Episodic basin-wide fluid expulsion from geopressured shale sequences in the North Sea basin

Abstract

Research Article| May 01, 1994 Episodic basin-wide fluid expulsion from geopressured shale sequences in the North Sea basin Joseph A. Cartwright Joseph A. Cartwright 1Department of Geology, Royal School of Mines, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BP, United Kingdom Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (1994) 22 (5): 447–450. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1994)022<0447:EBWFEF>2.3.CO;2 Article history first online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Joseph A. Cartwright; Episodic basin-wide fluid expulsion from geopressured shale sequences in the North Sea basin. Geology 1994;; 22 (5): 447–450. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1994)022<0447:EBWFEF>2.3.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract A proposed general model for the episodic dewatering of thick shale successions is based on the recognition of a pervasive polygonal extensional fault network developed in the dominantly fine grained lower Tertiary of the North Sea basin. Seismic data show that the faults are arranged in stratigraphically bound structural units (tiers) that are delimited vertically by almost undeformed condensed sections, and are restricted in distribution to the lowest permeability slope and basin-floor facies. I propose an episodic three-stage mechanism to explain the fault genesis, involving (1) the development of basin-wide overpressured compartments, (2) a density inversion between the overpres-sured units and the overlying seal, and (3) natural hydraulic fracturing, pressure bleed-off, and resealing of the pressure compartment leading to a repeat of the cycle. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.