Journal of Southwest Petroleum University(Science & Technology Edition) ›› 2025, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (1): 67-79.DOI: 10.11885/j.issn.1674-5086.2024.08.28.07

• A Special Issue on Deep Sea Oil and Gas Exploration and Development Geology • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Developmental Characteristics and Genesis Mechanisms of Submarine Canyons in the Rovuma Basin, East Africa

MA Hongxia1, ZHU Yueyue2, XU Xiaoyong1, HE Yunlong2, WANG Hongping1   

  1. 1. Hangzhou Research Institute of Petroleum Geology, PetroChina, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310023, China;
    2. Hubei Key Laboratory of Marine Geological Resources, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan) , Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
  • Received:2024-08-28 Published:2025-03-12

Abstract: The external morphological characteristics, internal filling structure and genetic mechanism of submarine canyons in the Rovuma Basin are not fully understood. We make a study on the external morphological characteristics, internal filling structure and genetic mechanism of submarine canyons by using three-dimensional seismic data, combined with the relevant theories of deep-water sedimentology and previous research results. The results indicate that there are 10 canyons in the Rovuma Basin, trending east-west, with a V-shaped narrow upstream and U-shaped gentle downstream profile vertically, and showing an isolated-merged-dispersed pattern on the horizontal plane. The internal filling sediment types in the canyons include basal lags, slides and MTDs. Outside the canyons, sediment drifts and pockmarks are observed. Considering the developmental background of submarine canyons in the study area, it is believed that there may be two genesis mechanisms at play. One involves the escape of natural gas from the underlying strata, leading to the formation of pockmarks and subsequent erosion of weak layers, with interconnected pockmarks forming the initial shape of the canyon, gradually evolving under the influence of sediment-laden fluid flow and erosion. The second mechanism involves destabilization of sediment on the lower slope due to the activity of large-scale faults, resulting in gravity flow events and subsequent erosion leading to canyon formation.

Key words: Rovuma Basin, submarine canyons, geomorphological features, sedimentary characteristics, genetic mechanisms

CLC Number: