Stratigraphic Modeling of Sedimentary Basins
D. T. Lawrence, M. Doyle, S. Snelson, W. T. Horsfield
A new deterministic computer program has been developed which simulates the
evolution of basin stratigraphy on geologic time
scales. The stratigraphy of
basins reflects the subtle interaction between two basic groups of processes:
those controlling the introduction and removal of sediments. In the program the
primary space-controlling mechanisms are eustasy, tectonic subsidence, sediment
compaction, and the isostatic response to sediment and water loads. The
depositional surface at a given
time
is modeled as a function of rate of
sediment introduction, rate of sediment dispersal, erosion, and slope stability.
The nonmarine profile may aggrade or be eroded, with material eroded from the
nonmarine portion of the basin added to the marine sediment fill. The program
may be us d (1) to simulate clastic, carbonate, and mixed carbonate/clastic
basin fills in consecutive
time
slices
, (2) to model the stratigraphic response
to eustatic and tectonic events, and (3) to evaluate independently derived sea
level curves.
A movie will be shown illustrating the stratigraphic evolution of a typical passive margin transect in response to changes in the rates of subsidence, sea level rise and fall, and sedimentation.
AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91038©1987 AAPG Annual Convention, Los Angeles, California, June 7-10, 1987.