--> Abstract: Biostratigraphy and Paleoecology in High Energy, Bathyal Sedimentary Settings: Studies in the Main Pass Area, Louisiana Offshore, Gulf of Mexico, by W. Godfrey; #90932 (1998).

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Abstract: Biostratigraphy and Paleoecology in High Energy, Bathyal Sedimentary Settings: Studies in the Main Pass area, Louisiana offshore, Gulf of Mexico

GODFREY, WOODSON
PaleoSource, Houston, TX

The Main Pass area is an intersection of depositional environments, each of which leaves its own paleontologic imprint in the sedimentary record while mixing with and frequently obscuring others. High energy scouring, reworking, slumping and multiple sedimentary sources often obscure the succession of events that characterize the depositional and biostratigraphic history of the area.

Paleontologic methods; such as, water mass tracking and multivariate analysis of faunal succession separate the biostratigraphic imprints of provenance and depositional energy, as well as a history of water column changes that alter the depth associations of foraminiferal species. The separation of these factors allows for a minutely detailed understanding of sedimentary regimes, their dominance or recession over time, helping to characterize the types and qualities of potential reservoirs. Aided by computer programs, the application of these methods are shown to fit within the framework of time and cost of routine biostratigraphic examination.

Examples show enhanced stratigraphic detail, reproducibility and sequence stratigraphic definition. The history and paleoecologic influence of such factors as the Mississippi River and Florida Platform sediments, upwelling, scouring and deepwater shoaling are quantified. The interpretation of depositional energy regimes, as determined by faunal response, is tied directly to sedimentary setting and yields more detailed information than estimates of paleobathymetry.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90932©1998 GCAGS/GCS-SEPM Meeting, Corpus Christi, Texas