Control of tectonic setting and large-scale faults on the basin-scale distribution of deformation bands in porous sandstone (Provence,France)

From outcrops located in Provence (South-East France), we describe the distribution, the microstructures, and the petrophysical properties of deformation band networks related to both contractional and extensional tectonic events. In contraction, pervasively distributed networks of reverse-sense compactional shear bands are observed in all folded sand units of the foreland, whereas localized networks of clustered reverse-sense shear bands are only observed close to a large-scale thrust. In extensional setting, networks of clustered normal-sense shear bands are generally observed adjacent to map-scale faults (100 m–10 km scale), although some randomly distributed bands are also observed between these faults. Normal-sense cataclastic faults, i.e. zone of deformation bands containing a localized slip-surface, are also observed to be restricted to sand units, suggesting that faults initiated in the sands during extension, but not during contraction. Shear bands and faults show cataclastic microstructures with high-permeability reduction whereas compactional shear bands show crush microbreccia or protocataclastic microstructures with moderate permeability reduction. This basin-scale analysis underlines the major role of tectonic settings (thrust-fault versus normal-fault andersonian-stress regime) and the influence of inherited large-scale faults on the formation/localization of low-permeability shear bands. We also provide a geometrical analysis of the band network properties (spacing, thickness, shear/compaction ratio, degree of cataclasis, petrophysical properties) with respect to the median grain size, porosity and grain sorting of host sand. This analysis suggests that grain size, although less important than stress-state conditions and the presence of large-scale faults, has a non-negligible effect on band network geometry. No correlations are observed between the grain sorting, porosity and band network geometry.     

Deformation bands evolving from dilation to cementation bands in a hydrocarbon reservoir (Vienna Basin,Austria)

In this study we analyzed five core samples from a hydrocarbon reservoir, the Matzen Field in the Vienna Basin (Austria). Deformation bands occur as single bands or as strands of several bands. In contrast to most published examples of deformation bands in terrigeneous sandstones, the reduction of porosity is predominantly caused by the precipitation of Fe-rich dolomite cement within the bands, and only subordinately by cataclasis of detrital grains. The chemical composition of this dolomite cement (10–12 wt% FeO) differs from detrital dolomite grains in the host rock (<2 wt% FeO). This observation in combination with stable isotope data suggests that the cement is not derived from the detrital grains, but precipitated from a fluid from an external, non-meteoric source. After an initial increase of porosity by dilation, disaggregation and fragmentation of detrital grains, a Fe-rich carbonate fluid crystallized within the bands, thereby reducing the porosity relative to the host sediment. The retention of pyrite cement by these cementation bands as well as the different degree of oil staining on either side of the bands demonstrate that these cementation bands act as effective barriers to the migration of fluids and should be considered in reservoir models.     

Sedimentary fluids/fault interaction during syn-rift burial of the Lodève Permian Basin (Hérault,France): An example of seismic-valve mechanism in active extensional faults

During basin burial, interstitial fluids initially trapped within the sedimentary pile easily move under thermal and pressure gradients. As the main mechanism is linked to fluid overpressure, such fluids play a significant role on frictional mechanics for fault reactivation and sediment deformation.The Lodève Permian Basin (Hérault, France) is an exhumed half-graben with exceptional outcrop conditions providing access to barite-sulfide mineralized systems and hydrocarbon trapped into syn-rift roll-over faults. Architectural studies show a cyclic infilling of fault zone and associated bedding-parallel veins according to three main fluid events during dextral/normal faulting. Contrasting fluid entrapment conditions are deduced from textural analysis, fluid inclusion microthermometry and sulfur isotope geothermometer. We conclude that a polyphase history of trapping occurred during Permian syn-rift formation of the basin.The first stage is characterized by an implosion breccia cemented by silicifications and barite during an abrupt pressure drop within fault zone. This mechanism is linked to the dextral strike-slip motion on faults and leads to a first sealing of the fault zone by basinal fluid mineralization.The second stage consists of a succession of barite ribbons precipitated under overpressure fluctuations, derived from fault-valve action. This corresponds to periodic reactivations of fault planes and bedding-controlled opening localized at sulphide-rich micro-shearing structures showing a normal movement. This process formed the main mineralized ore bodies by the single action of fluid overpressure fluctuations undergoing changes in local stress distribution.The last stage is associated with the formation of dextral strike-slip pull-apart infilled by large barite and contemporaneous hydrocarbons under suprahydrostatic pressure values. This final tectonic activation of fault is linked to late basinal fluids and hydrocarbon migration during which shear stress restoration on the fault plane is faster than fluid pressure build-up.This integrated study shows the interplay action between tectonic stress and fluid overpressure in fault reactivation during basin burial that clearly impact potential economic reservoirs.     

Single- and two-phase fluid flow properties of cataclastic fault rocks in porous sandstone

Understanding the impact of faults on fluid flow in the subsurface is important for the extraction of oil, gas and groundwater as well as the geological storage of waste products. We address two problems present in current industry-standard workflows for fault seal analysis that may lead to fault rocks not being represented adequately in computational fluid flow models. Firstly, fluid flow properties of fault rocks are often measured only for small-scale faults with throws not exceeding a few centimetres. Large seismic-scale faults (throws >20 m) are likely to act as baffles or conduits to flow but they are seldom recovered from subsurface cores and consequently fault rock data for them is sparse. Secondly, experimental two-phase fluid flow data is lacking for fault rocks and, consequently, uncertainties exist when modelling flow across faults in the presence of two or more immiscible phases. We present a data set encompassing both single- and two-phase fluid flow properties of fault and host rocks from the 90-Fathom fault and its damage zone at Cullercoats Bay, NE England. Measurements were made on low-throw single and zones of deformation bands as well as on slip-surface cataclasites present along the ～120 m throw main fault. Samples were analysed using SEM and X-ray tomography prior to petrophysical measurements. We show that single deformation bands, deformation band zones and slip-surface cataclasites exhibit dissimilar single- and two-phase fluid flow properties. This is due to grain-size reduction being more pronounced in slip-surface cataclasites and changes in microstructure being fault-parallel for deformation bands but mostly fault-perpendicular for slip-surface cataclasites. A trend of fault rocks with low absolute permeabilities exhibiting lower relative permeabilities than more permeable rocks at the same capillary pressure is evident.     

Impacts of the tectonic stress field on natural gas migration and accumulation: A case study of the Kuqa Depression in the Tarim Basin,China

Stress, fluid and temperature are three of the major factors that impact natural gas migration and accumulation. In order to study the influences of tectonic stress field on natural gas migration and accumulation in low-permeability rocks, we take the Kuqa Depression as an example and analyze the evolution of the structure and tectonic stress field at first. Then we study the influences of tectonic stress field at different tectonic episodes on fractures and fluid potentials through the numerical simulation method on the section across the KL2 gas field. We summarize two aspects of the impact of the tectonic stress field on natural gas migration and accumulation. Firstly, under the effects of the tectonic stress field, the rock dilation increases with the added stress and strain, and when the shear stress of rock exceeds its shear strength, the shear fractures are well developed. On one hand, the faults which communicate with the hydrocarbon source rocks become the main pathways for natural gas migration. On the other hand, these positions where fractures are well developed near faults can become good reservoirs for natural gas accumulation. Secondly, because fluid potentials decrease in these places near the faults where fractures are well developed, natural gas can migrate rapidly along the faults and accumulates. The impact of tectonic stress fields on natural gas migration and accumulation allows for hydrocarbon migration and accumulation in the low-permeability rocks in an active tectonic compressive setting.     

The role of permeability evolution in fault zones on the structural and hydro-mechanical characteristics of shortening basins

We examine the role of basin-shortening on the development of structural compartments in passive margin basins. A coupled flow-deformation model is used to follow the evolution of an idealized prismatic basin during lateral shortening. This includes the deformation-induced generation (lateral compaction) and dissipation (hydraulic fracturing) of pore fluid pressures and the resulting natural evolution of an underlying décollement and subsidiary fault structures. This model is used to examine the influence of strata stiffnesses, strain softening, permeability-strain dependence, permeability contrast between layers, and deformation rate on the resulting basin structure and to infer fluid charge within these structures. For a geometry with a permeability contrast at the base of the basin a basal décollement forms as the basin initially shortens, excess pore pressures build from the impeded drainage and hydrofracturing releases fluid mass and resets effective stresses. As shortening continues, thrust faults form, nucleating at the décollement. Elevated pore pressures approaching the lithostat are localized at the hanging wall boundary of the faults. Faults extend to bound blocks that are vertically offset to yield graben-like structural highs and lows and evolve with distinctive surface topography and separate pore pressure signatures. Up-thrust blocks have elevated fluid pressures and reduced effective stresses at their core, and down-thrust blocks the converse. The development of increased permeability on localized fault structures is a necessary condition to yield this up-thrust and down-thrust geometry. In the anti-physical case where evolution of permeability with shear strain is artificially suppressed, pervasive shear develops throughout the basin depth as fluid pressures are stabilized everywhere to the lithostat. Correspondingly, permeability evolution with shear is an important, likely crucial, feedback in promoting localization.     

琼东南盆地深水区松南-宝岛凹陷反转构造带发育特征及油气地质意义

利用新三维地震资料对松南-宝岛凹陷反转构造带发育特征、形成期次进行研究,并从构造背景及力学机制两个方面探讨反转构造的成因机制。研究结果表明,松南-宝岛凹陷反转构造带主要发育一系列"上凸下凹"的大型褶皱背斜,伴生NWW向弱走滑断裂构造和NNW向张剪构造。反转构造及其伴生构造符合NEE右旋剪切应力场特征,形成时间与东沙运动一致,表明该反转构造带可能受晚中新世南海东北部东沙运动产生的右旋走滑应力场作用控制。反转构造有利于研究区圈闭的重建和改造,对琼东南盆地东部新区油气运移和重新优选分配的认识,具有重要的油气地质意义。     

Oblique rifting in the Havre Trough and its propagation into the continental margin of New Zealand: Comparison with analogue experiments

The Havre Trough is opening by oblique back-arc rifting which is propagating into the continental margin of New Zealand at the Taupo Volcanic Zone. Variations of deformational style along the rift axis have been investigated by comparison with analogue experiments which incorporate brittle and ductile rheologies and are scaled for gravity. Based on the results of the analogue experiments, we present a tectonic model for oblique rifting in the Havre Trough, which involves the rheological contrast between oceanic and continental lithosphere and the oblique geometry of the continental margin of New Zealand with respect to the regional rift trend. The model shows that the continental margin, which is weaker than both oceanic and continental lithosphere, cannot support large shear stresses. The two lithospheres can be decoupled during extensional events along the marginal shear and, depending on the continental margin orientation, this shear can modify the regional stress field. A heterogeneous stress field will rotate normal stresses to be perpendicular or parallel to the margin. As the two lithospheres decouple during extension, the rift grabens and internal faults of the oblique rift system propagate normal to the marginal shear. This model explains the oblique trend of the Havre Trough's tectonic fabric and its relationships to the Vening Meinesz Fracture Zone which represents the oceanic/continental lithospheric boundary.As the Havre Trough rift propagates into the continental margin, rheological differences between oceanic and continental lithosphere result in variations in distribution of strain along the rift axis. Extension of oceanic sub-arc lithosphere is localized into a single rift graben. At the transition into continental rifting, the zone of extension widens into a number of rift grabens forming complex indentations into the margin. This change in deformation style is consistent with analogue experiments as well as other natural examples and results from the contrast in lithospheric rheology and its influence on the process of strain localization.     

Simple calculations of fluid flow across jointed cataclastic deformation bands

Cataclastic deformation bands in porous sandstones present a potentially significant barrier or baffle to fluid flow because the bands form in complex networks of laterally extensive, tabular zones with permeability up to several orders of magnitude less than that of the sandstone host rock. Previous work suggests that in some geologic settings cataclastic deformation bands become systematically jointed in the subsurface. Calculations presented here demonstrate that under most realistic circumstances, volumetric flow rate across a jointed deformation band can equal or exceed discharge through an equivalent volume of host sandstone. Results indicate that jointed deformation bands are not significant barriers or baffles to fluid movement.     

Fault seal prediction of seismic-scale normal faults in porous sandstone: A case study from the eastern Gulf of Suez rift,Egypt

A study of normal faults in the Nubian Sandstone Sequence, from the eastern Gulf of Suez rift, has been conducted to investigate the relationship between the microstructure and petrophysical properties of cataclasites developed along seismic-scale faults (slip-surface cataclasites) and smaller displacement faults (deformation bands) found in their damage zones. The results help to quantify the uncertainty associated with predicting the fluid flow behaviour of seismic-scale faults by analysing small faults recovered from core, a common procedure in the petroleum industry. The microstructure of the cataclasites was analysed as well as their single-phase permeability and threshold pressure. Faulting occurred at a maximum burial depth of ∼1.2 km. The permeability of deformation band and slip-surface cataclasites varies over ∼1.5 orders of magnitude for a given fault. Our results suggest that the lowest measured deformation band permeabilities provide a good estimate for the arithmetic-mean permeability of the major slip-surface cataclasites. This is because the cataclastic permeability reduction is mostly established early in the deformation history. Stress at the time of faulting rather than final strain appears to be the critical factor determining fault rock permeability. For viable predictions it is important that the slip-surface cataclasites and deformation bands originate from the same host. On the other hand, a higher uncertainty is associated with threshold pressure predictions, as the arithmetic-mean slip-surface cataclasite threshold pressure exceeds the highest measured deformation band threshold pressure by at least a factor of 4.     

Fluid flow reconstruction in hanging and footwall carbonates: Compartmentalization by Cenozoic reverse faulting in the Northern Oman Mountains (UAE)

In this paper, the diagenesis from either side of a major Cenozoic reverse fault in the Northern Oman Mountains is documented. Detailed petrographical and geochemical analysis of calcite-filled fractures in carbonate strata of Late Triassic and Early Cretaceous age in the hanging wall and footwall in Wadi Ghalilah reflect a different diagenetic history. In both hanging wall and footwall most of the fractures are pre-burial, extensional in origin, formed by a crack-seal mechanism, and the calcite vein infill has a host-rock buffered signature. In the hanging wall, the fluid responsible for calcite precipitation of these extensional fractures was a marine fluid at 60 °C. These veins predate deep burial and contractional tectonic deformation and consequently do not provide any information about syntectonic fluid flow. Neither do the pre-burial extension fractures in the footwall which are also host-rock buffered. The fractures post-dating the tectonic stylolitization in the footwall, by contrast, show evidence of syntectonic migration of saline formation waters at temperatures between 80 and 160 °C during contractional deformation. These fluids probably were sourced from the subsurface via the reverse fault, which acted as a fluid conduit. At the same time, however, this fault functioned as a permeability barrier towards the hanging wall, since no evidence of syntectonic fluid flow is present here. In this way compartmentalization of the hanging wall and footwall block was realized.     

The role of basement tectonic reactivation on the structural evolution of Campos Basin,offshore Brazil: Evidence from 3D seismic analysis and section restoration

The structural analysis of regional 3D seismic data shows evidence of long-term tectonic inheritance in Campos Basin, offshore Brazil. Main Lower Cretaceous rift structures controlled themselves by strike-slip deformation belts related to Proterozoic orogenic events, have been episodically reactivated during the divergent margin phase of Campos Basin, from the Albian to the Miocene. Balanced cross-sections of major salt structures indicate that such tectonic reactivations have been controlling thin-skinned salt tectonics, triggering pulses of gravitational gliding above the Aptian salt detachment. Additionally, major basin features like the Neogene progradation front and the salt tectonic domains are constrained by the main Proterozoic orogenic trends of the Ribeira Belt (NE–SW) and the Vitória-Colatina Belt (NNW–SSE). As the basement involved structures observed in Campos Basin can be attributed to general geodynamic processes, it is suggested that basement tectonic reactivation can be as relevant as isostatic adjustment and detached thin-skinned tectonics on the structural evolution of divergent margin settings.     

Style and timing of salt tectonics in the Dniepr-Donets Basin (Ukraine): implications for triggering and driving mechanisms of salt movement in sedimentary basins

The Ukrainian Dniepr-Donets Basin (DDB) is a Late Palaeozoic intracratonic rift basin, with sedimentary thicknesses up to 19 km, displaying the effects of salt tectonics during its entire history of formation, from Late Devonian rifting to the Tertiary. Hundreds of concordant and discordant salt structures formed during this time. It is demonstrated in this paper that the variety of styles of salt structure formation in the DDB provide important constraints on understanding the triggering and driving mechanisms of salt kinematics in sedimentary basins in general. Salt movement in the DDB began during the Devonian syn-rift phase of basin development and exerted controls on the later distribution of salt structures though the geometry of basement faults is not directly responsible for the regular spacing of salt structures. Post-rift salt movements in the DDB occurred episodically. Episodes of salt movement were triggered by tectonic events, specifically two extensional events during the Carboniferous, an extensional reactivation at the end of Carboniferous–earliest Permian, and a compressional event at the end of the Cretaceous. Extensional events that induced salt movement were ‘thick-skinned’ (i.e. basement involved in deformation) rather than ‘thin-skinned’. Most overburden deformation related to salt movements is ductile regardless of sedimentary bulk lithology and degree of diagenesis, while the deformation of sedimentary cover in areas where salt is absent is mainly brittle. This implies that the presence of salt changes the predominant mode of deformation of overlying sedimentary rocks. Episodes of salt movement lasted longer than the periods of active tectonics that initiated them. Buoyancy, erosion, and differential loading all played a role in driving halokinesis once tectonic forces had pushed the salt-overburden system into disequilibrium; among these factors, erosion of overburden above growing salt structures acted as a key self-renewing force for development of salt diapirs. Very high sedimentation rates (related to high post-rift tectonic subsidence rates), particularly during the Carboniferous, were able to bury diapirs and to load salt bodies such that buoyancy, erosion, and differential loading forces eventually became insufficient to continue driving diapirism—until the system was perturbed by an ensuing tectonic event. In contrast, some salt anticlines and diapirs developed continuously during the entire Mesozoic because of much-reduced tectonic subsidence rates (and sedimentation supply) during this time. However, a Lower Permian salt series and overhangs of buried diapirs played an important role in preventing overburden piercing (and fracturing) during the Mesozoic and, specifically, during the Late Cretaceous salt diapirism phase.     

平衡剖面技术及其在济阳坳陷桩海地区的应用

平衡剖面技术在研究盆地演化方面有着重要的作用,可以编制盆地发育演化剖面,广泛地用于研究石油构造分析。平衡剖面的最基本原理就是在地层变形前后物质的总量是不变的。利用2DMove软件对济阳坳陷桩海地区的两条地震剖面进行构造恢复,编制了构造发育剖面,恢复该区的构造演化史。桩海地区在三叠纪一中侏罗世由于印支运动的强烈挤压作用而抬升剥蚀;晚侏罗世一早白垩世时期,在中国东部发生了强烈的伸展作用,发育了大量的断裂和接受了巨厚的沉积地层;在晚白垩世,由于郯庐断裂的左行走滑作用,桩海地区抬升并遭受剥实;在古近纪,受区域构造伸展作用,桩海地区发育成为断陷盆地。古近纪末,发生右行走滑运动和构造抬升。新近纪以来该区表现为稳定的坳陷沉积盆地。     

Recent tectonics of Eratosthenes Seamount: an example of seamount deformation during incipient continental collision

The Eratosthenes Seamount is a continental fragment undergoing collision with Cyprus along the African-Eurasian plate boundary. High-resolution seismic and deep-tow sonar data revealed that extensional deformation is occurring over most of the seamount, whereas compressional deformation was observed within the trench basin to the north and also in the asymmetric basin south of the seamount. This recent tectonic activity has triggered the development of slumps, turbidites and fluid escape structures. Although the 'staircase' bathymetry is similar to that of subducting oceanic seamounts, the distribution and characteristics of structures which develop during collision-subduction are very different.     

The importance of missing strain in Deep Water Fold and Thrust Belts

Deep water fold and thrust belts (DWFTBs) are sedimentary wedges that accommodate plate-scale deformation on both active and passive continental margins. Internally, these wedges consist of individual structures that strongly influence sediment dispersal, bathymetry and fluid migration. Most DWFTB studies investigate basin- and intra-wedge- scale processes using seismic reflection profiles, yet are inherently limited by seismic resolution. Of critical importance is strain distribution and its accommodation on discrete faults compared to distributed deformation. Recent studies have considered strain distribution by investigating regional reflection DWFTBs profiles within coupled systems, which contain down-dip compression and up-dip extension. There is broad agreement of a mis-balance in compression versus extension, with ∼5% excess in the latter associated with horizontal compaction, yet this remains unproven.Using two exceptionally well exposed outcrops in the Spanish Pyrenees we consider deformation of DWFTB at a scale comparable to, and beyond, seismic resolution for the first time. By coupling outcrop observations (decametre to hectometre scale) with a re-evaluation of seismic profiles from the Orange Basin, South Africa, which contains one of the best imaged DWFTBs globally, we provide a unique insight into the deformation from metre to margin scale. Our observations reveal hitherto unrecognised second order structures that account for the majority of the previously recognised missing strain. This re-evaluation implies that ∼5% missing strain should be accounted for in all DWFTBs, therefore existing studies using restorations of the sediment wedge will have underestimated crustal shortening in active margins, or sedimentary shortening in gravity driven systems by this amount. In contrast to previous studies, our observations imply that the majority of this strain is accommodated on discrete fault surfaces and this can explain the occurrence and location of a range of intra-wedge processes that are intimately linked to structures including sediment dispersal, fluid migration pathways and reservoir compartmentalisation.     

Stress and pore pressure histories in complex tectonic settings predicted with coupled geomechanical-fluid flow models

Most of the methods currently used for pore pressure prediction in sedimentary basins assume one-dimensional compaction based on relationships between vertical effective stress and porosity. These methods may be inaccurate in complex tectonic regimes where stress tensors are variable. Modelling approaches for compaction adopted within the geotechnical field account for both the full three-dimensional stress tensor and the stress history. In this paper a coupled geomechanical-fluid flow model is used, along with an advanced version of the Cam-Clay constitutive model, to investigate stress, pore pressure and porosity in a Gulf of Mexico style mini-basin bounded by salt subjected to lateral deformation. The modelled structure consists of two depocentres separated by a salt diapir. 20% of horizontal shortening synchronous to basin sedimentation is imposed. An additional model accounting solely for the overpressure generated due to 1D disequilibrium compaction is also defined. The predicted deformation regime in the two depocentres of the mini-basin is one of tectonic lateral compression, in which the horizontal effective stress is higher than the vertical effective stress. In contrast, sediments above the central salt diapir show lateral extension and tectonic vertical compaction due to the rise of the diapir. Compared to the 1D model, the horizontal shortening in the mini-basin increases the predicted present-day overpressure by 50%, from 20 MPa to 30 MPa. The porosities predicted by the mini-basin models are used to perform 1D, porosity-based pore pressure predictions. The 1D method underestimated overpressure by up to 6 MPa at 3400 m depth (26% of the total overpressure) in the well located at the basin depocentre and up to 3 MPa at 1900 m depth (34% of the total overpressure) in the well located above the salt diapir. The results show how 2D/3D methods are required to accurately predict overpressure in regions in which tectonic stresses are important.     

南海裂陷盆地中斜向伸展及其油气勘探意义

利用海上钻井、地震等资料,重新认识南海珠江口盆地文昌B凹陷控凹边界南断裂构造变形史及动力学机制,探讨油气勘探意义。研究表明,渐新世—中新世,南断裂具有斜向伸展性质,在倾向剖面,断裂带发育挤压褶皱和破碎主位移带的构造样式;在走向剖面,相关地层呈"厚薄相间"分布。平面上,发育雁列式背斜与洼地共生、"马尾状"断裂体系和右阶斜列阶步断裂体系。斜向伸展动力学机制受控于区域伸展构造应力场与先存南断裂走向。南断裂渐新世—中新世斜向伸展变形,控制和影响了油气成藏要素、流体相态。     

Cold seeps at the salt front in the Lower Congo Basin II: The impact of spatial and temporal evolution of salt-tectonics on hydrocarbon seepage

This study investigates the distribution and evolution of seafloor seepage in the vicinity of the salt front, i.e., the seaward boundary of salt-induced deformation in the Lower Congo Basin (LCB). Seafloor topography, backscatter data and TV-sled observations indicate active fluid seepage from the seafloor directly at the salt front, whereas suspected seepage sites appear to be inactive at a distance of >10 km landward of the deformation front. High resolution multichannel seismic data give detailed information on the structural development of the area and its influence on the activity of individual seeps during the geologic evolution of the salt front region. The unimpeded migration of gas from fan deposits along sedimentary strata towards the base of the gas hydrate stability zone within topographic ridges associated with relatively young salt-tectonic deformation facilitates seafloor seepage at the salt front. Bright and flat spots within sedimentary successions suggest geological trapping of gas on the flanks of mature salt structures in the eastern part of the study area. Onlap structures associated with fan deposits which were formed after the onset of salt-tectonic deformation represent potential traps for gas, which may hinder gas migration towards seafloor seeps. Faults related to the thrusting of salt bodies seawards also disrupt along-strata gas migration pathways. Additionally, the development of an effective gas hydrate seal after the cessation of active salt-induced uplift and the near-surface location of salt bodies may hamper or prohibit seafloor seepage in areas of advanced salt-tectonic deformation. This process of seaward shifting active seafloor seepage may propagate as seaward migrating deformation affects Congo Fan deposits on the abyssal plain. These observations of the influence of the geologic evolution of the salt front area on seafloor seepage allows for a characterization of the large variety of hydrocarbon seepage activity throughout this compressional tectonic setting.