Abstract Forward seismic models of outcrop analogues are used in hydrocarbon exploration to generate more coherent geological–geophysical models that provide an important scale link between outcrops and seismic survey data. Exploration within slope carbonate plays can be problematic with uncertainties about the reservoir geometries, distribution and volumes owing to complex seismic imaging and lack of closely spaced wells. This seismic modelling study provides a synthetic seismic characterization of the carbonate platform-to-slope-to-basin transition exposed across the Maiella Mountain, central Italy. This outcrop represents an analogue for exploration in carbonate slope strata in the Adriatic offshore area. Integration of original and previously published data allows 2D and 3D geological modelling, providing a better characterization of relationships between the palaeoescarpment and resedimented deposits. The seismic response of the various geological features of this transitional carbonate system is simulated via synthetic seismic modelling using innovative, modern techniques. The seismic simulation was performed in both post-stack-time- and pre-stack-depth-migrated domains. These synthetic seismic models help in understanding and predicting the seismic architecture and character of the palaeoescarpment and resedimented slope deposits.

Abstract Deformation predictive methods are useful for structural analysis from the scientific and industry point of view. We apply a strain simulation technique based on the inclusion of graphical strain markers in a cross;-section, and subsequent cross-section restoration and numerical processing of strain markers, to the seismic-scale Maiella Mountain anticline (Central Apennines, Italy) considered a carbonate reservoir analogue for Apennines oil fields. The procedure followed involves field mapping and structural data collection, construction of cross-sections, sequential cross-section restoration, and application of the strain simulation technique. The cross-sections presented were constructed adopting one of the various structural interpretations proposed for this structure by different authors. According to this interpretation the Maiella Mountain structure resulted from Messinian–Early Pliocene extension and subsequent Late Pliocene shortening. According to our structural model the Maiella structure is a break-thrust fold and the comparison between the present-day and the restored cross-sections yields 1.3–4.6% of extension associated with two main normal faults and 21.5–22.1% and 2.5–3.4% of shortening due to a major thrust and folding respectively. The simulation of deformation distribution shows high deformation intensity in both limbs and low deformation in the anticline crest and part of the thrust footwall.

Abstract The superposition of structures produced by different tectonic phases is common in sedimentary basins. Yet the earlier structures often remain overlooked with potentially negative exploration consequences. In the Maiella anticline, Pliocene compression has folded carbonate sequences containing Cretaceous extensional structures. The geometry and evolution of the Apulian carbonate platform margin outcropping on the Maiella Mountain are described by two opposing groups of models. One proposes a structurally controlled platform margins cut by syn-sedimentary Cretaceous faults; the other assumes a passive Cretaceous palaeo-escarpments progressively filled by Cretaceous to Tertiary sediments later deformed by the Pliocene compression. Assuming models in line with either one of these two groups has significant implications for exploration plays on both platforms and adjacent basins of analogous subsurface systems. These include: hypothesized margin geometries; sediment transport mechanisms (directions and distribution); size of sequences; type and size of traps and associated exploration targets, risks and uncertainties. We demonstrate that during the Late Cretaceous the platform margin was cut by normal faults which controlled the palaeogeography of the platform and the sediment input into the adjacent basin in which thick, resedimented, carbonate megabreccia and turbidites were deposited. These carbonates represent exploration targets in similar settings worldwide.