Structural Relationships Between Inherited Structures and Gravity-Driven Deformation Highlighted by AI-Based Fault Detection (Campos Basin).ral

Summary The Campos Basin, offshore southeastern Brazil, is a key hydrocarbon province where salt tectonics significantly influence petroleum systems. While regional salt geometry and large-scale kinematics have been extensively studied, smaller-scale salt-related deformation remains poorly understood. This study examines a 1000 km2 area in the northern Campos Basin, integrating AI-powered fault detection with signal-driven seismic interpretation to investigate the relationship between inherited structures and gravity-driven deformation. Fault analysis reveals two dominant post-salt fault sets: NNW-SSE trending faults associated with salt rollers active during the Albian-Cenomanian and SW-NE trending faults forming a seaward rollover active from the Upper Cretaceous to Early Cenozoic. Structural interpretation and surface extraction highlight salt kinematics, showing the spatial and temporal impact of base salt relief on deformation. Two distinct phases of salt tectonics are identified: Early Albian extension driven by gravity gliding and a later gravity spreading phase linked to increasing sediment loading and margin flexure. This AI-assisted workflow accelerates salt tectonic analysis and provides valuable insights for hydrocarbon exploration. The results emphasize the role of inherited structures in controlling salt deformation, with direct applications to deepwater basins worldwide.