bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bottom currents, contourites and deep-sea sediment drifts: current state-of-the-art
Authors: Stow Dorrik A. V. , Faugères Jean-Claude , Howe John A. , Pudsey Carol J. , Viana Adriano R. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
This paper provides both an introduction to and summary for the Atlas of Contourite Systems that has been compiled as part of the International Geological Correlation Project - IGCP 432. Following the seminal works of George Wust on the physical oceanography of bottom currents, and Charley Hollister on contourite sediments, a series of significant advances have been made over the past few decades. While accepting that ideas and terms must remain flexible as our knowledge base continues to increase, we present a consensus view on terminology and definitions of bottom currents, contourites and drifts. Both thermohaline and wind-driven circulation, influenced by Coriolis Force and molded by topography, contribute to the oceanic system of bottom currents. These semi-permanent currents show significant variability in time and space, marked by periodic benthic storm events in areas of high surface kinetic energy.
Six different drift types are recognized in the ocean basins and margins at depths greater than about 300 m: (i) contourite sheet drifts; (ii) elongate mounded drifts; (iii) channel related drifts; (iv) confined drifts; (v) infill drifts; and (vi) modified drift-turbidite systems. In addition to this overall geometry, their chief seismic characteristics include: a uniform reflector pattern that reflects long-term stability, drift-wide erosional discontinuities caused by periodic changes in bottom current regime, and stacked broadly lenticular seismic depositional units showing oblique to downcurrent migration. At a smaller scale, a variety of seismic facies can be recognized that are here related to bottom current intensity. A model for seismic facies cyclicity (alternating transparent/reflector zones) is further elaborated, and linked to bottom current/climate change. Both erosional features and depositional bedforms are diagnostic of bottom current systems and velocities.
Many different contourite facies are now known to exist, encompassing all compositional types. We propose here a Cl-5 notation for the standard contourite facies sequence, which can be interpreted in terms of fluctuation in bottom current velocity and/or sediment supply. Several proxies can be utilized to decode contourite successions in terms of current fluctuation. Gravel lag and shale chip contourites, as well as erosional discontinuities are indicative of still greater velocities. There are a small but growing number of land-based examples of fossil contourites, based on careful analysis using the recommended three-stage approach to interpretation. Debate still surrounds the recognition and interpretation of bottom current reworked turbidites.
Contourites of the Nova Scotian continental rise and the HEBBLE area
Authors: McCave I. N. , Chandler R. C. , Swift S. A. , Tucholke B. E. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

The Nova Scotian continental rise is swept by a Deep Western Boundary Current system comprising layers of Labrador Sea Water overlying a core of Norwegian Sea Overflow Water at depths of 3100-3900 m, and below about 4600 m a cold stream of southern-source water. Seismic-reflection data show that the rise contains sediments transported downslope in channels and debris lobes, but there is also evidence of current-controlled deposition and erosion in the post-Eocene sequence. The rise is now mantled by Holocene contourites that have accumulated at a rate of

c

. 6 cm ka
-1
and are <1 m thick. Bottom photographs show a zonation in current effects and bedform types, with longitudinal ripples and strong currents prevalent at 4800-5000 m, smaller bedforms and progressively weaker currents up to

c

. 4000 m, and mostly tranquil seafloor above 4000 m. Bedform scales and orientations also suggest significant short-term (hours to weeks) variability in current velocity but a mean contour-following flow to the southwest at longer time scales (months to years). These structures are not preserved in the sediment because of pervasive bioturbation and the uppermost layers have negligible preservation potential. The sediments display clear current controlled effects in their grain-size structure involving both percentage of (foraminiferal) sand, and size and percentage in the 10-63 µm range, the 'sortable silt'. There is a sand-rich zone at 4800-4900 m and below 5000 m, and a decreasing silt/clay ratio from 5100 m up to 4000 m. Although much of the sedimentary sequence probably has been emplaced by downslope processes, it has been significantly modified by the Deep Western Boundary Current. Particularly strong and variable currents which rework sediments below

c

. 4800 m probably are engendered by interaction of Gulf Stream eddies with the DWBC. Although strong currents and upstream input from tur-bidites and debris flows might be thought to favour a coarse-grained deposit, the facies at the HEBBLE (High Energy Benthic Boundary Layer Experiment) site is muddy contourite with ≤ 12% sand.
The Greater Antilles Outer Ridge: development of a distal sedimentary drift by deposition of fine-grained contourites
Authors: Tucholke Brian E. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe Greater Antilles Outer Ridge, located north and northwest of the Puerto Rico Trench, is a deep (>5100 m), distal sediment drift more than 900 km long and up to 1 km thick. It has been isolated from sources of downslope sedimentation throughout its history and is formed of clay- to fine silt-size terrigenous sediments that have been deposited from suspended load carried in the Western Boundary Undercurrent, together with 0-30% pelagic foraminiferal carbonate. Because of the fine, relatively uniform grain size of the sediments, the outer ridge consists of sediments that are seismically transparent in low-frequency reflection profiles. Sediment tracers (chlorite in sediments and suspended particulate matter, reddish clays in cores) indicate that at least a portion of the ridge sediments has been transported more than 2000 km from the eastern margin of North America north of 40<sup °N. The outer ridge began to develop as early as the beginning of Oligocene time when strong, deep thermohaline circulation developed in the North Atlantic and the trough initiating the present Puerto Rico Trench had cut off downslope sedimentation from the Greater Antilles. The fastest growth of the outer ridge probably occurred beginning in the early Miocene, about the same time that large drifts such as the Blake Outer Ridge were initiated along the North American margin. Since that time, the most rapid sedimentation has been along the crest of the northwestern outer ridge where suspended load is deposited in a shear zone between opposing currents on the two ridge flanks
Late Quaternary glacigenic contourite, debris flow and turbidite process interaction in the Faroe-Shetland Channel, NW European continental margin
Authors: Akhurst Maxine C. , Stow Dorrik A. V. , Stoker Martyn S. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The Faroe-Shetland Channel is an important conduit or gateway for the southward flow of cold bottom waters formed in the Norwegian Sea. This Norwegian Sea Overflow Water (NSOW) finds several spillover channels across the Wyville-Thomson Ridge, eventually descending into the northern Rockall Trough and Iceland Basin. The Neogene channel floor succession predominantly displays a broad sheeted drift geometry. Bottom current scours and channels were apparently inherited from an episode of enhanced bottom current activity in late Oligocene/early Miocene. The late Quaternary channel-floor succession is dominated by distal glaciomarine sediments, derived from the shelf and slope during glacial stages and mostly transported by ice-rafting. Glacigenic debris flows and minor turbidity currents were also active across the slope region. Consequently, the principal channel-floor facies are glacigenic contourites that show extensive bioturbation, rare primary structures, mixed composition and marked grain size variation. These features indicate the important influence of cyclical fluctuations in bottom current velocity throughout both stadial and interstadial or interglacial periods. However, the concentration of sandy contourites, erosive surfaces and top-only contourites during interstadials/interglacials and during phases of marked cooling or warming testify to the significance of climate-control on contourite deposition.
Holocene contourite sand sheet on the Barra Fan slope, NW Hebridean margin
Authors: Stow Dorrik A. V. , Armishaw Julie E. , Holmes Richard 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Surficial sediment analyses, bottom photographs and current–meter data, coupled with studies of sidescan and 3.5 kHz echodata clearly show the imprint of a strong, seasonally-affected, slope current on the Hebrides shelf and slope. The present day shelf sediments are in fact relict, coarse-grained material (gravel with boulders) of Pleistocene glacial deri–vation, which have been modified during the Holocene by winnowing, sea-floor polishing and transport of the finer fraction across the shelf to the northwest. On the outer shelf and upper slope the sharp change from gravel to sand is marked by a physiographic-textural boundary, herein termed the
sandline
, which occurs at a depth of between 170 m and 300 m. Further down the continental margin on the lower slope, the lower limit of the sand-rich facies is marked by the
mudline
. This typically occurs at a depth of around 1200 m, and marks the depth of substantially increased clay-sized material. Above the mudline the long-term (Holocene to present), time-integrated signature of bottom current flow has resulted in the relatively slow accumulation of a mid-slope sandy contourite deposit, the Barra contourite sand sheet. This covers an area of 1000-1500 km
2
with an estimated sand volume of 30 000 m
3
. Below the mudline the clay-rich deposits represent a hemipelagic drape with only minor bottom current influence and intense reworking by benthic organisms.
The Ceuta Drift, Alboran Sea, southwestern Mediterranean
Authors: Ercilla G. , Baraza J. , Alonso B. , Estrada F. , Casas D. , Farrán M. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The Ceuta Drift is an elongated-terrace feature (up to 100 km long, 28 km wide, 400 m relief, and 700 ms thick) located in the southwestern Alboran Sea, close to the Gibraltar Strait. It extends between 200 and 700 m water depth, parallel to the Moroccan slope. The drift stratigraphy is defined by the vertical stacking of at least five seismic units bounded by discontinuities: onlap and downlap surfaces at the bottom, and erosive surfaces at the top. Sedimentologically, the most recent deposits are defined by the vertical succesion, from bottom to top, of contouritic sandy muds, muds, and silty clays. The Ceuta Drift began to develop during the early Quaternary, when the pre-existing sea-floor morphology favoured the formation of an offshoot current system from the Mediterranean water masses. The action of this current together with sea-level changes have controlled the growth pattern of this drift.
Upper slope sands: Late Quaternary shallow-water sandy contourities of Campos Basin, SW Atlantic Margin
Authors: Viana Adriano R. , De Almeida Waldemar , De Almeida Cleide Wilhelm 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Upper slope sand deposits comprise a widespread but thin elongate accumulation of coarse to very fine-grained sand resulting from the action of slope boundary currents upon shelf-derived sediments. Sediment distribution on the Campos Basin upper slope responds to the action of the southward-flowing western boundary Brazil Current (BC). Linear, multi-source sediment supply to the slope is provided by shelf overspill due to the action of different forcing mechanisms: tides, storm fronts, and BC current onshelf penetration as gyres and meanders. On the slope, the sediment is pirated and redistributed by the BC Coarse-grained sediments (pebbles to very coarse sand) are found below the zone of maximum acceleration of the BC. Down–stream, fining is observed as a consequence of the morphologically controlled BC deceleration. The resultant accumulation is an elongate (c. 70 km long) and thin (> 50 m) wedge-shaped deposit. This depositional model is based on hydrographic, physiographic and sedimentologic characteristics of the modern Campos Basin margin, SE Brazil and characterizes a shallow water contouritic deposit
Contourites on the Agulhas Plateau, SW Indian Ocean: indications for the evolution of currents since Palaeogene times
Authors: Uenzelmann-Neben Gabriele 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The area south of South Africa is one of the most important gateway regions for the interchange of watermasses from the Atlantic, Indian and Southern oceans. This results in a very complex flow pattern which up to now has been known only in general terms. For this study, a set of seismic reflection lines from the southern Agulhas Plateau has been analysed. These show strong indications for the effect of bottom currents on sedimentation in the form of sediment drifts, channels, erosional unconformities and sediment waves. These observations have been used to infer the development of palaeocircu-lation over the southern Agulhas Plateau since Paleogene times. Three different currents have been identified. The oldest observed flows across the Agulhas Plateau from the southwestern tip to the northeast, and probably dates from the early Eocene times. It is believed to comprise an Antarctic Bottomwater component derived from its source in the south. The eastern Agulhas Plateau is characterized by a south-flowing current, which has been active since the Lower Oligocene and appears to have remained stationary to within a distance of 10 km. The Agulhas Retroflection is considered as its most likely source. The third current observed flows along the western flank of the plateau, dates from the Middle Miocene and probably results from an Antarctic Bottomwater component re-circulated via the Cape Basin.
The Weddell Sea: contourites and hemipelagites at the northern margin of the Weddell Gyre
Authors: Pudsey Carol J. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Fine-grained contourites and hemipelagites occur in the northern Weddell Sea, deposited from the Weddell Gyre. Where bottom currents are intensified over the slope, sandy and silty contourites have been deposited above 2000 m water depth. Mudwaves are generally uncommon, but are present in Powell Basin. The area has potential for high-resolution palaeoclimate studies (particularly the history of Antarctic Bottom Water production) if difficulties in dating can be overcome.
The tectonic and stratigraphic framework of the United Kingdom's oil and gas fields
Authors: Underhill John R. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Onshore exploration success during the first half of the 20th century led to petroleum production from many, relatively small oil and gas accumulations in areas like the East Midlands, North Yorkshire and Midland Valley of Scotland. Despite this, the notion that exploration of the United Kingdom's continental shelf (UKCS) might lead to the country having self-sufficiency in oil and gas production would have been viewed as extremely fanciful as recently as the late 1950s. Yet as we pass into the new century, only thirty-five years on from the drilling of the first offshore well, that is exactly the position Britain finds itself in. By 2001, around three million barrels of oil equivalent were being produced each day from 239 fields. The producing fields have a wide geographical distribution, occur in a number of discrete sedimentary basins and contain a wide spectrum of reservoirs that were originally deposited in diverse sedimentary and stratigraphic units ranging from Devonian to Eocene in age. Although carbonates are represented, the main producing horizons have primarily proved to be siliciclastic in nature and were deposited in environments ranging from aeolian and fluviatile continental red beds, coastal plain, nearshore beach and shelfal settings all the way through to deep-marine, submarine fan sediments. This chapter attempts to place each of the main producing fields into their proper stratigraphic, tectonic and sedimentological context in order to demonstrate how a wide variety of factors have successfully combined to produce each of the prospective petroleum play fairways and hence, make the UKCS such a prolific and important petroleum province.
The North Morecambe Field, Block 110/2a, East Irish Sea
Authors: Cowan G. , Boycott-Brown T. 
Published: April 2008

abstract
The North Morecambe Gas Field in the East Irish Sea Basin was discovered by well 110/2-3 in 1976 and contains ultimately recoverable reserves of over one TCF. THe structure is fault closed on three sides and dip closed to the north. Development was by ten conventionally drilled high angle deviated wells, from a not normally manned platform. Gas is exported through a dedicated pipeline to a new terminal at Barrow. The Triassic Sherwood Sandstone Group reservoir is composed of sandstones deposited in a semi-arid, fluvial and aeolian setting. Thin aeolian sandstones dominate flow into the well bore. Platy illite reduces the permeability by two to three orders of magnitude in the lower, illite affected zone of the reservoir, RFT measurements from the first development well proved that the free water level was 25 feet higher than expected, giving a maximum gas column of 975 feet. Re-mapping after drilling has shown that 56% of the GIIP is contained in the high permeability illite-free zone.
The South Morecambe Gas Field, Blocks 110/2a, 110/3a, 110/7a and 110/8a, East Irish Sea
Authors: Bastin J. C. , Boycott-Brown T. , Sims A. , Woodhouse R. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

South Morecambe Gas Field is situated in the East Irish Sea and produces gas from the Triassic Sherwood Sandstone Group. Exploration of the basin commenced in 1966 and the discovery well, 110/2-1, was drilled in 1974. Appraisal was complete by 1983 and development was carried out in two phases with the object of providing deliverability to help to satisfy the winter peak in demand. First gas was produced in January 1985 and production during the winter can be sustained at 50MMCMD (1750mmscfd). The stratigraphic succession of the East Irish Sea Basin (EISB) consists of Carboniferous (Dinantian to Westphalian) strata unconformably overlain by 15000 to 20000 feet of continental Permo-Triassic strata. The Triassic Sherwood Sandstone Group contains reservoir rocks and the overlying Mercia Mudstone Group evaporites provide a seal. Seismic cover of the area includes 2D and 3D data, the latter providing good images that form the basis of the current structural interpretation. The structural development of the basin commenced with extension in the Permo-Triassic followed by inversions in the late Jurassic and early Tertiary. The reservoir has been zoned using a scheme that recognizes primary depositional facies as the main criterion for correlation. The petrophysical evaluation has introduced new methods of calculating porosity, S
w
and net pay. The latest reservoir pressure data has been used in a material balance study and a two tank simulation model, both give GIIP estimates which are in line with earlier estimates. The new petrophysically derived reservoir parameters were also used to make a volumetric estimate of GIIP. Remaining recoverable reserves are at least 3 Tcf.
The Heather Field, Block 2/5, UK North Sea
Authors: Kay Simon 
Published: April 2008

abstract
The Heather oil field is located in Block 2/5 in the Northern North Sea. Oil is produced from sandstones of the Middle Jurassic Brent Group. at depths between 9500ft and 11600 ft below sea level. The field has been in production for over 20 years, and to date 120 MMSTB of oil have been produced out of an oil-in-place volume of 464 MMSTB. Although approaching non-commercial flow rates, an ambitious programme of field re-evaluation has been conducted since 1997 to identify remaining infill potential, and to investigate the development potential of satellite accumulations. New 3D seismic surveys shot in 1995 and 1997 have been combined to produce a continuous top reservoir map of the main field and adjacent satellite structures. The new mapping and an updated reservoir description were integrated with reservoir simulation models to identify zones of unswept oil. Main field infill projects have been identified which target the unswept oil, allowing extension of field life to be planned in conjunction with satellite field development. An additional 57 MMSTB of recoverable oil are expected to be produced from Middle Jurassic reservoirs in the main field and in satellite areas.
The Statfjord Field, Blocks 33/9, 33/12 Norwegian sector, Blocks 211/24, 211/25 UK sector, Northern North Sea
Authors: Gibbons K. A. , Jourdan C. A. , Hesthammer J. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The Statfjord Field, the largest oil field in the Northern North Sea, straddles the Norway/UK boundary and is located on the southwestern part of the Tampen Spur within the East Shetland Basin. The accumulation is trapped in a 6-8° W-NW dipping rotated fault block comprised of Jurassic-Triassic strata sealed by Middle to Upper Jurassic and Cretaceous shales
Reserves are located in three separate reservoirs: Middle Jurassic deltaic sediments of the Brent Group, Lower Jurassic marine-shelf sandstones and siltstones of the Dunlin Group; and Upper Triassic-lowermost Jurassic fluviatile sediments of the Statfjord Formation. The majority of reserves are contained within the Brent Group; and Statfjord Formation sediments which exhibit good to excellent reservoir properties with porosities ranging from 20-30% permeabilities ranging up to several darcies, and an average net-to-gross of 60-75%. The sandstones and siltstones of the Dunlin Group have poorer reservoir properties where the best reservoir unit exhibits an average porosity of 22%, an average permeability 300 raD and net-to-gross of 45%
Structurally, the field is subdivided into a main field area characterized by relatively undeformed W-NW dipping strata, and a heavily deformed east flank area characterized by several phases of 'eastward' gravitational collapse

Production from the field commenced in 1979 and as of January 2000, 176 wells have been drilled. The oil is undersaturated and no natural gas-cap is present. The drainage strategy has been to develop the Brent and Dunlin Group reservoir with pressure maintenance using water injection and the Statfjord Formation reservoir by miscible gas flood. However, a strategy to improve recovery by implementing water alternating gas (WAG) methods is gradually being implemented for both the Brent and Statfjord reservoirs. Current estimates indicate that by 2015 a total of 666 x 10
6
Sm
3
(4192 MMBBL) of oil will be recovered and 75 GSm
3
(2.66 TCF) gas will be exported from the field