--> Depositional and Sequence Stratigraphic Framework of the Middle Pennsylvanian Allegheny Formation, South-Central West Virginia: Analyzing Autogenic and Allogenic Influence on Depositional Elements

AAPG Eastern Section Meeting

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Depositional and Sequence Stratigraphic Framework of the Middle Pennsylvanian Allegheny Formation, South-Central West Virginia: Analyzing Autogenic and Allogenic Influence on Depositional Elements

Abstract

The Middle Pennsylvanian Allegheny Formation (MPAF) represents a NW prograding clastic wedge which originated from tectonically uplifted highlands along the east-central Appalachian basin. MPAF sandstone units located above and below the Lower Kittanning Coal exhibit distinct variations in composition and depositional structures. This suggests a change in sediment source, higher energy flows, and/or climatic conditions during deposition. This study aims to test the hypothesis that the observed variation in depositional elements is due to changes in conditions of allogenic controls of the depositional system that drove the autogenic response of the depositional system.

The test of the hypothesis will integrate measurement and description of sedimentology and stratigraphy from outcrop, wireline logs of the MPAF from wells in the region of the outcrop drilled for coal assessment, and petrographic analysis, to reconstruct the paleohydrologic and paleoenvironmental conditions during the deposition of the MPAF, with the goal of discriminating sedimentary response(s) and changes in fluvial architecture to allogenic versus autogenic processes. Comparison of the MPAF's paleoclimate and paleohydrologic conditions with ancient and modern analogues around the world will allow identification of the processes that influenced sedimentation, sediment distribution, and depositional structures during deposition of the MPAF. Knowledge from this study will improve understanding of internal and external processes influencing depositional elements.