Universidade Fernando Pessoa

Porto, Portugal

Geological Setting & Seismic Interpretation

Major oil and gas accumulations have been found in the foothills of the southern Canadian Rocky Mountains particularly in folded and faulted leading edges of thrust sheets involving Paleozoic carbonates and Mesozoic clastics. Only the understanding of the tectonics and structural evolution of the Rocky Mountains allows geologists, and particularly seismic interpreters, to propose a priori interpretations and prospects in areas where the quality of seismic data is poor. Indeed, in this particular area, a priori knowledge, which contrasts with empiric knowledge (derived from sensorial experience), is absolutely necessary to interpret the seismic lines and so predict the more likely location of the exploration wells.

Contents:

		I   - Caveat
		II   -  North America Basins
		III  - Major Tectonic Phases
		IV  -  Compressional Structures
					a) Detachments
					b) Geometry & Nomenclatures of Thrusts
					c) Tear Faults
					d) En-échellon Folds 
		V - Geological Provinces
		VI  -  Stratigraphy
		VII  -  Migration of the Foredeep    
		VIII -  Regional Cross-Sections                                                                
		IX  -  Main Orogenic Phases
		X -  Seismic Interpretation
		XI  - Bibliography

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