulks, is sin-rift-versakking taamlik vinnig en kortstondig, en word isostatiese ekwilibrium nie by die Moho-vlak, in die besonder, bereik nie. Samehangende sin-rift vinnige versakking en hittevloeihoogtepunt het gelei tot petroleum behoud in die kom sedert die vroeë Kryt. Twee bykomende post-rift termiese anomalieë wat verband hou met die laat Kryt-“hotspot” meganisme en die Mioseense kontinentale grensopheffing in Suidelike Afrika het die sin-rift-beheer met maturasie opgevolg. Hierdie termiese maturiteit van die vyf gematureerde brongesteentes het in vier hoofgenerasie- en drie hoofakkumulasie fases, wat die totaliteit van die petroleumstelsels van die WBK karakteriseer, gekulmineer. Die Campaniese, Eoseense en Mioseense opheffings senarios het episodies bronmaturasie gestop en tersiêre migrasie van petroleum wat vroeër opgevang was veroorsaak. Addisioneel vind petroleumverlies gekoppel aan die spilpunt van elke opvanggebiedkonfigurasie tydens die laat Kryt-Paleoseen en Oligoseenvroeë Mioseen plaas. Die tydstelling en omvang van migrasiedinamika is die sensitiefste vir die geologiese scenario wat verskuiwing, seëlomseilingstelsel en fasiesheterogeniteit kombineer. Trouens, vir modelle wat nie fasiesheterogeniteit inkorporeer nie, is voorspellings van vroeëre en huidige seebodemlekkasie van petroleum grotendeels onderskattings. Hierdie komplekse wisselwerking van generasie- en migrasiemeganismes het beduidende implikasies vir die laai van petroleumakkumulasies deur veelvoudige brongesteentes. Vanweë vroeë maturasie en laatstadiumtersiêre migrasie, oefen die sin-rift-brongesteentes, veral middel Hauterivium- en laat Hauteriviumbronintervalle, beduidende beheer oor die omvang van petroleumakkumulasie en -verlies in die kom uit. Laastens weerspreek die gemodelleerde 3D-korskonfigurasie en Mesosoïese-tot-Senosoïesetermiese regime van die WBK ’n klassieke uniforme litosferiese rekking vir die suidelike Suid- Afrikaanse kontinentale grens. Inteendeel, hierdie PhD-proefskrif bevestig dat ’n differensiële verdunning van die litosfeer, gekoppel aan ’n transtensiemeganisme, die beste geskik is om ’n akkurate voorspelling oor die evolusie van kom- en petroleumstelsels van die kontinentale grens mee te maak. Verder, verteenwoordig die 3D-modelle, wat hier aangebied word, tans die mees gevorderde insigte, en het hierdie modelle dus duidelike implikasies vir die assessering van verwante risiko’s in kom- en petroleum teikene valuering van die kontinentale grens, so wel as van ander soortgelyke kontinentale grense regoor die wêreld.

A new depth-based method of seismic imaging is used to provide insights into the 3D structural geometry of faults, and to facilitate a detailed structural interpretation of the Penola Trough, Otway Basin, South Australia. The structural interpretation is used to assess fault kinematics through geological time and to evaluate across-fault juxtaposition, shale gouge and fault reactivation potential for three selected traps (Zema, Pyrus and Ladbroke Grove) thus providing a full and systematic assessment of fault seal risk for the area. Paper 1 demonstrates how a depth-conversion method was applied to two-way time seismic data in order to redisplay the seismic in a form more closely representative of true depth, here termed ‘pseudo-depth’. Some apparently listric faults in two-way time are demonstrated to be planar and easily distinguishable from genuine listric faults on pseudo-depth sections. The insights into fault geometry provided by pseudo-depth sections have had a significant impact on the new structural interpretation of the area. Paper 2 presents the new 3D structural interpretation of the area. The geometry of faulting is complex and reflects variable stress regimes throughout structural development and the strong influence of pre-existing basement fabrics. Some basement-rooted faults show evidence of continual reactivation throughout their structural history up to very recent times. Structural analysis of all the live and breached traps of the area demonstrate that traps associated with a basement rooted bounding fault host breached or partially breached accumulations, whereas non-basement rooted faults are associated with live hydrocarbon columns. Papers 3 and 4 demonstrate that for all the traps analysed (Zema, Pyrus and Ladbroke Grove), initial in-place seal integrity was good. The initial seal integrity was provided by a combination of both favourable across fault juxtaposition (Ladbroke Grove) and/or sufficiently well developed shale gouge over potential leaky sand on sand juxtaposition windows to retain significant hydrocarbon columns (Zema, Pyrus). The palaeocolumns observed at Zema and Pyrus indicate that there has been subsequent post-charge breach of seal integrity of these traps while Ladbroke Grove retains a live hydrocarbon column. Evidence of open, permeable fracture networks within the Zema Fault Zone suggest that it is likely to have recently reactivated, thus breaching the original hydrocarbon column. Analysis of the in-situ stress tensor and fault geometry demonstrates that most of the bounding faults to the selected traps are at or near optimal orientations for reactivation in the in-situ stress tensor. The main exception being the Ladbroke Grove Fault which has a NW-SE trending segment (associated with a relatively high risk of fault reactivation and possible leakage at the surface) and an E-W trending segment (associated with a relatively low risk of fault reactivation and a present day live column). The free water level of the Ladbroke Grove accumulation coincides with this change in fault orientation.
http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1339545
Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Adelaide, Australian School of Petroleum, 2008

A new depth-based method of seismic imaging is used to provide insights into the 3D structural geometry of faults, and to facilitate a detailed structural interpretation of the Penola Trough, Otway Basin, South Australia. The structural interpretation is used to assess fault kinematics through geological time and to evaluate across-fault juxtaposition, shale gouge and fault reactivation potential for three selected traps (Zema, Pyrus and Ladbroke Grove) thus providing a full and systematic assessment of fault seal risk for the area. Paper 1 demonstrates how a depth-conversion method was applied to two-way time seismic data in order to redisplay the seismic in a form more closely representative of true depth, here termed ‘pseudo-depth’. Some apparently listric faults in two-way time are demonstrated to be planar and easily distinguishable from genuine listric faults on pseudo-depth sections. The insights into fault geometry provided by pseudo-depth sections have had a significant impact on the new structural interpretation of the area. Paper 2 presents the new 3D structural interpretation of the area. The geometry of faulting is complex and reflects variable stress regimes throughout structural development and the strong influence of pre-existing basement fabrics. Some basement-rooted faults show evidence of continual reactivation throughout their structural history up to very recent times. Structural analysis of all the live and breached traps of the area demonstrate that traps associated with a basement rooted bounding fault host breached or partially breached accumulations, whereas non-basement rooted faults are associated with live hydrocarbon columns. Papers 3 and 4 demonstrate that for all the traps analysed (Zema, Pyrus and Ladbroke Grove), initial in-place seal integrity was good. The initial seal integrity was provided by a combination of both favourable across fault juxtaposition (Ladbroke Grove) and/or sufficiently well developed shale gouge over potential leaky sand on sand juxtaposition windows to retain significant hydrocarbon columns (Zema, Pyrus). The palaeocolumns observed at Zema and Pyrus indicate that there has been subsequent post-charge breach of seal integrity of these traps while Ladbroke Grove retains a live hydrocarbon column. Evidence of open, permeable fracture networks within the Zema Fault Zone suggest that it is likely to have recently reactivated, thus breaching the original hydrocarbon column. Analysis of the in-situ stress tensor and fault geometry demonstrates that most of the bounding faults to the selected traps are at or near optimal orientations for reactivation in the in-situ stress tensor. The main exception being the Ladbroke Grove Fault which has a NW-SE trending segment (associated with a relatively high risk of fault reactivation and possible leakage at the surface) and an E-W trending segment (associated with a relatively low risk of fault reactivation and a present day live column). The free water level of the Ladbroke Grove accumulation coincides with this change in fault orientation.
Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Adelaide, Australian School of Petroleum, 2008

According to the Ade observation (Ade, W., pers. Comm.) “95% of all commercial oil fields in the Sumatra region occur within 17 km of seismically mappable structural grabens in the producing basins”. The Ade observation proposes a link between the subsidence of the source rocks (the Talang Akar Formation) in the grabens and the maturity of the organic material. To test the validity of the Ade observation, subsurface mapping of the region was carried out using geophysical logs. Using the well log information, the basement and the formation tops have been mapped with a special emphasis on Talang Akar and Air Benakat Formations. The isopach maps of these formations show that most of the producing wells on the Sunda shelf are in fact located in and around the major structural basins. Trends in the occurrence of the oil fields have also been observed which are analogous to the orientation of the grabens. Structural mapping of the basins have identified several wrench faults. These are of particular interest as wrench faults provide good structural traps for oil in the Los Angeles and the North Sumatra Basins and may prove to be very important for future exploration in southern Sumatra and northwest Java. In South Sumatra Basin, 77.78% of the potential oil fields are located in the 17 km margin from the grabens. For Sunda/Asri Basins and the Ardjuna Basin, it is 100 and 92 respectively. Identifying the source rocks in this 17 km window will enhance the success rate of oil exploration in the Sundaland Basins.
Department of Geological Sciences

"August, 2001"
Bibliography: leaves 173-183.
xvi, 184, 12 leaves : ill. (some col.), maps, plates (some col.) ; 30 cm.
Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library.
"The primary objective of the study was to gain a better understanding of the tectonostratigraphic evolutionary history of the Bass Basin. In particular, the study has focussed on mapping and analysing all the faults and fault patterns in the Bass Basin in relation to the subsidence history and its influence on sedimentation and hydrocarbon potential of the basin. The reason why the Durroon area and the Bass area behaved differently in response to extensional stresses was investigated. As a final outcome, it was thought important to clarify some of the existing disagreement about the broad tectonic and structural history of the basin and in particular to separate the influence of the Otway and Tasman Sea rifting episodes on the sedimentation history of the Bass and Durroon area. The study also aimed at investigating the occurence in the basin and nature of a recently recognised fault system, a polygonal fault system." --p. 2.
Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, National Centre for Petroleum Geology and Geophysics, 2002

"August, 2001"
Bibliography: leaves 173-183.
xvi, 184, 12 leaves : ill. (some col.), maps, plates (some col.) ; 30 cm.
"The primary objective of the study was to gain a better understanding of the tectonostratigraphic evolutionary history of the Bass Basin. In particular, the study has focussed on mapping and analysing all the faults and fault patterns in the Bass Basin in relation to the subsidence history and its influence on sedimentation and hydrocarbon potential of the basin. The reason why the Durroon area and the Bass area behaved differently in response to extensional stresses was investigated. As a final outcome, it was thought important to clarify some of the existing disagreement about the broad tectonic and structural history of the basin and in particular to separate the influence of the Otway and Tasman Sea rifting episodes on the sedimentation history of the Bass and Durroon area. The study also aimed at investigating the occurence in the basin and nature of a recently recognised fault system, a polygonal fault system." --p. 2.
Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, National Centre for Petroleum Geology and Geophysics, 2002