资源环境科技发展态势分析平台

We used high-quality three-dimensional (3-D) seismic data to quantify the timing and magnitude of differential compaction over a Late Miocene submarine channel complex in SE Brazil (Espirito Santo Basin). A thickness-relief method was applied to quantify the thickness variations in strata deposited over the channel complex. We found that differential compaction started after the channel complex was buried by similar to 200 m of strata, as revealed by thinning horizons observed over a compaction-related anticline. The size of the anticline is greatest in the south of the study area, reaching heights of 41 ms (similar to 50 m). Fluid expelled through faults on the margins of the channel complex formed large depressions. These depressions increased in size after deep-water currents removed the fluid-rich sediment filling them. Differential compaction also occurred over deposits downslope of knickpoints, reaching maximum heights of 29 ms (similar to 35 m). Seismic reflections onlap the knickpoint face and are believed to comprise slumped strata and debrites. Two-way travel-time isochron and amplitude maps indicate that there are limited connectivity and lateral continuity of the coarse-grained units. Differential compaction over these deposits created anticlines with four-way dip closure. As a consequence, isolated reservoirs were closed vertically by the compaction anticlines and laterally by strata onlapping the knickpoint face. These unique reservoirs could have been charged by migration of hydrocarbons along sands at the base of the channel complex. A fill-to-spill model is hypothesized using the above mechanism: Once an isolated anticlinal trap reached spill point, hydrocarbons migrated upslope into the next trap. Traps like these could form above submarine channels in similar basins around the world (e.g., Gulf of Mexico, west coast of Africa) after early burial.