Seismic interpretation and 3d structural modeling in the barreirinhas basin (Maranhão, Brazil)

Abstract

Discoveries of hydrocarbons in the basins of the African Equatorial Margin and Guinea Gulf stimulated the exploratory interest in the basins of the Brazilian Equatorial Margin, for being together before the Continental Drift. This interest emerges because both African and South American equatorial margin are considered analogous. The Barreirinhas Basin is a member of the Brazilian equatorial margin. The objective of this work is to present the results obtained through the seismic interpretation and structural 3D modeling, in the context of gravitational tectonics, in an area covered by 3D seismic data, in the Barreirinhas Basin. The compressional domain of an extensive-compressive system was mapped. In this study, were identified reverse faults, thrust faults and fault-related folding like fault-bend and fault-propagation fold that can be accompanied by backthrust features in deep to ultra-deep waters. The 3D structural model allowed the representation of the geometric variations present in the study area. The new information will be important for the identification and evaluation of structures with greater potential for hydrocarbon accumulations and can help in future studies to characterize the reservoir, contributing to the evolution of knowledge of the equatorial margin, especially in the Barreirinhas Basin.