Deep-water channels in the lower Congo basin: Evolution of the geomorphology and depositional environment during the Miocene

Abstract Deep-water channel systems are an important component of the “source to sink” system from continental slope to deep-sea basin. They are also the critical reservoir type in deep-water hydrocarbon exploration. The study of geomorphology evolution, filling processes and controlling factors of the Miocene deep-water channel in the Lower Congo Basin is conducive to deepening our understanding of basin dynamics, and to improving the prediction accuracy of deep-water reservoirs. Based on 3D seismic data, cores, thin sections, well logging data, we study the Miocene seismic stratigraphic characteristics, deep-water sedimentary units, lithofacies and channel types. Using the techniques and means of seismic geomorphology, we discuss the occurrence, development, recession and extinction processes of channel complexes and controlling factors. The Miocene was divided into seven 3rd-order sequences. Each 3rd-order sequence is subdivided into two (lower/upper) seismic stratigraphy units, with initial flooding surface (FS) as the separated boundary. The seismic characteristics of the lower/upper unit suggest the occurrence of alternating turbidite/hemipelagic sedimentary units. Seismic units such as erosional surface, filling channel, levee, lobe, MTD and background slope deposits are described. Fifteen deep-water lithofacies are identified and they are determined to be composed of clay, silt, fine-coarse sand, gravel, and conglomerate. The deep-water channels in the study area are interpreted four types: single-stage erosional channel, single-stage aggradational channel, vertical aggradational channel complexes and lateral migration channel complexes. The different types of channel are the results of interaction of flow energy and accommodation space. On this basis, we propose that tectonic uplift is the driving force for the formation of the deep-water sandy channel system, and that high frequency sea-level fluctuation in West Africa controls the development of third-order sequences and restricts the scale of the deep-water sandstone accumulation. In addition, the avulsion processes controlled by climate variations are the main factors to influence channel complex filling process.