Print this pageConfirmation of the Magnitude of Eustatic Events on the Haq et al. Curve for the Neogene from a Sequence Stratigraphic Analysis of the Great Bahamas Banks
KENDALL, CHRISTOPHER G. ST. C., PARVITA SIREGAR, PHILLIP LEVINE, ANIMIKH SEN, CHRISTOPHER CRESCINI, KURT JOHNSTON, and GREGOR EBERLI, RASMAS
Combining the principles of seismic sequence stratigraphy and computer simulation techniques, Neogene carbonates from the West Andros channel of the Western Great Bahamas Platform were age dated. Major second order sequence boundaries were identified on the seismic and used to bracket the third order events, which were then correlated with the Haq et al. eustatic curve using chronostratigraphic charts.
The interpreted seismic cross section and chronostratigraphic chart were reproduced by a computer simulation, confining the timing and magnitude of the Haq et al. eustatic events for this time period. The simulation indicates that changes in the extent of the on lapping geometries of the shelf margin were primarily controlled by eustatic variations exhibited by the Haq et al. chart from -30.0 Ma to -10.5 Ma. Within the simulation, rates of tectonic subsidence (0.01 m/Ka) and carbonate rates of accumulation (benthic and pelagic) were constant during this time period. From -10.5 Ma to the present day, the tectonic signal and carbonate rates were changed during the final fill of the Andros Channel. Confirmation of the size and frequency of eustatic events from the Haq et al. curve provides a means to determine rates of tectonic movement and sedimentation during the Neogene at other locations. This should lead to more accurate predictions of lithofacies and sedimentary geometries, as well as the components of the petroleum system.