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4D Physical Simulation of Basin-scale Salt Tectonic Processes and Coupled Depositional Systems
Lessons Learned
Figure 5: Time-series Structural Restoration of Experiment Section
We have systematically studied key control factors and have tested the
(Thin Salt–Slow Progradation–Tilted Basement) Using Digital Image
method successfully with industry partners in case studies with calibration
Correlation Data
from geological/geophysical data.
10–12
Our studies have demonstrated that
it is essential to investigate passive margin salt basins in their entire
tectono-stratigraphic framework, from the rift basin to the modern
margin, because the initial stage of salt mobilisation in the rift basin – not
easily observable in geological geophysical data from the modern margin
setting – has controlled the basin evolution over tens of million years.
The mechanism of early salt basin evolution is strongly controlled by rift
morphology. This primarily occurs as changes in basement topography
cause variations in salt thickness, leading to alterations to the flow regime
Knowledge gained from these
Silicone (‘salt’) in black, faults in the overburden sand layer indicated by black lines, coloured horizons
studies is especially relevant for
indicate stratigraphic markers. KG = keystone graben; Pd/Ro = passive diapir/expulsion rollover;
BLS = basinward listric growth fault rollover.
exploration in the slope and
salt tectonics processes and sedimentation patterns. The 4D basin-scale
deepwater areas of frontier
physical experiments are directly comparable to natural case studies and
basins with good seismic
provide an excellent basis for discussion between structural geologists,
data but limited well data.
stratigraphic analysts and sedimentologists about integrated model
systems and the systematic investigation of the impact of the first-order
control factors on basin evolution, tectonic faulting and salt mobilisation.
in the salt layer. The dominant mechanism for early salt mobilisation in rift
basins with thick salt (>1–1.5km) is driven by passive down-building of We think that the encouraging results of integrated regional studies
early salt withdrawal basins, whereas in rift basins or on allochthonous salt demonstrate that the simulation of coupled tectono-sedimentary
with a thin salt layer (<1–1.5km)s graben formation, basinward and processes with scaled 3D analogue experiments and mechanical
landward listric growth rollovers and reactive diapirs are favoured. modelling is a very powerful tool for analysing passive margin salt
systems. The integration of 4D physical simulations with 2D/3D
In all settings, sedimentation, salt thickness and rift basin geometry structural modelling and seismic interpretation will lead to new basin-
are the first-order control parameters for structural basin evolution. scale salt tectonics concepts and improved interpretation templates for
Thus, salt structures can potentially be used as a proxy for the salt structures and their depositional systems. Knowledge gained from
depositional environment, salt thickness and basement topography. these studies is especially relevant for exploration in the slope and
deepwater areas of frontier basins with good seismic data coverage
Implications for Exploration in Frontier Basins but limited well data. ■
The strength of our new generation of scaled analogue experiments is the
realistic simulation of the important geological processes of salt basin Acknowledgements
evolution, including sedimentation, on the appropriate time-scales of We would like to thank the Canadian Foundation of Innovation, the
passive margin evolution. The new generation of analogue experiments Atlantic Innovation Foundation, the National Science and Engineering
successfully simulate the first-order features of the passive margin salt Research Council of Canada, the Petroleum Research Atlantic Canada
basins from the early post-rift salt mobilisation to the late post-rift and Schlumberger for their support of the Analogue Model
allochthonous salt canopy/nappe system. The derived mechanical Deformation Laboratory at Dalhousie University and financial and
concepts significantly improve the regional, basin-scale interpretation of technical support of the studies.
1. Shimeld J, A comparison of salt tectonic sub-provinces 5. Mohriak WU, Macedo JM, Castellani RT, et al., Salt Tectonics image correlation techniques, Journal of Structural Geology,
beneath the Scotian Slope and Laurentian Fan. In: Post PJ, and Structural Styles in the Deep-Water Province of the Cabo 2005;27:
Olson DL, Lyons KT, et al. (eds), Salt-sediment interactions and Frio Region, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In: Jackson MPA, Roberts 283–301.
hydrocarbon prospectivity: Concepts, applications and case studies DG, Snelson S (eds), Salt tectonics: a global perspective, AAPG 10. Adam J, Krezsek C, Grujic D, Thin-skinned extension, salt
for the 21st century, 24th Annual GCSSEPM Foundation, Bob Memoir, 1995;65:273–304. dynamics and deformation in dynamic depositional systems
F Perkins Research Conference Proceedings, 2004;291–306. 6. Jackson MPA, Retrospective Salt Tectonics. In: Jackson MPA, at passive margins, 8th SEGJ International Symposium
2. Duval B, Cramez C, Jackson MPA, Raft tectonics in the Roberts DG, Snelson S (eds), Salt tectonics: a global Conference Proceedings, 2006;6.
Kwanza Basin, Angola, Marine and Petroleum Geology, perspective, AAPG Memoir, 1995;65:1–28. 11. Adam J, Krezsek C, MacDonald C, et al., Basin-scale salt
1992;9:389–404. 7. Jackson MPA, Talbot CJ, Advances in Salt Tectonics. In: tectonic processes at the North-Central Scotian Margin:
3. Diegel FA, Karlo JF, Schuster DC, et al., Cenozoic Structural Hancock P (ed.), Continental Deformation, London: Pergamon Insights from integrated regional 2D seismic interpretation
Evolution and Tectono-Stratigraphic Framework of the Press, 1994;159–79. and 4D physical experiments, AAPG Annual Convention,
Northern Gulf Coast Continental Margin. In: Jackson MPA, 8. Fort X, Brun JP, Chauvel F, Salt tectonics on the Angolan San Antonio, Texas, 2008.
Roberts DG, Snelson S (eds), Salt tectonics: a global margin, synsedimentary deformation processes, AAPG 12. Krezsek C, Adam J, Grujic D (eds), Mechanics of fault/rollover
perspective, AAPG Memoir, 1995;65:109–51. Bulletin, 2004;88:1523–44. systems developed on passive margins detached on salt: Insights
4. Wade JA, MacLean BC, Williams GL, Mesozoic and Cenozoic 9. Adam J, Urai JL, Wieneke B, et al., Shear localisation and from analogue modelling and optical strain monitoring:
stratigraphy, eastern Scotian Shelf: new interpretations, strain distribution during tectonic faulting—new insights Structurally Complex Reservoirs, London: Geological Society,
Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, 1995;32:1462–73. from granular-flow experiments and high-resolution optical Special Publications, 2007;292:103–21.
EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION – OIL & GAS REVIEW 2008 – VOLUME 6 ISSUE II
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