--> ABSTRACT: Sequence Stratigraphic Framework of the Yegua Formation in the Houston Salt Basin, Texas Gulf Coast, by Barbara A. Luneau, Terry G. Eschner, Ernest Gomez, Alan J. Scott; #91020 (1995).
[First Hit]

Datapages, Inc.Print this page

Sequence Stratigraphic Framework of the Yegua Formation in the Houston Salt Basin, Texas Gulf Coast

Barbara A. Luneau, Terry G. Eschner, Ernest Gomez, Previous HitAlanTop J. Scott

The Eocene Yegua and Cook Mountain formations in the Houston Salt Basin Provide an example of deposition along a passive continental margin affected by sea-level fluctuations, structural movement along growth faults, and salt technonics. The interplay of these factors results in a complex stratigraphic frame work with significant lateral variability.

Using a regional approach of integrating seismic, wireline log, core and biostratigraphic data, five seequences were recognized within the Yegua and Cook Mountain formations. Correlation to global onlap cycles suggests that the Cook Mountain Formation is comprised internally of two third-order cycles, and that the Yegua Formation represents one composite third-order cycle comprised of three fourth-order cycles, Regional mapping of systems tracts and component facies within the 5 sequences reveals the important role structural evolution played on the localization of sand-rich facies.

The shelf-slope break separated deposition on a structurally stable shelf from deposition on a structurally active slope. The shelf-slope break also approximates the updip limit of lowstand deposites (basin floor fan, and prograding complex). During periods of sea-level lowstands, valleys were incised on the shelf and funnelled sand-rich sediments to the slope and basin floor. Recognizing the position and trend of incised valleys is important to predict the occurrence of sand-rich prograding complexes, basin floor fans, and slope fans. Sea-floor bathymetry partly controlled by salt movement and the concurrent development of withdrawal basins was a primary influence on the localization of lowstand deposits.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91020©1995 AAPG Annual Convention, Houston, Texas, May 5-8, 1995