Depositional facies and calcite cementation in the Avalon Formation, Hibernia Oil Field, Jeanne d'Arc Basin, Grand Banks of Newfoundland

Soliman, Osama Mahmoud (1995) Depositional facies and calcite cementation in the Avalon Formation, Hibernia Oil Field, Jeanne d'Arc Basin, Grand Banks of Newfoundland. Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

This study investigates the Aptian sedimentation and fluid flow patterns in the Avalon Formation, Hibernia field, Jeanne d'Arc basin. Such patterns are analyzed with respect to the tectonics and kinematics of the Hibernia rollover anticline. -- Facies analysis of the cored intervals resulted in the recognition of fifteen facies. These facies were grouped into eight facies associations. Spatial distribution of the laterally equivalent associations was used to construct a series of paleogeographic maps for successively younger intervals. Such maps reveal the repetitive development of estuarine and transgressive barrier island depositional systems. -- The estuarine system occupied a structurally-controlled river valley. The valley was incised into the rollover anticline during regional uplift of the area. The estuarine system was established in the valley consequent to subsidence along valley-bounding faults. This subsidence marks the initiation of extension during a rifting episode. -- The barrier island system was developed during submergence of the rollover anticline. This submergence resulted from active displacement along the listric growth fault. Such displacement reflects an advanced stage of extension during the rifting episode. -- Decline of extension was followed by a regional uplift and re-emergence of the rollover anticline. Resumption of extension caused the revival of the estuarine system, subsequent redevelopment of the barrier island system and resubmergence of the rollover anticline. -- Laterally extensive poikilotopic calcite-cemented beds in the Avalon Formation were used to explore fluid flow in the rollover anticline. Spatial variations in concentrations of trace elements in the calcite cement reflect different flow patterns of the calcite-precipitating fluids. In the barrier island sandstone bodies the fluids flowed preferentially along the depositional strike, from the NW towards the SE. The flow was supported by an apparent structural dip of about 0.066° towards the SE. In the fluvial channel-river mouth bar sandstone bodies, the fluids flowed favourably along the depositional dip, from NE towards SW. -- A fresh water origin is interpreted for the calcite precipitating-fluids. These fluids infiltrated through the Avalon sediments during periods of emergence of the rollover anticline. The fluids flowed from the crest of the anticline towards the SE, S and SW.

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