Sequence stratigraphy of the Miocene section,southern Gulf of Mexico

This study focuses on the interpretation of stratigraphic sequences through the integration of biostratigraphic, well log and 3D seismic data. Sequence analysis is used to identify significant surfaces, systems tracts, and sequences for the Miocene succession.The depositional systems in this area are dominantly represented by submarine fans deposited on the slope and the basin floor. The main depositional elements that characterize these depositional settings are channel systems (channel-fills, channel-levee systems), frontal splays, frontal splay complexes, lobes of debrites and mass-transport complexes.Five genetic sequences were identified and eleven stratigraphic surfaces interpreted and correlated through the study area. The Oligocene-lower Miocene, lower Miocene and middle Miocene sequences were deposited in bathyal water depths, whereas the upper Miocene sequences (Tortonian and Messinian) were deposited in bathyal and outer neritic water depths. The bulk of the Miocene succession, from the older to younger deposits consists of mass-transport deposits (Oligocene-lower Miocene); mass transport deposits and turbidite deposits (lower Miocene); debrite deposits and turbidite deposits (middle Miocene); and debrite deposits, turbidite deposits and pelagic and hemipelagic sediments (upper Miocene). Cycles of sedimentation are delineated by regionally extensive maximum flooding surfaces within condensed sections of hemipelagic mudstone which represent starved basin floors. These condensed sections are markers for regional correlation, and the maximum flooding surfaces, which they include, are the key surfaces for the construction of the Miocene stratigraphic framework. The falling-stage system tract forms the bulk of the Miocene sequences. Individual sequence geometry and thickness were controlled largely by salt evacuation and large-scale sedimentation patterns. For the upper Miocene, the older sequence (Tortonian) includes sandy deposits, whereas the overlying younger sequence (Messinian) includes sandy facies at the base and muddy facies at the top; this trend reflects the change from slope to shelf settings.     

3-D internal architecture of methane hydrate-bearing turbidite channels in the eastern Nankai Trough, Japan

The reservoir architecture of methane hydrate (MH) bearing turbidite channels in the eastern Nankai Trough, offshore Japan is evaluated using a combination of 3-D seismic and well data. On the 3-D seismic section, the MH-bearing turbidite channels correspond to complex patterns of strong seismic reflectors, which show the 3-D internal architecture of the channel complex. A seismic-sequence stratigraphic analysis reveals that the channel complex can be roughly classified into three different stages of depositional sequence (upper, middle, and lower). Each depositional sequence results in a different depositional system that primarily controls the reservoir architecture of the turbidite channels. To construct a 3-D facies model, the stacking patterns of the turbidite channels are interpreted, and the reservoir heterogeneities of MH-bearing sediments are discussed. The identified channels at the upper sequence around the β1 well exhibit low-sinuosity channels consisting of various channel widths that range from tens to several hundreds of meters. Paleo-current flow directions of the turbidite channels are typically oriented along the north-northeast-to-south-southwest direction. High-amplitude patterns were identified above the channels along the north-to-south and north-northeast-to-south-southeast directions. These roughly coincide with the paleo-current flow of the turbidite channels. An interval velocity using high-density velocity analysis shows that velocity anomalies (>2000 m/s) are found on the northeastern side of the turbidite channels. The depositional stage of the northeastern side of the turbidite channels exhibits slightly older sediment stages than the depositional stages of the remaining channels. Hence, the velocity anomalies of the northeastern side of the channels are related to the different stages of sediment supply, and this may lead to the different reservoir architectures of the turbidite channels.     

花东盆地晚中新世以来沉积演化特征

利用近年来在台湾东部海域采集的多道地震和多波速测深资料,对该海域花东海盆区晚中新世以来的沉积充填演化特征进行描述和分析。通过对花东海盆区域地形特征描述、层序地层格架的建立和地震剖面的解译,在本区晚中新世以来的沉积充填中刻画出6种典型地震相类型,并分析其对应的沉积相类型,包括浊积扇、浊积水道充填、块体流、沉积物波、海底峡谷－伴生沉积物滑塌变形－充填、深水扇沉积。结合地震相平面分布及垂向沉积相叠置关系,将晚中新世－第四纪沉积充填演化划分为3个阶段:晚中新世晚期开始受到块体流冲蚀阶段,到海底峡谷冲刷－沉积物失稳－峡谷充填－再侵蚀阶段,到峡谷输送的大量沉积物在上新世以来主要堆积发育了沉积物波、浊积扇、深水扇等沉积体系阶段。     

东非鲁伍马盆地深水沉积体系及油气勘探意义

利用高分辨率三维地震资料、测井和钻井数据,对东非鲁伍马盆地深水沉积特征进行了系统刻画.根据深水沉积体的地震相特征,识别出峡谷、水道、漫溢沉积、朵体、块体搬运沉积(MTDs)和凝缩段等深水沉积单元,建立了地震识别图版.分析总结了水道和朵体的岩性特征、电性特征和储层物性特征,砂岩具有低伽马(GR)和高电阻(RT)特征,厚层...     

New evidence of slope instability in the Outardes Bay delta area, Quebec, Canada

The Outardes Bay delta constitutes one of the best sites to study the formation of failure deposits in a modern lowstand environment. These deposits are located in a pseudo-shelf-edge position along the northern part of the Laurentian Channel in the St. Lawrence Estuary. The site has been investigated over the past 20 years with a Raytheon model RTT1000 boomer (3.5 kHz, 400 J) on the shelf, and most recently with a Simrad model EM 1000 multibeam sonar (95 kHz) on the slope to provide high-resolution seismic and bathymetric data. The seismic data show wavy, chaotic and contorted reflectors which are typical in marine environments characterised by instability features. The multibeam sonar data have revealed many slope instability features such as creep folds, channel incisions, debris flows, and rotational slide scars. Thus, these interpreted features are in direct relationship with the seismic interpretation of the data collected upslope. These geomorphological and geophysical signatures express both past and present sedimentological processes. Some of the mass movement signatures observed in the surveyed area are believed to be related with the great MS~7 Charlevoix earthquake in 1663.     

New evidence of slope instability in the Outardes Bay delta area, Quebec, Canada

The Outardes Bay delta constitutes one of the best sites to study the formation of failure deposits in a modern lowstand environment. These deposits are located in a pseudo-shelf-edge position along the northern part of the Laurentian Channel in the St. Lawrence Estuary. The site has been investigated over the past 20 years with a Raytheon model RTT1000 boomer (3.5 kHz, 400 J) on the shelf, and most recently with a Simrad model EM 1000 multibeam sonar (95 kHz) on the slope to provide high-resolution seismic and bathymetric data. The seismic data show wavy, chaotic and contorted reflectors which are typical in marine environments characterised by instability features. The multibeam sonar data have revealed many slope instability features such as creep folds, channel incisions, debris flows, and rotational slide scars. Thus, these interpreted features are in direct relationship with the seismic interpretation of the data collected upslope. These geomorphological and geophysical signatures express both past and present sedimentological processes. Some of the mass movement signatures observed in the surveyed area are believed to be related with the great MS~7 Charlevoix earthquake in 1663.     

Sequence stratigraphy of the Mississippi fan (Plio-Pleistocene), Gulf of Mexico

The Mississippi Fan is a large, mud-dominated submarine fan over 4 km thick, deposited in the deep Gulf of Mexico during the late Pliocene and Pleistocene. Analysis of 19,000 km of multifold seismic data defined 17 seismic sequences, each characterized by channel, levee, and associated overbank deposits, as well as mass transport deposits. At the base of nine sequences are a series of seismic facies consisting of mounded, hummocky, chaotic, and subparallel reflections, which constitute 10–20% of the sediments in each the sequences. These facies are externally mounded and occur in two general regions of the fan: (1) in the upper and middle fan they are elongate in shape and mimic the channel's distribution; (2) in the middle fan to lower fan they are characterized by a fan-shaped distribution, increasing in width downfan. These facies are interpreted to have formed as disorganized slides, debris flows, and turbidites (informally called “mass transport complexes”). Overlying this basal interval, characteristic of all sequences, are well-developed channel-levee systems that constitute 80–90% of the fan's sediments. Channels consist of high amplitude, subparallel reflections, whereas the flanking levee sediments appear as subparallel reflections that have high amplitudes at the base changing upward to low amplitude. The vertical change in amplitude may reflect a decrease in grain size and bed thicknesses. Overbank sediments are characterized by interbedded subparallel to hummocky and mounded reflections, suggesting both turbidites from the channel, as well as slides and debris flows derived both locally and from the slope updip.     

Integration of High and Very High-resolution Seismic Reflection Profiles to Study Upper Quaternary Deposits of a Coastal Area in the Western Gulf of Lions, SW France

High resolution (HR – sparker) and very high resolution (VHR – boomer) seismic reflection data acquired in shallow water environments of the Roussillon coastal area are integrated to provide an accurate image of the stratigraphic architecture of the Quaternary deposits. The complementary use of the two systems is shown to be of benefit for studies of shallow water environments. The HR sparker data improved the landward part of a general model of Quaternary stratigraphy previously established offshore. They document an incised valley complex interpreted as the record of successive late Quaternary relative sea-level cycles. The complex is capped by a polygenetic erosional surface developed during the last glacial period (>18 ky) and variably reworked by wave ravinement during the subsequent post-glacial transgression. The overlying transgressive systems tract is partly preserved and presents a varying configuration along the Roussillon coastal plain. The VHR boomer data provide information on the architecture of the uppermost deposits, both in the near-shore area and in the lagoon. These deposits overlie a maximum flooding surface at the top of the transgressive systems tract and constitute a highstand systems tract composed of two different architectural elements. In the near-shore area, a sandy coastal wedge is subdivided into a lower unit and an upper unit in equilibrium with present day dynamics. In the Salses-Leucate lagoon area, the sedimentary architecture is highly complex due to the closure of a former embayment and the formation of the present beach barrier.     

冲绳海槽西部陆坡地震相模式与沉积体系

对冲绳海槽西部陆坡上两个航次(95航次和99航次)共计2000多公里的单道地震资料进行分析和解译,对斜坡沉积环境下沉积体系发育、分布特征进行了研究。结果表明：a)冲绳海槽西部斜坡环境下,上新世以来的沉积层均不同程度的变形和错动;b)存在两种斜坡相地震反射模式——退覆模式和叠覆模式,这两种模式都反映了冲绳海槽西部陆坡得到充足的沉积物供给;c)斜坡环境下主要发育陆架边缘三角洲、重力流沉积和水道充填等沉积体系;d)沉积层发育特征表明,冲绳海槽西部陆坡具有北段坡度缓、沉积物供应丰富、构造相对不活跃,中段坡度陡、沉积物供应充足、构造活动强烈,南段坡度陡、沉积供应相对较少、构造和火山活动十分强烈3种主要沉积环境。西部陆坡的沉积特征也揭示了东海陆架向陆坡提供了大量碎屑沉积物质。     

珠江口盆地白云凹陷陆坡区10.5 Ma以来的沉积体系

通过对珠江口盆地白云凹陷陆坡区10.5Ma以来的地震相分析,共识别出席状平行亚平行地震相、透镜状前积地震相、深切河谷地震相、帚状地震相和杂乱地震相,不同的地震相分别代表不同的沉积体系类型。综合所识别的地震相类型,分析了陆架边缘下切谷、浊积扇和陆架边缘三角洲3种主要的沉积体系及其配置关系。物源供给是影响陆坡区沉积体系发育的最重要因素,是沉积体系发育的物质基础,海平面变化和构造运动为沉积体系发育提供了可容纳空间,3种影响因素共同影响了陆坡区沉积体系的发育。     

Architecture and evolution of upper fan channel-belts on the Niger Delta slope and in the Arabian Sea

High-resolution multichannel 2-D and 3-D seismic data, primarily from upper fan reaches of near-seafloor channel-levee systems on the Niger Delta slope and in the Arabian Sea, reveal a high level of detail and architectural complexity. Several architectural elements are common to each system examined in this study. They include inner levees, outer levees, erosional fairways, channel-axis deposits, rotational slumps blocks, and mass transport deposits. Although the scale of individual systems varies significantly, similarities in first-order architectural elements and their configurations suggest that common depositional processes are involved regardless of scale differences.Most of the channel-levee systems examined in this study are characterized by a basal erosional fairway that is bordered by outer levees of varying thickness. Together these elements define the base and margins of the channel-belt, where channel-axis deposits and inner levees are the dominant architectural elements. Vertical, sub-vertical, and lateral stacking patterns of sinuous and/or meandering channels create seismic facies that range from narrow to wide zones of high amplitude reflections (HARs) with chaotic to continuous and shingled to horizontal reflections. Some HARs appear as isolated or stacked asymmetric to symmetric u- and v-shaped reflections, referred to here as channel-forms. Channel-belts evolve within the confines of the scalloped erosional fairway walls (flanked by outer levee), and are similar in morphology to meander-belts in fluvial systems, but commonly have a greater component of vertical aggradation. Detailed study of one particular channel-levee system on the Niger Delta slope shows a period of incision followed by three distinct phases of channel development during its aggradational history. Each fill phase corresponds to a different channel stacking architecture, planform geometry, and nature of terrace development, with important implications for reservoir architecture. In some cases, multiple phases of inner levee growth are observed, each intimately linked to the channel migration and aggradation history. Channel sinuosity evolves dynamically, with some meander loops undergoing periods of accelerated meander growth at the same time that others show little lateral migration.     

Heterogeneity of fill within an incised channel: The Oligocene Grès du Champsaur,SE France

Submarine channel deposits are recognised as the primary heterogeneity within the turbidite systems that host them, with channel fill heterogeneities being considered secondary. An investigation of channel fill heterogeneities was conducted on Oligocene turbidites of the Grès du Champsaur, Hautes Alpes, SE France, which was deposited in a sub-basin within the Alpine peripheral foreland basin. Here, a series of erosional channels are exposed in mountainous terrain. Maximum channel widths are in the order of 1000 m, and depths of the order of 100 m. The channels can be traced along axis for at least 6 km. Mapping of channel facies revealed three orientations of fill heterogeneity expressed as: (1) upward variations in the character of vertically stacked fill sequences, (2) lateral variability, and (3) the occurrence of downstream dipping and stacking units forming the uppermost parts of channel fill. Vertically expressed heterogeneities are thought to have developed via the gradual reduction in the efficiency of channelised flow, leading to a progressive reduction in scour and the deposition of overall thinning and fining upwards sequences. Lateral heterogeneity is related to the development of downstream-oriented elongated scour and fill facies. Downstream-dipping heterogeneity is represented by a series of several metre-scale downstream-dipping low-angle clinoforms thought to be related to final infill of the negative channel bathymetry by a migrating front of sand that would have formed part of a downstream-migrating sheet to channel transition in plan view. Both first and second orders of channel heterogeneity may control the reservoir performance of channel prone turbidite sequences. Preferred-orientation channel facies heterogeneities are thought to affect potential hydrocarbon recovery through their impact on permeability anisotropy within the confines of the channel.     

Stratigraphy of Quaternary inner-shelf sediments in Tai O Bay, Hong Kong, based on ground-truthed seismic profiles

High-resolution boomer profiles from Tai O Bay, Hong Kong SAR, were ground-truthed using ten discontinuously sampled boreholes penetrating bedrock with a maximum length of 82.1 m. The relationship between depth below seabed and seismic profiles was established through the measurement of two borehole compressional-wave velocity profiles. In departure from previous interpretations, nine Quaternary seismic units were identified, which can be divided into eight systems tracts formed by cycles of fourth-order sea-level fluctuations dating back at least to marine isotope stage (MIS) 7 (ca. 190–245 ka). These consist of two lowstand systems tracts, two transgressive systems tracts, and four highstand systems tracts. Secondary unconformities within the highstand deposits are interpreted to document fifth-order sea-level fluctuations. Lowstand deposits are less common because, as soon as the sea level drops by a few metres, Tai O Bay becomes sub-aerially exposed, leading to widespread non-deposition or erosion. At the same time, extensive fluvial erosion and channel incision take place. Filling of the fluvial channels occurs during rising sea level. Lowstand sediments (if present) are generally landslide deposits laid down on a basal alluvial plain. Uncorrected accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon dates of mollusc shells show that the depositional environment was marine since 6.2 ka, becoming gradually more brackish as a result of progradation of the Pearl River delta. The computed average sedimentation rate for the period 6.2–4.1 ka is 4.4 m/1,000 year, and approximately 1 m/1,000 year since 4.1 ka.     

渤中凹陷西斜坡BZ3-8区块东营组东二下高分辨率井震层序及地震沉积学

渤海海域凹陷由于资料的限制,其沉积相研究多为宏观的区域性研究,制约了储层的精细解释。基于最新采集的高精度地震三维资料,结合地震地层学、层序地层学、地震沉积学等理论方法,开展渤中凹陷西斜坡BZ3-8区块东营组重点目的层,东二下层序高分辨率井震层序分析及其地震沉积学研究。结果表明,研究区南北两侧具有不同的物源体系和沉积相模式。低水位体系域(LST)和高水位体系域(HST)时期,研究区北部物源均形成扇形、朵形的地震多属性及振幅切片异常,对应于扇三角洲沉积;南部物源均形成NE向展布的条带状地震多属性及振幅切片异常,对应于辫状河三角洲沉积。海进体系域(TST)时期,湖平面快速上升导致扇体不发育,仅在研究区北部局部发育小规模的扇三角洲沉积。东二下层序LST(富砂)-TST(富泥)-HST(富砂)的岩相演化规律,充分反映了经典层序地层学理论层序格架中的地层岩相组合分布规律,对储层和烃源岩的预测具有指示意义。     

辽东湾南部下第三系地震地层学研究

本文依据地震地层学原理,结合层速度和砂岩百分比的研究,描述了辽东湾南部下第三系地震相和沉积相类型及特征,确定出近岸水下扇沉积体系、三角洲—滑塌浊积扇沉积体系、滨浅湖—滩坝沉积体系和深湖—深水浊积扇沉积体系,指出这些沉积体系的平面分布具有不对称性,垂向演化具有继承性和新生性的特点。最后预测了有利勘探地区。     

Reservoir prediction of deep-water turbidite sandstones with seismic lithofacies control —A case study in the C block of lower Congo basin

Currently, conventional forecasting methods of well-to-seismic integration are unable to identify turbidite channel sandstones due to scarcity of well data in deepwater areas, small geophysical differences between sandstones and mudstones of turbidite channels and strong sandstones heterogeneity. The reservoir prediction of deep-water turbidite channels is still a difficult issue in deep-water research. On the basis of previous studies, we propose a new technology named “reservoir prediction of deep-water turbidite sandstones with seismic lithofacies control” in view of the characteristics of deep-water turbidite sandstones. This new technology improves the reservoir prediction of complex sedimentary systems after classifying seismic lithofacies and connecting lithofacies with rock-physics. Furthermore, it can accomplish the genetic classification statistics of rock-physics, improve conversion accuracy of seismic elastic parameters/reservoir parameters and achieve the quantitative reservoir prediction under the double control of seismic geomorphology and seismic lithofacies. The C block of Lower Congo Basin is characterized by few well data, complex lithology but high resolution-seismic. We use the technology to predict the reservoirs of this area and have achieved excellent results. This has great significance for the later exploration.     

Constraining the origin and evolution of confined turbidite systems: southern Cretan margin,Eastern Mediterranean Sea (34°30–36°N)

Bathymetric, 9.5-kHz long-range sidescan sonar (OKEAN), seismic reflection and sediment-core data are used in the analysis of two tectonic troughs south of Crete, Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Here, up to 1.2 s two-way travel time (TWTT) of strata have accumulated since the Middle Miocene in association with extension in the South Aegean region. The study area comprises >100-km- long by >25-km-wide basins filled by sediments subdivided into two seismic units: (1) an upper Unit 1 deposited in sub-basins which follow the present-day configuration of the southern Cretan margin; (2) a basal Unit 2, more than 500 ms (TWTT) thick, accumulated in deeper half-graben/grabens distinct from the present-day depocentres. Both units overlap a locally stratified Unit 3 comprising the pre-Neogene core complex of Crete and Gavdos. In this work, the interpreted seismic units are correlated with the onshore stratigraphy, demonstrating that denudation processes occurring on Crete and Gavdos in response to major tectonic events have been responsible for high sedimentation rates along the proximal southern Cretan margin. Consequently, topographically confined sedimentary units have been deposited south of Crete in the last 12 Ma, including turbidites and other mass-flow deposits fed by evolving transverse and axial channel systems. Surface processes controlling facies distribution include the direct inflow of sediment from alluvial-fan systems and incising mountain rivers onto the Cretan slope, where significant sediment instability processes occur at present. In this setting, seismic profiles reveal eight different types of stratigraphic contacts on basin-margin highs, and basinal areas show evidence of halokinesis and/or fluid escape. The acquired data also show that significant changes to the margin’s configuration occurred in association with the post-Alpine tectonic and eustatic episodes affecting the Eastern Mediterranean.     

Seismic expression of channel outcrops: Offset stacked versus amalgamated channel systems

Forward seismic models of two ‘seismic scale’ outcrops of different style channel systems have been made to investigate their seismic signature. These two outcrops illustrate the geometric end members of channel stacking architecture in response to low- and high-accommodation space. The Eocene Nohut Tepe channel system of the Elaziğ Basin in eastern Turkey was deposited in an area of high accommodation resulting in an aggradational geometrical offset stacking of channels up against a slope. The Eocene Ainsa II Channel system of the Tremp-Pamplona Basin in the Spanish Pyrenees was deposited in an area of low accommodation resulting in a tabular, compound sheet geometry, with amalgamated channel bodies separated by clay drapes.Depth models were drawn from outcrop photos and converted to impedance models by assigning acoustic impedance properties to the sand filled channels and surrounding and interbedded mud and clay layers. These were the input for the forward seismic models, which constructed various frequency synthetic seismic sections of the two outcrops. Analysis of the outcrop synthetic seismic identified three distinct reflection configurations. Type I is characterised by a strong black peak and white trough reflection, which is due to a discrete channel body. Type II is characterised by multiple offset, time ‘stepped’ black peak reflections that are underlain by one continuous, strong white trough reflection, which is due to offset stacked channel bodies. Type III is characterised by strong black peaks which onlap an underlying, continuous white trough reflection, caused by the lateral amalgamation of channel bodies.These three types of reflection configurations observed on the outcrop synthetic seismic can also be found on actual seismic from channelised turbidite systems, which aids in interpreting channel stacking architecture, accommodation space prediction and depositional styles from the actual seismic data. Channel stacking architecture is clearly an important aspect which needs to be considered when making channel system interpretations based on seismic data.     

Geophysical evidence for cyclic sediment deposition on the southern slope of Qiongdongnan Basin,South China Sea

Gravity flow deposits form a significant component of the stratigraphic record in ancient and modern deep-water basins worldwide. Analyses of high-resolution 3D seismic reflection data in a predominantly slope setting, the southern slope of Qiongdongnan Basin, South China Sea, reveal the extensive presence of gravity flow depositional elements in the Late Pliocene−Quaternary strata. Three key elements were observed: (1) mass transport deposits (MTDs) including slumps and debris flows, (2) turbidity current deposits including distributary channel complexes, leveed channel complexes and avulsion channel complexes, and (3) deep-water drapes (highstand condensed sections). Each depositional element displays a unique seismic expression and internal structures in seismic profiles and attribute maps. Based on seismic characteristics, the studied succession is subdivided into six units in which three depositional cycles are identified. Each cycle exhibits MTDs (slump or debris) at the base, overlain by turbidities or a deep-water drape. The genesis of these cycles is mainly controlled by frequent sea-level fluctuations and high sedimentation rates in the Late Pliocene–Quaternary. Moreover, tectonics, differential subsidence, and paleo-seafloor morphology may have also contributed to their formation processes. The present study is aimed to a better understanding of deep-water depositional systems, and to a successful hydrocarbon exploration and engineering-risk assessment.     

Slope channel sedimentary processes and stratigraphic stacking,Cretaceous Tres Pasos Formation slope system,Chilean Patagonia

The Cretaceous Tres Pasos Formation of southern Chile records a slope system characterized by >800 m of paleo-bathymetric relief. Channel deposits are exposed in an outcrop 2.5 km long by 125 m thick and are located in proximity to the toe of a slope clinoform. Exquisite exposures of channel strata offer a unique opportunity for high-resolution analyses of channel stacking patterns and provide insight into the evolution of conduits that transport sediment from continents to the deep ocean.Eighteen slope channels, or channel elements, are present in the strata studied. They are 6–15 m thick and comprised of stacked turbiditic sedimentation units. Channel fills are characterized by a gradational transition from amalgamated sandstone-rich facies in the channel axes to thinly interbedded sandstone and siltstone at the channel margins over distances of 10–30 m. These elements are generally considered to be ∼300 m wide and were formed by punctuated periods of incision and sedimentary bypass, followed by in-filling by collapsing turbidity currents. Out-of-channel deposits consist primarily of fine-grained facies, which are typically covered by vegetation in the study area.The channel strata of the mapped portion of the Tres Pasos Formation can be grouped into three channel complexes 25–70 m thick. Complexes are differentiated based on the preservation of siltstone-dominated deposits (bypass drapes and channel margin), which persist across the entire outcrop belt and coincide with shifts in channel stacking pattern. The oldest four channel elements (channel complex 1) are characterized by the highest lateral offsets, relative to one another. These are interpreted to record the most unconfined channel-stacking pattern present. As the channel system evolved (channel complexes 2 and 3), channel elements began to stack on top of one another, due to the increased confinement imparted on the slope channel system. The amount of vertical offset between successive channel elements preserves the record of channel aggradation as well as erosional degradation. The greatest vertical offset observed is associated with the oldest channels; as the system matured, vertical offset decreased. This decrease in vertical offset is coincident with the decrease in lateral offset of channels. The lateral offset decrease is attributed to establishment of constructional confinement and is the consequence of increased focusing of successive channel-initiating gravity flows. As confinement establishes, channels are predisposed toward underfilled conditions upon abandonment. The capture of channel-initiating currents along channel abandonment relief fairways focused incision and resulted in increased erosion and decreased vertical offset. The consequence of these conditions is an upward increase in channel element amalgamation.The organized stacking of slope channels observed in the Tres Pasos Formation is comparable to that of seismically imaged channel-levee or entrenched slope valley systems. By analogy to these 3-dimentionally constrained systems, a portion of the poorly exposed out-of-channel facies in the Tres Pasos Formation is attributed to aggradational internal levee deposits. The facies insight derived from the studied outcrop provides insight into analogous hydrocarbon-bearing units from numerous continental margins.