Hydrothermal indications of Early Cretaceous red beds in lacustrine successions,North Yellow Sea Basin,eastern China

Controversies over the origin of globally distributed Cretaceous red beds have mainly focused on climate vs. weathering with potential hydrothermal influence. In comparison to Cretaceous Oceanic Red Beds, Cretaceous lacustrine red beds exhibit chronological inconsistencies and their diverse tectonic settings suggest differing genetic mechanisms. In this paper, Early Cretaceous red beds in the North Yellow Sea Basin, one of Mesozoic rift basins in eastern China that are associated with multi-phase magmatic activities, was chosen to document potential hydrothermal impact. Geological and geochemical analyses show that these red beds were syndepositional products developed in shallow to moderately deep lacustrine environments and that they were influenced by hydrothermal activity. Major and trace elements, including enhanced Al₂O₃-normalized Fe₂O₃ and Fe₂O₃ (total) values, Al/(Al + Fe + Mn) and (Fe + Mn)/Ti ratios, Ni-Co-Zn and Fe-Mn-(Ni + Co + Cu)*10, ∑REE-La/Yb, the concentrations of hydrothermally-related ions, invalid redox indicators of trace elements, abnormally high Fe₂O₃ (total) content, positive Eu anomaly, correlation of Fe₂O₃ (total) and Eu anomaly, and vitrinite reflectance (Ro) vs. total organic carbon (TOC), all show strong hydrothermal fluid influence and heating effects. By integrating and comparing data from previous studies, we propose a hydrothermally affected sedimentation model for Cretaceous red beds and associated sediments in magma-activated lacustrine basins, and conclude that the enriched metallic ions introduced by the hydrothermal fluids may be the most significant reason for the deposition of the red beds, and the flushed ferric ions, accompanied by hydrothermal fluid, are the main ions that are hosted inside hematite causing the red sediment. This model can be applied to similar lacustrine basins that experience strong magmatic activity.     

Tectono-stratigraphy of Lower Cretaceous Tanan sub-basin,Tamtsag Basin,Mongolia: Sequence architecture,depositional systems and controls on sediment infill

Tanan sub-basin is an active-fault bounded basin. The spatial distribution and temporal evolution of depositional systems were significantly influenced by tectonics. Fault movement and stages of basin development controlled the subsidence rates and the potential for erosion and the rate of sediment supply. Distinct stages of rift evolution during the early Cretaceous can be recognized, namely the early syn-rift, rift climax and late syn-rift stages. Three types of lacustrine sequence, consisting of distinctive depositional systems, are distinguished: (1) the early syn-rift sequences (SQ1 + SQ2), which are composed mainly of fan delta and shallow lacustrine depositional systems; (2) the rift climax sequences (SQ3) which developed in response to rapid and differential tectonic subsidence rates, and consist of fan delta, deep lacustrine and sublacustrine fan depositional systems; and (3) the late syn-rift sequences (SQ4) which are comprised of braided-delta and shallow lacustrine depositional systems. Each of the three lacustrine sequence architectures stands for a particular stage of basin fill and reflects variable rates of basin subsidence. Within each sequence, depositional systems and their stacking patterns are interpreted to have been a function of the interaction between tectonics and sediment supply. Differential subsidence across the basin, related to rotation of fault blocks, resulted in the formation of distinct paleomorphologies in different structural settings. These settings were fault-scarp zones controlling the development of fan-deltas, fault-terrace zones controlling the development of fan-delta and sublacustrine fans, half-graben dip-slope zones controlling the development of braided river and braided deltas, and intra-basinal fault-break zones controlling the development of sublacustrine fans. During the late syn-rift stage, active tectonism, displacement on the boundary faults had ceased. At this stage the depositional systems and their stacking patterns were dominantly related to the sediment supply rates, and not to tectonic activity.     

Applying seismic geomorphology to delineate switched sequence stratigraphic architecture in lacustrine rift basins: An example from the Pearl River Mouth Basin,northern South China Sea

Switched sequence stratigraphic architectural units were developed in the Eocene Wenchang Formation stratigraphic section of the Pearl River Mouth Basin (PRMB), northern South China Sea. Utilizing a high-quality 3D seismic data set, well logs and restored paleogeomorphology, the architecture and genesis of switched sequence stratigraphic units have been systematically investigated. The Wenchang Formation, a second-order sequence, can be subdivided into seven third-order sequences (from base to top: SQ1, SQ2, SQ3, SQ4, SQ5, SQ6, and SQ7). The sequence stratigraphic architecture of the Wenchang Formation is characterized by continuous lateral stacking patterns from sequences SQ1 to SQ7. Sequences SQ1–SQ4 mainly developed in the HZ26 sag, whereas sequences SQ5–SQ7 mainly developed in the XJ24 sag. The depositional centres of the Wenchang Formation appear to have migrated from the HZ26 sag to the XJ24 sag-along the northwest direction from sequences SQ1 to SQ7. Multiple tectonic activation episodes or alternating tectonic subsidence of the HZ26 and XJ24 sags resulted in the distinctive geomorphological features that effected the development of the switched sequence stratigraphic architecture in the study area. The switched sequence stratigraphic architecture presented in this study may provide new insights into a better understanding of sequence stratigraphic stacking patterns in continental lacustrine rift basins.     

Sedimentary facies associations and sequence stratigraphy of source and reservoir rocks of the lacustrine Eocene Niubao Formation (Lunpola Basin,central Tibet)

The Eocene Niubao Formation of the Lunpola Basin, a large Cenozoic intermontane basin in central Tibet, is an important potential hydrocarbon source and reservoir unit. It represents ∼20 Myr of lacustrine sedimentation in a half-graben with a sharply fault-bounded northern margin and a low-angle flexural southern margin, resulting in a highly asymmetric distribution of depositional facies and sediment thicknesses along the N-S axis of the basin. An integrated investigation of well-logs, seismic data, cores and outcrops revealed three third-order sequences (SQ1 to SQ3), each representing a cycle of rising and falling lake levels yielding lowstand, transgressive, and highstand systems tracts. Lowstand systems tracts (LST) include delta and fan delta facies spread widely along the gentle southern margin and concentrated narrowly along the steep northern margin of the basin, with sublacustrine fan sand bodies extending into the basin center. Highstand systems tracts (HST) include expanded areas of basin-center shale deposition, with sublacustrine fans, deltas and fan deltas locally developed along the basin margins. Sequence development may reflect episodes of tectonic uplift and base-level changes. The southern margin of the basin exhibits two different structural styles that locally influenced sequence development, i.e., a multi-step fault belt in the south-central sector and a flexure belt in the southeastern sector. The sedimentary model and sequence stratigraphic framework developed in this study demonstrate that N2 (the middle member of Niubao Formation) exhibits superior hydrocarbon potential, characterized by thicker source rocks and a wider distribution of sand-body reservoirs, although N3 (the upper member of Niubao Formation) also has good potential. Fault-controlled lithologic traps are plentiful along the basin margins, representing attractive targets for future exploratory drilling for hydrocarbons.     

北黄海盆地中生代地层的地质特征和油气潜力(英文)

位于山东半岛东北部的北黄海盆地沿东北方向可以延伸到朝鲜的西朝鲜湾盆地和安州盆地 ,而沿西南方向可以延伸到中国的胶莱盆地。长期以来该盆地的找油重点为第三系 ,结果收效甚微。2 0世纪 80年代末朝鲜在西朝鲜湾靠北黄海盆地一侧钻井数口且在中生代地层中发现了商业性油气流 ,自此中生代地层替代新生代第三纪地层成为人们关注的焦点 ,人们希望在北黄海盆地的中生代地层中也能找出商业性油气流。本文以李四光 ( 1 979)划分的新华夏系第二隆起带理论为指导 ,将胶莱盆地、北黄海盆地、西朝鲜湾盆地和安州盆地作为一个整体进行考虑 ,在详细分析了安州盆地、西朝鲜湾盆地和胶莱盆地的中生代地层分布、油气潜力及其类比关系后认为 ,北黄海盆地在基底结构及其上覆盖层的沉积特征上应具有与安州盆地、西朝鲜湾盆地和胶莱盆地相似的特征。目前 ,西朝鲜湾盆地和胶莱盆地在中生代地层中已取得重要的油气发现和油气显示 ,而它们主要是由下白垩统和上侏罗统组成。因此 ,我们有理由相信 ,北黄海盆地的中生代地层很可能成为有远景的勘探靶区。     

Three-dimensional facies architecture analysis using sequence stratigraphy and seismic sedimentology: Example from the Paleogene Dongying Formation in the BZ3-1 block of the Bozhong Sag,Bohai Bay Basin,China

The Bohai Bay Basin is a classic non-marine rift basin in eastern China. The Paleogene Dongying sequences are the main hydrocarbon-bearing stratigraphic unit in the basin. Using three-dimensional (3-D) seismic data and one well control in the BZ3-1 Block in the western slope of the Bozhong Sag, we analyzed 3-D facies architectures of the Dongying sequences. The Dongying Formation, a second-order sequence, can be subdivided into four third-order sequences (from base to top: SQ1, SQ2, SQ3, and SQ4). The facies architecture was analyzed by using the seismic sedimentology approach based on 3-D seismic data. Sediment of the Dongying sequences was derived from the northern Shijiutuo Uplift via four major configurations of incised valleys, namely “V”, “U”, “W”, and composite shaped incised valleys. Seismic stratal slices reveal branching and converging characteristics of the channels from upstream to downstream. On the basis of an integrated analysis of well log, core data, seismic facies based on multi-seismic attributes, three sedimentary facies (e.g., “delta”, “fan-delta”, and “shore” or “shallow lacustrine” facies) have been recognized. The four types of incised valleys and their evolution control the sedimentary systems in the sedimentation area. The numbers and sizes of the fans are controlled by the sedimentary systems at various scales. Incised valley-fill and deltaic sand bodies are excellent hydrocarbon reservoirs and potentially good exploration targets for the study area. The reservoir quality of sequences SQ1, SQ2, and SQ3 become better gradually from base to top. The proposed sediment dispersal patterns may aid in the prediction of potential reservoir distribution. This study also demonstrates that facies architecture analysis using sequence stratigraphy and seismic sedimentology may serve as an effective approach for constructing 3D facies models for petroleum exploration in areas lacking of well or outcrop data.     

南黄海盆地南五凹阜宁组“广湖咸水”烃源岩及其油气勘探意义

通过对南五凹钻井所揭示的阜宁组进行岩性、地球化学、古生物及地震相等综合分析证实,南五凹阜宁组发育中深湖相泥质烃源岩,且该套烃源岩形成于"广湖咸水"沉积环境。"广湖"即湖盆分布广泛,中深湖相泥质烃源岩在凹陷深洼处和缓坡带均有发育,平面上面积大,纵向上厚度大,具备生成油气的物质基础。"咸水"即烃源岩形成时期湖盆受到了海侵影响,致使水体性质偏咸。南五凹与中国东部古新世—始新世期间曾遭受海侵影响的其他湖盆类似,其形成的咸化烃源岩具有"排烃早"的特征。南五凹阜宁组湖相烃源岩"广湖咸水"沉积特征对于油气勘探具有重要意义。     

南黄海盆地构造特征及油气地质意义

南黄海盆地发育于前南华纪变质基底之上,是一个大型叠合盆地,经历了多期成盆和多期构造改造,形成了海相盆地和中新生代断陷盆地叠合改造型残留盆地。盆地演化历经南华纪—早、中三叠世海相地层发育期、晚白垩世—古近纪箕状断陷发育期和新近纪—第四纪坳陷发育期,为一典型地台—断陷—坳陷多层结构的复合型盆地。通过对地震资料解释、区域地质构造特征分析,综合烃源条件和后期保存条件,探讨了南黄海盆地油气远景。     

Cross-section restoration and one-dimensional basin modeling of the Central Subbasin in the southern Kunsan Basin,Yellow Sea

The petroleum system of the Kunsan Basin in the Northern South Yellow Sea Basin is not well known, compared to other continental rift basins in the Yellow Sea, despite its substantial hydrocarbon potential. Restoration of two depth-converted seismic profiles across the Central Subbasin in the southern Kunsan Basin shows that extension was interrupted by inversions in the Late Oligocene-Middle Miocene that created anticlinal structures. One-dimensional basin modeling of the IIH-1Xa well suggests that hydrocarbon expulsion in the northeastern margin of the depocenter of the Central Subbasin peaked in the Early Oligocene, predating the inversions. Hydrocarbon generation at the dummy well location in the depocenter of the subbasin began in the Late Paleocene. Most source rocks in the depocenter passed the main expulsion phase except for the shallowest source rocks. Hydrocarbons generated from the depocenter are likely to have migrated southward toward the anticlinal structure and faults away from the traps along the northern and northeastern margins of the depocenter because the basin-fill strata are dipping north. Faulting that continued during the rift phase (∼ Middle Miocene) of the subbasin probably acted as conduits for the escape of hydrocarbons. Thus, the anticlinal structure and associated faults to the south of the dummy well may trap hydrocarbons that have been charged from the shallow source rocks in the depocenter since the Middle Miocene.     

Geomorphology and sedimentary sequence evolution during the buried stage of paleo-uplift in the Lower Cretaceous Qingshuihe Formation,Junggar Basin,northwestern China: Implications for reservoir lithofacies and hydrocarbon distribution

The evolution of large-scale paleo-uplifts within sedimentary basins controls the sedimentary provenance, depositional systems and hydrocarbon distributions. This study aims to unravel changes in paleo-geomorphology, interpret sedimentary sequence evolution, and investigate favourable reservoir types and the hydrocarbon distribution during the buried stage of a long-term eroded paleo-uplift, taking the Lower Cretaceous Qingshuihe Formation (K₁q) in the Junggar Basin as an example. These research topics have rarely been studied or are poorly understood. This study integrates current drilling production data with outcrop and core analyses, drilling well logs, 3D seismic data interpretations, grading data, physical property comparisons and identified hydrocarbon distributions.After more than 20 million years of differential river erosion and weathering in arid conditions, the large-scale Chemo paleo-uplift within the hinterland area of the basin formed a distinctive valley–monadnock paleo-geomorphology prior to the deposition of K₁q. Since the Early Cretaceous, tectonic subsidence and humid conditions have caused the base level (lake level) to rise, leading to backfilling of valleys and burial processes. Two systems tracts in the target strata of K₁q, consisting of distinctive depositional systems, can be identified: (1) a lowstand systems tract (LST), which is confined within incised valleys and is mainly composed of gravelly braided rivers and rarely occurring debris flows and (2) an extensive transgressive systems tract (TST), which developed into an almost flat landform and consists of braided river delta to lacustrine depositional systems. Overall, the physical properties of braided river reservoirs in the LST are better than those of the braided river delta reservoirs in the TST. However, the inhomogeneous distributions of carbonate cements cause differences in the physical properties of conglomerate reservoirs in the LST. However, for sandstones in both the LST and TST, coarser grain sizes and better sorting result in better physical properties. Altogether, four types of reservoir can be identified in the study area: Jurassic inner monadnock reservoirs, K₁q LST stratigraphic onlap reservoirs, LST structural reservoirs and TST structural reservoirs.     

低勘探程度盆地模拟研究——以南黄海盆地北部坳陷为例

盆地模拟已成为当前沉积盆地研究的重要工具。南黄海盆地北部坳陷自裂陷期演化以来沉积了巨厚的中-新生代碎屑沉积,近年来的地质调查获取的数据为其盆地模拟研究提供了条件,本次研究在收集相关基础数据的基础上,首先对盆地构造热演化史进行了模拟,重建了盆地热史,模拟结果显示其古热流在中-晚侏罗世平均值约为61mW/m²,在约145-74Ma间不断上升至约80 mW/m²,随后缓慢下降至65 mW/m²,并持续到渐新世末期,据此将盆地演化阶段划分为裂前期、裂陷期及裂后期。盆地模拟结果显示北部坳陷在白垩纪逐步进入强裂陷演化阶段并经历快速沉积过程,至晚白垩纪裂陷发育程度中等,在此基础上,对研究区进行了三维盆地模拟,结果显示北部坳陷生烃门限深度大致位于古近系阜宁组顶部,下伏的侏罗系及白垩系烃源岩基本完成生排烃过程,其中侏罗系烃源岩生排烃主要发生在盆地发育的裂陷期及裂后期,而白垩系及古近系烃源岩生排烃主要发生在裂后期。尽管研究区尚处在低勘探程度阶段,但盆地模拟结果已能为研究区下一步的勘探提供重要的信息,此外,本次研究对模拟过程中的主要不确定性也进行了分析。     

南海北缘新生代盆地沉积与构造演化及地球动力学背景

南海北缘新生代沉积盆地是全面揭示南海北缘形成演化及与邻区大地构造单元相互作用的重要窗口。通过对盆地沉积-构造特征分析,南海北缘新生代裂陷过程显示出明显的多幕性和旋转性的特点。在从北向南逐渐迁移的趋势下,东、西段裂陷过程也具有一定的差异,西部裂陷活动及海侵时间明显早于东部,裂陷中心由西向东呈雁列式扩展。晚白垩世-早始新世裂陷活动应是东亚陆缘中生代构造-岩浆演化的延续,始新世中、晚期太平洋板块俯冲方向改变导致裂陷中心南移,印度欧亚板块碰撞效应是南海中央海盆扩张方向顺时针旋转的主要原因。     

南海深水盆地油气地质特征及勘探方向

在深入调研南海深水盆地油气地质条件的基础上,系统分析了油气分布规律和成藏主控因素,明确了油气资源潜力和有利勘探方向,旨在为南海深水油气勘探决策提供科学依据.研究结果表明:南海深水盆地发育在非典型边缘海大陆边缘,其石油地质条件具有特殊性,油气分布特征存在显著的南北差异.其中,南海北部深水的珠江口盆地和琼东南盆地,以构造圈...     

南黄海盆地北部坳陷海底沉积物酸解烃类气体地球化学异常与深部油气属性

南黄海盆地北部坳陷海底沉积物酸解烃甲烷和酸解烃乙烷异常分布显示相同的特征,在西部存在1个高异常区,东部存在1个低异常区。酸解烃类气体的C1/(C2+C3)—δ13C1相关图显示酸解烃类气体属于热成因类型。烃类气体的C1—C2交会图和C1/(C2+C3)—C2/(C3+C4)交会图指示异常区的深部油气属性属于"油气并存"区和"干气"区,其中西部异常区以"油气并存"为主,东部异常区以"干气"为主。     

始新统油气系统:泰国湾东北部油气勘探新层系

泰国湾区域经历了前裂谷期、裂谷期、裂后期的构造演化阶段,形成了多个裂谷盆地。泰国湾区域东北部在渐新世经历了一次明显构造反转,较泰国湾区域大部分地区强烈。通过对比区内钻井,结合地震解释,对该区的沉积特征和构造演化进行了分析,认为这次反转构造导致了反转构造带上构造、沉积特征与邻区有较大的不同。由于这次反转构造,泰国湾东北部在新层系发育新类型的油气系统,即深部的始新统油气系统:烃源岩为中始新统湖相泥岩,储层为上始新统-渐新统三角洲相砂岩,盖层为下中新统三角洲前缘相泥岩和上中新统以上的海相泥岩。该油气成藏系统已被钻井钻遇油气显示,是本区有效油气成藏系统。     

Hydrocarbon Potential of Pre-cenozoic Strata in the North Yellow Sea Basin

The North Yellow Sea Basin ( NYSB ), which was developed on the basement of North China (Huabei) continental block, is a typical continental Mesozoic Cenozoic sedimentary basin in the sea area. Its Mesozoic basin is a residual basin, below which there is probably a larger Paleozoic sedimentary basin. The North Yellow Sea Basin comprises four sags and three uplifts. Of them, the eastern sag is a Mesozoic Cenozoic sedimentary sag in NYSB and has the biggest sediment thickness; the current Korean drilling wells are concentrated in the eastern sag. This sag is comparatively rich in oil and gas resources and thus has a relatively good petroleum prospect in the sea. The central sag has also accommodated thick Mesozoic-Cenozoic sediments. The latest research results show that there are three series of hydrocarbon source rocks in the North Yellow Sea Basin, namely, black shales of the Paleogene, Jurassic and Cretaceous. The principal hydrocarbon source rocks in NYSB are the Mesozoic black shale. According to the drilling data of Korea, the black shales of the Paleogene, Jurassic and Cretaceous have all come up to the standards of good and mature source rocks. The NYSB owns an intact system of oil generation, reservoir and capping rocks that can help hydrocarbon to form in the basin and thus it has the great potential of oil and gas. The vertical distribution of the hydrocarbon resources is mainly considered to be in the Cretaceous and then in the Jurassic.     

Rift sequence stratigraphy

Conventional sequence stratigraphy has been developed primarily for passive-margin basins. Despite the conceptual advances within the last 30 years, a suitable model for rift basins has not yet been devised. Many authors have attempted to adapt the passive-margin model to all other tectonic settings, including rifts, despite the fundamental differences in terms of the mechanisms controlling the formation and evolution of these sedimentary basins. Passive margins have their stratigraphic framework controlled largely by cyclic sea-level fluctuations superimposed on long-term thermal subsidence. By contrast, rift basins have their accommodation history strongly related to their mechanical subsidence regime, with episodic pulses of extension that create space for sediment accumulation at very fast rates. Stages of rapid mechanical subsidence are typically followed by longer periods of tectonic quiescence, when sediment supply gradually consumes and fills the available accommodation. This cyclicity results in depositional sequences that display overall progradational trends and coarsening-upward vertical stacking patterns. Sequence boundaries are often marked by sharp flooding surfaces related to the transgression of lacustrine or marine systems in response to rapid tectonic subsidence and the consequent ‘instantaneous’ generation of accommodation. As such, a typical rift depositional sequence starts with a flooding surface overlain by a relatively thin transgressive systems tract and a much better developed highstand systems tract. A renewed subsidence pulse leads to the drowning of the previous deposits and the start of a new depositional sequence. The strong asymmetry of the base-level curve resembles the shape of glacio-eustatic cycles, with fast transgressions followed by longer term regressions, although at potentially different temporal scales.     

黄海三大盆地的构造演化

７０年代末到８０年代中期，中国地质矿产部和中国科学院所属单位对黄海进行了大量地球物理调查和钻探，根据多道反射地震资料，浅地层剖面，重磁资料和钻探结果对黄海三大构造盆地进行地质构造学分析研究，结果表明，黄海地区三大盆地自北往南形成时代逐渐变新，构造活动性逐渐增强。     

New insights into the tectono-stratigraphic evolution of the southern Stappen High and its transition to Bjørnøya Basin,SW Barents Sea

Within the context of the southwestern Barents Sea, the southern Stappen High and its transition to the Bjørnøya Basin are still underexplored. Improved quality seismic reflection data are utilised to describe new insights into the Paleozoic to early Cenozoic tectono-stratigraphic evolution of the area, as well as to discuss the structural inheritance and the rift development. Well-defined syn-rift wedges and better resolution images for both the deep Carboniferous and Permian successions are revealed. In particular, both the mid-Carboniferous and Late Permian-earliest Triassic extensional phases are characterized by widespread NE-SW oriented normal faults that are mostly westward dipping. Although Triassic is mostly considered as a tectonically stable period in the Barents Sea, in the southern Stappen High there is clear identification of a localised depocentre (named herein “Intra Stappen Basin”) where syn-tectonic geometries characterize the upper Paleozoic and Triassic deposits. Regional correlation to Middle and Upper Triassic outcrops in southwestern Svalbard reveals possible progradation from a west-northwest Northeast Greenland provenance as a western sediment source area during the Triassic, in addition to the well-known eastern sediment source area. Thin but distinct Jurassic sequences are expected to be present on Stappen High associated with prominent regional NW-SE extension throughout Late Jurassic that culminated during the earliest Cretaceous. Furthermore, structural and stratigraphic relations are observed within the study area that clearly indicate a distinct early Aptian rift phase with increasing evidence for its occurrence in the southwestern Barents Sea. Upper Cretaceous sequences bounded by major low-angle west-dipping detachment faults are observed in southwest Stappen High. During early Cenozoic, the study area was located at the proximity of the paleo-coastline and paleo-shelf edge for both Paleocene and Eocene gravity mass-waste deposits. These are most probably related to a progressively evolving steep bathymetric gradient between the developing margin, mainly towards the west and to the south, and the uplifted Stappen High.     

Delineation of the 85°E ridge and its structure in the Mahanadi Offshore Basin,Eastern Continental Margin of India (ECMI), from seismic reflection imaging

The passive Eastern Continental Margin of India (ECMI) evolved during the break up of India and East Antarctica in the Early Cretaceous. The 85°E ridge is a prominent linear aseismic feature extending from the Afanasy Nikitin Seamounts northward to the Mahanadi basin along the ECMI. Earlier workers have interpreted the ridge to be a prominent hot spot trail. In the absence of conclusive data, the extension of the ridge towards its northern extremity below the thick Bengal Fan sediments was a matter of postulation. In the present study, interpretation of high resolution 2-D reflection data from the Mahanadi Offshore Basin, located in the northern part of the ridge, unequivocally indicates continuation of the ridge across the continent–ocean boundary into the slope and shelf tracts of the ECMI. Its morphology and internal architecture suggest a volcanic plume related origin that can be correlated with the activity of the Kerguelen hot spot in the nascent Indian Ocean. In the continental region, the plume related volcanic activity appears to have obliterated all seismic features typical of continental crust. The deeper oceanic crust, over which the hot spot plume erupted, shows the presence of linear NS aligned basement highs, corresponding with the ridge, underlain by a depressed Moho discontinuity. In the deep oceanic basin, the ridge influences the sediment dispersal pattern from the Early Cretaceous (?)/early part of Late Cretaceous times till the end of Oligocene, which is an important aspect for understanding the hydrocarbon potential of the basin.