ABSTRACT: Three Component Sequence Stratigraphy

ZHANG, JIM Z. W., and WALTER W. WORNARDT, Micro-Strat Inc., Houston, TX, and PETER R. VAIL, Rice University, Houston, TX

Rapid developments in sequence stratigraphy have significantly changed the way of subdividing, correlating, and mapping sedimentary rocks. Sequence stratigraphy has evolved from a theoretically controversial model into a practically accepted method. Currently there is a tremendous amount of interests in practicing sequence stratigraphy with different approaches being employed by various researchers. We believe that high-resolution biostratigraphy, well logs and seismic profiles are three fundamental components in the sequence stratigraphic analysis.

They are interdependent and incomplete by themselves, and each of these components must be analyzed and integrated with each other using an iterative process in order to obtain accurate and reliable results.

By using bioevents, fossil abundance and diversity histogram patterns, high resolution biostratigraphy provides a solid time framework that permits accurate correlations of sequences and systems tracts. Paleobathymetric interpretations facilitates lithofacies and seismic facies determinations. Analysis of well-log signatures within the aforesaid time framework permits delimitation of sequences and systems tracts. The geometry, configuration, continuity and amplitudes of seismic profiles offer another dimension of evidence in sequence stratigraphy because it visualizes the regional distributions and variations of sequences and systems tracts.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91014©1992 AAPG GCAGS and GC-SEPM Meeting, Jackson, Mississippi, October 21-23, 1992 (2009)