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3D Seismic Evidence for the Beira High as a Continental Fragment
- Publisher: European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers
- Source: Conference Proceedings, Fifth EAGE Eastern Africa Petroleum Geoscience Forum, Mar 2021, Volume 2021, p.1 - 5
Abstract
A new 3D seismic dataset over part of the Beira High has revealed details of internal basement geometry, early volcanic deposits, the top basement unconformity, and an early carbonate platform. Internal seismic reflection geometries within the basement appear much more consistent with continental than with oceanic crust. Extensive volcanic features appear to be largely subaerial. The 3D seismic facilitates map view analysis of the top basement unconformity and immediately overlying deposits, clearly showing that the basement has undergone subaerial rather than submarine erosion, and is overlain by a rimmed carbonate platform. These geological lines of evidence complement the earlier geophysical measurements, and support the hypothesis that at least part of the Beira High is a fragment of continental crust that was sufficiently buoyant, during the Early to Middle Jurassic opening of the Indian Ocean, to be emergent or nearly emergent, even though the present day water depth is on the order of 1 to 2 kilometers.