--> Sequence Stratigraphy of the Smackover Formation in Northern Louisiana, by E. Heydari and L. R. Baria; #90901 (2001)
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Previous HitSequenceNext Hit Previous HitStratigraphyNext Hit of the Smackover Formation in Northern Louisiana

E. Heydari1 and L. R. Baria2
1Mississippi Office of Geology, Jackson, MS
2Jura-Search Inc., Jackson, MS

Electric logs, conventional cores, 2D and 3D seismic reflection data reveal three sequences in the Smackover Formation in northern Louisiana and adjacent areas. In ascending order these are the Smackover “C”, “B”, and “A” sequences. Characteristics of these sequences were controlled by relative sea-level change, climate, and the nature of the carbonate factory--namely the rate of inorganic carbonate production. The lowstand systems tract (LST) portion of the “C” Previous HitsequenceNext Hit has not been recognized, but it could possibly be the Norphlet Formation. The Smackover portion of the “C” Previous HitsequenceNext Hit was initiated by a rapid sea-level rise resulting in a very sharp lithologic contact between the Norphlet and Smackover formations. The “C” Previous HitsequenceNext Hit lacks a distinct transgressive systems tract (TST) component, and consists primarily of beach-to-basin prograding highstand systems tract (HST) deposition on a ramp. The “C” Previous HitsequenceNext Hit deposition was terminated by a type-1 Previous HitsequenceNext Hit boundary characterized by caliche and silcrete. A shelf morphology with a distinct shelf margin had developed by the end of the “C” Previous HitsequenceNext Hit upon which the “B” Previous HitsequenceNext Hit was deposited.

The “B” Previous HitsequenceNext Hit consists of a LST that is composed of basinal terrigenous sediment gravity flow deposits. A rapid sea-level rise flooded the shelf area, but again no clear TST deposition occurred. The “B” Previous HitsequenceNext Hit is composed primarily of HST shoal complexes that prograded over the shelf. A type-1 Previous HitsequenceNext Hit boundary ended “B” Previous HitsequenceNext Hit deposition.

The “A” Previous HitsequenceNext Hit consists of an LST that is also composed of basinal terrigenous sediment gravity flow deposits in the basin. The “A” Previous HitsequenceNext Hit consists of progradational shoals formed slightly basinward of the “B” Previous HitsequenceNext Hit shelf margin. The “A” Previous HitsequenceNext Hit sedimentation was terminated by a type-1 or type-2 Previous HitsequenceTop boundary.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90901©2001 GCAGS, Annual Meeting, Shreveport, Louisiana