Sequence stratigraphy and depositional systems of the Paleocene Andrew Formation in the central North Sea : the evolution of a slope-to-basin system

This study focuses on the main depocenter of the Andrew Formation in the Moray Firth Basin, located at the junction of the Central and Viking Grabens, in the central North Sea. The objectives of this report are to (1) define the sequence stratigraphic framework of the Andrew Formation, (2) describe and characterize the depositional systems associated to the Andrew slope to basin system, and (3) interpret the depositional processes that have dominated sediment emplacement. Specific facies association of the Andrew Formation are determined by the nature (point source or linear source) and caliber (volume, grain size, sand:mud) of sediment supply to the slope environment. Genetic interpretation of the Andrew Formation focuses on understanding depositional processes which dominated sediment emplacement. Seven depositional facies have been identified for the Andrew slope and basinal system; turbidite channel-fills, turbidite lobes, mounded turbidite lobes, sheet turbidites, debris flows and slumps, low density turbidites and hemipelagic drapes. Seven depositional processes collectively create the above mentioned Andrew depositional facies; turbidity currents, cohesive mud flows, sandy debris flows, muddy debris flows, slumping, low density turbidity currents and suspension settling. The Andrew Formation consists of upper and lower depositional units identified on seismic by bounding downlap terminations and on well logs by high-gamma marker beds. The lower Andrew displays three distinct sand-rich lobes, delineated by isopach and sand percent maps and log motif characteristics. Proximal, mounded, sand-rich units disperse into unchannelized sheet turbidites in the basin plain areas. The upper Andrew downlaps the lower unit, and a single, linear sediment source was centered in the Witch Ground Graben. The sediment dispersal pattern and internal facies character suggest the upper unit is a proximal slope-apron downlapping and filling inter-lobe bathymetric lows of the underlying unit. The lower Andrew is interpreted to be a structurally focused, sand-rich lobe complex, without associated incised canyons. The Andrew system evolved as the delta platform expanded onto the proximal fan, resulting in a linear sediment source spilling over the slope as a fringing slope-apron. The Andrew depositional system in the slope and basin environment is characterized by a high degree of facies disorganization composed of a wide array of gravity-flow deposits.