Seismic geomorphology as a tool towards the understanding of gravity-driven sedimentation in deep water settings - an example from the Oligocene of the Campos Basin, Brazil.

Gravity-driven sedimentary processes play a crucial role in deep-marine sediment deposition, shaping stratigraphic architecture and influencing potential reservoirs. This study provides a detailed characterization of the geomorphology of gravity-driven deposits in an Upper Oligocene stratal slice of the Campos Basin and interprets the deepwater sedimentation history of the area. The analysis utilized data from 14 wells and a 3D seismic dataset covering 616.36 km². The approach was based on seismic geomorphologic interpretation, identifying structural and geomorphological features such as faults, channels, and submarine fans. Deposits from various processes, including debris flows and turbidites, as well as a mass transport complex (MTC) with folding structures and sliding blocks, were detected. The results highlight the complexity of deepwater gravity-driven deposits and the importance of seismic geomorphologic studies to detect and delimit potential hydrocarbon accumulations.