3D seismic analysis of karstified interbedded carbonates and evaporites, Lower Permian Gipsdalen Group, Loppa High, southwestern Barents Sea

TY - JOUR

T1 - 3D seismic analysis of karstified interbedded carbonates and evaporites, Lower Permian Gipsdalen Group, Loppa High, southwestern Barents Sea

AU - Ahlborn, Morten

AU - Stemmerik, Lars

AU - Kalsto, Trond-Kristian

PY - 2014/9

Y1 - 2014/9

N2 - This paper presents a detailed seismic analysis of a hitherto undescribed Permian succession interpreted to consist of interbedded anhydrite and carbonate from the northern flank of the Loppa High, western Barents Sea. The Fafner succession forms a locally restricted transgressive unit down-dip on the rotated Loppa High. It is subdivided into four seismic sequences each interpreted to be composed of a basal transgressive anhydrite overlain by highstand carbonates. Fafner seismic sequences 2 and 3 include well-developed buildup complexes which in map view form polygonal patterns.Analysis of attribute maps indicates that the Fafner succession is overprinted by two dissolution systems related to two prominent events of subaerial exposure, creating numerous paleo-sinkholes, breccia-pipes, and collapsed composite cavern systems. The stratigraphical position of the Fafner succession, below the Mid Sakmarian - Artinskian Bjarmeland Group and above the Top Ørn unconformity, resembles that of the Lower Permian Gipshuken Formation on Spitsbergen, and the Fafner succession is thus regarded as its offshore equivalent.

AB - This paper presents a detailed seismic analysis of a hitherto undescribed Permian succession interpreted to consist of interbedded anhydrite and carbonate from the northern flank of the Loppa High, western Barents Sea. The Fafner succession forms a locally restricted transgressive unit down-dip on the rotated Loppa High. It is subdivided into four seismic sequences each interpreted to be composed of a basal transgressive anhydrite overlain by highstand carbonates. Fafner seismic sequences 2 and 3 include well-developed buildup complexes which in map view form polygonal patterns.Analysis of attribute maps indicates that the Fafner succession is overprinted by two dissolution systems related to two prominent events of subaerial exposure, creating numerous paleo-sinkholes, breccia-pipes, and collapsed composite cavern systems. The stratigraphical position of the Fafner succession, below the Mid Sakmarian - Artinskian Bjarmeland Group and above the Top Ørn unconformity, resembles that of the Lower Permian Gipshuken Formation on Spitsbergen, and the Fafner succession is thus regarded as its offshore equivalent.

U2 - 10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2014.02.015

DO - 10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2014.02.015

M3 - Journal article

SN - 0264-8172

VL - 56

SP - 16

EP - 33

JO - Marine and Petroleum Geology

JF - Marine and Petroleum Geology

ER -