Analysis of Niger Delta Growth Faults in 3-D Coherency Data: Integrating Tectonics and Sedimentology

Stefan Back, Geologisches Institut, RWTH Aachen, Wüllnerstr. 2, 52062 Aachen, Germany, phone: 0049-241-8093617, back@geol.rwth-aachen.de, Marius B. Brundiers, Jean Lutz SA, 2 rue du Forbeth, 64110 Jurane, France, Christian Höcker, Shell International E&P, 2288 GD Rijswijk, Netherlands, and Peter A. Kukla, RWTH Aachen, 52062 Aachen, Germany.

We describe a 3-D seismic interpretation technique that supports a detailed analysis of the sedimentary and tectonic development of deltaic units affected by growth faults, based on a case study from the shallow-offshore Niger Delta. The study area comprises four fault blocks bounded by a set of kilometre-scale, basinward-dipping, synsedimentary normal faults. Each fault block exhibits a unique stratigraphic signature, making seismic and well-log correlations across the growth faults difficult.

The problem of unambiguous horizon mapping was largely overcome by a systematic bottom-to-top visualization and interpretation of coherence horizon-slice data: mapview detection of matching seismic-sedimentological features (e.g. channels) that extend from one fault block into another enabled the establishment of sedimentology-controlled links between the diverse footwall and hanging-wall growth stratigraphy. The workflow and interpretation results presented should be considered when undertaking integrated subsurface sedimentology- and lithology-prediction studies in growth-faulted deltaics, as well as for the analysis and modelling of synsedimentary fault kinematics.

Evolving Stratigraphic Techniques and Interpretation II
2005 AAPG International Conference and Exhibition (September 11-14, 2005) Technical Program