--> Abstract: Sequence Stratigraphic Expression of from Evolving Experimental Fluvial-to-Marine Depositional Profile, by John Martin, Chris Paola, Vitor Abreu, Jack Neal, and Ben Sheets; #90078 (2008)

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Sequence Stratigraphic Expression of from Evolving Experimental Fluvial-to-Marine Depositional Profile

John Martin1, Chris Paola1, Vitor Abreu2, Jack Neal2, and Ben Sheets3
1St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, Minneapolis, MN
2ExxonMobil Exploration Company, Houston, TX
3ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company, Houston, TX

Sequence stratigraphy is founded on identifying stratal discordances, a geometrically scale-independent procedure amenable to experimental stratigraphy. Here we perform a sequence stratigraphic analysis on an experimental fluvio-marine deposit for which the boundary conditions and depositional history are known. Our goals are to (1) evaluate when sequence stratigraphic markers are created and how they are structured, and (2) quantify the extent to which the bounded strata honor the known basinal sedimentation patterns. The generation of sequence stratigraphic surfaces is through shifts in sediment mass balance, which is expressed at the surface as an evolving fluvio-marine surface profile. By direct comparison of measured surface topography with preserved stratal surfaces, we show that marine disconformities are especially robust indicators of relative base-level fall. These surfaces, along with maximum flooding surfaces, correlate closely with specific geomorphic surfaces and thus are nearly time synchronous. Erosional surfaces, however, are diachronous and not associated with any instantaneous topographic surface.

Although sequence stratigraphic surfaces are recurrent features in the experimental deposit, their areal correlation and properties are closely related to the shape of the associated stratigraphic cycle, erosion from subsequent cycles, and autogenic overprinting. These effects prohibit a basin-wide correlation of any one horizon. However, by mapping the stacking arrangement of the bounded strata and applying time constraints on the stratigraphic surfaces, we find remarkable agreement between the stratigraphic and known depositional history. This demonstrates sequence stratigraphic horizons accurately capture shifts in the basinal mass balance, and form largely independently of the speed and manner of the changing depositional profile.

 

AAPG Search and Discover Article #90078©2008 AAPG Annual Convention, San Antonio, Texas