Oligocene sequence stratigraphy and basin development in the Danish North Sea sector based on log interpretations

Five sequences are defined in the Oligocene succession of the Danish North Sea sector. Two of the sequences, 4.1a and 4.3, have been identified onshore Denmark.Two types of prograding lowstand deposits are recognized. Sand-dominated deposits occur proximally, comprising sharp-based forced regressive deposits covered with prograding low-stand deposits. Clay-dominated prograding lowstand deposits occur distally in the sequences. The highstand deposits are proximally represented by thick prograding sandy deposits and distally by thin and condensed intervals.The main sediment input direction was from the north and the northeast. A succession oif lithofacies, from shallow marine facies dominated by sand to outer shelf facies dominated by clay, is mapped in each of the sequences. An overall southward progradation of the shoreline took place during the Oligocene, interrupted only by minor shoreline retreats.     

High resolution seismic profile through a Late Cenozoic delta complex in the southern North Sea

A digitally recorded and processed multichannel seismic profile between Cromer (England) and Sylt (Germany) has provided the first continuous section through the Miocene to Middle Pleistocene delta complex of the southern North Sea Basin. The profile depicts the progressive westward expansion of deltaic sedimentation that eventually filled in this gently subsiding epicontinental basin. Significant basinward shifts in seismic facies occur above all but one of 14 seismic sequence boundaries that punctuate the deposition of up to 830 m of deltaic sediments on the profile. These sequence boundaries and the morphology of prodelta, delta front, delta top and fluvio-deltaic seismic facies record the interaction between subsidence, cyclic fluctuation in sediment supply to, and cyclic change of relative sea level within the basin. Two submarine slides were developed within delta front facies in the Pliocene section and the profile has intersected a swarm of Elsterian (Middle Pleistocene) glacial palaeovalleys that have been incised into the upper part of the delta complex.     

南海北部陆坡西沙海域沉积发育史及含油气远景初步探讨

在对南中国海西沙海域地震资料综合对比分析的基础上，本文描述了西沙海域的地震反射特征，并依据地震地层学原理，利用地震反射波的振幅、连续性、内部结构和外部形态等地震反射参数特征，将该区域地层自上而上划分为Ａ．Ｂ．Ｃ．Ｄ四个地震层序：层序Ａ代表从海底到Ｔ＾１１反射界面的地层；层序Ｂ代表从Ｔ＾１１反射界面到Ｔ２反界面的地层；层序Ｃ代表从Ｔ２反界面到５３反射界面的地层；层序Ｄ代表从Ｔ３反射层界面到Ｔｇ反射界     

Crustal structure and tectonic provinces of the Riiser-Larsen Sea area (East Antarctica): results of geophysical studies

About 16,000 km of multichannel seismic (MCS), gravity and magnetic data and 28 sonobuoys were acquired in the Riiser-Larsen Sea Basin and across the Gunnerus and Astrid Ridges, to study their crustal structure. The study area has contrasting basement morphologies and crustal thicknesses. The crust ranges in thickness from about 35 km under the Riiser-Larsen Sea shelf, 26–28 km under the Gunnerus Ridge, 12–17 km under the Astrid Ridge, and 9.5–10 km under the deep-water basin. A 50-km-wide block with increased density and magnetization is modeled from potential field data in the upper crust of the inshore zone and is interpreted as associated with emplacement of mafic intrusions into the continental margin of the southern Riiser-Larsen Sea. In addition to previously mapped seafloor spreading magnetic anomalies in the western Riiser-Larsen Sea, a linear succession from M2 to M16 is identified in the eastern Riiser-Larsen Sea. In the southwestern Riiser-Larsen Sea, a symmetric succession from M24B to 24n with the central anomaly M23 is recognized. This succession is obliquely truncated by younger lineation M22–M22n. It is proposed that seafloor spreading stopped at about M23 time and reoriented to the M22 opening direction. The seismic stratigraphy model of the Riiser-Larsen Sea includes five reflecting horizons that bound six seismic units. Ages of seismic units are determined from onlap geometry to magnetically dated oceanic basement and from tracing horizons to other parts of the southern Indian Ocean. The seaward edge of stretched and attenuated continental crust in the southern Riiser-Larsen Sea and the landward edge of unequivocal oceanic crust are mapped based on structural and geophysical characteristics. In the eastern Riiser-Larsen Sea the boundary between oceanic and stretched continental crust is better defined and is interpreted as a strike-slip fault lying along a sheared margin.     

南黄海西部浅部地层地震层序及其沉积特征

南黄海陆架在第四纪具有海侵—海退交替发生、海陆相地层交互沉积的特点,沉积相及其分布主要受海平面变化与古河流及其三角洲的控制。对南黄海西部地区采集的5600km浅层地震剖面进行了层序划分与解释,得到以下认识:(1)早更新世晚期以来的南黄海地层可分为U1—U14共14个地震地层单元,组成6个地震层序,代表了6次大规模海侵-海退过程,其中氧同位素5期海相地层在该地区最发育;(2)根据全新世地层厚度变化,将该区分为6个沉积区:东部弱沉积区、中北部沉积发育区、海州湾外侵蚀区、废黄河口沉积区、射阳河口岸外侵蚀区和苏北浅滩沉积区;(3)氧同位素6期至2期,南黄海西部陆相层内发育了3期埋藏古河道:上层古河道发育于氧同位素2期,古长江水系、古黄河水系分别自南黄海南部、北部流入古黄海;中层古河道发育于氧同位素4期,仅分布于近岸地区;下层古河道发育于氧同位素6期,分布于123°E以西地区,其南部古河道应为古长江水系,规模较大,其北部古河道规模较小,分布范围有限;(4)古长江第四纪早期在古黄海入海,古黄河在氧同位素5期中后期也开始自古黄海入海,其古河道发育具有一定继承性,后期发育规模逐渐增大;(5)气候温暖的高海面时期发育于构造沉降...     

Evolution of the Grenada and Tobago basins and implications for arc migration

The tectonic mechanisms controlling how volcanic arcs migrate through space and geologic time within dynamic subduction environments is a fundamental tectonic process that remains poorly understood. This paper presents an integrated stratigraphic and tectonic evolution of Late Cretaceous to Recent volcanic arcs and associated basins in the southeastern Caribbean Sea using seismic reflection data, wide-angle seismic refraction data, well data, and onland geologic data. We propose a new tectonic model for the opening of the Grenada and Tobago basins and the 50-250-km eastward jump of arc volcanism from the Late Cretaceous Aves Ridge to the Miocene to Recent Lesser Antilles arc in the southeast Caribbean based on the mapping of three seismic megasequences. The striking similarity of the half-graben structure of the Grenada and Tobago basins that flank the Lesser Antilles arc, their similar smooth basement character, their similar deep-marine seismic facies, and their similar Paleogene sediment thickness mapped on a regional grid of seismic data suggest that the two basins formed as a single, saucer-shaped, oceanic crust Paleogene forearc basin adjacent to the now dormant Aves Ridge. This single forearc basin continued to extend and widen through flexural subsidence during the early to middle Eocene probably because of slow rollback of the subducting Atlantic oceanic slab. Rollback may have been accelerated by oblique collision of the southern Aves Ridge and southern Lesser Antilles arc with the South American continent. Uplift and growth of the southern Lesser Antilles arc divided the Grenada and Tobago basins by early to middle Miocene time. Inversion of normal faults and uplift effects along both edges of the Lesser Antilles arc are most pronounced in its southern zone of arc collision with the South American continent. The late Miocene to Recent depositional histories of the Grenada and Tobago basins are distinct because of isolation of the Grenada basin by growth and uplift of the Neogene Lesser Antilles volcanic ridge.     

Seismic stratigraphy and evolution of the Raggatt Basin,southern Kerguelen Plateau

Six major seismic stratigraphic sequences in the Raggatt Basin on the southern Kerguelen Plateau overlie a basement complex of Cretaceous or greater age. The complex includes dipping reflectors which were apparently folded and eroded before the Raggatt Basin developed. The seismic stratigraphic sequences include a basal unit F, which fills depressions in basement; a thick unit, E, which has a mounded upper surface (volcanic or carbonate mounds); a depression-filling unit, D; a thick unit C which is partly Middle to Late Eocene; and two post-Eocene units, A and B, which are relatively thin and more limited in areal extent than the underlying sequences. A mid or Late Cretaceous erosional episode was followed by subsidence and basin development, interrupted by major erosion in the mid Tertiary. Late Cenozoic sedimentation was affected by vigorous ocean currents.     

Seismic stratigraphy and hydrocarbon prospectivity of the Lower Cretaceous Knurr Sandstone lobes along the southern margin of Loppa High,Hammerfest Basin,Barents Sea

The Lower Cretaceous Knurr Sandstone deposited along the southern slope of Loppa High and overlain by the Kolje and Kolmule seals forms an attractive play in the Hammerfest Basin of the Barents Sea. Late Jurassic organic-rich Hekkingen shale directly underlies the Knurr Sandstone and acts as a source to provide effective charge. Three wells, 7120/2-2, 7122/2-1 and 7120/1-2, have proven the Knurr-Kolje play in structural traps, with an oil discovery in 7120/1-2. Prospectivity related to stratigraphic traps is, however, highly under-explored.In order to document and map the reservoir distribution and stratigraphic-trap fairway, the Lower Cretaceous sedimentary package containing the Knurr Sandstone is divided into a number of depositional sequences and systems tracts using key regional seismic profiles calibrated with logs. Mapping of the key surfaces bounding the Knurr sandstone has been carried out using all the seismic vintages available from Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD).The thick massive nature of the sandstone (123 m in well 7122/2-1), sedimentary features characteristic of gravity flow deposits, high-resolution internal seismic reflections and stratal geometries (truncations and lapout patterns), and sequence stratigraphic position of the Knurr Sandstone on seismic profiles confirm that the lobes identified on the seismic section are gravity driven base of the slope lobes. These Knurr lobes and slope aprons were formed as a result of uplift of the Loppa paleo-high in the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous times which caused subaerial exposure and incision. The characteristic mounded, lobate geometry evident on the seismic can be mapped along the toe-of-slope and records multiple stacked lobes fed by multiple feeder canyons. Lateral partitioning and separation of the lobes along the toe-of-slope could potentially create stratigraphic traps. The existing 2D seismic coverage is, however, not sufficient to capture lateral stratigraphic heterogeneity to identify stratigraphic traps. 3D seismic coverage with optimum acquisition parameters (high spatial and vertical resolution, appropriate seismic frequency and fold, long offsets and original amplitudes preserved) can allow for the reconstruction of 3D geomorphologic elements to de-risk potential stratigraphic traps prior to exploratory drilling.     

Postglacial depositional environments and sedimentation rates in the Norwegian Channel off southern Norway

Based on seismic profiles, multibeam bathymetry and sediment cores, an improved understanding of the deglaciation/postglacial history of the southern part of the Norwegian Channel has been obtained. The Norwegian Channel Ice Stream started to recede from the shelf edge ca. 15.5 ka BP (¹⁴C ages are used throughout). Approximately 500–1000 years later the ice margin was located east of the deep Skagerrak trough. At that time, the Norwegian Channel off southern Norway had become a large fjord-like embayment, surrounded by the grounded ice sheet along the northern slope and possibly stagnant ice remnants at the southern flank. The Norwegian Channel off southern Norway has been the main sediment trap of the North Sea, and south of Egersund more than 200 m of sediments have been deposited since the start of the deglaciation. Five seismic units are mapped. The oldest unit E occurs in some of the deepest troughs, and was deposited immediately after the ice became buoyant. Unit D is acoustically massive and comprises mass-movement deposits in eastern Skagerrak and south of Egersund. Unit C (in the channel southwest of Lista/Egersund) is interpreted to comprise mainly bottom current deposits derived from palaeo-rivers, e.g. Elben. During deposition of unit C (ca. 14.5–13 ka BP), there was limited inflow of Atlantic water. A change in depositional environment at ca. 13 ka BP is related to an increased inflow of saline water and more open hydrographic circulation. Widely distributed, acoustically stratified clays of unit B were deposited ca. 13–10 ka BP. The Holocene Unit A shows a depositional pattern broadly similar to that of unit B.     

Understanding the geometry and distribution of fluvial channel sandstones and coal in the Walloon Coal Measures,Surat Basin,Australia

Understanding the controls on coal seam distribution and geometry is fundamental for planning coal seam gas production. In the Jurassic Surat Basin of South East Queensland, Australia, the spatial continuity of coal seams in the Walloon Coal Measures is highly variable and often difficult to map and predict, even with closely spaced (<1000 m) drillings. This paper investigates the frequency and location of thick sandstone in relation to thick coal seams or plies across three broad stratigraphic divisions, Upper Juandah (UJ), Combined Lower Juandah-Taroom (CLJT) and Condamine Coal Measures (CCM), within the Walloon Coal Measures. Basic depositional facies, e.g. channel, floodplain, marginal mire, and coal mire, were interpreted from geophysical logs. An in-house code was used to count the number of coal plies thicker than 2 m, and channel sandstones thicker than 5 m for the UJ and CLJT and 3 m for the CCM at each borehole. Isopleth maps of the numbers of both coal plies and channel sandstones were generated across the basin for the three subdivisions. Results show that there is an upward stratigraphic trend from thick to thin, and then to thick stacked coal plies. This corresponds to a similar vertical thickness change in channel sandstones. The incidence of thick coal and thick sandstone is associated with rising base level within an early transgressive systems tract which was followed by a high stand prior to a regional erosive event above the UJ. Thick and stacked coal plies have a marked tendency to occur in belts adjacent to the thick channel thoroughfares in the basin.     

南黄海B10岩心的地球化学特征及其对古环境和古气候的反映

通过对南黄海中部B10岩心的碳酸钙、常量元素和微量元素分析发现,岩心的地球化学特征基本反映了该海区晚第四纪气候变化、海面波动以及沉积物供应的变化.在玉木亚间冰期(末次冰期亚间冰期)高海面时期,黄河可能直接注入南黄海,在南黄海中部发育水下三角洲沉积.晚玉木冰期(末次冰期盛冰期),南黄海出露成陆,局部发育陆相泥炭层.冰后期(全新世)海侵到达现今80 m等深线附近的时间大约在距今13 ka。在距今11.0～10.3 ka出现新仙女木事件.全新世中晚期海面进一步上升,沉积物粒度较细,化学风化作用加强.岩心50～0 cm段沉积物中的碳酸钙、氧化钙、锶、氧化镁含量及Sr/Ba比值低,而铜等微量元素含量增加,这可能与公元1855年黄河北迁后进入南黄海中部的黄河物质减少有关.     

Stratigraphic evolution of Eocene clinoforms from northern Santos Basin,offshore Brazil: Evaluating controlling factors on shelf-margin growth and deep-water sedimentation

In order to assess the controlling factors on the evolution of a shelf margin and the timing of sediment transfer to deep waters, a seismic stratigraphic investigation was carried out in the Eocene interval of northern Santos Basin, offshore Brazil. The studied succession configures a complex of prograding slope clinoforms formed in a passive margin and encompasses five seismic facies and their respective depositional settings: shelf-margin deltas/shorefaces, oblique slope clinoforms, sigmoidal slope clinoforms, continental to shelfal deposits and mass-transport deposits. These are stratigraphically arranged as seven depositional sequences recording a total shelf-edge progradation of about 35 km and a progradation rate of 1,75 km/My. Two main types of sequences can be recognized, the first one (type A) being dominated by oblique slope clinoforms and shelf-margin deltas/shorefaces in which shelf-edge trajectories were essentially flat to descending and extensive sandy turbidites were deposited on the foreset to bottomset zones. Sequences of this type are dominated by forced-regressive units deposited during extensive periods of relative sea-level fall. Type B comprises an upper part represented by aggradational shelfal deposits and a lower part composed of mass-transport deposits and high-relief sigmoidal clinoforms with descending shelf-edge trajectory. Steep slump scars deeply cut the shelfal strata and constitutes the boundary between the two intervals observed in type B sequences. Sandy turbidites occur at the same frequency in both forced- and normal-regressive units but are more voluminous within forced-regressive clinoforms associated with shelf-margin deltas/shorefaces. Major slope failures and mass-transport deposits, by the other hand, occurred exclusively in type B sequences during the onset of sea-level fall and their volume are directly related to the thickness of the shelfal sediments formed during the pre-failure normal regressions.     

Seismic stratigraphic framework and depositional sequences in the Santos Basin,Brazil

The Santos Basin, situated offshore southern Brazil, is one of nine marginal rift basins in the equatorial South Atlantic. It formed by the collapse of a thermal dome in the late Jurassic and by subsequent rifting and opening of the South Atlantic in the early Cretaceous. Rifting was accompanied by immense volcanic outpouring seen at the surface today throughout the onshore Paraná Basin and thought to underlie the entire Santos Basin, and the adjacent São Paulo Plateau. Vulcanism was followed by subsidence of up to 10 km from Aptian to Recent time, and a coastal hingeline coincides with the Serra do Mar uplift. The basin depocentre, which is 700 km long, is bounded to the north and south by basement and volcanic highs, respectively. A restricted water circulation in the ocean basin, which prevailed up to the Santonian stage, has important repercussions for the hydrocarbon potential of the area. The nine genetically related basins have collective reserves of ≈ 5 billion barrels of oil and associated gas. A stratigraphic framework, based largely on seismic data, has been erected for the Santos Basin. Seven regional unconformities, or ‘R’ reflections, can be traced throughout the basin and form the boundaries for seismic sequences. Isopaching the seismic sequences defines the principal depositional units in the basin and also shows how the basin depocentre shifted with time. Limited well control has enabled the seismic sequences to be correlated with litho-environmental sequences which more fully reflect the geological evolution and provide a working exploration model. Finally, an attempt has been made to recognize and map seismic facies within the seismic sequences and to predict the lithofacies in areas away from well control     

Structure of the basins of the White Sea rift systems

For the first time, the structure of the sedimentary basins of the Late Proterozoic rift system in the White Sea is characterized based on a set of new marine geological geophysical data such as the results of the common depth point seismic method, gravity and magnetic data, and seismoacoustics. The main tectonic structures in the topography of the heterogeneous basement within the basin of the White Sea are distinguished and described. A structural tectonic scheme of the basement surface is presented. The thicknesses of the sediments are estimated and the stratigraphic confinement of the seismic units recognized is done.     

Interaction between trench retreat and Anatolian escape as recorded by neogene basins in the northern Aegean Sea

The evolution of the North Aegean Sea is studied through the development of three deep basins: the North Aegean Trough, the North Skyros Basin and the Ikaria Basin. Bathymetric data, a 2D seismic dataset and the well-investigated stratigraphic records of the onshore deep basins of northern Greece and Western Turkey were used to make structural and seismic stratigraphic interpretations. The study area shows two sharp unconformities that correspond to the Eocene-Oligocene transition and the Miocene-Pliocene shift. These discontinuities were used as marker horizons for a more detailed structural and seismic stratigraphic interpretation resulting in the identification of several seismic units. A general seismic signature chart was established using onshore basin stratigraphy and well data, which was then used to constrain the ages of the different seismic units. The main features observed in the basins are interpreted as: 1) trans-tensional growth patterns in Pliocene and Quaternary sediments that combine NE–SW trending and steeply dipping fault zones that likely correspond to strike-slip corridors and E-W/WNW-ESE trending normal faults, 2) regional erosional truncations of Miocene sediments, likely related to the Messinian Salinity Crisis (MSC), 3) thick delta-turbidite deposits of Neogene age. Only the North Aegean Trough shows evidence of earlier development and polyphase deformation through inversion structures, and additional seismic units. Extension processes in the Aegean region have been driven by the Hellenic slab rollback since the middle Eocene. The widespread development of Neogene basins at the whole Aegean scale attests to a major tectonic change due to an acceleration of the trench retreat in the middle Miocene. The present study shows that the Neogene basins of the North Aegean Sea developed in dextral transtension with the northward migration of the associated NE-SW trending strike-slip faults. At regional scale, this tectonic pattern indicates that the westward escape of Anatolia started to interact with the trench retreat in the middle Miocene, around 10 Myr before the arrival of the North Anatolian Fault in the North Aegean Sea.     

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.     

Early Carboniferous of the Solway Basin: A tectonostratigraphic model and its bearing on hydrocarbon potential

The Solway Basin forms the western portion of the Northumberland Trough, a Carboniferous basin system trending WSW-ENE across northern England. A study of the tectono-stratigraphic variations along the margins allows certain predictions to be made regarding the hydrocarbon prospectivity of the Dinantian. It is proposed that earliest Carboniferous extension initiated a series of half-grabens separated by transfer zones that have subsequently formed fold culminations and fault belts within the basin. A model for the proposed graben polarity-switching in the basin system is outlined. Differential subsidence across active faults led to pronounced facies variations in the Courcevan-Chadian which subsequently declined in importance until, in Brigantian-Pendleian times, deposition was governed by regional subsidence.The initial stages of graben formation led to the deposition of subaerial coarse clastic facies associations followed by a cyclical series of marine transgressions and regressions. The model anticipates that the best development of reservior facies is in the distal nearshore equivalent of the Early Dinantian alluvial coarse clastics. One of the hydrocarbon objectives identified is stratigraphic trapping in these sands, enhanced by Courceyan-Chadian rollover. Early Carboniferous algal source rocks are considered as lateral equivalents to the reservoirs and are calculated as oil-generating from the Permo-Trias onwards. The Westphalian coals are unlikely to have generated significant gas in the basin.     

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。     

The distribution and characteristics of the igneous complexes in the northern East China Sea Shelf Basin and their implications for hydrocarbon potential

This paper presents results of two-dimensional seismic mapping of the northern East China Sea Shelf Basin. Various igneous features such as sills, volcanic edifices and stocks were identified by the geophysical exploration. The sills are most common, and are observed at more than 90 locations. Most mapped sills in the study area are characterized by high-amplitude continuous reflections with distinct terminations. Saucer- and cup-shaped sills are observed locally. The stocks are discordant (nearly vertical) igneous bodies and they are characterized by seismic transparency, with upturned host rocks and uplifted overburden. The volcanic edifices and/or necks consist of irregular mounds and peaks and are characterized by strong positive top reflections with chaotic internal facies. The oldest igneous activity in the northern East China Sea Shelf Basin is Early Cretaceous (123.3 ± 3.7). This igneous activity coincides with those observed in eastern China which has been related mainly to the subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath Eurasia Plate. The Miocene igneous activity is well constrained based on seismic stratigraphic relationships within the folded stratigraphy, age dating, and the occurrence of igneous sills. The timing of this intrusion is coincident with the intensive igneous activity as previously suggested for the eastern China. Igneous rocks can produce hydrocarbon traps, reservoirs and they can act as a seal, and therefore are of great importance in petroleum study.     

The Black Sea basins structure and history: New model based on new deep penetration regional seismic data. Part 1: Basins structure and fill

This work is based upon results of interpretation of about 8872 km-long regional seismic lines acquired in 2011 within the international project Geology Without Limits in the Black Sea. The seismic lines cover nearly the entire Black Sea Basins, including Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, Romania and Bulgaria sectors. A new map of acoustic basement relief and a new tectonic structure scheme are constructed for the Black Sea Basins. The basement of the Black Sea includes areas with oceanic crust and areas with highly rifted continental crust. A chain of buried seamounts, which were interpreted as submarine volcanoes of Late Cretaceous (Santonian to Campanian) age, has been identified to the north of the Turkish coast. On the Shatsky Ridge, probable volcanoes of Albian age have also been recognized. Synorogenic turbidite sequences of Paleocene, Eocene and Oligocene ages have been mapped. In the Cenozoic, numerous compressional and transpressional structures were formed in different parts of the Black Sea Basin. During the Pleistocene–Quaternary, turbidites, mass-transport deposits and leveed channels were formed in the distal part of the Danube Delta.