Reconstruction of Eolian Sequences--A Function of Scale, Jurassic Page Sandstone, Arizona

Gary Kocurek, Julia Knight, Karen Havholm

Interpretation of sequences of ergs and bed forms that comprise an eolian unit is strongly dependent on the scale of mapping. A pentagon-shaped, three-dimensional outcrop of eolian Middle Jurassic Page sandstone near Page, Arizona, measuring 36 m high and nearly 1 km in perimeter, was mapped with the aid of an electronic tacheometer. The extent and orientation of bounding surfaces and sets of cross-strata were mapped in detail, foreset orientations were measured, and a general depiction was made of the lateral and vertical distribution of stratification types within sets and of features associated with the surfaces. The level of mapping is at a middle scale with respect to architectural elements and proved adequate for an interpretation of most bed forms in terms of shape (two or three dimensions, sinuosity, symmetry, and crestline-phase relationships), size (height and width), aerodynamics (overall primary and secondary airflow patterns), and migration behavior (degree of climb and recognition of cyclicity). These interpretations allow the determination of bed-form hierarchy (simple dunes or draas) and of the bed-form type according to the descriptive (crescentic, linear) and dynamic (transverse, oblique, longitudinal) classifications. In conjunction with this level of mapping, large-scale or regional mapping was used in order to identify distinct, stacked, dune-field, and erg deposits that comprise the Page sandstone. Local mapping of the outcrop at a fine scale was necessary for refined interpretation of cyclicity, bed-form size, migration rate, and ai flow pattern.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91022©1989 AAPG Annual Convention, April 23-26, 1989, San Antonio, Texas.