Seismic Geomorphology: Subsurface Analyses, Data Integration and Palaeoenvironment Reconstructions

The spatial extent and quality of seismic and subsurface datasets have substantially improved in recent years due to traditional hydrocarbon activities and the emergence of green technologies like offshore wind. This Special Publication investigates the opportunities for (re)investigating past environments using seismic geomorphology and its integration with other datasets.
3D seismic analysis of Cenozoic slope deposits and fluid-flow phenomena along the Nigerian Transform Margin
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Published:March 15, 2024
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CiteCitation
Oluwatobi Olobayo, Mads Huuse, 2024. "3D seismic analysis of Cenozoic slope deposits and fluid-flow phenomena along the Nigerian Transform Margin", Seismic Geomorphology: Subsurface Analyses, Data Integration and Palaeoenvironment Reconstructions, A. M. W. Newton, K. J. Andresen, K. J. Blacker, R. Harding, E. Lebas
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Abstract
3D seismic data provide new insights on c. 2 km thick Cenozoic post-transform slope sediments and fluid-flow phenomena along the Nigerian Transform Margin. The study documents large-scale mass-transport deposits (MTDs), deep-water channels, sediment waves, and a range of fluid-flow phenomena such as pockmarks, pipes, seabed mound and gas hydrates. They are observed from Pliocene-aged sediments and distributed above structural highs, regional faults, and active and relict deep-water channels in the eastern part of the area, closest to the Niger Delta cone. The fluid-flow features are interpreted to be indicative of an active petroleum system in the deeper subsurface and from fluid migration along planes of deep-seated faults. MTDs are mapped at multiple levels and the volume of failed sediments increased through time within the western part of the study area. The repeated and increased volume of MTDs in the area is attributed to an increased rate of sedimentation through time and slope gradient during the late Cenozoic. The presence of repeated MTDs and fluid-flow phenomena on the Nigerian Transform Margin has implications for installations of offshore facilities as they constitute potential geohazards. The study also documents, for the first time, polygonal fault systems offshore Nigeria.
- Africa
- bedding plane irregularities
- bottom features
- bottom-simulating reflectors
- Cenozoic
- channels
- continental slope
- fluid flow
- fractures
- gas hydrates
- geophysical methods
- geophysical profiles
- geophysical surveys
- mass movements
- mounds
- Neogene
- Niger Delta
- Nigeria
- ocean floors
- Pliocene
- pockmarks
- polygonal fractures
- reflection methods
- sand waves
- sedimentary structures
- seismic methods
- seismic profiles
- sequence stratigraphy
- style
- surveys
- Tertiary
- three-dimensional models
- West Africa
- mass transport deposits
- Nigerian transform margin