Summary for Field Activity Number 1979-028-FA

Alternate Leg ID: GS7903, Leg VII; GS 7903-7

Area of Operations: Santaren Channel, Nicholas Channel, Cay Sal Bank, Bahamas, Straits of Florida, North America, North Atlantic

Dates: September 11, 1979 to September 16, 1979

Objectives: Leg VII was planned to obtain gravity, magnetic and seismic reflection data over the Destin Anticline in the northern part of the MAFLA or western Florida Shelf region. These data would have increased our ability to assess the hydrocarbon potential of this huge, partially tested structure. Unfortunately, Hurricane David forced delay in departure and Hurricane Frederick stalled over the work area during scheduled cruise time. We availed ourselves of the University of Miami's entree into the interesting marine geologic problems in Florida-Bahamas waters to obtain geophysical data in Florida Straits, Santaren and Nicholas Channels, north of Cuba in the vicinity of Cay Sal, Bahamas.

Type of Activity: Seismic profiling

Information to be derived: Morphology

Summary: Our measurements recorded 2 anticlinal structures with dip reversals spanning several kilometers. These structures are large enough to constitute possible hydrocarbons exploration targets and occur in water depths less than 500 m, which is within currently drillable depths. Gravity data: 550 km; Magnetic data: 400 km; Seismic reflection data: 7 lines, 550 km.

USGS Project Number: 9450-01798

Contact: Mahlon Ball ()