Late Early to Mid Miocene patch reefs, Ashmore Platform, Timor Sea – Evidence from 2D and 3D Seismic Surveys and petroleum exploration wells

Publication Name: The Sedimentary Basins of WA

Authors: J.D. Gorter, J.P. Rexilius, S.L. Powell & S.W. Bayford

Publication Volume: 3

Date Published: December 2002

Number of Pages: 41

Reference Type: Book Section

Abstract:

Discrete contemporaneous buried structures are identified as anomalous seismic packages within the generally continuous reflectors characteristic of Miocene strata in the western Timor Sea. Petroleum exploration wells Pascal 1 and Lucas 1 drilled two of the structures. Palaeontological analyses of cuttings from Lucas 1 show the upward progression from a shallow marine bank, subreef fades to reef. In Pascal 1, drilled in the centre of one
of these features, shallow open marine strata are overlain by a protected shallow water fades, probably an inner reef lagoon. The Pascal and Lucas structures are interpreted as Early Miocene patch reefs developed on the Ashmore Platform. Other nearby structures, including the Puffin Structure, previously interpreted as a possible simple impact crater, are likely also to be of the same reefal origin as the Pascal and Lucas structures. Oil shows in contemporaneous fades in wells in the area suggest that porous reef-associated carbonate fades of these patch reefs may be prospective for hydrocarbon accumulations.

---

Tags: Ashmore early evidence exploration Late Mid Miocene patch petroleum platform Reefs Seismic Surveys Timor Sea