Deep-water contourite systems : modern drifts and ancient series, seismic and sedimentary characteristics

Contourites are a widespread but poorly known group of sediments linked to the action of powerful bottom currents in deep water. Although we know they are especially common along continental margins and through oceanic gateways, they have been surrounded by the controversy since they were first recognized in the early 1960s. Where correctly recognized and decoded they can provide one of the keys to our better understanding of bottom water circulation and of the ocean-climate link. They are part of the spectrum of deposits that confronts the oil industry as exploration moves into progressively greater water depths. This memoir is an important outcome of the International Geological Correlation Project 432 on Bottom Currents, Contourites and Paleocirculation. It includes 30 papers involving over 75 key scientists from around the world. Following an introductory state-of-the-art paper by the editors, there are 25 separate case studies on modern drifts and four on ancient contourite series. This volume is dedicated to the memory of Charlie Hollister (1936-1999), one of the founding fathers and pioneers of contourite research. Also available: Economic and Palaeoceanographic Significance of Contourite Deposits - Special Publication No 276 - ISBN 9781862392267 3D Seismic Technology - Geological Society Memoirs M0029 - ISBN 9781862391512 The Geological Society of LondonFounded in 1807, the Geological Society of London is the oldest geological society in the world, and one of the largest publishers in the Earth sciences.The Society publishes a wide range of high-quality peer-reviewed titles for academics and professionals working in the geosciences, and enjoys an enviable international reputation for the quality of its work.The many areas in which we publish in include:-Petroleum geology-Tectonics, structural geology and geodynamics-Stratigraphy, sedimentology and paleontology-Volcanology, magmatic studies and geochemistry-Remote sensing-History of geology-Regional geology guides A 'new age' of subsurface geological mapping that is just as far ranging in scope as the frontier surface geological mapping campaigns of the past two centuries is emerging. It is the direct result of the advent of 2D, and subsequently 3D, seismic data paralleled by advances in seismic acquisition and processing over the past three decades. Subsurface mapping is fuelled by the economic drive to explore and recover hydrocarbons but inevitably it will lead to major conceptual advances in Earth sciences, across a broader range of disciplines than those made during the 2D seismic revolution of the 1970s. Now that 3D seismic data coverage has increased and the technology is widely available we are poised to mine the full intellectual and economic benefits. This book illustrates how 3D seismic technology is being used to understand depositional systems and stratigraphy, structural and igneous geology, in developing and producing from hydrocarbon reservoirs and also what recent technological advances have been made. This technological journey is a fast-moving one where the remaining scientific potential still far exceeds the scope of the advances made thus far. This book explores the breadth of the opportunities that lie ahead as well as the inevitable accompanying challenges. Also The Future of Geological Modelling in Hydrocarbon Development - Special Publication no 309 - ISBN 1862392668 South Caspian to Central Iran Basins - Special Publication no 312 - ISBN 9781862392717 The Geological Society of London Founded in 1807, the Geological Society of London is the oldest geological society in the world, and one of the largest publishers in the Earth sciences. The Society publishes a wide range of high-quality peer-reviewed titles for academics and professionals working in the geosciences, and enjoys an enviable international reputation for the quality of its work. The many areas in which we publish in -Petroleum geology -Tectonics, structural geology and geodynamics -Stratigraphy, sedimentology and paleontology -Volcanology, magmatic studies and geochemistry -Remote sensing -History of geology -Regional geology guides

contourites Are A Widespread But Poorly Known Group Of Sediments Linked To The Action Of Powerful Bottom Currents In Deep Water. Although We Know They Are Especially Common Along Continental Margins And Through Oceanic Gateways, They Have Been Surrounded By The Controversy Since They Were First Recognized In The Early 1960s. Where Correctly Recognized And Decoded They Can Provide One Of The Keys To Our Better Understanding Of Bottom Water Circulation And Of The Ocean-climate Link. They Are Part Of The Spectrum Of Deposits That Confronts The Oil Industry As Exploration Moves Into Progressively Greater Water Depths.

this Memoir Is An Important Outcome Of The International Geological Correlation Project 432 On Bottom Currents, Contourites And Paleocirculation. It Includes 30 Papers Involving Over 75 Key Scientists From Around The World. Following An Introductory State-of-the-art Paper By The Editors, There Are 25 Separate Case Studies On Modern Drifts And Four On Ancient Contourite Series. This Volume Is Dedicated To The Memory Of Charlie Hollister (1936-1999), One Of The Founding Fathers And Pioneers Of Contourite Research.

there Has Lately Been A Growth In The Number And Level Of Studies Of Contourite Deposits. Most Recent Studies Of Contourites Have Two Major Lines Of Interest. One, Propelled By The Oil Industry's Continuous Move Into Increasingly Deep Waters, Concerns Their Economic Significance. The Other Involves The Stratigraphic/ Palaeoceanographic Record Of Ocean Circulation Changes Imprinted On Contourite Deposits That Can Be A Key To Understanding Better The Climate-ocean Connection. The Application Of Many Different Theoretical, Experimental And Empirical Resources Provided By Geophysics, Sedimentology, Geochemistry, Petrology, Scale Modeling And Field Geology Are Used In The 16 Papers Of This Volume, Proposing Answers To Those Two Main Aspects. The Papers Are Subdivided Into Two Major Categories (economic Interest And Stratigraphic/palaeoceanographic Significance), With Case Studies Ranging From Well-documented Drifts To New Examples Of Modern And Fossil Series, Involving A Large Diversity Of Geographic And Physiographic Scenarios Worldwide.