Armentrout, 2/25/08

Interpretation of Regional Seismic Reflection Profile: Stratigraphy and Facies

Integrated Stratigraphic Analysis

for

Gravity-Flow System Play Recognition

Correlation using the Maximum Flooding Surface

John M. Armentrout
Cascade Stratigraphics, Inc
20060 SE Highway 224
Damascus, Oregon 97089
jarmenrock@mac.com

Northern Gulf of Mexico

Offshore Texas and Louisiana
Late Pliocene Lowstand Systems Tracts
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Data Location
Texas Louisiana Mississippi
N

Galveston
Bay New
Houston Orleans

Galveston High
Island

Galveston
South High Is. Seismic Reflection Profile
South

East Breaks

0 50 Mi Modified after Armentrout, 1996

Permission to use from Geological Society of London
0 80 Km
Figure 1. The data set consists of a regional seismic reflection profile and four wells from the outer continental shelf and
uppermost slope settings south of Galveston Bay, offshore Texas. The Plio/Pleistocene history of this study area consists
of multiple cycles of coastal plain and shelf facies that have prograded basinward over upper-slope, deeper water
environments. Figures 2 through 6 provide an overview of this exercise. Subsequently, each topic is more fully explained.
Armentrout, 2/25/08
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Fossil Abundance Events

Concentration vs Dilution Events Species Observed
C Concentration
Basic Assumption: Each 10 m well-cutting sample
represents hundreds to thousands of years of D Dilution
sedimentation. C
Thus, biological cycles of productivity are averaged D

Cutting Samples -- Measured Depth

in each sample.
Fossil abundances are interpreted as a relative C
measure of rate of sediment accumulation and may
reflect cycles of sea level change affecting proximity D
to a sediment supply.
C
D
Figure 14. Abundance data is derived from the
C
estimations of the relative number of specimens of each
species in the washed cuttings samples. This requires
carefully prepared samples of equal volume and internally D
consistent procedures for estimation, such as number of
C
field of view per sample and a uniform set of categories
(rare, few, common, abundant). For species with rare to
few numbers, actual counts would be made, but very D
common to abundant species would most often simply be
estimated.
C
The data set shown in this figure consists of more than
130 species inventoried in every other 10m (30ft) sample
through more than 2000m (6460ft) of section. The Bright spots = high abundance
abundant species are indicated by the bright box with
Dim spots = lower abundance
progressively dimmer boxes for fewer numbers per
sample. Areas of brightness indicate intervals with lots Dark areas = no fossils
C
of fossils, thus concentration intervals, versus those with Modified after Armentrout (1991; Fig. 7.5)
With kind permission of Springer Science and Business Media
few that are dim intervals, dilutions.
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Foram Bioevents Age Fossil

Extinction Events = Tops
Benthic

Regionally tested 0.53 Ma

first down-hole Trimosina denticulata = Trim A
occurrence datum
Benthic

Figure 11. The four fossils illustrated here

are the four used for correlation throughout 1.0 Ma Hyalinea balthica = Hyal B
the exercise. These fossils have a last
evolutionary extinction event that is
diagnostic of geologic time, and the fossils
occur with enough geographic distribution Planktonic
to be useful in correlation. Planktonic forms
are typically more widely distributed and
less environmentally influenced than
benthic forms but all first occurrences must
be evaluated for occurrence independent of 2.2 Ma
biofacies (see Armentrout, 1996).
Globorotalia miocenica = Glob M
Assignment of absolute ages to each
bioevent are based on detailed correlations
with the geologic time scale and will change Planktonic
as the time scale is modified [compare Haq
et al. (1988), Berggren et al. (1995) and de
Graciansky et al. (1999)].
Modified after Armentrout (1991; Fig. 7.11)
2.8 Ma
With kind permission of Springer Science and Business Media Globoquadrina altispira = Glob alt
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

The Check-List Names of Species Observed

Observational Data Base
The record of observations First down-hole
based on sample examination occurrences
under magnification

Cutting Samples -- Measured Depth

Trim A
Figure 12. Fossil occurrence in well-cutting
samples is often remarkably abundant in deeper Pseudo lac
water shales. Careful examination of at least every
other sample, with infill where useful, provides a Hyal B
data base for age and biofacies analyses, and
statistical analysis of abundance patterns. Each
species observed is plotted at the depth of
occurrence along with a symbol showing its Ang E-1
relative abundance (common = bright box; rare =
dim box). Time-significant bioevents are noted.
The checklist, shown for the 160-3 well from
middle and upper bathyal paleowater depth Glob H
shales, records the foraminiferal occurrences for Calc Mac
more than 130 species through 2000 m (6460 ft) of
Pliocene and Pleistocene sediment.
Collecting detailed data of this type from the
first several wells in new exploration areas is Glob M
essential for building high confidence age models
and facies calibration for depositional
environment interpretation. Subsequent wells can
be studied in a less detailed manner with results Chris N
compared with the subregional stratigraphic
framework. Further biostratigraphic analyses can Modified after Armentrout (1991; Fig. 7.5)
be tailored to address very specific local needs Glob alt With kind permission of Springer Science
with increased cost effectiveness. and Business Media
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Biostratigraphic Correlation: Three Bioevents

Well 160-3 Well A218-1 Well A158-1 Well A70-1
Gamma Biofacies Foram. Nanno. Gamma Biofacies Foram. Nanno. Well A158-1
Gamma Biofacies Foram. Nanno. Gamma Biofacies Foram. Nanno.
Time (sec)
Two-Way

Bathyal
Ray Abund. Abund.
Depth (ft)

Bathyal
Bathyal

Bathyal
Ray Abund. Abund. Ray Abund. Abund. Ray Abund. Abund.

Neritic

Neritic

Neritic

Neritic
(ohms) (ohms) (ohmns) (ohms)

1200

1200

1200

1200
200

600

200

600

200

600

200

600
20

20

20

20
I I MO UML I I MO UML I I MO UML I I MOUML

0
0

0
0.2 574 Trimosina denticulata
= 0.53 Ma (BF)

0.4 1076

0.6 1587
Angulogerina sp. E-1
= 1.45 Ma (BF)
0.8 2180

Globoratalia miocenica
1.0 2716 = 2.2 Ma (BF)

1.2 3331

1.4 3990

1.6 4682

1.8 5417

Modified after Armentrout, 1996

2.0 6128 Permission to use from Geological Society of London

2.2 6888

Figure 13. The abundance data, shown above as histograms for both total foraminifera and total nannoplankton, can be
2.4 7666
summed for each sample as a proxy for relative rate of sediment accumulation. The assumption is made that since each 10
m (30 ft) cutting sample represents thousands of years, the fossils recovered represent an averaged signal of all the
2.6 8404
composited biological variably that occurred during that time interval. Thus, the abundance peaks are interpreted as
concentration events due to relatively slow rates of sediment accumulation, and abundance troughs are interpreted as
dilution events due to high rates of sediment accumulation. This makes good geologic sense as the A70-1 well which is
sand-rich with few fossils was deposited in shallow paleowater depths closer to the northern sediment supply; in contrast
the 160-3 well is both mud-rich and fossil-rich reflecting deposition in deep paleowater depths much further basinward.
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Well Panels for Correlation Exercise: Two-Way Time Displays

Well 160-3 Well A218-1 Well A158-1 Well A70-1
Well 160-3 -- Mobil Biofacies Biofacies Biofacies Biofacies
Bathyal Neritic Well A218-1 -- Amoco Well A158-1 Mobil Well A70-1 -- Mobil
Bathyal Neritic Bathyal Neritic Bathyal Neritic
East Breaks Area Galveston Area South Galveston Area South Galveston Area South

Middle

Middle
Middle

Middle

Middle
Middle

Middle

Middle
Lower

Upper

Upper
Lower

Upper
Lower

Upper
Lower
Outer

Outer

Outer
Inner

Outer
Inner

Inner

Inner
TVD (ft) TWT TVD (ft) TWT TVD (ft) TWT TVD (ft) TWT

1000 TA
1000 0.4 1000 0.4 0.4 1000 0.4
TA
2000 2000 HB
2000 0.8 0.8 0.8 2000 0.8
TA
HB
TA 3000 GM 3000
3000
3000
1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
4000 4000
4000
4000
HB GM GA
1.6 5000 1.6 5000 1.6 5000 1.6
HB 5000
6000 6000
6000
6000 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
GM GM 7000 7000
7000 GA
7000
2.4 2.4 8000 2.4 8000 2.
8000 8000 4
GA
GA

Sands Sands Sands Sands

Figure 8. The well data available for this exercise includes the occurrence of sands recognized in well cuttings and on
electric logs, four age significant bioevents (color coded yellow-blue-green-red) and the interpreted paleowater depths
based on environmentally sensitive foraminiferal biofacies assemblages. Note that the abundant sands in the A70-1 well
are associated with predominantly neritic (shallower than 200 m or 600 ft) water depths. In contrast, the 160-3 well has very
few sands associated with middle and upper bathyal (deeper then 200 m or 600 ft) water depth. The two intermediate wells
show the transition from sandy shallower facies to mud dominated deeper facies.
Note that both well depth (TVD = true vertical depth) and two-way time (TWT) are shown for each well. Samples
collected during drilling are labeled with the drilling depth. Correlation of well data to the seismic reflection data requires a
careful interpretation of seismic velocity through the different strata imaged and conversion of depth to two-way time.
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Bioevents Correlate with Abundance Peaks

Well 160-3 Well A218-1 Well A158-1 Well A70-1
Basinward
Gamma Biofacies Foram. Nanno. Gamma Biofacies Foram. Nanno. Well A158-1
Gamma Biofacies Foram. Nanno. Gamma Biofacies Foram. Nanno. Landward
Time (sec)
Two-Way

Bathyal
Ray Abund. Abund.
Depth (ft)

Bathyal
Bathyal

Bathyal
Ray Abund. Abund. Ray Abund. Abund. Ray Abund. Abund.

Neritic

Neritic

Neritic

Neritic
(ohms) (ohms) (ohms) (ohms)

1200

1200
1200

1200
200

600

600
200

200

600

200

600
20

20

20

20
I I MO UML I I MO UML I I MO UML I I MOUML

0
0

0
0.2 574
Deep

? ?
0.4 1076 Shallow

NN
0.6 1587

0.8 2180 ?
1.0 2716 NN
1.2 3331

1.4 3990

1.6 4682

1.8 5417

2.0 6128
16 (+4?) of 24 cases
2.2 6888 ? Modified after Armentrout, 1996
Permission to use from Geological Society of London

Figure
2.4 766618. In most cases, age-significant bioevent species occur within fossil abundance peaks coincident with regional
shales deposited during maximum transgressive phase of relative sea level. In the above data set, sixteen (checks; red for
forams;
2.6 8404 green for nannoplankton) indicate that the bioevent horizon (yellow, blue or green) occurs with an abundance
peak. Four additional occurrences are not clearly defined (?) and four (N) do not occur with definable abundance peaks. In
the A70-1 well the blue and green horizons have no associated fossil abundance peak (N) but this is in an interval of
abundant sand deposited in relatively shallow paleowater depths. This sand-rich setting precludes occurrence of many
microorganisms and may preclude preservation of fossils. Peak-abundance bioevents are candidates for maximum
flooding surface intervals in Sequence Stratigraphic analysis.
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Fossil Abundance Peaks in Sequence Stratigraphy

Abundance peaks correlated with geographically significant flooding
surfaces; the most significant is the maximum flooding surface.
Sequence Boundary Correlative Conformity
Composite Unconformity of Sequence Boundary
Unconformity
SMST
SB 2

HST 4 Condensed
mfs
mfs
TST Section
Time
Time
Landward 3 Basinward
ivf TS
ivf
LST/pc
Sequence Boundary Shelf-edge 2
Composite Unconformity 1
sft
sft bft
bft
SB 1
HST
Modified after Vail, 1987
Permission to use from AAPG
Correlative Conformity
Area (Distance) of Sequence Boundary
Distance
4. Maximum Flood Surface (furthest landward) Condensed Interval = Regional fossil abundance peak
3. Transgressive Surface (first flood across shelf) Condensed Interval = Planktonic incursion onto shelf
2. Top of Slope Front Thick (Fan)(sft) Condensed Interval = Local abandonment surface
1. Top of Basin Floor Thick (Fan)(bft) Condensed Interval = Local abandonment surface
Figure 19. It is important to note that there are at least four potentially fossil-rich concentration intervals within one
depositional sequence. Each occurs associated with transgression on the top of a specific systems tract or sub-system
tract. The transgression results in relatively less sediment accumulation at a given location. All four are conceptually
within the basinal condensed section (light green), but the maximum flooding surface is the most regionally significant.
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Well Panels for Paleo-Water Depth Interpretation

Biofacies Analysis for Paleowater Depth Interpretation
Well 160-3 Well A218-1 Well A158-1 Well A70-1
Well 160-3 -- Mobil Biofacies Biofacies Biofacies Biofacies
Bathyal Neritic Well A218-1 -- Amoco Well A158-1 Mobil Well A70-1 -- Mobil
Bathyal Neritic Bathyal Neritic Bathyal Neritic
East Breaks Area Galveston Area South Galveston Area South Galveston Area South
Middle

Middle
Middle

Middle

Middle
Middle

Middle
Upper

Middle
Lower

Upper
Lower

Upper
Lower

Upper
Outer

Lower
Outer

Outer
Inner

Outer
Inner

Inner

Inner
TVD (ft) TWT TVD (ft) TWT TVD (ft) TWT TVD (ft) TWT

1000 TA
1000 0.4 1000 0.4 0.4 1000 0.4
TA
2000 2000 HB
2000 0.8 0.8 0.8 2000 0.8
TA
HB
TA 3000 GM 3000
3000
3000
1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
4000 4000
4000
4000
HB GM GA
1.6 5000 1.6 5000 1.6 5000 1.6
HB 5000
6000 6000
6000
6000 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
GM
Basinward GM 7000 7000 Landward
7000 GA
7000
2.4 2.4 8000 2.4 8000 2.4
8000 8000
GA
GA

Sands Sands Sands Sands

Figure 21. On both formats of the well data (above and Fig. 18), the Biofacies columns represent interpretation of
paleowater depth based on environmentally sensitive foraminiferal assemblages. In the panel above the biofacies deepen
right-to-left, from light green to light blue to blue to pink and then red. Within each well there is a shallowing-upward trend.
Between the four wells the shallowest biofacies are landward and the deepest basinward, reflecting the overall
progradation from the landmass of North America southward toward the open Gulf of Mexico.
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Horizon Correlation
S N

0.0 sec

1.0 sec

2.0 sec

Step 4: Continue marking the faults and extend the four horizon
correlations toward the south. It is usually easiest to begin with the 3.0 sec
Onlap
Downlap shallowest and least faulted horizon and then work progressively
Toplap down through the data. Additionally, scroll ahead and bring the four
Convergence horizons north onto this panel from the A218-1 well. By working
back and forth across the faults a plausible correlation can be
Seismic data provided by Western GECO
achieved. 4.0 sec
Figure 36
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Horizon Correlation
S N

0.0 sec

1.0 sec

2.0 sec

Onlap Step 5: Again, carefully mark all significant faults. As the interpretation 3.0 sec
Downlap progresses further south the faults are more numerous and the offset
Toplap facies more variable. Add the bioevents for the A218-1 well, and work
Convergence back-and-forth between the A218-1 and A158-1 wells resolving the pattern
Seismic data provided by Western GECO of fault offset. Extend the correlations further south again working back-
and-forth with the bioevents of the 160-3 well. 4.0 sec
Figure 37
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Horizon Correlation
S N

0.0 sec

1.0 sec

2.0 sec

Onlap
3.0 sec Downlap Step 6: Placement of the bioevents from the 160-1 well require great care
Toplap as the curvilinear strata crossing the well will quickly result in incorrect
Convergence bioevent registration if the alignment of the borehole and intersecting
bioevents are plotted lateral to the correct vertical position (refer to Fig.
Seismic data provided by Western GECO 33). Mark all the significant faults. Using the bioevents, correlate across
Figure 38
the syncline.
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Facies Analysis
Depositional environment identification using biofacies calibration of
seismic facies. Color-coded Seismic Facies
Fill/Mounded Chaotic Drape Clinoform Tabular
Facies Facies Facies Facies Facies

Water Depth (feet)

Deep Sea Level
Shallow

Mid Bathyal
Color-coded

Up Bathyal
Biofacies

Out Neritic
Modified after Armentrout, 1991
Permission to use from Springer-Verlag
0 1 2 3 4 mi
Seismic data provided by Western GECO
0 2 4 6 km
Figure 39. With the faults recognized and the bioevents correlated, the seismic reflection profile has been subdivided into
four packages of relatively coeval intervals, each consisting of the strata deposited between the age significant regional
transgressive shales, the maximum flooding surfaces of sequence stratigraphy. With definition of these time stratigraphic
packages we can initiate interpretation of the contained depositional systems using seismic facies and foraminiferal
biofacies (Figs. 40-51). It is recommended that the seismic facies analysis progress from north to south and from shallow
to deep as the structural complexity and seismic facies are increasingly more complex. In facies analysis it is important to
remember that the lateral succession of depositional environments should be complete, unless these is a discontinuity
such as post-depositional removal by erosion: resulting maps should have a similarity to modern environmental maps.
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Seismic Facies Analysis

Step 10: Compare
7: Annotate
8:
9: Interpret
Between the
the seismic
candidates
seismic
green forfacies
and
facies
red observations
shelf/margins
horizons
within eachare
usingwith
thethe of paleowater
time-stratigraphic
two sets facies
paired
patterns depths
interval,
facies,between
the
from
S the
fromgreen
mound the
sea and and
floor red horizons.
foraminiferal
disrupted.
down; seaThis Based onthat
assemblages at
floor-to-yellow;
suggests the sea floor
A70-1 well.
yellow-to-blue,
there facies
are twoNote
and model
that
cycles the
so forth.of Figures
Note any25 to
green
of sediment facies N
occur
thein
lapout
accumulation
29, association
patterns
inclined infacies
and with
thisannotatemiddle
interval, the and
(? clinoform)
each. inner
upper
occur
Use atneritic
prograding
the color
or verybiofacies
code
further
near forthe(green
seismic
basinward to light
shelf/margin,
facies blue
thanto
and
the =
define
less than
any special
lower.
disrupted 100 m
A candidate
and = 300
packages.
mounded ft)Use
cycle typical
facies
boundaryof shelf
the basinward
foram. environments.
canbiofacies
be of
placed
the for
margin.
between Thethe
an estimate disrupted
two andusing the
of paleo-water
cycles
Deep
mounded
depth andfacies
downlaps of occur
evaluate the in
the upper association
mound
possible with outer
asdepositional
a candidate neritic
setting of and
depositionaleach upper
faciesbathyal
sequence package biofacies
boundary. and
Shallow (dark blue, pink and red = greater than 100 m = 300 ft) suggesting outermost shelf
label each.
0.0 sec
and upper slope environments.
Platform (Shelf) Facies

Note that the biofacies

Platform interpretation,
(Shelf) Facies shown as color polygons at the well
location, deepen toward the left (south); this pattern conforms to the regional
shallowing upwardPlatform (Shelf)
evolution ofFacies
the basin with the northern (USA) sediment supply
1.0 sec
progressively prograding offshore to the south depositing successivly shallower
Disrupted Facies 2
facies up-section. Inclined Facies
Mound
Disrupted Facies ?1
Slope to Basin Facies Mound Shelf/Margin somewhere
North of this location

2.0 sec

Seismic Facies Onlap Depositional

Color Description Setting Downlap Inflection
Continuous; Parallel to Neritic Platform
Divergent; High Amplitude (Shelf) Toplap (Shelf/Margin)
Continuous; Clinoform and Neritic to Bathyal Convergence 3.0 sec
Wedge; High Amplitude Ramp (Slope)
Semi-Continuous; Subparallel Deep Neritic to Bathyal
to Divergent; High Amplitude. Drape (Slope to Basin)
Non-Continuous; Nonparallel Disrupted Facies Seismic data provided by Western GECO
Variable Amplitude Basinward of Platform
0 1 2 3 4 mi
Bidirectional Lapout, Lense to Bathyal Basin Floor
Mound; High Amp. Top Thick (Mound/Fan) 4.0 sec
Figure 40 0 2 4 6 km
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Seismic Facies Analysis

11: Once
Step 12: again,
As with interpret
the Figure 40 the seismic
panel, facies
the base within
of the each
basin package,
floor moundfrom the a
provides
S sea floor
datum fordown. Note
the base ofany lapout patterns
a depositional cycleand
withannotate each;
sediments there are
bypassed several
into just
the basin N
below the green
at relative horizon,
lowstand of seawhich
level.should extend south
This suggests from the A70-1
that progradation haswell across
continued
the top
with theofpotential
the toplap
of aterminations. Lookdeposited
third cycle being very carefully to the
between theleft of these
green lapout
and red
patterns for
horizons, theadditional
earlier two very subtle facies
interpreted changes.
on Figure Areundifferentiated
4 being there candidates onforthis
Deep
Shallow
discontinuous
panel. and mounded
Each shelf/margin facies?is numbered oldest to youngest and all are
candidate Deep
Shallow
summarized on Figure 63. 0.0 sec
Platform (Shelf) Facies

Platform (Shelf) Facies

Platform (Shelf) Facies

1.0 sec
3 Clinoform Facies Platform (Shelf) Facies

Slope to Basin Facies

?
Mound Slope to Basin Facies

2.0 sec

Onlap
Seismic Facies
Color Description Setting
Depositional Downlap Continuous; Parallel to Neritic Platform
Inflection Toplap Divergent; High Amplitude (Shelf)
(Shelf/Margin) Continuous; Clinoform and Neritic to Bathyal
Convergence Ramp (Slope) 3.0 sec
Wedge; High Amplitude
Semi-Continuous; Subparallel Deep Neritic to Bathyal
to Divergent; High Amplitude. Drape (Slope to Basin)
0 1 2 3 4 mi Non-Continuous; Nonparallel Disrupted Facies
Variable Amplitude Basinward of Platform
0 2 4 6 km Bidirectional Lapout, Lense to Bathyal Basin Floor
Seismic data provided by Western GECO Mound; High Amp. Top Thick (Mound/Fan) 4.0 sec
Figure 41.
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Seismic Facies Analysis

S Step 14: Carefully examine the blue-to-green interval. To the left of the southern fault just below the blue horizon N
is a growth-fault wedge. This suggests a transition from the green parallel-continuous seismic facies to the light
brown wedge
Step 15: seismic
Carefully facies.immediately
examine The boundary
abovebetween these
the green two laterally
horizon equivalent
just south facies is gradational
(left) of down-to-the-north and(area
fault the
Step
specific 13: Again,
within ellipse).
location There determine
of the is the
a very thin
transition seismic
interval
is some facies
of inclined
what types that
arbitraryreflections are dominant
and can besuggesting between
a succession ofThe
shown as inter-fingering. rotated
wedgeblocks,
facies can
be each
used of
possibly theofbioevent
topart
define aasubmarinehorizons
candidate starting
land slide.
location at the seaContinue
for a shelf/margin. floor. to integrate the biofacies paleowater Deep depths.
Shallow
0.0 sec

Platform (Shelf) Facies

Platform (Shelf) Facies

5 1.0 sec
Ramp Facies Platform (Shelf) Facies

Disrupted

Mound
2.0 sec

Seismic Facies
Color Description Setting
Depositional Onlap Continuous; Parallel to Neritic Platform
Inflection Divergent; High Amplitude (Shelf)
Downlap
(Shelf/Margin) Continuous; Clinoform and Neritic to Bathyal 3.0 sec
Toplap Wedge; High Amplitude Ramp (Slope)
Convergence Semi-Continuous; Subparallel Deep Neritic to Bathyal
to Divergent; High Amplitude. Drape (Slope to Basin)
0 1 2 3 4 mi Non-Continuous; Nonparallel Disrupted Facies
Variable Amplitude Basinward of Platform
0 2 4 6 km Bidirectional Lapout, Lense to Bathyal Basin Floor 4.0 sec
Figure 42a Seismic data provided by Western GECO Mound; High Amp. Top Thick (Mound/Fan)
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Seismic
16: Inspect
Step 18: Facies
Observing
thebetween
area within Analysis
the the
remaining uncolored
ellipse for lapouts blue to green
marking each.interval, the facies
It appears appear
that there to be relatively
are basinward
Step 20:
uniformly
directed onlapsOn Figure
paralleltoward 41
thethe
to slightly red author
convergent
horizon placed
high, aprobably
facies cycle boundary
that correlate at the
with
a salt-cored base
outer of the
neritic
antiform. mounded
biofacies
The onlapsat facies. That
the A158-1
define the horizon
well.
southern There are
no needs
terminus to an
diagnostic
of beobservations
extended into
extension of for
thethis panel
abasin
clinoformcontinuing
floor or wedge
mound beneath theatponded-fill
facies that
interpreted must occurfacies
the A158-1 beneath
well. andand further
Internally basinward
basinward
within of fill
the thewhere it
platform
S is
(green)extended
facies. as
The the correlative
author used conformity
the occurrence following
of the the seismic
disrupted reflection
facies as a pattern.
proxy
facies are several lapouts toward the north, suggesting possible syndepositional subsidence within the salt for It
an is possible
interval to
just place N
Step 17: Add
another
basinward
withdrawal of athe
cycle triangle
boundary
ramp
synform. facies for the candidate
between
which
The mound the
inthe
at turn is shelf/margin
two
A158-1 ramp
basinwardfacies
extends for
of
ofinto theblue-to-green
the northern
a platform
ponded edge
facies.
fill (landward)
cycle.
Further
within theHowever,
south, of
synform the
theramp
basinward
landward facies.
two oframp
the facies
of the
Note that
could the
be
disruptedhigh.
antiform two
part candidates
of
faciesInisthea
theA158-well for
continuously shelf/margins
likely occurrenceprograding
only a veryof the (4-5)
system
thinbasinal within
that the blue-to-green
shifts
drape within
sand occurs laterally
facies.the These interval
away
mound from
are to step
the
arbitrary upward
transect
decisions
ponded-fill and
of basinward
this
facies.based reflection
on
However,
through
profile
limited
the time, a was
making
observations
A158-1 well patternand
in expected
it difficult
application
fact drilled within
to connect progradational
of the
the two
approximately on this
depositional
one depositional
single
mile westprofile.
model systems.
Again,
constructed
(behind) These
ata the
closely
the seismic sea relationships
spaced
floor
profile grid
(Figs.
and thusneed
of tonot
profiles
25-29).
does be or a
Additional
tested
3D seismic
penetrate seismic
against
the volume
mound reflection
additionaltowould profiles
reflection
allow for
ponded-fill ora 3D
profile
facies volume
unique
observed interpretations
interpretations and
interpretation.
on this against
seismic are aneeded
mapNot
profile. ofto test
the
far thisofconceptual
resulting
east observations.
this interpretation.
profile there
Deep is
Shallow
a producing field from sands correlative with this mounded facies. This serves as an example of why detailed 0.0 sec
2D grids or 3D seismic volumes are critical for facies mapping and selection of well sites.
Platform (Shelf) Facies

Platform (Shelf) Facies

1.0 sec
Ramp Facies 5 Platform (Shelf) Facies

Bathyal Basin Facies Ramp Facies

Rotated 4

Bathyal Basin Facies

Ponded-Fill Mound
? 2.0 sec

Seismic Facies
Color Description Setting
Depositional Onlap Continuous; Parallel to Neritic Platform
Inflection Divergent; High Amplitude (Shelf)
Downlap
(Shelf/Margin) Continuous; Clinoform and Neritic to Bathyal 3.0 sec
Toplap Wedge; High Amplitude Ramp (Slope)
Convergence Semi-Continuous; Subparallel Deep Neritic to Bathyal
to Divergent; High Amplitude. Drape (Slope to Basin)
0 1 2 3 4 mi Non-Continuous; Nonparallel Disrupted Facies
Variable Amplitude Basinward of Platform
0 2 4 6 km
Bidirectional Lapout, Lense to Bathyal Basin Floor 4.0 sec
Figure 42b Seismic data provided by Western GECO Mound; High Amp. Top Thick (Mound/Fan)
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Seismic
23: Mark
and subtle
Facies
Step 22: Observe
Step candidates
onlaps within afor
Analysis
and mark lapout patterns above the yellow horizon. There are a number of toplaps, downlaps,
shelf/margins wedge.
fault-associated for the blue yellow
These bioevent
are part of thehorizons. The
prograding fault-wedge
clinoform facies
facies is
originally
Step 21: Continue
redisplayed
identified at to seato
thehelp interpret
select
floor the along
seismic
shelf/margin
(Fig 27) facies.
locations.
with On thissea
Progressive
the present panel there
movement
floor are six fault
of the
shelf/margin associated
growth-faults
(Triangle wedges
makes
9). This that help
selection
upper slope
S define partand
of a unique
clinoform of the distribution
location
wedge for of thelandward
a shelf/margin
facies grades outer neritic
difficult. Ittoisupper
(north) bathyal
possible
into the that ramp
there (slope)
are two facies.
parallel-continuous cycles The
of
platform second
progradation
(shelf) most
facies.(7 Note
and 8) N
obvious
between facies are two cycles of disrupted facies offset by the faults. Observation of lapout
that the biofacies interpretations are not available for the uppermost interval of the well: this is the surface of
the yellow bioevent horizon and the sea floor at the farthest south fault where there patterns
are two associated
cycles
with
wedge
casingthese disrupted
facies.
interval Note facies
that
for which the demonstrates
sea floor
samples were notapparent
shelf/margin
collected. truncation
shiftsThe at the
landward
remainder base
(north)
of theand
from some onlap horizon
the yellow
seismic facies to downlap
below on the
shelf/margin
the disrupted
tops.
facies These
candidate due
to the patterns
red rapidsupport
tobioevent movement the concept
horizon, on
andthe that this
growth
associated faultfacies
with was originally
complex
bathyal that in place
creates
foraminiferal strata subsequently
accommodation
assemblages, space
are fordisrupted
sediment
subparallel to
by downslope
accumulation gravity
faster processes
than
slightly divergent drape facies. the (explained
sediment supply further
can on
fill Fig.
that 51).
space. Deep
Shallow
0.0 sec

Clinoform Facies 9 Platform (Shelf) Facies

1.0 sec
7 Basinal Drape
? 6 ?
Facies
Disrupted Facies
Basinal Drape
Facies
Basinal Drape Facies
2.0 sec

Seismic Facies
Color Description Setting
Continuous; Parallel to Neritic Platform
Divergent; High Amplitude (Shelf) Lapout Types
Continuous; Clinoform and Neritic to Bathyal
Depositional Onlap 3.0 sec
Wedge: High Amplitude Ramp (Slope)
Inflection Downlap
Semi-Continuous; Subparallel Deep Neritic to Bathyal
to Divergent; High Amplitude. Drape (Slope to Basin) (Shelf/Margin) Truncation
Non-Continuous; Nonparallel Disrupted Facies
Convergence
Seismic data provided by Western GECO
Variable Amplitude Basinward of Platform
0 1 2 3 4 mi
Bidirectional Lapout, Lense to Bathyal Basin Floor 4.0 sec
Mound; High Amp. Top Thick (Mound/Fan)
Figure 43 0 2 4 6 km
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Seismic
Step
Step 25:
26: Look Facies
Towardbetween
the bottom Analysis
the upper
of thetwo disrupted
160-3 well, thefacies and within
green-to-red the axis
interval of the syncline.
contained There foraminifera
middle bathyal is a thin, two
reflection thick lens-shaped fill within the axis that almost laps out north and south. This package is a candidate
assemblages except for an interval of upper bathyal indicator species. The well logs and cuttings indicate
for
Stepa basin
significant floor the
sand
24: Within lense
in this or
axis mound,
interval,
of that
the East probably
Breaks a gravity-flow
is productive
syncline of several
oil and event
gas. deposit,
This Glob
disrupted possibly
faciesalt sandsand
packages prone.
correlates
are Another
with
clearly lapping-
a high
imaged. It is
S out
Step package
amplitude
27. to
possible As occurs
package
before,
add just
twothat
the below
downlaps
base
additional the yellow
basinward,
ofmapping
basin floor bioevent
lenses
horizons, horizon
and both
is internally
and mounds and just north
somewhat
signal bypass
within continuous of the
hummocky.synclinal axis.
highSeismically
of sediment
uniform Several
from thethis
amplitude south-
facies
shelf,
couplets; one N
directed
suggests
possibly
just belowdownlaps
athe
due basin occur
a floor
fall infan,
touppermost at the
relative basinward
confirmed
sea level
disrupted by the
facies, end
marking
and of
well a fault-associated
a data as well
a cycle
second astop
boundary.
at the wedge.
proprietary
ofThe
thewell This
3D package
seismic.
data
disrupted is
faciesThis
confirms thick at the
reservoir
sands
above fault
thesand
in blue
the due
two is
to syndepositional
further
deeper
bioeventdescribed
intervals. in
horizon. This movement
Figures
The would
pattern of
add the
52-53, fault
three
of relatively accommodating
56-59additional
and included
uniform correlationmuch
on a map
continuous of the
horizons sediment
of Globtoalt
reflections thesands which still
in Figure
stratigraphic
across the filled the
60. The
framework
minibasin space
remainder
suggest of the and of
prograded
the area of
syncline
continuous southward
the
(see syncline
Fig.
shales. 53).
Thedownlapping
Asconsists
the final
alternation onto
ofstep
of the the
relatively
in this underlying
parallel facies.
toshales
slightly
interpretation
continuous of There
seismic
and is
convergent a thin
facies,
the disrupted interval
continuous
mark below
candidates
packages the
reflections
suggests downlapping
for of the basinal
shelf/margins
a cyclic style
wedge
drape
at
of the and the underlying
facies. bioevent
yellow
deposition, which will disrupted
horizon, facies.
and at the
be discussed This
pink on
further interval
horizon
Figureaddedextends across the lower half of
47. just below the upper disrupted facies.
Deep the syncline and is
another candidate for a basin floor gravity-flow event deposit. Well data from the 160-3 well indicates deposition
Shallow
0.0 sec in bathyal paleowater depths, probably supplied through a slope channel-complex.

8 Ramp Clinoform Facies

Disrupted Facies Ramp ?
Clinoform Facies
Basinal Drape Facies
1.0 sec Lense
7
Disrupted Facies ?
Channel Complex
Mound
Basinal Drape
Disrupted Facies Facies
2.0 sec
Disrupted Facies
?
Basinal
Drape Facies

3.0 sec Onlap

Depositional Downlap
Inflection Toplap
Seismic data provided by Western GECO
(Shelf/Margin) Convergence
0 1 2 3 4 mi Seismic Facies
4.0 sec
Figure 44 0 2 4 6 km See precious figures for definitions
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Disrupted Facies = Mass-Transport Complex (MTC)

If the slope sediments are sandy, some of the mass-transport complex can be sandy

Evacuation Space

Rotated Slide Blocks

Elements Head
Scarp
Slumps
Floating or Rafted
Slump Blocks
Debris Flows

Modified after
Prior et al., 1978
Permission to use from
Terminal Louisiana State University
Apron Toe-Thrusted Structures

Figure 45. The disrupted facies, as interpreted in this exercise, is considered to result from gravitational failure of upper
slope sediments. This facies is called the chaotic facies in seismic facies analysis, a mass-transport complex by the
oceanographic community, and a submarine landslide as a geomorphic feature. Careful mapping of these features can
recognize a spectrum of internal facies as illustrated above. Continued retrograde failure of the slope can extend onto the
shelf and capture sediment transport systems resulting in the potential for sand-prone sediment transport into the
evacuated space constructed by the slope failure and perhaps further downslope into the basin.
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Depositional Analog for Seismic Facies Cyclicity

W Basin II: Distal Portion E
2000 m Highly Channel
Eastern Incised
Highly Incised
Channel
One Depositional Secondary
Secondary
Mapped Interval Channel
Channel
Sequence
Shown on next Figure

DLC Down-Lap Complex DC Drape Complex Beaubouef and Friedman, 1998

Permission to use from
Mass-Transport Complex LCC Levee - Channel Complex Gulf Coast Section SEPM
MTC

Figure 46. Interpretation of seismic facies can be enhanced by the careful selection of well documented analogs. The
study of Beaubouef et al. (1998) documents basin filling cycles from core calibration of high-resolution seismic reflection
profiles. Slope failure deposition (MTC) is followed by basinward prograding of downlapping gravity-flow sediments (DLC),
and then burial during relative highstand of sea level by hemipelagic drape (DC). Each cycle is separated by a sequence
boundary (Vail, 1987). As the system progrades channel complexes (LCC), similar to those through which the earlier cycle
sediments were transported, step out into the basin and bypass sediments further down the system.
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Cyclic Pattern of Deposition

S N
0.0 sec

MTC
mfs Detailed Facies
1.0 sec Lense
Analysis (Fig. 48
SB

MTC
A pattern mfs
Mound
of cyclicity SB
MTC
2.0 sec mfs
MTC
mfs

0 1 2 3 4 mi
mfs
SB
0 2 4 6 km
3.0 sec

Seismic data provided by Western GECO mfs

Figure 47. Sequence stratigraphic labels can be assigned to the depositional cycles interpreted in this exercise (see Figs.
18-20). The maximum flooding surfaces (mfs) underlie the mass transport complexes (MTC) suggesting slope failure
occurs following relative highstand of sea level as sediments prograde basinward with falling sea level. The regional
unconformity and its correlative conformity are identified at the base of the bypassed gravity-flow basinal mounds and
lenses (SB). Conceptually there should be a sequence boundary between each pair of maximum flooding surfaces.
Recognition of those sequence boundaries may require observations from additional seismic profiles in the study area.
These labeled observations provide both horizons for mapping elements of the depositional cycles and a conceptual
model for interpreting factors governing the type and distribution of sediments within the seismic facies patterns.
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Interpretation of Shelf-Margin Mini-Basin Facies

LST/pc
mfs
TS
LST/bft

MTC

mfs

0 1 2 3 mi

0 2 4 km Seismic data provided by Western GECO

Figure 48. This enlargement of the depositional cycle below the yellow bioevent (mfs) horizon of Figure 44, allows for a
more detailed interpretation. Lapout patterns can be more clearly defined. The laterally uniform high amplitude reflection
couplet (light blue) on top of the prograding complex (LST/PC) and below the yellow mfs can be interpreted as a candidate
transgressive surface (TS). The basinal mound (LST/bft) is interpreted as a lowstand basin floor fan with sand-prone
sediments transported through a slope channel system occupying the sea-floor low created by slope failure and formation
of the mass transport complex (MTC). This interpretation can be tested by iterative reconstructions, especially in the
work-station domain. Various horizons can be used to redisplay the data for different depositional models (Fig. 49, 50).
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Snap-Horizontal Datum for Restoration

Lowstand
Sea Level TS

LST/pc

Prograding
Distal Wave-Dominated
Wave-Dominated Deltaic Facies
Deltaic Facies Laterally Connected
Wave-Dominated
Deltaic Facies

mfs

TS LST/pc

LST/bft
MTC Seismic data provided by Western GECO

Figure 49. In the figure above, the restoration has the transgressive surface (TS) flattened to a horizontal and sea level
lowered 100 m (300 ft) to the position of the last lowstand when deltaic systems would have been deposited at the
shelf/margin growth fault. Such a restoration results in the basinward sand (LST/bft) being deposited at the same water
depth as the shelf/margin delta, dominated by wave processes and potentially laterally connected. Drilling data in the East
Breaks 160 field clearly demonstrates that this is not a valid restoration, although easily achieved schematically.
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Sea-Floor Datum for Restoration

WD = 330m (1000
-100m (300)
Lowstand 230m (600)

Sea Level ?
Prograding
LST/pc Wave-Dominated
TS
LST/bft Deltaic Facies
Deep-Water
Gravity-Flow
Facies Laterally Restricted
Upper Slope
Channel Complex ?

mfs

TS LST/pc

LST/bft
MTC Seismic data provided by Western GECO

Figure 50. In this alternative case, sea level is lowered the same as in Figure 49, but the transgressive surface (TS) is
restored to the present day sea floor. This places the basinward sand in a deepwater setting, requiring that those sands be
transported from the shelf/margin delta by gravity-flow processes down channel systems subsequently draped over the
post-depositional anticline. Well data clearly demonstrated deepwater (bathyal) paleobathymetry (biofacies data, Fig. 44),
and a narrow fairway for sand deposition (Fig. 55). This restoration honors all of the data and is considered correct.
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Slope Clinoform & Associated Gravity-Driven Events

Trim A Case

Retrograde
Slope Failure Captured
Gravity-flow System

PITFALL: Separating slope MTC mud mounds

from sand-prone gravity-flow mounds

SOLUTION: Map the mounded-package upslope Modified after Armentrout et al. (1991;
to its source area (from within slope = mud-prone Fig. 11.14) With kind permission of
Springer Science and Business Media
or from shelf = potentially sand-prone)
Figure 51. The diagram above is constructed from the observations and subsequent interpretations for the Trim A (upper
blue-to-yellow) interval of the seismic reflection profile. During very late highstand to falling stage of relative sea level the
prograding system reached the upper slope depositing unstable muds that failed as a submarine landslide (mass transport
complex). Retrograde failure captured a distributary of the shelf/margin delta resulting in bypass of gravity-flow sands into
the basin depositing a channel-fed submarine fan (see Figs. 53-55). Notice that the basin floor and fan are only 8 to 16 km
(5 to 10 mi) downslope from the age equivalent shelf/margin (compare with Glob alt system, Fig. 58). Continued movement
on the growth-fault resulted in a landward shift of the subsequent shelf/margins (shelf/margins 8 and 9, Figs. 44 and 63).
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

East Breaks Block 160 Field: Gravity-Flow Reservoirs

S N

0.0 sec

1.0 sec
Trim A Gas Reservoir:
Slope Channel Complex
Mound

2.0 sec
Glob alt Oil Reservoir:
Basin Floor Fan

3.0 sec 1 2 3 4 mi
0
Seismic data provided by Western GECO
0 2 4 6 km

Figure 52. The East Breaks 160-161 Field at the Cervasa Platform is located on the anticline immediately basinward of the
growth-fault bounding the north margin of the synclinal minibasin. Production is from two levels of sand, the Trim A
channel sands (upper yellow-to-blue interval), and the Glob alt sheet and channel sands (within the green-to-red interval).
Each reservoir is highly compartmentalized by faults below the resolution of this regional seismic reflection profile.
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Growth-Fault Depositional Facies: Northern Gulf of Mexico

Depositional-Dip Seismic Profile Depositional Models for Reservoir Sands
Shelf Margin
Growth-Fault
Deltaic System

Upper Slope
Channel-Lobe
Gravity-Flow
System

GAS

HCI

Figure 53. The growth-fault roll-over anticline at the 160-3 well location has two producing reservoirs of the five sandy
intervals drilled. The Trim A gas reservoir produces from a channel complex (Figs. 51 and 55). The predrill exploration
model was a shelf-margin delta (upper right model); the reservoir penetrated was a slope channel complex (lower right
model). The channel-sand reservoir volume (red) was approximately 20% of the volume originally calculated using the
sheet-sand delta model. The Glob alt oil and gas reservoir penetrated a basin floor submarine fan (Figs. 56-58).
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Sequence Stratigraphic Model for Growth-Fault Plays

Incised Valley
Channel Sands

Shelf/Margin
Deltas

Shoals
Basin Floor
Fans

Shelf/Margin Deltas Slope Front Fan

Channels/Levees

Modified after Vail, 1987

Permission to use from AAPG

Figure 54. The East Breaks 160-161 Field fits the sequence stratigraphic model for a growth-fault depositional system. The
traditional growth-fault exploration play is the lowstand shelf/margin delta, the most prolific reservoir facies in the northern
Gulf of Mexico. Two other lowstand plays are sands that bypass the delta by gravity flow processes. If the sediment
supply fills the growth-fault accommodation space bypassed sediment may spill downslope basinward into slope basins.
The downslope transport can be enhanced by retrograde slope failure. The slope system will consist of channel
complexes, some with incised channels, others with leveed channels, depending on the type of gravity-flow event and the
composition of the sediment load. These channels provide the sediment deposited within the basin floor fan. It is
important to note that the crest of the roll-over anticline may be the area of channel complexes resulting in narrow, linear
sand-body targets of limited volume. However, if several channels are stacked, or are in communication with a charged
basin floor fan, the total potential volume available for production could be very large. If there is complete bypass of sand
through the channels and they are subsequently filled with muds, the basin floor fan may be the primary trap.
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Growth-Fault Gravity-Flow Play: Gulf of Mexico

Depositional Strike Log Correlation Composite Net Sand/Silt Isopach
W E Contour Interval = 25 ft

2000 ft

c = Coarsening-upward ll = Blocky F = Fining-upward Modified after Armentrout et al. (1991;

Fig. 11.11 and 11.12) With kind permission of
Springer Science and Business Media

Figure 55. The Trim A reservoir (upper yellow-to-blue interval), with as much as 110 m (352 ft) of gas charged sands, is a
multistoried complex of incised channels and leveed channels, with some apparent lateral lobes that may be overbank
splays. The initial play was defined on a 4.8 km x 4.8 km (3 mi x 3 mi) grid of 2D seismic data, on which an amplitude event
was observed on the crest of the anticline. Subsequent proprietary 3D data volumes clearly defined the channel and
overbank lobes of the depositional system. These gravity-flow sands were deposited before the dynamic phase of fault
movement that rotated the sands into a structural trap. The probability of channel/levee elements of a gravity-flow system
occurring over the crest and down the basinward limb of the growth-fault roll-over anticline (see Fig. 53) must be
considered in evaluating trap/migration timing models in addition to amplitude anomalies and AVO analysis.
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Glob alt Reservoir Sands Correlation: East Breaks 160 Field

W E

Leveed
Channels

Amalgamated
Lobe

Basin
Floor
Sheets
Modified after Armentrout et al. (1991;
Fig. 11.17) With kind permission of
All Spontaneous Potential Logs Springer Science and Business Media

Figure 56. The Glob alt reservoir sands correlate across a broader area (4.8 km = 3 mi) than the Trim A reservoir (2 km = 1.2
mi) (see Fig. 57 for well locations). Initial sands (GA-3 and GA-2.2) were thin sheet sands spreading across the minibasin
floor. These sands were followed by the main pulse of sand deposited as an amalgamated lobe (GA-2) overlain by laterally
restricted leveed channels (GA-1.1 and GA-1). Note the datum within the middle of the amalgamated lobe, chosen to reflect
a midpoint within the continuous subsidence of the salt-withdrawal basin filling with a basinward prograding fan complex.
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Glob Alt Reservoirs: Composite Net Sand Isopach

Composite of all six depositional lobes

A4

Reservoir A8
Sands

GA-1

GA-1.1 A25 A3

GA-2 A5
3
GA-2.2 A10-ST1 A10-ST2
A21 A10
GA-3

GA-4 A12

A12-ST1
2
Block 160 A22-ST A1 A7 Block 161
4

A29
A22

Modified after Armentrout et al. (1991;

0 3000 Feet Fig. 11.18) With kind permission of
Springer Science and Business Media
Contour Interval = 3 m (10 ft)

Figure 57. Glob alt reservoir sands are spread over an area approximately 5 km (3 mi) west to east and at least 4 km (2.3
mi) north to south. The succession of sands from the GA-4 upward to GA-l demonstrate compensation sedimentation as
each successive sand package deposits in the evolving sea floor low left by the combination of preceding sand deposits
and progressive salt withdrawal.
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Slope Clinoform & Associated Gravity-Driven Events

Glob alt Case

Modified after Armentrout et al. (1991;

Fig. 11.19) With kind permission of
Springer Science and Business Media

Figure 58. The Glob alt (lower green-to-red interval) depositional system extends from the age equivalent shelf/margin just
north of the seismic reflection profile interpreted (see Fig. 40) southward to the East Breaks Block 160 minibasin (see Fig.
44), a distance of more than 80 km (50 mi). What is missing from this diagram is the slope-failure, mass transport complex
that created the physiographic low through which the Glob alt sands were transported (see Fig. 40). The deposition of the
relatively far-traveled sands in the East Breaks 160 minibasin suggests that there was a preexisting sea floor low that
caused a decrease in flow velocity and consequent deposition of sand.
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Deep-Water Biofacies Mapping

Example for Late Pliocene Interval
Gamma Ray
Upper Condensed Maximum Flooding Surface
Section Datum Post-Sandstone
Interval

GrossRange of
sandstone Glob
Post-Sandstone alt Sandstone
thickness
Glob mapped
alt SS Mapped
Interval
for the interval
Bioevent Interval Biofacies
Interval
Sequence
Boundary
Modified after Armentrout (1991;
Fig. 7.21) With kind permission of
Springer Science and Business Media

Pre-Sandstone
Lower Condensed Interval
Maximum Flooding Surface
Section Datum
Figure 59. The regional distribution of the green-to-red sands was mapped using the overlying and underlying maximum
flooding surface shales, calibrated in each well with bioevents, and extended across the study area using a 4.8 km x 4.8 km
(3 mi x 3 mi) grid of seismic reflection profiles. The gross interval of sand in each well was plotted and contoured (Fig. 60).
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Deep-Water Sandstone Mapping

Offshore Texas 2.8 Ma = Lowstand of Relative Sea Level
Seismically defined
shelf/slope break Inner
Neritic

Middle
Neritic Seismic Profile

Outer
Neritic

Upper
Bathyal
Sand > 70 m
Fields
Biofacies 0 mi 20 N
Boundary Middle
Bathyal 0 Km 32

East Breaks Modified after Armentrout (1991;

Fig. 7.23) With kind permission of
160-161 Field Springer Science and Business Media

Figure 60. The green-to-red interval sand (Fig. 59) is shown where the gross interval exceeds 70 meters (200 ft). Seventeen
fields produce from these sands, all basinward of the shelf/slope break and associated with outer neritic and bathyal
biofacies, suggesting a downslope gravity-flow transport system at relative sea level lowstand (Armentrout 1991 and 1996).
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Integration of Seismic Facies and Biofacies

Water Depth (feet)

Sea Level

Seismic Facies
Color Description Setting
Seismic data provided by Western GECO Continuous; Parallel to Neritic Platform
Divergent; High Amplitude (Shelf)
0 1 2 3 4 mi Continuous; Clinoform and Neritic to Bathyal
wedge; High Amplitude Ramp (Slope)
0 2 4 6 km Semi-Continuous; Subparallel Bathyal Drape
to Divergent; High Amplitude. (Slope to Basin)
Modified after Armentrout (1991; Non-Continuous; Nonparallel Disrupted Facies
Fig. 7.24B) With kind permission of
Springer Science and Business Media Variable Amplitude Basinward of Platform
Bidirectional Lapout, Lense to Bathyal Basin Floor
Mound; High Amp. Top Thick (Mound/Fan)

Figure 61. The final five figures of this tutorial provide a summary. The foregoing exercise interpreting a regional seismic
reflection profile for the depositional facies within discrete depositional cycles provides a regional interpretation of
depositional facies. With the structural complexity of growth-fault systems age specific bioevents based on fossil data are
essential for consistent correlations and construction of realistic paleogeographic maps.
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Cyclic Pattern of Deposition

S N
0.0 sec

MTC
mfs
1.0 sec Lense SB

MTC
mfs
Mound SB
MTC
2.0 sec mfs
MTC
mfs

0 1 2 3 4 mi
mfs
SB
0 2 4 6 km
3.0 sec

Seismic data provided by Western GECO mfs

Figure 62. Careful observations and integration of multiple data sets is likely to result in additional surfaces useful in
discriminating depositional cycles and construction of maps for relatively discrete stratigraphic intervals. It is critical that
during the early stage of a study that as much biostratigraphic and lithologic data as possible be gathered and integrated
with the seismic data. The resulting maps based on the discrete time-stratigraphic interval can then provide an excellent
basis for reconstructing basin history and predicting the probable occurrence of economic resources.
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Shelf/Margin Progradation History

Well 160-3 Well A218-1 Well A158-1 Well A70-1
Gamma Biofacies Foram. Nanno. Gamma Biofacies Foram. Nanno. Well A158-1
Gamma Biofacies Foram. Nanno. Gamma Biofacies Foram. Nanno.
Time (sec)
Two-Way

Bathyal
Ray Abund. Abund.
Depth (ft)

Bathyal
Bathyal

Bathyal
Ray Abund. Abund. Ray Abund. Abund. Ray Abund. Abund.
Neritic

Neritic

Neritic

Neritic
(ohms) (ohms) (ohmns) (ohms)

1200

1200

1200

1200
200

600

200

600

200

600

200

600
20

20

20

20
I I MO UML I I MO UML I I MO UML I I MOUML

0
0

0
Present Day
0.2 574 Shelf/Margin 9 Fig.43 Trimosina denticulata
= 0.53 Ma (BF)

0.4 1076
Intermediate SF-Y
Shelf/Margin 8 Fig.43
0.6 1587
Angulogerina sp. E-1
= 1.45 Ma (BF)
0.8 2180 Trim A (Yellow)
Intermediate Y-B
Shelf/Margin 7 Shelf/Margin 6 Fig.43
Fig.43 Globoratalia miocenica
1.0 2716 = 2.2 Ma (BF)
Hyal B (Blue)

1.2 3331
Shelf/Margin 5 Fig.42a

Intermediate G-B
1.4 3990
Shelf/Margin 4 Fig.42b
Glob M (Green)
1.6 4682 Shelf/Margin 3 Fig.41

Intermediate (R-G)
1.8 5417
Shelf/Margin
2 Fig.40
2.0 6128 Glob alt (Red)
Shelf/Margin
Modified after Armentrout, 1996
Permission to use from Geological Society of London
1 Fig.40
2.2 6888

Figure
2.4 766663. The depositional cycles observed on the interpreted profile each had a candidate shelf/margin. Those
candidate locations are placed on this correlation-panel in their relative position to each well and within stratigraphic
context
2.6 8404 of the bioevent correlations. The progression from shelf/margin 1 just above the red bioevent horizon, to the
shelf/margin 7 at the East Breaks 160 minibasin clearly defines a progradation of the basin margin. Growth on the fault just
north of the 160-3 well caused shelf/margins 8 and 9 to step landward as the rate of accommodation space creation
exceeded the supply of sediment. Each paleo-shelf/margin provides a geomorphic boundary between predominance of
wave-dominated shelf processes and gravity-dominated slope and basin floor processes.
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Structural and Stratigraphic Reconstruction

Water
Reconstruction datum at the lower blue horizon
Depths
Two Way Time (seconds)

Correlation of bioevent
calibrated seismic horizon
Seismic data provided by Western GECO

Structural/stratigraphic
Hummocky Mounded Facies: not observed in ellipsed area: restoration facilitates
does the facies change character in this area? Does it occur
laterally on parallel transects? Or does the facies not exist
seismic facies interpretation
in the ellipsed area because the depositional processes
forming the facies did not occur in this area?

Figure 64. Correlation of the regional mapping surfaces across complex structural provinces affords the opportunity to
reconstruct the stratigraphy through several increments of time. The above seismic profile as been reconstructed at the
lower blue horizon, and reinterpreted for the coeval seismic facies pattern (purple). The resulting maps provide a test of the
correlation framework and the interpretation of depositional environments from integration of biofacies and seismic facies.
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Utility of Fossil Occurrence Patterns

Correlation using bioevent calibration of seismic horizons.
Depositional environment identification using biofacies calibration of
seismic facies.
Mobil 160-3 Amoco A218-1
Water Depth (feet)
0.0 Sea Level

Bioevent
Horizons
1.0

2.0

3.0
Biofacies for
Paleo-Water Depths
Faults
4.0 0 1 2 3 4 mi Modified after Armentrout (1991;
Fig. 7.24A) With kind permission of
Seismic data provided by Western GECO Springer Science and Business Media
0 2 4 6 km

Figure 65. The assembly of multiple high-resolution data sets requires a significant investment of time and money but the
resulting maps assure sufficient information for making critical interpretations in the quest for economic resources. The
interpretation of several regional seismic reflection profiles, such as the one in this exercise, can provide a quick-look at a
depositional basin history and assess the probability of potential play types and likely locations for petroleum traps. The
age-significant bioevents can provide calibration for thermal maturation/generation models for assessing critical timing for
structural growth and trap formation. Those locations selected from the quick-look analysis can then be studied in more
detail with in-fill 2D seismic reflection profiles or 3D volumes for selection of drilling locations.
 Armentrout, 2/25/08

Scanned Seismic Reflection Profile: Match scale to well panels

See separate file of the scanned

regional seismic reflection
profile.
Seismic data with the permission
of Western GECO