The seismic expression of a low angle detachment (sole fault) from the Beryl Embayment, central Viking Graben

Synopsis The interpretation of commercial multichannel seismic reflection data shows that the Beryl Embayment is bounded by a major listric fault (Beryl Embayment Fault) which passes into a gently dipping detachment zone (sole fault) beneath the Bruce oil-field structure. Therefore, the existence of a low-angle detachment, within the northern North Sea, is confirmed by ‘direct’ observation and not simply predicted by the construction of balanced cross-sections. Post-Triassic extension within the northern part of the Beryl Embayment is approximately 25%.