Characterization of Miocene-Quaternary Mass Transport Complexes Using 3D Seismic Data, Southwestern Black Sea

Date

2025-9-25

Author

Kayhan, Deniz Yağmur

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Characterized by dim, chaotic and low-amplitude to transparent reflections in seismic data, mass transport complexes (MTCs) are gravity-driven deposits formed by downslope movements of sediments. In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) seismic cube, covering an area of 1575 km2 is used to investigate Miocene-Quaternary MTCs in offshore southwestern Black Sea. The study provides a detailed characterization of the MTCs by constructing and interpreting several maps, including time structure, isochron, amplitude, variance and gross depositional environment. A specific workflow is followed to reveal dimensions of thirteen identified MTCs, their internal characteristics, effects on surrounding sediments, roles in the petroleum system, potential triggering mechanisms, and relations with gases and gas-related structures. Based on the evaluation of multiple parameters and selecting the optimum ones, the characterized MTCs are classified following a two-step approach. In the first step, the MTCs are divided into two categories as “Type 1” and “Type 2”. Type 1 MTCs are either Messinian in age or older, appear as outliers in the area vs length plot, do not represent localized impacts on surrounding sediments, and are attached. Type 2 MTCs, on the other hand, are younger than Messinian, show no outlier in the area vs length plot, affect surrounding sediments, and are detached. In the second step, Type 2 MTCs are further subdivided into sub-categories: Type 2-A and Type 2-B based on the presence of distinct domains and inclusion of gas among their potential triggers. It is concluded that Type 1 MTCs were formed by regional effects whereas Type 2 MTCs are related to more local scale triggers.

Subject Keywords

Mass transport complex (MTC), Southwestern Black Sea, 3D seismic data, Miocene-Quaternary, Messinian

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11511/116214

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Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Thesis