High-Resolution Geophysical Studies for Resource Development and Environmental Protection

Vertical evolution of fluid venting structures in relation to gas flux, in the Neogene-Quaternary of the Lower Congo Basin, Offshore Angola

“…Our preferred interpretation of the vertical succession of PHAAs is that they represent an increase of flux over time, from slow to moderate flux, followed by the rupture of sediment by an overpressured fluid eruption that generated the initial pockmark crater (cf. some early examples, Worzel and Watkins, 1974;Sieck, 1975;Hovland and Judd, 1988) (Hovland, 1982(Hovland, , 1989Judd and Hovland, 2007;Cathles et al, 2010). Our interpretation is thus fully in agreement with the model proposed by Hovland et al (1987) in which the formation of methanogenic carbonates is prior to the seal failure.…”