Tectonic Faults Analysis of the Sedimentary Cover in the Western Part of the Samotlor Field Based on 3D Seismic Data

This paper presents the results of the analysis of tectonic faults in the western part of the Samotlor field based on 3D seismic data. Most faults are characterized by the same type of deformations and similar orientation, generating the basic south east – north west oriented spread system. The slopes of the local structures are controlled by these faults. Identified faults ranging made it possible to divide the field into two blocks with different strain state. Thus, upper Jurassic and lower Cretaceous faults are located in the southern part. In the north western part of the area only the Prejurassic and Middle Jurassic faults are identified. This conclusion is also confirmed by paleotectonic reconstructions, that reveal the existence of relatively differently directed vertical movements of the southern and northern blocks. It is found out that there is a submeridional seam zone within the area. The eastern group of the uplifts tends in its tectonic regimen to the Samotlor field, the final development stage of which was over in the alpine phase. The primary phase of the western group uplifts formation refers to the Early Cretaceous. Thus, the seismic data show the leading role of faults in the formation of structures.