--> Abstract: Stratal Architecture of Deep-Water Channels and Levees, Brushy Canyon Formation (Permian), West Texas, by F. B. Zelt and C. Rossen; #90987 (1993).

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ZELT, FREDERICK B., and * CHRISTINE ROSSEN, Exxon Production Research Company, Houston, TX

ABSTRACT: Stratal Architecture of Deep-Water Channels and Levees, Brushy Canyon Formation (Permian), West Texas

Sandstones and siltstones of the Brushy Canyon Formation were deposited in 50 to more than 300 meters of water in the Delaware basin. The transition from slope to basin-floor paleoenvironments is exposed in a 24-km long transect of extensive outcrops that occur along the western flanks of the Guadalupe and Delaware mountains.

Several types of deep-water channels occur in the study area. Channel fills consist of thick-bedded sandstones that were deposited by high-density sediment gravity flows, thin-bedded classical turbidites that were deposited by low-density turbidity currents, and siltstones that were deposited from suspension. Many channel-fills change facies laterally from amalgamated turbidite sandstones in channel axes to thin-bedded turbidites and siltstones along channel margins. Residual lags of cross-bedded sandstone that occur atthe bases of some channels are interpreted to have been deposited tractively by high-density sediment gravity flows that carried most of their sediment loads farther basinward. Siltstone drapes occur along the bases and margins of some channels, are common in slope and roximal basin-floor paleoenvironments, and are interpreted to reflect channel abandonment.

Stratal geometries along many channel margins indicate aggradation of adjacent levee deposits during channel filling. Levee deposits commonly consist of laterally continuous, thin-bedded classical turbidites that were deposited by low-density flows. However, near channel margins, levees can include thick-bedded, amalgamated and cross-bedded sandstones. Along channel margins, paleocurrents commonly were oriented parallel to

slightly oblique to the channel trend, and lenticular sandstone beds are common. In levee deposits, paleocurrents generally were oriented 20-60 degrees away from the adjacent channel margin.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90987©1993 AAPG Annual Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana, April 25-28, 1993.