The evolution of tectonic, channel-levee and submarine-fan system in deep-sea environment

Presenter: Kang-Nien Shen

Date: 2015/12/10

Abstract

Submarine bathymetry in convergent plate boundary is composed by shelf, slope and basin. Tectonic deformation and sediment supply within subduction zone are in condition of dynamic interaction.

Sediment is transported by submarine canyon-channel system from hinterland to deep-sea environment. Submarine fan is formed by channel-levee system. According to different regions, there are different sedimentary processes and environments. Submarine fan consists of three parts: upper fan, middle fan and lower fan. Submarine fans have four types based on tectonic setting including immature passive-margin, mature passive-margin, active-margin and mixed-setting fan. Submarine topography controls sediment gravity-flow by bypass or localizing sediment deposition. Turbidite development primarily depends on tectonic deformation and topography.

This study used log and seismic data to understand the relationship of tectonic activity and sedimentary processes. The interpretation of these data may help us to determinate the turbidity-reservoir and migration path of gas-hydrate, oil and free-gas.

 

Reference

Barnes, P. M., Lamarche, G., Bialas, J., Henrys, S., Pecher, I., Netzeband, G. L., Greinert, J., Mountjoy, J. J., Pedley, K., & Crutchley, G. (2010) Tectonic and geological framework for gas hydrates and cold seeps on the Hikurangi subduction margin, New Zealand.Marine Geology272(1), 26-48.

 

Covault, J. A., & Graham, S. A. (2008) Turbidite architecture in proximal foreland basin-system deep-water depocenters: insights from the Cenozoic of Western Europe. Austrian Journal of Earth Sciences101, 36-51.

 

Shanmugam, G., & Moiola, R. J. (1988) Submarine fans: characteristics, models, classification, and reservoir potential. Earth-Science Reviews24(6), 383-428.