Interpretation of Depositional Systems in Lower Silurian Medina Group of Western New York

Robert J. Davis, Charles A. Johnson, J. A. Gilreath

Depositional systems in the Medina Group (Lower Silurian) of western New York have been studied using stratigraphic dipmeter data. Results of this study indicate a nearshore-deltaic-interdeltaic depositional environment.

Only minor deltaic episodes are preserved in the study area. This fits the generally arid climate with seasonal wet periods suggested by C. D. Laughrey. Facies recognized include: longshore-current sand waves in a shoreface environment, distributary mouth bars, distributary channels, tidal inlets, flood deltas, beaches, sandy tidal flats on which beach ridges were formed, and possible upper delta-plain sediments.

Once the depositional sequences are recognized, paleocurrents within key sand units can be interpreted to determine favorable directions for successfully locating offset wells.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91031©1988 AAPG Eastern Section, Charleston, West Virginia, 13-16 September 1988.