Directory

Salt kinematics and regional tectonics across a Permian gas field: a case study from East Frisia, NW Germany

Salt Sediment Interactions and Hydrocarbon Prospectivity: Concepts, Applications, and Case Studies for the 21st Century: 24th Annual, 2004

by Peter Kukla, S. Back, and F. Strozyk

International Journal of Earth Sciences, 2013

ABSTRACT This study presents a reconstruction of the tectonic history of an Upper Rotliegend tigh... more ABSTRACT This study presents a reconstruction of the tectonic history of an Upper Rotliegend tight gas field in Northern Germany. Tectonism of the greater study area was influenced by multiple phases of salt movement, which produced a variety of salt-related structural features such as salt walls, salt diapirs as well as salt glaciers (namakiers). A sequential 2D retro-deformation and stratal backstripping methodology was used to differentiate mechanisms inducing salt movement and to discuss their relation to regional tectonics. The quantitative geometric restoration included sedimentary balancing, decompaction, fault-related deformation, salt movement, thermal subsidence, and isostasy to unravel the post-depositional tectonic overprint of the Rotliegend reservoir rock. The results of this study indicate that reactive salt diapirism started during an Early Triassic interval of thin-skinned extensional tectonics, followed by an active diapirism stage with an overburden salt piercement in the Late Triassic, and finally a period of intensive salt surface extrusion and the formation of salt glaciers (namakiers) in Late Triassic and Jurassic times. Since the Early Cretaceous, salt in the study area has been rising by passive diapirism.

The response of a basin-scale Miocene barrier reef system to long-term, strong subsidence on a passive continental margin, Barcoo Sub-basin, Australian North West Shelf

by Peter Kukla and S. Back

Basin Research, 2014

ABSTRACT The Miocene sedimentary succession of the southern Browse Basin records the response of ... more ABSTRACT The Miocene sedimentary succession of the southern Browse Basin records the response of a tropical reef system to long-term, strong subsidence on a passive continental margin. Geological interpretation of a comprehensive two-dimensional (2D) seismic-reflectivity dataset documents for the first time the development of a continuous Miocene barrier reef on the Australian North-West Shelf. With a length of over 250 km, this barrier reef is among the Earth&#39;s largest in the Neogene record. A sequence stratigraphic analysis tied to well data shows that the main controls for the evolution, growth and demise of the reef system were subsidence, third-order global-scale eustatic variations and antecedent topography. The generally very high Miocene subsidence rates estimated for the study area cannot be explained by typical passive-margin subsidence controlled by lithospheric cooling and sedimentary loading alone. Additional dynamic subsidence induced by mantle convection, though documented as unusually large on the northern margin of Australia during the Neogene, can be also regarded as being of only minor importance. Therefore, accelerated tectonic subsidence related to the collision of the Australian and Eurasian Plates 250 – 500 km north of the study area seems to exert an important influence on reef development and demise, complicated by local tectonic inversion. The Miocene tectonic reactivation and inversion of an older structural grain is interpreted to have controlled the reef development considerably by providing localized topographic highs along transpressional anticlines above basement-rooted faults that served as preferential sites for reef growth and retreat during times of rapidly rising sea level. This exemplarily shows that the far-field effects of collision-induced tectonic subsidence can significantly influence carbonate systems on passive margins.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Sedimentary basinal responses to a Late Precambrian Wilson Cycle: the Damara Orogen and Nama Foreland, Namibia

Journal of African Earth Sciences (and the Middle East), 1991

Rift initiation (stage 1) took place along old tectonic weaknesses and extensional rift basins (s... more

Regional variations in the structure of the Permian Zechstein 3 intrasalt stringer in the northern Netherlands: 3D seismic interpretation and implications for salt tectonic evolution

Synsedimentary faults and amalgamated unconformities: Insights from 3D-seismic and core analysis of the Lower Triassic Middle Buntsandstein, Ems Trough, north-western Germany

Interpretation, 2014

International Journal of Earth Sciences, 2005

The Late Permian/Early Triassic succession of the Central European Basin (CEB) was repeatedly aff... more The Late Permian/Early Triassic succession of the Central European Basin (CEB) was repeatedly affected by the tectonic pulses associated with the earliest phases of Tethyan and Arctic-North Atlantic rifting. Effects of the differential tectonic subsidence are particularly well recorded by unconformities, which form widespread sequence boundaries. Such unconformities are most obvious in areas occupied by fault-controlled intra-basinal highs (swells). In that areas, stratigraphic loss may comprise entire Lower and Middle Buntsandstein formations and in places remnant Middle Buntsandstein successions directly rest on Permian strata. Analysis of 3D-seismic data and well logs combined with high-resolution sedimentological logging of drillcores at the western margin of the Ems Trough (NW Germany) reveals details of synsedimentary tectonic control on sequence development. Early Triassic extensional faulting of basement blocks provided stepwise addition of accommodation space for continental sequences by growth faulting along north-south oriented fault zones blocks on the flanks of the East Netherlands High. This process is most evident during the development of the Hardegsen Unconformity, which is characterised by an amalgamation of succeeding unconformity surfaces in areas of structurally controlled intrabasinal highs.

Imaging pore space in tight gas sandstone reservoir: insights from broad ion beam cross-sectioning

by Peter Kukla and Jan Konstanty

EPJ Web of Conferences, 2010

Monetization of tight gas reservoirs, which contain significant gas reserves world-wide, represen... more Monetization of tight gas reservoirs, which contain significant gas reserves world-wide, represents a challenge for the entire oil and gas industry. The development of new technologies to enhance tight gas reservoir productivity is strongly dependent on an improved understanding of the rock properties and especially the pore framework. Numerous methods are now available to characterize sandstone cores. However, the pore space characterization at pore scale remains difficult due to the fine pore size and delicate sample preparation, and has thus been mostly indirectly inferred until now. Here we propose a new method of ultra high-resolution petrography combining high resolution SEM and argon ion beam cross sectioning (BIB, Broad Ion Beam) which prepares smooth and damage free surfaces. We demonstrate this method using the example of Permian (Rotliegend) age tight gas sandstone core samples. The combination of Ar-beam cross-sectioning facility and high-resolution SEM imaging has the potential to result in a step change in the understanding of pore geometries, in terms of its morphology, spatial distribution and evolution based on the generation of unprecedented image quality and resolution enhancing the predictive reliability of image analysis.

Fractal Behavior of Fractures Derived from Seismic and FMI Data

by Peter Kukla and David Tanner

69th EAGE Conference and Exhibition incorporating SPE EUROPEC 2007, 2007

Deformation mechanisms of deeply buried and surface-piercing Late Pre-Cambrian to Early Cambrian Ara Salt from interior Oman

International Journal of Earth Sciences, 2009

We compared microstructures of Late Pre-Cambrian to Early Cambrian Ara Salt diapirs from the deep... more We compared microstructures of Late Pre-Cambrian to Early Cambrian Ara Salt diapirs from the deep subsurface (3.5-5 km) of the South Oman Salt Basin and from surface-piercing salt domes of the Ghaba Salt Basin. Laterally, these basins are approximately 500 km apart but belong to the same tectono-sedimentary system. The excellent data situation from both wells and outcrops allows a unique quantification of formation and deformation mechanisms, spanning from sedimentation to deep burial, and via re-activated diapir rise to surface piercement. Microstructures of gamma-irradiated and etched thin sections indicate dislocation creep and fluid-assisted grain boundary migration as the main deformation mechanisms operating in the deep subsurface. Microstructures from the surface are characterised by large 'old' subgrain-rich crystals. These 'old' grains are partly replaced by 'new' subgrain-free and subgrain-poor crystals, which show gamma irradiation-decorated growth bands and fibrous microstructures, indicative of pressure solution creep and static recrystallisation, most likely due to surface piercement and exposure. Using subgrain size piezometry, the maximum differential stresses for the subsurface salt is 1.7 MPa and those for the surface-piercing salt is 3.4 MPa, the latter value displaying the high stress conditions in the diapir 'stem' as the salt rises on its way to the surface.

Late Cretaceous to Cenozoic geodynamic evolution of the Atlantic margin offshore Essaouira (Morocco)

by Peter Kukla, S. Back, and Martin Neumaier

Basin Research, 2015

ABSTRACT After Mesozoic rifting, the Atlantic margin of Morocco has recorded the consequences of ... more ABSTRACT After Mesozoic rifting, the Atlantic margin of Morocco has recorded the consequences of the continental collision between Africa and Europe and the relative northward motion of the African plate over the Canary Island hotspot during Cenozoic times. Interpretation of recently acquired 2D seismic reflection data (MIRROR 2011 experiment) presents new insights into the Late Cretaceous to recent geodynamic evolution of this margin. Crustal uplift presumably started during the Late Cretaceous and triggered regional tilting in the deep-water margin west of Essaouira and the formation of the Base Tertiary Unconformity (BTU). An associated hiatus in sedimentation is interpreted to have started earlier in the north (presumably in the Cenomanian at well location DSDP 416) and propagated to the south (presumably in the Coniacian at well location DSDP 415). The difference in the total duration of this hiatus is postulated to have controlled the extrusion of Late Triassic to Early Jurassic salt during the Late Cretaceous to Early Palaeocene non-depositional period, resulting in regional differences in the preservation of salt structures: the Agadir Basin in the south of the study area is dominated by salt diapirs, whereas massive canopies characterize the Ras Tafelnay Plateau farther north and salt-poor canopies and weld structures the northernmost offshore Essaouira and Safi Basins. Accompanied by volcanic intrusions, a presumably Early Palaeogene reactivation of previously existing basement faults is interpreted to have formed a series of deep-water anticlines with associated gravity deformation of shallow-seated sediments. The orientation of the fold axes is roughly perpendicular to the present day coast and the extensional fault direction; therefore, not a coast-line parallel pattern of extensional faults, related to the rifting and break-up of the margin, but rather a coast-line perpendicular oceanic fracture zone might have caused the basement faults associated with the deep-water folds. Both the volcanic intrusions and the formation of the deep-water anticlines show a comparable age trend which gets progressively younger towards the south. A potential tempo-spatial relationship of the BTU and the reactivation of basement faults can be explained by the relative northward motion of the African plate over the Canary Island hotspot. Regional uplift producing the BTU could have been the precursor of the approaching hotspot during the Late Cretaceous, followed during the Early Palaeogene by a locally more pronounced uplift above the hotspot centre.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Some Controversies about Early Repolarization: The Haïssaguerre Syndrome

Annals of Noninvasive Electrocardiology, 2015

Controversy has followed the groundbreaking and cornerstone paper of Haïssaguerre et al. Much of ... more Controversy has followed the groundbreaking and cornerstone paper of Haïssaguerre et al. Much of this controversy has been due to the use of the term &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;early repolarization pattern&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; and possible waveform morphologies on the standard 12-lead ECG ( it is 10 second strip) that could predict who will manifest the malignant arrhythmogenic syndrome described by Haïssaguerre et al. The standard ECG definition of early repolarization pattern (ERP) or early repolarization variant (ERV) since then has changed its clinical meaning for a surface electrocardiographic waveform from benign to malignant. The new definition of ERP/ERV contains only J wave but ST-segment elevation is no more obligatory. In the old definition, early repolarization pattern (ERP) or early repolarization variant (ERV) 3 is a well-recognized idiopathic electrocardiographic phenomenon considered to be present when at least two adjacent precordial leads show elevation of the ST segment, with values equal or higher than 1 mm. In the new electrocardiographic ERP concept, the ST segment may or may not be elevated and can be up-sloping, horizontal or down-sloping while in the old ERP/ERV concept it must be elevated at least 1 mm in at least two adjacent leads and the variant is characterized by a diffuse elevation of the ST segment of upper concavity, ending in a positive T wave of V2 to V4 or V5 and prominent J wave and ST-segment elevation predominantly in left precordial leads. The phenomenon constitutes a normal variant; it is almost a rule in athletes (present in 89% of the cases in this universe).

$Research paper thumbnail of Prediction of sub-seismic faults and fractures: Integration of 3D seismic data, 3D retro-deformation, and well data on an example of deformation around an inverted fault$

Prediction of sub-seismic faults and fractures: Integration of 3D seismic data, 3D retro-deformation, and well data on an example of deformation around an inverted fault

In addition to seismically mapped fault structures, a large number of faults below the limit of s... more In addition to seismically mapped fault structures, a large number of faults below the limit of seismic resolution contribute to sub-surface deformation. However, a correlation between large- and small-scale faults is difficult because of their strong variation in orientation. A workflow to analyse deformation over different scales is described here. Based on the combination of seismic interpretation, coherency analysis, geostatistical

The formation of Late Permian Zechstein 2 sulphate layers in the Dutch onshore and their implications for complex salt deformation

From salt mine galleries and well data it is well-known that the heterogeneity of layered evapori... more From salt mine galleries and well data it is well-known that the heterogeneity of layered evaporites is much higher than implied by seismic data and existing numerical and analogue models, as the thick rock salt layers partly show anhydrite and carbonate layers (so called "stringers" or floaters") with thicknesses on the millimetre to tens of metre scale. The processes and mechanisms of the development of such intra-salt layers as well as their role for the rheological and mechanical heterogeneity of salt bodies during halokinesis are still poorly understood. Previous research focused on the Zechstein 3 stringer, which separates the Zechstein 2 Salt Member from the Zechstein 3 Salt Member, and is -in most cases -clearly visible on seismic images. Observations from geophysical well logs in the Dutch onshore confirm that thin sulphate layers comparable to the Zechstein 3 stringer are also present in the Zechstein 2 Salt Member, while they are seismically not resolved. It is our aim to investigate the origin and mineralogy of these so called Z2 stringers. The results of this work are based on observations of core samples, cuttings, thin sections, and seismic data, as well as XRD, XRF, ion chromatography, and gamma ray measurements, which have been performed on various rock salt and Z2 stringer samples. The XRD results reveal that the Z2 stringer consists either of pure anhydrite or a mixture of anhydrite and polyhalite. The bromine analyses of the halite samples confirm that the Z2 stringer marks a refreshment horizon in the Zechstein 2 Salt Member, which can be correlated throughout the entire basin facies onshore northern Netherlands. A further focus is put to the deformation of the Z2 stringers, which reflect the deformation within the Zechstein 2 salt, as well as to salt tectonics affecting the study area.

petroleum systems modelling: Bridging the gap between basin and reservoir scale modelling-examples from offshore Western Australia

ERHÖHTE PORENDRÜCKE–BEDEUTUNG FÜR BOHRLOCHPLANUNG, KOHLENWASSERSTOFF-EXPLORATION UND FELDENTWICKLUNG

Overpressures-their Impact on Well Planning, Exploration, and Field Development

ABSTRACT The impact of the presence of the overpressures in the subsurface of the well for the sa... more ABSTRACT The impact of the presence of the overpressures in the subsurface of the well for the safety and cost efficient well design was studied. Overpressures was found to reduce the vertical effective stress (VES) experienced by the sediments. It was observed that the reduction of porosity with vertical effective stress is exponential in nature. It was shown that the overpressures are transient and leak away when the generation mechanism ceases to operate.

Extrusive salt diapirism in the intracontinental sequences of the Late Triassic (Keuper) of NW Germany

Syn-tectonic sequence generation in low-gradient desert margin systems-the Lower Triassic Buntsandstein of the Central European Basin

PowerTrapTM : UItrafine PM Control Without Performance Penalties

Sedimentation and Tectonics of the Khomas Hochland Accretionary Prism, along a Late Proterozoic Continental Margin, Damara Sequence, Central Namibia

Frostick/Tectonic Controls and Signatures in Sedimentary Successions, 1994

New Insights to the Evolution and Mechanisms of Salt Tectonics in the Central European Basin System: An Integrated Modeling Study from Northwest Germany

Salt kinematics and regional tectonics across a Permian gas field: a case study from East Frisia, NW Germany

Salt Sediment Interactions and Hydrocarbon Prospectivity: Concepts, Applications, and Case Studies for the 21st Century: 24th Annual, 2004

by Peter Kukla, S. Back, and F. Strozyk

International Journal of Earth Sciences, 2013

The response of a basin-scale Miocene barrier reef system to long-term, strong subsidence on a passive continental margin, Barcoo Sub-basin, Australian North West Shelf

by Peter Kukla and S. Back

Basin Research, 2014

Sedimentary basinal responses to a Late Precambrian Wilson Cycle: the Damara Orogen and Nama Foreland, Namibia

Journal of African Earth Sciences (and the Middle East), 1991

Rift initiation (stage 1) took place along old tectonic weaknesses and extensional rift basins (s... more

Regional variations in the structure of the Permian Zechstein 3 intrasalt stringer in the northern Netherlands: 3D seismic interpretation and implications for salt tectonic evolution

Synsedimentary faults and amalgamated unconformities: Insights from 3D-seismic and core analysis of the Lower Triassic Middle Buntsandstein, Ems Trough, north-western Germany

Interpretation, 2014

International Journal of Earth Sciences, 2005

Imaging pore space in tight gas sandstone reservoir: insights from broad ion beam cross-sectioning

by Peter Kukla and Jan Konstanty

EPJ Web of Conferences, 2010

Fractal Behavior of Fractures Derived from Seismic and FMI Data

by Peter Kukla and David Tanner

69th EAGE Conference and Exhibition incorporating SPE EUROPEC 2007, 2007

Deformation mechanisms of deeply buried and surface-piercing Late Pre-Cambrian to Early Cambrian Ara Salt from interior Oman

International Journal of Earth Sciences, 2009

Late Cretaceous to Cenozoic geodynamic evolution of the Atlantic margin offshore Essaouira (Morocco)

by Peter Kukla, S. Back, and Martin Neumaier

Basin Research, 2015

Some Controversies about Early Repolarization: The Haïssaguerre Syndrome

Annals of Noninvasive Electrocardiology, 2015

$Research paper thumbnail of Prediction of sub-seismic faults and fractures: Integration of 3D seismic data, 3D retro-deformation, and well data on an example of deformation around an inverted fault$

Prediction of sub-seismic faults and fractures: Integration of 3D seismic data, 3D retro-deformation, and well data on an example of deformation around an inverted fault

The formation of Late Permian Zechstein 2 sulphate layers in the Dutch onshore and their implications for complex salt deformation

petroleum systems modelling: Bridging the gap between basin and reservoir scale modelling-examples from offshore Western Australia

ERHÖHTE PORENDRÜCKE–BEDEUTUNG FÜR BOHRLOCHPLANUNG, KOHLENWASSERSTOFF-EXPLORATION UND FELDENTWICKLUNG

Overpressures-their Impact on Well Planning, Exploration, and Field Development

Extrusive salt diapirism in the intracontinental sequences of the Late Triassic (Keuper) of NW Germany