HR: 12:05h
AN: OS32A-08    [Abstracts]
TI: Relative Influence of Extrinsic and Intrinsic Controls at Different Time and Length Scales in Deep-Water Channel-Levee Systems
AU: * Grove, M S
EM: matt.grove@exxonmobil.com
AF: ExxonMobil Production Company, 800 Bell St., Houston, TX 77002, United States
AU: Hoyal, D C
EM: david.c.hoyal@exxonmobil.com
AF: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company, P.O. Box 2189, Houston, TX 77252, United States
AU: Sheets, B A
EM: benjamin.a.sheets@exxonmobil.com
AF: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company, P.O. Box 2189, Houston, TX 77252, United States
AU: Abreu, V
EM: vitor.abreu@exxonmobil.com
AF: ExxonMobil Exploration Company, 233 Benmar, Houston, TX 77060, United States
AU: Sprague, A R
EM: anthony.r.sprague@exxonmobil.com
AF: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company, P.O. Box 2189, Houston, TX 77252, United States
AB: The evolution of deep-water depositional systems is influenced by a variety of extrinsic and intrinsic controls acting over a broad range of time and length scales. Recognition of the relative influence of these various controls is essential for proper characterization of deep-water depositional systems. At longer time and length scales, extrinsic forcing mechanisms dominate, forming relatively extensive surface-bounded units of genetically related sediments. Conversely, at shorter time and length scales, the primary forcing mechanisms tend to be intrinsic and exert local influence. These intrinsic controls are dominated by the interaction of the sediment-gravity flow with the bed surface and result in the formation of morphodynamic features. Interpretation of deep-water channel-levee systems from regional to bed-set scale reveals discreet stratigraphic units with predictable vertical variations in grain-size and stratigraphic architecture. Larger units are bounded by regional to sub-regional, chronostratigraphically significant surfaces indicating controls acting over large areas for relatively long periods of time. Within these larger stratigraphic units, a variety of morphodynamic features are observed which are formed over relatively short length and time scales. Effective interpretation and characterization of stratigraphic architecture requires proper definition of a chronostratigraphic framework, as well as an understanding of the morphodynamic processes resulting in the final, preserved deposit. Definition of a stratigraphic framework relies on the well established seismic stratigraphic methodology to identify and map key surfaces with regional to sub-regional significance. Within the context of the stratigraphic framework, morphodynamic principles and depositional element interpretation provide improved reservoir characterization. The combination of these two methodologies enables improved understanding of the depositional system by integrating the full range of controls and processes acting on the system.
DE: 3002 Continental shelf and slope processes (4219)
SC: Ocean Sciences [OS]
MN: 2007 Fall Meeting