Earth Science Frontiers ›› 2021, Vol. 28 ›› Issue (2): 362-375.DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2020.12.12

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Evolutionary characteristics and controlling factors of deep-sea fans in Cretaceous passive continental margin basin, Northern Subbasin, Senegal Basin

WANG Hongyu(), ZHANG Feng, YANG Xiongbing   

  1. Ministry of Eduction Key Laboratory of Marine Reservoir Evolution and Hydrocarbon Accumulation Mechanism, School of Energy Resources, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
  • Received:2019-09-28 Revised:2020-12-20 Online:2021-03-25 Published:2021-04-03

Abstract:

Deep-sea fan reservoirs in passive continental margin basins are among exploration hotspots in offshore petroleum exploration. Understanding the spatiotemporal evolution of deep-sea fans can help refining geological models by enhancing the exploration and development of related reservoirs. Based on seismic and drilling data, different types of deep-sea fans with characteristic lithologies, shapes, and sizes are identified along the passive continental margin of the Senegal Basin. Factors such as sea-level changes, sediment supply, and paleo-geomorphology were integrated into the interpretation. This study shows that the passive continental margin dates back to the Middle Jurassic. During the Cretaceous Age, the study area underwent three stages of tectonic-sedimentary evolution: (1) carbonate platform build-up stage during the Neocomian and Aptian Ages; (2) sedimentary stage of clastic deposition on a continental fault-slope from the Albian to Santonian Ages; and (3) sedimentary stage of clastic deposition on a gentle continental slope (slope-break) during the Campanian and Maastrichtian Ages. During these periods, five types of deep-sea fans with varied lithologies, morphologies, and sizes developed in the study area. Several factors could have influenced the development and evolution of deep-sea fans. Among them, global sea-level changes and terrestrial clastic supply had the greatest influence on the texture and size of the fan, while continental slope geomorphology determined the shape and distribution of the fan reserviors.

Key words: Senegal Basin, Cretaceous, passive continental margin, deep-sea fan, evolutionary characteristics, controlling factors

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