Seismic chimneys in the Southern Viking Graben – Implications for palaeo fluid migration and overpressure evolution

Highlights • 3D seismic interpretation reveals 46 large chimney structures in the SVG. • Chimneys can be subdivided in three categories based on their seismic appearance. • Seismic appearance of chimneys enables reconstructing formation mechanisms. • Overpressure and seal weakening by deformation control chimney formation. • Fluid flow along chimneys represents an efficient pressure transfer mechanism. Abstract Detailed understanding of natural fluid migration systems is essential to minimize risks during hydrocarbon exploration and to evaluate the long-term efficiency of the subsurface storage of waste water and gas from hydrocarbon production as well as CO2. The Southern Viking Graben (SVG) hosts numerous focused fluid flow structures in the shallow (