Research Status and Application Prospect of Shelf-Edge Trajectory Analysis

Trajectory analysis is the hotspot and research frontier of sedimentology and sequence stratigraphy. Compared with conventional analytical methods, trajectory analysis is aiming at identifying sedimentary systems and predicting sandstone reservoirs more directly. The definition of trajectory analysis has been made by Helland-Hansen as “The study of the lateral and vertical migration of geomorphological features and associated sedimentary environments, with emphasis on the paths and directions of migration”. Based on current research progress, the basic concepts and methods of trajectory analysis, types of basinward-migrating trajectories (ascending, flat and descending), quantitative parameters and the application in predicting deep-water sandstone reservoirs were introduced. Trajectory analysis mainly centers on two scales: Shoreline trajectories and shelf-edge trajectories. The formation of basin-floor fans has close relation with shelf-edge trajectories, and multiple case studies have confirmed that large-scale basin floor fan usually form under flat or descending shelf-edge trajectories. As research advances, trajectory analysis theory, which developed in continental margins, is believed to have been influenced by multiple factors. Thus, the accurate prediction of sandstone reservoirs requires the comprehensive consideration of the influence of sediment supply, accommodation spaces, past climate and so on. In addition, the problems and extensions of trajectory analysis were also introduced, including ①the along-strike lateral differential evolution; ② trajectory analysis theory in hydrological-closed sedimentary basins; ③the application of trajectory analysis in carbonate settings. As a developing theory, the terminology of trajectory analysis still needs standardization, and the coupling between shelf-edge trajectories and the development and distribution of deep-water sandstones also needs further understanding. The next research focus could be placed on interpreting the evolution of three-dimensional sedimentary systems, and the extension of shelf-edge trajectory theory to hydrologically-closed basin and carbonate sedimentary environments. The research methods of trajectory analysis should also follow the newest trends to allow researchers to better study the evolution of shelf-edge trajectories, for instance, integrating high-resolution seismic data and logging data, core samples, outcrops and high-resolution dating techniques to describe ancient sedimentary environment and geomorphology, combining satellite imaging, ground penetrating radar to portray the modern morphology of continental margins, and utilizing remote sensing to construct more precise three-dimensional models for outcrops.