--> ABSTRACT: Cretaceous Panther Tongue Sandstone Outcrop Case Study I: Regional Sequence Stratigraphic Analysis, by H. W. Posamentier, W. R. Morris, J. P. Bhattacharya, J. A Kupecz, K. B. Loomis, M. Lopez-Blanco, C. Wu, B. Kendall, C. R. Landis, D. B. Spear, P. R. Thompson; #91020 (1995).

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Cretaceous Panther Tongue Sandstone Outcrop Case Study I: Regional Sequence Stratigraphic Analysis

H. W. Posamentier, W. R. Morris, J. P. Bhattacharya, J. A Kupecz, K. B. Loomis, M. Lopez-Blanco, C. Wu, B. Kendall, C. R. Landis, D. B. Spear, P. R. Thompson

A regional high-resolution sequence stratigraphic framework has been established for the Campanian Panther Tongue Sandstone, Star Point Formation, central Utah. Fieldwork shows that this unit can be subdivided into three systems tracts, each with distinctive reservoir attributes. The basal highstand systems tract is characterized by bioturbated siltstone and mudstone. It is sharply overlain in places by a less burrowed and distinctly heterolithic unit. This contact is interpreted to be a sequence boundary associated with the process of forced regression. Overlying strata are interpreted as lowstand systems tract deposits, which comprise coarsening-upward deltaic deposits. Within the lowstand, the facies become more homogeneous distally suggesting downstepping, consistent ith a forced regression interpretation.

The upper boundary of the lowstand system tract is a transgressive surface expressed as a ravinement surface landward of the seaward-most position of the lowstand shoreline, and expressed as a correlative conformity basinward of this location. Erosion of the upper part of the lowstand has resulted in apparent removal of all delta-plain and distributary-channel deposits. The strata immediately overlying the ravinment surface are interpreted as a transgressive systems. tract and comprise transgressive lag as well as fining-upward lower shoreface to offshore deposits. Seaward of the last lowstand shoreline a healing phase wedge is developed during the transgressive systems tract. A maximum flooding surface caps this transgressive systems tract. In outcrops to the west, this is immediatel overlain by coarsening-upward storm-dominated successions which previously have been lumped with the Panther Tongue. We interpret these sandstones to belong to the overlying highstand systems tract related to the eastward prograding Storrs Member of the Star Point.

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