The evolution of a sedimentary basin is mostly affected by deformation. Large-scale,
subsurface deformation is typically identified by seismic data, sub-seismic
small-scale fractures by well data. Between these two methods, we lack a deeper
understanding of how deformation scales.  We analysed a 3D reflection seismic data
set in the North German Basin (NGB), in order to determine the magnitude and
distribution of deformation and its accumulation in space and time. A five-step
approach is introduced for quantitative deformation and fracture prediction. An
increased resolution of subtle tectonic lineaments is achieved by coherency
processing, allowing to unravel the kinematics in the NGB from structural
interpretation.  Extensional events during basin initiation and later inversion are
evident. 3D retro-deformation shows major-strain magnitudes between 5-15% up to 1.5
km away from a fault trace, and variable deviations of associated extensional
fractures. Good correlation of FMI data, strain distribution from retro-deformation
and from geostatistic tools allows the validation of the results and makes the
prediction of small-scale faults/fractures possible. The temporal component will be
gained by analogue models. The suggested workflow is applicable to reflection seismic
surveys and yields in great detail both the tectonic history of a region as well as
predictions for hydrocarbon plays.

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Germany