Description
Subaqueous mass failures: Processes, Deposits and Implications of their occurrence in exploration and production of energy resources
Submarine and sublacustrine landslides are ubiquitous in the rock record, and in the modern submarine landscapes of the world. These phenomena are responsible for some of the largest tsunamis, some of the most catastrophic destruction of marine and lacustrine facilities and some of the most interesting hydrocarbon plays in the world! This one-day engagement will focus on recognition of different types of subaqueous landslide deposits in seismic, core, logs and outcrop, even thin sections! We will discuss the role of these types of deposits in hydrocarbon-rich basins from regional influence on sediment pathways to sealing hydrocarbon traps. Lacustrine subaqueous mass failure deposits will be discussed as well as mixed carbonate-clastic failures that characterize the Permian Basin of West Texas. We will intersperse lively conversation with a couple of key interpretation and risk exercises to re-enforce how we can interpret these interesting deposits. This course is suitable for geologists, engineers and geophysicists, as well as anyone having to make management decisions in areas characterized by mass failures. That would be just about the entire world!