On the value of seismic stratigraphy and seismic geomorphology – Comments on "development patterns of an isolated oligo-mesophotic carbonate buildup, early Miocene, Yadana field, offshore Myanmar" by Teillet et al. (2020). (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Paumard, Victorien; Lang, Simon; Posamentier, Henry W.; Wilson, Moyra E.J.
• Is Part Of: Marine and petroleum geology. Volume 122(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: Yadana -- Carbonate platform -- Seismic stratigraphy -- Seismic geomorphology -- Seismic facies -- Paleogeography -- Chronostratigraphy; Submarine geology -- Periodicals; Petroleum -- Geology -- Periodicals; Géologie sous-marine -- Périodiques; Pétrole -- Géologie -- Périodiques; Petroleum -- Geology; Submarine geology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 551.468
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2020.104689
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-8172

Abstract

Abstract: The paper by Teillet et al., 2020b constitutes a detailed sedimentological study of the upper part of the Yadana carbonate platform (offshore Myanmar). However, the limited consideration and integration of the 3D seismic data results in a study lacking critical context, with the authors concluding that the Yadana Platform developed under strict oligo-mesophotic conditions and presents a layer-cake architecture with laterally continuous lithofacies. We suggest that the interpretations of Teillet et al., 2020b are not adequately supported because: (1) lithostratigraphic principles are applied to correlate the main lithofacies from four wells using core data across a wide platform (10–20 km); (2) the core data presented are restricted spatially as well as in depth, and are not laterally and vertically representative of the entire platform, hence these core data cannot be solely used to justify the lateral continuity of lithofacies and absence of euphotic depositional environments in the Yadana Platform; (3) the study is not integrated within a comprehensive chronostratigraphic framework and sedimentological observations are not connected in a systematic way; and (4) information extracted from the analysis of seismic facies and seismic geomorphology are ignored, even though lateral variability is observable on seismic within the platform (i.e., variability in depositional features and geometries). Seismic stratigraphy and seismic geomorphology should be considered because they allow the integration of any paleogeographic study into a comprehensive chronostratigraphic framework where 3D seismic data are available. These comments aim at stimulating a discussion on the value of seismic stratigraphy and seismic geomorphology, which should not be dismissed, to better document the evolution of carbonate platforms through time and space, and accurately assess controls on platform architecture and evolution. Highlights: Teillet et al. (2020) make interpretations that are not fully supported due to incomplete integration of 3D seismic data. Teillet et al. (2020) use lithostratigraphic principles to correlate their main lithofacies. Data from four wells with limited penetration cannot be solely used to justify the lateral continuity of lithofacies. Lateral variability is seen within the Yadana Platform using seismic facies analysis and seismic geomorphology. Teillet al. (2020) have underestimated the value of seismic stratigraphy and seismic geomorphology.