Potential Petroleum Reservoirs on Deep-Sea Fans off Central California

Abstract

Evaluation of the petroleum potential of the Monterey and Delgada submarine fans based on single-channel seismic reflection profiles and surficial sediment data indicates two high, six good, and four moderate prospects. Sediment thicknesses in a northwest-southeast basement trough at the base of the continental slope generally exceed 1 km; within internal depressions thicknesses can reach 2 to 3 km. Organic carbon contents up to 1.3 weight percent occur on the upper fan. An average heat flow of 2 HFU suggests the occurrence of a thermal gradient sufficient to exceed catagenic conditions within the trough if potential source beds are old enough.