--> Abstract: Recognition of Channel Fill Types in Deltas and Submarine Fans, by A. H. Bouma and D. Goddard; #90989 (1993).

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BOUMA, ARNOLD H., Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, and DONALD GODDARD, Basin Research Institute, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA

ABSTRACT: Recognition of Channel Fill Types in Deltas and Submarine Fans

Individual delta and submarine fan channels commonly are too small to be noticed easily, if at all, on multifold seismic data or their internal characteristics may not be resolvable. Well-log correlations can be very confusing and most outcrops are too small to provide examples one can work with. By basing his or her ideas on real cases and integrating all available data, more successful interpretations can be developed by the scientist. One can then decide which part or parts of any model fit best to produce building elements for the final model. Although not completely understood, several similarities exist between the channel fills from deltaic environments and those from submarine fans.

Channels are elongate features of negative relief that can be formed by several types of erosion of the substrate, or by transport with deposition, which normally results in levees. Gradually, the filling takes over resulting in (1) a massive sandstone, (2) a monotonous, horizontally bedded fill of only sandstone or an alternation of sandstones and shales, (3) a bedded fill with two components displaying a thinning-upward sequence, (4) a nonrhythmic alternation of thin or thick layers or a combination thereof, or (5) an oblique fill with or without any sequence pattern and with or without erosional contacts. A good knowledge of these different types is essential for understanding internal architectures and for determining whether thin-bedded layers belong to a channel system or to non hannelized areas.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90989©1993 GCAGS and Gulf Coast SEPM 43rd Annual Meeting, Shreveport, Louisiana, October 20-22, 1993.