The application of palynology in the interpretation of Brae Formation stratigraphy and reservoir geology in the South Brae Field area, British North Sea

Abstract

The stratigraphic distribution, relative abundance and association of Callovian to Ryazanian palynomorphs in the general are of the South Brae Field have been evaluated. This has allowed 19 palynological zones to be established (JB1-JB19) with potential for a minimum 32-fold zonal/subzonal subdivision. The zonal correlation scheme has also proved of value in determining the timing of growth and cessation of submarine fan depositional episodes and the reconstruction of their palaeogeographical extent. Differences in palynomorph assemblage composition and kerogen associations between individual lithofacies are considered to reflect hydrodynamic energy variations along transport paths. These relationships allow for a qualitative assessment of proximal to distal facies shifts, and also hemipelagic versus "turbiditic' depositional processes. -from Authors