Migrated hybrid turbidite-contourite channel-lobe complex of the late Eocene Rovuma Basin, East Africa

Lu, Yuanzheng; Luan, Xiwu; Shi, Boqing; Ran, Weimin; Lü, Fuliang; Wang, Xiujuan; Cao, Quanbin; Xu, Xiaoyong; Sun, Huiyu; G, Yao

doi:10.1007/s13131-021-1750-1

Cited by 9 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 83 publications

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“…The migration pattern of single lobes in this study was probably mainly caused by a previous synchronous interaction of bottom currents and turbidity currents, which resulted in the formation of asymmetric channel‐levee systems, as suggested by previous results in the study area (Fonnesu et al., 2020; Lu et al., 2021; Sansom, 2018). Bottom currents deflect turbidity currents to the north, resulting in higher terrain to the north and channel migration in the upstream direction of bottom currents (Figure 13; Fonnesu et al., 2020).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 78%

Sedimentary architecture of submarine lobes affected by bottom currents: Insights from the Rovuma Basin offshore East Africa

Chen,

Wu,

Wang

et al. 2023

Basin Research

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The influence of bottom currents on submarine channels has been widely recognized, for instance, by the formation of asymmetric channel‐levee systems and drifts. In contrast, it is often considered that submarine lobes can be only reworked by strong bottom currents and are not affected by bottom currents during their deposition. In this study, we analyse the potential effect of bottom currents on different hierarchical lobe architectures that formed during the lower Oligocene in the Rovuma Basin offshore East Africa. We characterize the stacking patterns, morphology and connectivity of different hierarchy lobes using well data and three‐dimensional seismic data. We found no direct influence of bottom currents on the lobe complexes and single lobes that show a unidirectional stacking pattern that is opposite to the direction of bottom currents. Lobe elements in single lobes display vertical accretion with no obvious relationship with bottom currents. Additionally, the first deposited single lobe morphology presents an asymmetric shape, with a thicker lobe margin on the downstream side of the bottom currents, but this is due to an initial low topography on the downstream side rather than bottom currents. The architectural distribution reflects that the topography present before the depositions of the submarine lobes was controlled by previous asymmetrical channel‐levee systems formed by the synchronous interaction of bottom currents and gravity flows. This asymmetric topography controls the subsequent deposition of lobes and results in the migration of single lobes in the upstream direction of bottom currents. Although weak to moderate bottom currents may not be able to substantially rework submarine lobes, our results demonstrate that they may control the geometry and evolution of submarine channels and thus indirectly affect the thickness and migration of lobes in more environments than previously thought.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 78%

Sedimentary architecture of submarine lobes affected by bottom currents: Insights from the Rovuma Basin offshore East Africa

Chen,

Wu,

Wang

et al. 2023

Basin Research

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“…A large amount of oil and gas has been discovered in the Ruvuma Basin and the Tanzania Basin in East Africa, as well as in the Rakhine Basin in Myanmar [14,63]. The reservoir is mainly composed of river-channel and turbidite sandstones, shaped through the combined effects of gravity flow and bottom flow.…”

Section: Efficient Systems For Oil and Gas Migrationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…They are formed by the migration and stacking of sedimentary units from distinct periods, showcasing complex vertical changes and strong heterogeneity. For instance, the Paleogene reservoirs in the Luwuma Basin of East Africa are mainly composed of channel and cluster sedimentation [63,64]. Due to the simultaneous influence of bottom flow during sedimentation, turbidite sand bodies in this area have evolved into high-quality reservoirs with pure sand and favorable petrophysical properties.…”

Section: Efficient Systems For Oil and Gas Migrationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characteristics of Deepwater Oil and Gas Distribution along the Silk Road and Their Controlling Factors

Wang,

Liang,

Zhao

et al. 2024

Water

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Deepwater regions have emerged as pivotal domains for global oil and gas exploration and development, serving as strategic alternatives to conventional resources. The Silk Road region is distinguished by its abundant oil and gas reserves and stands as a leading arena for worldwide exploration and development in the oil and gas sector. Since 2012, a series of atmospheric fields have been discovered in the deep sea of the Luwuma Basin and the Tanzania Basin, with cumulative recoverable reserves reaching 4.4 × 1012 and 8.3 × 1011 m3, including multiple oil and gas fields ranking among the top ten global discoveries at that time. Profound advancements have been achieved in the exploration of deepwater oil and gas reserves along the Silk Road. However, deepwater oil and gas exploration presents challenges, such as high development costs and risks, leading to certain areas remaining underexplored and exhibiting a relatively low level of exploration activity, thereby hinting at considerable untapped potential. Deepwater sedimentary basins along the Silk Road predominantly adhere to a distribution pattern characterized as “one horizontal and one vertical”. The “horizontal” dimension refers to the deepwater basin grouping within the Neo-Tethys tectonic domain, primarily extending from east to west. Conversely, the “vertical” dimension denotes the deepwater basin grouping along the East African continental margin, predominantly extending from north to south. Recent discoveries of deepwater oil and gas reserves validate the presence of foundational elements within Silk Road basins conducive to the formation of substantial oil and gas reservoirs and the establishment of efficient migration pathways. Despite these achievements, exploration activities in deepwater oil and gas resources along the Silk Road remain relatively limited. Future exploration endeavors in deepwater regions will predominantly focus on identifying structural and lithological traps. In the deepwater areas of the Bay of Bengal, the emphasis is on lithological traps formed by Neogene turbidite sandstone deposits. In the deepwater regions of Pakistan, the focus shifts to lithological traps emerging from Neogene bio-reefs and river-channel sandstone accumulations. Along the deepwater coastline of East Africa, the focus is on lithological traps formed by nearshore Mesozoic–Cenozoic bio-reefs and seafloor turbidite sandstone formations. Within the deepwater regions of Southeast Asia, the primary objective is to locate large structural-type oil and gas fields. Analyzing the characteristics of oil and gas discoveries in deepwater areas aims to enhance the theory of the control of the formation of deepwater oil and gas, providing valuable insights for predicting future exploration directions.

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“…One such study focused on the "Y" Field in the Niger Delta, and used 3D seismic data and well log information to map reservoir properties such as thickness, net-to-gross ratio, pore fluid, porosity, permeability, and water saturation [11] [12]. Another study addressed sedimentology and reservoir modeling in the Rovuma Basin of East Africa, with a specific emphasis on deep-water gravity sediment systems, submarine channels, and lobes [13]. Further studies have examined facies, netto-gross ratios, clay volume, porosity, and permeability based on core data, modeling stacked turbidite channels in Angola and identifying collapse margin deposits as primary barriers to permeability [14].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Turbidite Dynamics and Hydrocarbon Reservoir Formation in the Tano Basin: A Coastal West African Perspective

Appiah,

Danuor,

Bedu-Addo

et al. 2024

IJG

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This study examines the turbidite dynamics and hydrocarbon reservoir formation in Ghana's Tano Basin, which is located in coastal West Africa. Through an exploration of geological processes spanning millions of years, we uncover key factors shaping hydrocarbon accumulation, including source rock richness, temperature, pressure, and geological structures. The research offers valuable insights applicable to exploration, management, and sustainable resource exploitation in coastal West Africa. It facilitates the identification of exploration targets with higher hydrocarbon potential, enables the anticipation of reservoir potential within the Tano Basin, and assists in tailoring exploration and management strategies to specific geological conditions of the Tano Basin. Analysis of fluvial channels sheds light on their impact on landscape formation and hydrocarbon exploration. The investigation into turbidite systems unveils intricate interactions involving tectonics, sea-level fluctuations, and sedimentation patterns, influencing the development of reservoirs. An understanding of sediment transport and depositional settings is essential for efficient reservoir management. Geomorphological features, such as channels, submarine canyons, and distinct channel types, are essential in this situation. A detailed examination of turbidite channel structures, encompassing canyons, channel complexes, convex channels, and U-shaped channels, provides valuable insights and aids in identifying exploration targets like basal lag, channel levees, and lobes. These findings underscore the enduring significance of turbidite systems as conduits for sediment transport, contributing to enhanced reservoir management and efficient hydrocarbon production. The study also highlights how important it is to examine the configuration of sedimentary layers, stacking patterns, and angular laminated facies to identify turbidites, understand reservoir distribution, and improve

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Migrated hybrid turbidite-contourite channel-lobe complex of the late Eocene Rovuma Basin, East Africa

Cited by 9 publications

References 83 publications

Sedimentary architecture of submarine lobes affected by bottom currents: Insights from the Rovuma Basin offshore East Africa

Sedimentary architecture of submarine lobes affected by bottom currents: Insights from the Rovuma Basin offshore East Africa

Characteristics of Deepwater Oil and Gas Distribution along the Silk Road and Their Controlling Factors

Turbidite Dynamics and Hydrocarbon Reservoir Formation in the Tano Basin: A Coastal West African Perspective

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