Analysis of the Cyclic Character of Siliciclastic Sediments at the New Jersey Continental Shelf Using Ultra-high Resolution 3D Seismic and Well Data

Analysis of the Cyclic Character of Siliciclastic Sediments at the New Jersey Continental Shelf Using Ultra-high Resolution 3D Seismic and Well Data PDF Author: Masoud Aali
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Get Book Here

Book Description
This dissertation describes the development and application of geophysical techniques to understand the impact of eustasy on the deposition of shallow-marine stratigraphic sequences at the New Jersey margin ̶ one of the best places to study eustasy in sedimentary records. At this margin, eustasy has been the leading driver for sedimentary processes due to smooth thermal subsidence, continuous sediment supply, and stable tectonic history since the Oligocene. This study analyzes 564 km2 of 3D multi-channel seismic (MCS) data from the research cruise MGL1510 together with the IODP Expedition 313 well data to answer the following questions about the margin evolution: 1) What was the influence of eustatic changes on the shelf sedimentary structure during the late Miocene? 2) What was the impact of well-established orbital parameters on the spatial and temporal variations in processes controlling Miocene stratigraphic sequences? I developed the Geometrical Breakdown Approach (GBA) to systematically identify seismic packages based on their geometrical characteristics. The GBA facilitates an objective analysis of stratal patterns and brings the resolution of sequence stratigraphic analysis up to the resolution of the input seismic data. Implementing GBA to the 3D MCS data has resulted in identification of ~40% more structure within the Miocene sequences than previously determined. The new structural model provides the framework for estimating spatial patterns of petrophysical properties within clinothems, which may act as a heterogeneous conduit barrier system to fluid flow in offshore fresh-water aquifers and hydrocarbon reservoirs. The integrated methodology used in this research results in an unprecedented 3D model that dissects and characterizes the Miocene sedimentary record at a significantly higher resolution (~5 m laterally) than previously achieved (~100s of m). Spectral analysis of the cyclicity of these sediments yields local spectral peaks at a wide range of periods, from 25 Kyr to 2.5 Myr, that correspond to the cyclicity observed in insolation due to changes in the Earth's orbital parameters. The onshore-offshore movements of sequences show a 42% correlation with their contemporary insolation. These findings suggest that even short-period orbitally-driven eustatic changes had a direct impact on the Miocene sedimentary record of the margin.

Analysis of the Cyclic Character of Siliciclastic Sediments at the New Jersey Continental Shelf Using Ultra-high Resolution 3D Seismic and Well Data

Analysis of the Cyclic Character of Siliciclastic Sediments at the New Jersey Continental Shelf Using Ultra-high Resolution 3D Seismic and Well Data PDF Author: Masoud Aali
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Get Book Here

Book Description
This dissertation describes the development and application of geophysical techniques to understand the impact of eustasy on the deposition of shallow-marine stratigraphic sequences at the New Jersey margin ̶ one of the best places to study eustasy in sedimentary records. At this margin, eustasy has been the leading driver for sedimentary processes due to smooth thermal subsidence, continuous sediment supply, and stable tectonic history since the Oligocene. This study analyzes 564 km2 of 3D multi-channel seismic (MCS) data from the research cruise MGL1510 together with the IODP Expedition 313 well data to answer the following questions about the margin evolution: 1) What was the influence of eustatic changes on the shelf sedimentary structure during the late Miocene? 2) What was the impact of well-established orbital parameters on the spatial and temporal variations in processes controlling Miocene stratigraphic sequences? I developed the Geometrical Breakdown Approach (GBA) to systematically identify seismic packages based on their geometrical characteristics. The GBA facilitates an objective analysis of stratal patterns and brings the resolution of sequence stratigraphic analysis up to the resolution of the input seismic data. Implementing GBA to the 3D MCS data has resulted in identification of ~40% more structure within the Miocene sequences than previously determined. The new structural model provides the framework for estimating spatial patterns of petrophysical properties within clinothems, which may act as a heterogeneous conduit barrier system to fluid flow in offshore fresh-water aquifers and hydrocarbon reservoirs. The integrated methodology used in this research results in an unprecedented 3D model that dissects and characterizes the Miocene sedimentary record at a significantly higher resolution (~5 m laterally) than previously achieved (~100s of m). Spectral analysis of the cyclicity of these sediments yields local spectral peaks at a wide range of periods, from 25 Kyr to 2.5 Myr, that correspond to the cyclicity observed in insolation due to changes in the Earth's orbital parameters. The onshore-offshore movements of sequences show a 42% correlation with their contemporary insolation. These findings suggest that even short-period orbitally-driven eustatic changes had a direct impact on the Miocene sedimentary record of the margin.

Three-Dimensional High-Resolution Seismic Profiling on the New Jersey Outer Continental Shelf

Three-Dimensional High-Resolution Seismic Profiling on the New Jersey Outer Continental Shelf PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 3

Get Book Here

Book Description
Previous work using the Huntec Deep-Towed Seismic (DTS) system off New Jersey (1987) identified a thick sequence of late Pleistocene sediments on the outer continental shelf. It was suggested (Milliman et al., 1990) that these sediments were deposited by several major melt events during the late Wisconsin glaciation. The physical nature of the sediments, their stratigraphic relation with acoustic stratigraphy and the fine-scale variations of both reflectors and topographic character, however, can be defined only through sediment coring and closely spaced high-resolution profiling. The purpose of this project was to obtain a series of vibrocores to determine the stratigraphic and sedimentologic character of the sediments and to obtain digital data that would allow us to gain a three-dimensional understanding of the shallow structure on the sedimentary sequences in the area.

Origins of Stratal Surfaces in Channel Fills on the New Jersey Continental Shelf

Origins of Stratal Surfaces in Channel Fills on the New Jersey Continental Shelf PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 7

Get Book Here

Book Description
The goal of this project was to advance an understanding of acoustic anomalies created by sub-seafloor paleochannels by investigating the geologic properties of channel-rich strata on the New Jersey continental shelf. Specific objectives were as follows: (I) perform a synthesis of chirp seismic stratigraphy and physical properties measurements of AHC-800 drill cores recovered for ONR's Geoclutter program in 2002; and (2) interpret channel sedimentary units with regard to mechanisms of formation and depositional environments. Three types of seismic reflectors consistent with the following stratal features were observed: I) depositional surfaces; 2) erosional surfaces; and 3) diagenetic surfaces. Results indicate that the origin and physical properties of these surfaces are characteristic of siliciclastic shelves in general, but that the particular depositional history of the New Jersey shelf is such that all three types occur within a single, relatively short sediment column. Depositional and erosional surfaces were apparent in high-resolution seismic reflection profiles, whereas diagenetic surfaces displayed an indistinct acoustic signature.

Surficial Sediment Character of the New York-New Jersey Offshore Continental Shelf Region, a GIS Compilation

Surficial Sediment Character of the New York-New Jersey Offshore Continental Shelf Region, a GIS Compilation PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Continental shelf
Languages : en
Pages : 74

Get Book Here

Book Description


Continental-shelf Sediments Off New Jersey

Continental-shelf Sediments Off New Jersey PDF Author: William M. Frank
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Marine sediments
Languages : en
Pages : 156

Get Book Here

Book Description


Orbital- to Sub-orbital-scale Cyclicity in Seismic Reflections and Sediment Character in Early Pleistocene Mudstone, Santa Barbara, California

Orbital- to Sub-orbital-scale Cyclicity in Seismic Reflections and Sediment Character in Early Pleistocene Mudstone, Santa Barbara, California PDF Author: Carlye D. Peterson
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781124994635
Category : Cycles
Languages : en
Pages : 172

Get Book Here

Book Description
Abstract: High-resolution seismic reflection records from the Santa Barbara basin suggest that much of the early Pleistocene hemipelagic sedimentary sequence records climate variability on orbital to sub-orbital scales, much like strata of the last glacial cycle studied at ODP Site 893. This thesis develops and tests a new method to extract lithologic cyclicity from high-resolution marine seismic reflection data (towed chirp) collected on the R/V Melville in 2008 that penetrate 10s of meters below seafloor into a {598}1 km-long sequence of south-dipping seismic reflections. Spectral analysis of these data reveals orbital-scale cyclicity in Pleistocene sediments that shifts to higher frequencies at the location of an unconformity. This analysis suggests that acoustic impedance and physical properties of sediment are controlled by climatically-driven oscillations in lithologic composition and fabric during deposition. Furthermore, shifts in spectral character permit identification of unconformities and changes in sedimentation rate prior to physical sampling by core. Cyclostratigraphic analysis of sedimentary sequences usually requires measurement of geochemical proxies on sediment material recovered from coring or drilling efforts which can be expensive and time-consuming. Seismic reflection data are a remotely sensed record of acoustic impedance contrasts in sediments which vary with sediment density and velocity changes imparted by organic matter fluctuations which are controlled by climate oscillations. With sufficient resolution, this method could allow remote detection of sedimentary cycles imparted by climate forces without retrieving sediments. Paleoclimatologically significant, orbital-scale cycles have been detected in marine seismic reflection data from the outer California Continental Borderland basins (Janik et al., 2004), Mediterranean outflow contourites (Llave et al., 2006), and the Cape Basin off southwest Africa (Weigelt and Uenzelmann-Neben, 2007). In Santa Barbara basin, where sediment character is documented to be sensitive to climatic variation at a sub-millennial scale, strata older than 1 Ma have been uplifted to the surface. These Pleistocene-age sediments dip to the south at {598}30° allowing for short core recovery and acquisition of high-resolution seismic reflection data at a constant shallow depth. Due to consistently high sedimentation rates in the basin (0.1-1 m/kyr), high-resolution seismic data such as the towed chirp seismic reflection data acquired on the 2008 R/V Melville Cruise allows detection of cycles as fine as {598}4 kyrs. Mid-way through the seismic section, an abrupt shift in spectral character illuminates the location of an otherwise unnoticeable unconformity, and the magnitude of the shift to lower frequencies suggests a sedimentation rate increase of {598}0.06 m/kyr. This method can be used to help with coring expeditions, to identify uninterrupted sedimentary successions for cyclic analysis, and to locate discontinuities in the sedimentary record.

Processing a high resolution 3D survey of the shallow subsurface on the continental shelf of New Jersey

Processing a high resolution 3D survey of the shallow subsurface on the continental shelf of New Jersey PDF Author: Eddy Caturnanda Luhurbudi
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 148

Get Book Here

Book Description


Upper Middle to Upper Miocene Seismic Sequences, New Jersey Middle to Outer Continental Shelf

Upper Middle to Upper Miocene Seismic Sequences, New Jersey Middle to Outer Continental Shelf PDF Author: Tuce Degirmenci
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Continental shelf
Languages : en
Pages : 107

Get Book Here

Book Description
The Miocene stratigraphic succession on the middle to outer continental shelf off New Jersey, immediately south of the Hudson Canyon, is examined using high-resolution 2D multichannel seismic (MCS) and log data to evaluate sequence stratigraphic models, aided by results of Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Expedition 313. High sedimentation, associated with extensive progradation and aggradation, provides a higher resolution record in this region than elsewhere on the shelf. The study of 29 MCS profiles and 4 gamma-ray logs identified and loop-correlated 14 Miocene sequences. Based on log interpretations, highstand systems tracts are associated with most of these 14 sequences; only 3 (sequences A, C, D) exhibit lowstand and transgressive systems tracts. Topset and foreset deposits on the middle to outer continental shelf are thicker than those on the inner shelf due to pronounced aggradation and progradation. This pattern is attributed to middle to late Miocene deltaic progradation and migration combined with sediment compaction and loading that created the accommodation space for these especially thick shallow-marine deposits. Seismic profiles provide a means of anticipating sedimentary facies based on the vertical and lateral arrangement of reflectors within sequences, even in the absence of geologic samples and wireline log measurements. This study evaluates models of sequence stratigraphic evolution by utilizing high sedimentation rates, gamma-ray logs and seismic profiles available in this area. Sequence A shows the importance of drill site data. Using cores and logs, IODP Exp313 showed the maximum flooding surface is the first major downlap surface within sequence A, implying this interval is dominated by thick highstand deposits. By contrast, the widely cited Exxon model predicts that this and all sequences have thick lowstand units containing multiple flooding surfaces, overlain by comparatively thin highstand deposits. Furthermore, the present study showed not all sequences are alike. Shell-632 gamma-ray data reveals thick lowstand and transgressive strata in sequence D, and thin highstand strata consistent with the Exxon model. In contrast, many other sequences examined here have thin lowstand and transgressive systems tracts either below seismic resolution or absent, and thick highstand systems tracts that agree with the model built on Expedition 313 studies.

High Resolution Seismic Analysis of the Structure and Morphology of the New Jersey Continental Slope

High Resolution Seismic Analysis of the Structure and Morphology of the New Jersey Continental Slope PDF Author: Laryn Micaela Smith
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 72

Get Book Here

Book Description


The Gulf of Mexico Sedimentary Basin

The Gulf of Mexico Sedimentary Basin PDF Author: John W. Snedden
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 110841902X
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 343

Get Book Here

Book Description
A comprehensive and richly illustrated overview of the Gulf of Mexico Basin, including its reservoirs, source rocks, tectonics and evolution.