SUBMARINE-FAN SYSTEMS - I - CHARACTERIZATION AND STRATIGRAPHIC PREDICTION

Submarine-fan and related deep-marine elastic systems such as submarin e ramps and slope aprons are important hydrocarbon reservoirs in many parts of the world. The origin and character of these systems reflect a complex interplay between a range of autocyclic and allocyclic contr ols including sea-level fluctuations, basinal tectonics and the rate, type and nature of sediment supply. These controls are commonly interd ependent. This paper reviews the characteristics which distinguish dif ferent submarine-fans and their subsurface prediction, then proposes a classification framework for fans which discriminates between differe nt systems on the basis of their fundamental controls. The proposed cl assification is discussed in terms of its value as a predictive tool i n hydrocarbon exploration, development and production. A modus operand i is developed which uses the classification for reservoir description and prediction and involves three stages of investigation: basin scre ening, fan delineation and fan characterization. Each stage demands th e integration of a range of tools and techniques including sequence st ratigraphy, seismic facies analysis, seismic redisplay and geophysical modeling. These stages of analysis are linked, in turn, with core and wireline log data to constrain the range of possible fan types within a basin-fill and assess the implications for reservoir seal and trap development. This structured approach to stratigraphic analysis is als o valuable in constraining the range of reservoir architectural option s in appraisal, development and production. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.