Channel trajectories control deep‐water stratigraphic architecture

Abstract Interpretation of deep‐water channel deposits is challenging because the spatial arrangement their constituent lithologies highly variable. This variability often thought to be a signature complex interactions between controlling boundary conditions and processes. A three‐dimensional forward stratigraphic model sinuous meandering used explore production channelised stratigraphy. highlights three stages evolution for belts: (1) an initial phase rapid growth in mean belt width driven by increasing sinuosity; (2) subsequent reduced belt‐width rate cutoff processes; (3) mature during which repeated bend lifecycles act produce statistically stable channel‐belt width. When trajectory defining vertical movement over time added model, commonly recognised patterns stratigraphy are produced. These results demonstrate how models provide insights into processes governing that elude interpretations static outcrops seismic images subsurface examples.