Seismic Attributes and Stratigraphic Architecture of Deep-marine Sediments in the Offshore Mahanadi Basin, India

The Mahanadi Basin, located on India’s East Coast, is a divergent basin of considerable geological interest and hydrocarbon potential. This study aims to investigate the large-scale facies distributions, stratigraphic and structural framework of deep-water deposits in the Mahanadi Basin utilizing 2D and 3D seismic data, well logs, and well reports. The first objective is to interpret the depositional settings of the deep-water deposits and document their evolution. Key horizons and unconformities are mapped using a 3D seismic survey on Petrel Software to better understand the spatial distribution of facies. Seismic attributes, mainly RMS amplitude and dip angle/azimuth are employed to highlight geological features like channel margins, sand bodies, levee/overbank deposits, and channel geometries, which may indicate potential hydrocarbon accumulation zones. Preliminary findings reveal the presence of progradational clinoforms, numerous channels with high sinuosity, turbidites, and mass transport deposits (MTDs). Deep-marine, highly sinuous channel systems, characterized by migrating meander loops, channel scour, and fill elements, were interpreted to reflect turbidity current activity. Three evolutionary stages are identified: laterally continuous seismic facies, followed by upper-slope instability (MTDs), and the development of turbidity current channels.