SEISMIC EVENTS IN THE UPPER MIOCENE - PLIOCENE SEDIMENTARY SUCCESSION IN THE GULF OF IZMIR (WESTERN ANATOLIA): IMPLICATIONS FOR HYDROCARBON PROSPECTIVITY


Altan Z., Ocakoglu N., Bohm G., Sarikavak K. T.

JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM GEOLOGY, cilt.43, sa.2, ss.209-224, 2020 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 43 Sayı: 2
  • Basım Tarihi: 2020
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1111/jpg.12758
  • Dergi Adı: JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), Compendex, Geobase, INSPEC
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.209-224
  • İstanbul Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

An analysis of multi-channel seismic reflection data integrating reflection tomography, pre-stack depth migration, AVO analysis, seismic modelling and seismic attribute analysis was used to investigate the Miocene - Quaternary stratigraphy of the Gulf of Izmir, western Anatolia. In this area, the east-west oriented Gediz graben intersects with the NE-SW oriented Bakircay Graben. A velocity-depth model together with pre-stack depth migration allowed two seismic stratigraphic units (SSU1 and SSU2) to be distinguished. These units can be correlated with the stratigraphic succession at the offshore Foca-1 well and correspond to the Upper Miocene to Recent Bozkoy, Ularca and Bayramic Formations with a combined thickness of 1.75 km. The units rest on acoustic basement (SSU3) which has a basin-and-ridge morphology, and which corresponds to the Lower-Middle Miocene Yuntdag Volcanics. A number of lateral velocity variations were identified. In particular, a similar to 90 m wide and similar to 500 m long lenticular-shaped low-velocity zone with an interval velocity of 1.68 km/s was identified in the Quaternary Bayramic Formation. The structure is bounded by negative reflections whose amplitude increases with offset at the top and by strong positive reflections whose amplitude increases with offset at the base, interpreted as possible bright and flat spots respectively. These amplitude events point to the presence of gas-saturated sediments within the study area. The lenticular structure is bounded by strike-slip faults on either side, and by a Miocene - Pliocene unconformity surface below and by shales of the Bayramic Formations above. It is therefore interpreted as a possible structural - stratigraphic trap. The strike-slip faults may allow the migration of hydrocarbons from source rocks located at greater depths. The presence of a low-velocity zone above the lenticular structure reaching up to seafloor may indicate the upward leakage of hydrocarbons from the trap. These observations will contribute to future hydrocarbon exploration activities in the study area.