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Abstract


 
Chapter from: SG42: Applications of 3D Seismic Data to Exploration and Production

Edited by:
Paul Weimer and Thomas L. David

Authors:
Jory A. Pacht, Larry Brooks, and Frank Messa
Pages 238-251


Published 1996 as part of Studies in Geology 42
Copyright © 1996 The American Association of Petroleum Geologists. All Rights Reserved.
 

*Editorial Note: Page numbers in this digital version (HTML and PDF) do not correspond to those of the hardcopy.
Otherwise, the two are the same.
 
 

CHAPTER 17

Chapter 17: Stratigraphic Analysis of 3-D and 2-D Seismic Data to Delineate Porous Carbonate Debris Flows in Permian Strata Along the Northwestern Margin of the Midland Basin, West Texas, U.S.A.

Jory A. Pacht*, Larry BrooksÝ, and Frank MessaÝ
 

 

Pacht, J. A., L. Brooks, and F. Messa, Stratigraphic analysis of 3-D and 2-D seismic data to delineate porous carbonate debris flows in Permian strata along the northwestern margin of the Midland Basin, West Texas, U.S.A., in P. Weimer and T. L. Davis, eds., AAPG Studies in Geology No. 42 and SEG Geophysical Developments Series No. 5, AAPG/SEG, Tulsa, p. 161-170.

 

ABSTRACT

Porous carbonate debris flows are important plays in Leonardian (Permian) strata along the northwestern margin of the Midland Basin. Delineation of these strata, however, is difficult, and detailed stratigraphic analysis of both 2-D and 3-D seismic data is important in reducing risk. Debris flows are common in all carbonate slope and base-of-slope environments. However, many flows exhibit a muddy matrix and low permeability. Porous debris flows are best developed during lowstand time. When sea level fell to a point at or below the shelf margin, sand to boulder-sized clasts created by reef-front erosion were funneled through slope gullies onto the base of the slope.

Large debris flows exhibit well-defined mounds that downlap onto the sequence boundary. Many of these flows, however, are too thin to exhibit discrete reflections. In the study area, porous debris flows were distinguished by areas of lower amplitude and lower average weighted frequency than surrounding strata. The porous debris flows occurred downdip of major slump scars. Once sequence boundaries and, where present, mounded reflections that downlap onto them were delineated on a subregional basis using 2-D data, they were interpreted throughout a smaller 3-D dataset. Horizon amplitude and average weighted frequency maps were constructed and used to delineate amplitude and frequency variations on the basin floor. Time structure and isochron maps were made to locate associated updip slump scars.

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