OTC 16741

Seismic Expression of the Cenozoic Mass Transport Complexes, Deepwater

Tarfaya-Agadir Basin, Offshore Morocco
Charlie Lee, Jerry A. Nott, and Fred B. Keller, Shell International E&P Inc.; Andrew R. Parrish, Indiana University
Department of Geological Sciences

Copyright 2004, Offshore Technology Conference

acquired 3D seismic data. The availability of 3D seismic data
This paper was prepared for presentation at the Offshore Technology Conference held in has allowed for a detailed interpretation of the paleogeography
Houston, Texas, U.S.A., 3–6 May 2004.
and depositional systems of the study area in the Tarfaya-
This paper was selected for presentation by an OTC Program Committee following review of
information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents of the paper, as
Agadir Basin (Fig. 1). The results of this study highlighted the
presented, have not been reviewed by the Offshore Technology Conference and are subject to presence and the significance of mass transport complexes
correction by the author(s). The material, as presented, does not necessarily reflect any
position of the Offshore Technology Conference or officers. Electronic reproduction, (MTCs) in the southern part of the basin within the Tertiary
distribution, or storage of any part of this paper for commercial purposes without the written stratigraphic interval. Two main Tertiary MTCs, named Tejas
consent of the Offshore Technology Conference is prohibited. Permission to reproduce in print
is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words; illustrations may not be copied. The A and Tejas B, have been identified, in addition to several
abstract must contain conspicuous acknowledgment of where and by whom the paper was
presented. smaller and younger MTCs, including one at the present day
seafloor. These different MTCs exhibit distinct seismic
characteristics. 3D seismic semblance slices have been used to
Abstract
clearly illustrate the many interesting features observed,
The Tarfaya-Agadir Basin in offshore Morocco is a frontier
including kilometer-scale transported blocks, arcuate ridges
exploration area with no deepwater industry well penetrations
near flow terminations, and possible basal glide tracks.
and limited well control in the updip shelfal equivalent. Recent
The identification of MTCs in the Tertiary interval
detailed 3D seismic mapping and study by Shell has identified
the presence of two large mass transport complexes (MTCs) in has important implications on its prospectivity in the southern
part of the Tarfaya-Agadir Basin. On the basis of 2D seismic
the Tertiary interval, in addition to a number of smaller and
data, Tejas A was interpreted by earlier explorationists to be a
younger MTCs. The large MTCs, named Tejas A and Tejas B,
deepwater turbidite fan with channel-levee complexes. The
exhibit distinct seismic characteristics that may be significant
present study has conclusively shown that Tejas A is in fact a
to understanding the evolution of the basin during the Tertiary.
MTC, with very little likelihood of containing producible
The basal Tejas A is characterized by numerous kilometer-
reservoirs. However, the extensive chaotic seismic facies
scale, coherent transported blocks. The size and quantity of
within Tejas A may act as very effective regional seals.
transported blocks observed in Tejas A is unique in Morocco
and the Atlantic Margin. The MTC in the younger Tejas B is a
Regional Setting
thick chaotic unit with distinctive downdip erosional lobes.
Sea-floor spreading in this region of the North Atlantic is
This deposit is overlain by high amplitude, parallel seismic
generally believed to have initiated by Middle Jurassic time
facies. The chaotic seismic facies is often sharp-edged, with
(Steiner et al. 1998), following continental rifting in the
well-defined pressure ridges. Only a few small transported
Triassic. Late Early Jurassic rift-shoulder uplift was
blocks and erosional remnants have been observed in Tejas B.
associated with a general regression, localized erosion of
Failure deposits account for a significant percentage of the
Liassic carbonates, and formation of the Argana, Essaouira
Tertiary stratigraphic interval in the 3D survey area.
and Atlas basins in western Morocco (Beauchamp et al. 1996;
Steiner et al. 1998 and references therein). A thick Triassic
Introduction
salt basin, rimmed on the east by a thick Jurassic marine
Exploration for hydrocarbon in offshore Morocco Atlantic
carbonate platform, characterizes the early fill of the basin. A
Margin began in the late 1960s and continued intermittently
steep declivity flanked the reefs that lined the platform margin
until 1990. This early phase of exploration focused exclusively
along the western edge of the rift-shoulder (Fig. 2). This
on the shelf, relying on 2D seismic data, with mixed results
structural-stratigraphic configuration essentially controlled the
and no commercial discoveries. Following a period of no
activity, interest in the area increased again in the late 1990s, subsequent depositional history in the basin.
In the Cretaceous, deltaic deposition overwhelmed
especially in the deepwater area.
and succeeded the carbonate platform on the shelf. During the
Shell is the operator of two deepwater concessions in
terminal Cretaceous and early Tertiary times, tectonic uplift of
the Tarfaya-Agadir Basin (Fig. 1) and has carried out a
the High Atlas and Anti-Atlas Mountains in the onshore areas
detailed subsurface evaluation based largely on recently
2 OTC 16741
resulted in a narrow shelf, with little accommodation space. A
broad, steep slope, dissected by numerous salt diapirs extends
more than 70 km across the basin. During sea-level low
stands, sediments bypassed the shelf completely and were
deposited directly onto the slope and the deepwater area of the
old salt basin, whereas sediment buildup occured mostly on
the shelf and shelf edge during high stands. Oversteepening of
the local depositional slopes, in association with subsequent
tectonic and/or lowstand activity, often lead to mass failures
during the late Cretaceous and Tertiary.
Seismic Characteristics of Morocco MTC
The Cenozoic section in the southern Tarfaya-Agadir Basin
has many intervals of chaotic seismic facies of varying sizes
that are interpreted as failure deposits, though most have not
been mapped with 3D seismic data. It is estimated that
roughly 20% of the Tertiary is composed of MTC deposits in
this area. Tejas A, Tejas B, and a present day seafloor MTC
are discussed in the following section to illustrate the distinct
seismic characteristics observed in these MTCs.
Tejas A. Tejas A is the oldest Tertiary MTC in the basin (Fig.
3 to 16). On seismic data, Tejas A lies either directly on top of,
or up to 100 m above the interpreted Cretaceous-Tertiary
unconformity. A thin (<100 m), transparent to low amplitude,
sub-parallel to chaotic seismic interval often separates the base
of Tejas A from the underlying Cretaceous-Tertiary
unconformity (Fig. 5). The origin of this interval and its
relationship with Tejas A is not clearly defined at present.
Tejas A is about 50 m to 400 m thick on seismic
records and covers an area greater than 3000 km2. It appears to
extend across the upper slope to the west and east, beyond the
existing 3D seismic coverage (Fig. 3). Tejas A consists of
three distinct units: a basal MTC, upper MTC and an
overlying onlapping and draping unit (Fig. 6). The basal and
upper MTC are separated by a condensed section.
Basal MTC. The base of Tejas A, defined by a high
amplitude, soft seismic reflector, appears erosive on seismic
traverses, with varying degrees of erosion into the underlying
strata (Fig. 7 to 16). No obvious erosional scars have been
observed in semblance slices at or near the base MTC. The
basal MTC is less than 80 m thick and consists of high
amplitude, predominantly chaotic seismic facies. The base
MTC is well preserved in the downdip area to the north, but
appears to be mostly eroded or completely reworked by the
shallower deposits towards the updip (upper slope) area to the
south (Fig. 11, 12 and 15).
Condensed Section. A very prominent, soft seismic
reflector lies above the basal MTC and is particularly well
preserved in the lower slope (Fig. 11, 12 and 15). The reflector
breaks up (in the upper slope) and disappears completely
before reaching the uppermost part of the upper slope. This
reflector is interpreted as a condensed section, implying a
significant time break between deposition of the basal and
upper MTCs. The condensed section probably provided the
initial sliding surface for the upper MTC and was mostly
destroyed in the updip area by the process of mass transport.
This may explain why it is well preserved mostly in the lower
slope, and also locally on the flank of active salt diapirs, away
from the direct path of transportation of the upper MTC.
Upper MTC. The upper MTC is about 30 m to 150 m
thick and consists of high amplitude chaotic seismic facies,
with numerous coherent transported blocks (Fig.3 and 4). The
transported blocks are concentrated in the upper slope to the
south, and they have not been observed in the downdip areas
to the north. Clustering of the transported blocks is common,
especially against the flank of active salt diapirs, but there
appears to be no preferred orientation in their alignment (Fig.
3 to 5, 9 and 10).
On seismic data, the transported blocks vary in size
from several hundred metres and up to four by three
kilometers across and 150 m high (Fig. 3 to 14). The shape of
the blocks, in map view, is highly variable. On 3D seismic
semblance slices, about 40 large (kilometer-sized) transported
blocks have been observed. The size and quantity of
transported blocks observed in Tejas A is unusual among
reported MTC deposits in Morocco and the Atlantic Margin.
Internal stratification in the transported blocks is
generally intact, consisting of variable amplitude, parallel to
subparallel seismic facies that terminate abruptly against the
surrounding chaotic seismic facies (Fig. 7 to 14). The top and
base of the transported blocks are often bounded by high
amplitude, soft seismic reflectors. Almost all transported
blocks lie directly on and are often partly submerged in the
surrounding chaotic seismic facies, clearly indicating that they
are transported by the chaotic mass. The top part of most
transported blocks rise above the top of the upper MTC, by as
much as 100 m and create a very unique profile on seismic
sections (Fig. 5, 7 to 14). However, some transported blocks
now sit atop or on the steep flanks of salt diapirs, making their
recognition on seismic data more difficult.
Deformation of transported blocks is rare, but may
include ductile deformation (Fig. 14) and rotational faults (Fig.
8 and 10). Velocity sags have been observed immediately
beneath many of the transported blocks and are particularly
prominent below smaller transported blocks (Fig. 8 and 9).
The cause of the velocity slow-downs is not clear, but may be
lithology related. A number of long, linear features trending
parallel to the transport direction may possibly be glide tracks
(Fig. 3), but no associated outrunner blocks have been
identified (Nissen et al., 1999).
Onlapping and Draping Unit. The upper MTC and
transported blocks are onlapped and draped by younger
deepwater clastics and hemipelagic sediments. These units are
up to 300 m thick in the lower slope. They are represented by
mostly sub-parallel to parallel seimic facies of variable
amplitude (Fig. 5, 7 to 16).
Tejas B. The younger Tejas B MTC is separated from Tejas A
by a thick (up to 500 m), mostly low amplitude to transparent,
parallel seismic facies representing deepwater clastic deposits
(Fig. 5). However, this interval also includes additional MTC
deposits that are not discussed here. Tejas B is up to 200 m
thick on seismic records and covers an area greater than 3000
km2, which covers the same general area as Tejas A. Part of
OTC 16741
Tejas B extends beyond the existing 3D seismic coverage to
the north and northwest, (Fig. 17).
Tejas B is characterized by chaotic seismic facies of
variable amplitude. The distribution of the chaotic facies is
clearly revealed on 3D seismic semblance slices (Fig. 17 to
19), while on conventional amplitude displays the definition is
subtler. The base of the MTC is commonly erosive into the
underlying sub-parallel to parallel seismic facies (Fig. 20). In
map view erosional truncation is seen at the lateral edges of
discreet, elongated tongues of chaotic seismic facies that
measure between one to eight kilometers wide and more than
20 km long. These tongues extend generally toward the north
(Fig. 17 and 21) from the main area of the MTC, and represent
terminal lobes of the deposit.
Well-defined pressure ridges are commonly
observed, especially near the terminal ends of the MTC lobes.
The orientation of the pressure ridges indicates a northerly
(downdip) flow direction consistent with the general transport
direction of Tejas A (Fig. 17 and 22). Several relatively small
features, several hundred metres wide, are observed in the
updip area and may be either erosional remnants or
transported blocks (Fig. 17 and 23). If they are erosional
remnants surrounded by MTC facies then the flows may have
been fluid enough to be diverted around more resistant
(protected) areas.
Seafloor MTC. A near-seafloor MTC with little post-
depositional deformation or compaction has some well-
preserved pressure ridges that are visible at the seafloor (Fig.
24 and 25). This feature appears to be a terminal lobe of a
larger MTC that has bifurcated around a salt-cored high, and
has been subsequently modified by recent drainage. The MTC
terminates against the footwall side of a buried normal fault
that controls its downdip extent (Fig. 26). This MTC is
deposited in, and postdates a larger failure scar with well-
defined lateral failure scarps (it appears the head scarp is off
the survey), though the temporal relationship is uncertain (Fig.
24).
The Origin of MTCs in Tarfaya-Agadir Basin
It is clear from seismic evidence that many of the MTC
deposits are composite, consisting of several smaller units that
amalgamated. The presence of possible condensed sections
also indicates a significant time gap between deposition of
some of the major failed units. Recent seafloor failure scars,
with up to 90 m of relief, are observed and closely associated
with MTC facies. The cause of the mass failures is probably
related to the relief along the basin margin, characterised by a
narrow shelf, steep shelf edge and slope, in combination with
active tectonic movements. Large earthquakes have occurred
in this area in the historic past, including the magnitude 6.7
earthquake that levelled the city of Agadir and killed about
15,000 people in February 1960.
For the Tejas A MTC, the uniqueness of the large
transported blocks initially suggested several alternative
models, including deepwater chemosynthetic mounds,
erosional remnants, sand diapirs and shallow water carbonate
mounds. These models have been subsequently ruled out
because of the vertical stratigraphic association of seismic
3
facies, and the lateral character of facies observed in the
semblance slices.
An alternative model for the cause of the mass
wasting related specifically to Tejas A has also been
considered: the Cretaceous-Tertiary impact event in Yucatan
Peninsula that produced the Chicxulub crater. It is suggested
that the massive shock of the impact and tsunami generated by
it could have triggered slope failures in Morocco Atlantic
Margin. However, the age of Tejas A MTC and the seismic
Cretaceous-Tertiary unconformity remains interpretive, as
they have not been penetrated.
The exact points of origin of Tejas A and Tejas B
MTCs remain unresolved with the available 3D and 2D
seismic data. Both Tejas A and Tejas B MTCs thin out into the
lower slope and pinch out rapidly onto the edge of the upper
slope, well before reaching the shelf edge. No specific
correlatable shelf edge and upper slope failure/erosional
features have been observed. We infer that the Tejas A and
Tejas B MTCs must have originated as multiple pulses of
massive self edge or slope failures, with a northerly flow
direction down the slope. The original failure scars
subsequently were eroded, as the entire Lower Tertiary
interval thins rapidly updip onto the very steep shelf edge, and
the interval appears to be completely missing from the shelf.
Conclusions
Recent detailed 3D seismic mapping has highlighted the
presence and the significance of Cenozoic MTCs in the
southern part of the Tarfaya-Agadir Basin. We estimate that
up to 20% of the Tertiary interval is composed of MTC
deposits in the study area. These different MTCs exhibit
distinct seismic characteristics. 3D seismic semblance slices
has clearly illustrate the many interesting features observed,
including kilometer-scale transported blocks, arcuate ridges
near flow terminations, and possible glide tracks. Tertiary
sequences are not viable exploration targets where MTC is
interpreted, but they may act as an effective regional seals.
MTCs on or near the seafloor may be potential drilling
hazards.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Shell and its partners Kerr
McGee, Energy Africa and ONAREP for permission to
publish this article. The manuscript has benefited greatly from
the astute comments of Mario Wannier and Craig Shipp.
References
Beauchamp, W., Barazangi, M., Demnati, A., and El Alji, M. (1996),
Intracontinental Rifting and Inversion: Missour Basin and
Atlas Mountains, Morocco. AAPG Bull., v. 80, p. 1459-
1482.
Nissen, S., Haskell, N. and Steiner, C. (1999) Debris flow outrunner
blocks, glide tracks, and pressure ridges identified on the
Nigerian continental slope using 3-D seismic coherency.
The Leading Edge, p. 595-599.
Steiner, C., Hobson, A., Favre, P., Stampfli, G. M., and Hernandez, J.
(1998), Mesozoic Sequence of Fuerteventura (Canary
Islands): Witness of Early Jurassic Sea-Floor Spreading in
the Central Atlantic. GSA Bulletin, v. 110, p. 1304-1317.
4 OTC 16741

Fig. 1. Satellite map showing the location of the Tarfaya-Agadir Basin, offshore Morocco, North Africa.

Fig. 2. Regional 2D seismic section showing the geology of the Morocco Atlantic Margin.
OTC 16741 5

N Fig.15
10 km

Lower Slope

Fig.14

Fig.4

Fig.13

Glide
A’
tracks?

Glide
tracks?

Upper Slope
Fig.16
A Fig.5a, b

Fig. 3. Flattened semblance slice at Tejas A Base MTC -90ms, showing the extent and distribution of transported blocks within Tejas
A MTC.
6 OTC 16741

2 km

Fig. 4. Zoom view of transported blocks in Tejas A MTC, flattened semblance slice at Tejas A Base MTC -90ms.

Tejas B MTC

3s Fig. 10

T Fig. 9
W Fig. 7
T
(s) Tejas A MTC
Fig. 8

4s Time, Reflectivity

10 km

Fig. 5a. Western portion of regional 3D seismic strike section A – A’, showing a series of transported blocks in Tejas A MTC.
OTC 16741 7

A’

Tejas B MTC

3s
Fig. 12

-
Fig. 11
T
W
Tejas A MTC-
T
(s)

4s Time, Reflectivity

10 km

Fig. 5b. Eastern portion of regional 3D seismic strike section A – A’, showing a series of transported blocks in Tejas A MTC.

South North
Upper Slope Lower Slope

Lower Tertiary hemipelagics

Transported blocks

LEGEND Base Tertiary Unconformity

Tejas A draping / onlapping unit
Tejas A Upper MTC with transported blocks
Tejas A Basal MTC
Base Tertiary chaotic, non-reflective unit Upper Cretaceous clastics
Prominent reflector = condensed section

Fig. 6. Schematic sketch illustrating the sedimentary geometry and stratigraphic relationship of the depositional units of Tejas A
MTC.
8 OTC 16741

Large transported block

Smaller transported block

TWT
(ms)

Seismic Horizons
Top Tejas A
Tejas A Upper MTC Unit Top
2 km
Tejas A Base MTC Unit
Base
Base Tertiary Unconformity Time, Reflectivity

Fig. 7. 3D seismic section showing a large and small transported blocks, with well preserved internal stratifications. Note that one
millisecond two-way time approximately equals one meter at the depth of Tejas A and Tejas B.

TWT
(ms)

Velocity sag

Seismic Horizons
Top Tejas A
Tejas A Upper MTC Unit Top
2 km
Tejas A Base MTC Unit
Base
Base Tertiary Unconformity Time, Reflectivity

Fig. 8. 3D seismic section showing the contact between two large transported blocks. The block on the right is rotated relative to the
left one. Velocity sags are observed under the transported blocks.
OTC 16741 9

Seismic Horizons
Top Tejas A
Tejas A Upper MTC Unit Top

Tejas A Base MTC Unit

Base
Base Tertiary Unconformity

TWT
(ms)

2 km
Velocity sag
Time, Reflectivity

Fig. 9. 3D seismic section showing a cluster of transported blocks against a salt diapir high. Velocity sags are observed under the
smaller transported blocks.

Seismic Horizons
Top Tejas A
Tejas A Upper MTC Unit Top

Tejas A Base MTC Unit

Base
Base Tertiary Unconformity

TWT
(ms)

Base TertiaryUnconformity

2 km

Time, Reflectivity

Fig. 10. Flattened 3D seismic section (on Tejas A Base MTC), showing a cluster of transported blocks against a salt diapir. The two
transported blocks on the far left appear to be rotated.
10 OTC 16741

Seismic Horizons
Top Tejas A
Upper MTC
Tejas A Upper MTC Unit Top

Tejas A Base MTC Unit

Base
Base Tertiary Unconformity

TWT
(ms)

Base MTC

Prominent reflector

2 km

Time, Reflectivity

Fig. 11. 3D seismic section showing a large transported blocks that has been cut by younger faults. A prominent seismic reflector
separates the basal and upper MTCs.

Seismic Horizons
Top Tejas A
Tejas A Upper MTC Unit Top

Tejas A Base MTC Unit

Base Upper MTC
Base Tertiary Unconformity

TWT
(ms)

Base MTC
Prominent reflector

2 km

Time, Reflectivity

Fig. 12. 3D seismic section showing a prominent reflector separating base MTC from the upper MTC unit of Tejas A.
OTC 16741 11

N S

Transported block

TWT
(ms)

Seismic Horizons
Top Tejas A
Tejas A Upper MTC Unit Top
2 km
Figure x. Tejas A Base MTC Unit
Base
Base Tertiary Unconformity Time, Reflectivity

Fig. 13. 3D seismic section showing a transported block that “floats” on chaotic seismic facies of Tejas A upper MTC.

N S

TWT
(ms)

Wavy features
within a large
Seismic Horizons transported block
Top Tejas A
Tejas A Upper MTC Unit Top
2 km
Tejas A Base MTC Unit
Base
Base Tertiary Unconformity Time, Reflectivity

Fig. 14. 3D seismic section showing probable ductile deformation features within a large transported block. These features are rare
and may have been formed as the transported block was pushed against a salt diapir.
12 OTC 16741

SW Seismic Horizons NE
Top Tejas A
Tejas A Upper MTC Unit Top

Tejas A Base MTC Unit

Base
Base Tertiary Unconformity

Prominent reflector = condensed section

Upper MTC

TWT
(ms)

Basal MTC

2 km

Time, Reflectivity

Fig. 15. 3D seismic section showing Tejas A in the lower slope. A prominent seismic reflector separates the base and upper MTCs.
This reflector is interpreted as a condensed section that may have acted as the initial sliding surface for the upper MTC.

N S

TWT
(ms) Tejas A

Seismic Horizons
Top Tejas A
Tejas A Upper MTC Unit Top

Tejas A Base MTC Unit

Base 2 km
Base Tertiary Unconformity Time, Reflectivity

Fig. 16. 3D seismic section showing Tejas A pinching out rapidly at the edge of the upper slope.
OTC 16741 13

N
10 km

Fig.19

Lower Slope

Fig.21

Fig.18

Fig.23

Fig.22

Fig.20

Upper Slope

Fig. 17. Flattened semblance slice at Tejas B Top +40ms, showing the extent and distribution of Tejas B MTC.
14 OTC 16741

Fig.23

Fig.22

5 km
km
Fig. 18. Zoom view of Tejas B MTC, flattened semblance slice at Tejas B Top +40ms.

Fig.21 5 km
km
Fig. 19. Zoom view of Tejas B MTC, flattened semblance slice at Tejas B Top +40ms.
OTC 16741 15

SW NE

TWT
(ms)

Basal erosion
2 km
Seismic Horizon
Top Tejas B Time, Reflectivity

Fig. 20. 3D seismic section showing updip basal erosion in Tejas B MTC.

SW NE

TWT
(ms) Slice level

Basal erosion

2 km
Seismic Horizon
Top Tejas B Time, Reflectivity

Fig. 21. 3D seismic section across a lobe of chaotic seismic facies in Tejas B MTC.
16 OTC 16741

SW NE

TWT
(ms)

Slice level

Pressure ridges

2 km
Seismic Horizon
Top Tejas B Time, Reflectivity

Fig. 22. 3D seismic section across a lobe of chaotic seismic facies with pressure ridges, Tejas B MTC.

SW NE

Slice level

TWT
(ms)

2 km
Seismic Horizon
Top Tejas B Time, Reflectivity

Fig. 23. 3D seismic section showing either an erosional remnant or a small transported block, Tejas B MTC.
OTC 16741 17

Failure Scarps MTC

MTC Fig.25
Salt Cored

Shelf Edge Recent

Drainage
MTC

Failure Scarps

N (Down Dip)

10 km
V.E.=10 x
View Looking East - Light from NE (Upper Right)

Fig. 24. 3D perspective view of present day seafloor MTC, offshore Morocco.

5 km

Recent 10 km
Drainage Fig.26

4 km 15m

V.E.=10 x
View Looking East - Light from South (Left)

Fig. 25. Zoom in 3D perspective view of present day seafloor MTC, showing well preserved pressure ridges.
18 OTC 16741

SW N
E

MTC 100 m

TWT
(ms)

MTC

Time, Reflectivity 2 km

Fig. 26. 3D seismic section through near-seafloor showing internal seismic character of pressure ridges visible on the seafloor
rendering.