Progradational
Sequence Sets on the Tectonically Active Eastern Margin of the
Gianniny, Gary L.1, Kimberlee
J. Miskell-Gerhardt2 (1) Fort Lewis College, Durango, CO (2)
Consulting Geologist, Durango, CO
A nearly continuous 15 kilometer long
dip-oblique outcrop exposure of the middle Pennsylvanian Hermosa Group north of
Within the Hermosa Group, a 250
meter-thick package of middle to upper Desmoinesian mixed carbonate-siliciclastic
sediments form a progradational sequence set building to the south and
southwest. A preliminary sequence stratigraphic interpretation suggests that
sequences are formed by lowstand coarsening-upwards siliciclastic facies
successions from prodelta through outer stream mouth bar. A paucity of trace
fossils or other fauna in these siliciclastics is consistent with increased
salinity in the basin during lowstands. The deltaic sequences are interrupted
and capped by transgressive to highstand shallow-water carbonates including
pylloid algal biostromes. Sequence boundaries are most typically placed at the
top of shallowing-upwards carbonates where karst, coalified roots, or
rhyzoliths are observed. In some cases, sequence boundaries show evidence of
significant siliciclastic sediment bypass.
In updip locations reservoir quality in
this interval may be compromised by immature clastic sediments which contain
abundant mica and feldspar in all grain size categories. Increased sediment
maturity is predicted with increased sediment transport distance (i.e. downdip
locations). Abundant phylloid algal biostromes may provide reservoir quality
moldic and shelter porosity.
AAPG Search and Discover Article #90063©2007 AAPG Annual Convention, Long Beach, California