Salah Ei-Din Ragab Mahmoud¹
(1) The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX

Abstract: Integrated sequence stratigraphic study of the Upper Cretaceous deposits, Rio Grande Embayment, Northwestern Gulf of Mexico Basin, using seismic (2D and 3D), well and outcrop data

The purpose of this project is to try to solve ambiguities regarding age-dating, vertical and lateral extent of formational units belonging to the Upper Cretaceous Navarro Group in the Rio Grande Embayment, nonwestern Gulf of Mexico Basin. There are many contradictions regarding age assignments and lateral relationships between these units. In order to achieve the research goals, modern concepts of sequence stratigraphy are applied using seismic stratigraphy, well log, core and outcrop – sedimentology, combined with palynostratigraphy for high-resolution correlation of time and facies. computer workstation – interpretation is used for interpreting seismic data. this is expected to result in a high – resolution chronostratigraphic framework. This is carried out for achieving the above research goals with high accuracy. Moreover, the present study is an attempt to determine the effects of eustacy on sediment distribution. this comprises finding out if the relative sea level changes are totally due to eustatic changes of sea level or due to the combined effects of tectonism, changes in the rate of sediment supply and eustatic sea level changes. This methodology is thought to allow looking at the study ara in a more fresh way. Subsequently, new plays not outlined by the old methods will be discovered, and present plays will be re-discovered. This is because of better understanding the chronostratigraphic relationships between them within the interpreted regional chronostratigraphic framework in the study area. this abstract was selected for publication in the AAPG Bulletin, November, 1999 issue and for research grant from the AAPG Foundation.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90914©2000 AAPG Annual Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana