--> ABSTRACT: The Second-Order Cycle, Carbonate Platform Growth, and Reservoir, Source and Trap Prediction, by R. Sarg, J. R. Markello, and L. J. Weber; #91021 (2010)
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The Second-Order Previous HitCycleNext Hit, Carbonate Platform Growth, and Reservoir, Source and Trap Prediction

SARG, RICK, JIM R. MARKELLO, and L. JIM WEBER

A distinctive 2nd-order (10-20 MY) stratigraphic signature is present within ancient, evaporite-related, carbonate platform successions. Dominant controls include basin geometry, subsidence, Previous HitseaNext Hit Previous HitlevelNext Hit and paleoceanography. The most normal, open marine conditions occur during the transgressive component of second-order cycles. Source-prone, organic-rich lime mudstones are deposited across shelves and in the basin. As shelfal areas become more restricted during the 2nd-order regression, highstand platforms are dominated by nonskeletal bank margin deposition. Reservoir and trap conditions are best developed during the transgressive and turnaround period. When platform progradation accesses a deeper basin or evaporitic conditions, the biota changes, marine cementation increases, and reservoir-quality is poor.

The Late Permian supersequence (10-12 My) in the Permian basin, West Texas, USA is an asymmetrical Previous HitcycleNext Hit. Normal marine conditions occurred over a wide area during transgression, and skeletal grain bank margins exhibit the most diverse biota. Deepwater, draping lime mudstones are source-prone. The initial regressive highstands are characterized by prograding nonskeletal ramp-margins with excellent reservoir-quality. Late regressive highstands platforms developed cemented, upright margins and have poor reservoir quality.

The middle Pennsylvanian (Desmoinesian) in the Paradox basin of the Four Comers region, USA is a symmetrical Previous HitcycleNext Hit (8-10 My). Transgressive Previous HitsystemsNext Hit Previous HittractsNext Hit contain black laminated, organic-rich lime mudstones. Highstand Previous HitsystemsNext Hit Previous HittractsTop of the 2nd-order transgression are characterized by thick, porous mound facies and skeletal grain banks. Highstands of the regressive turnaround contain thin algal buildups, and abundant, porous nonskeletal grain banks.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91021©1997 AAPG Annual Convention, Dallas, Texas.