--> Abstract: Mesozoic Sequence Stratigraphy of the Sierra Madre Oriental, NE Mexico, by R. K. Goldhammer and P. J. Lehmann; #90987 (1993).

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GOLDHAMMER, R. K., and P. J. LEHMANN, Exxon Production Research Co., Houston, TX

ABSTRACT: Mesozoic Sequence Stratigraphy of the Sierra Madre Oriental, NE Mexico

The Middle Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous stratigraphy of NE Mexico consists of four major, second-order (approx. 15 MYR duration) depositional supersequences, that have regional Gulf-wide significance. Second-order super-sequence boundaries, condensed sections, transgressive surfaces and second order systems tracts have been identified in outcrops of the Sierra Madre Oriental, biostratigraphically dated, and correlated with the northern (U.S.) Gulf of Mexico stratigraphic section. The identification of these components is based on: (1) gross shelf-basin relationships ofonlapping and offlapping facies; (2) stacking patterns of third-order sequences and their component high-frequency cycles, and (3) criteria for significant subaerial exposure and/or erosion of super-sequence boundaries. Add tional data is provided from regional seismic coverage and well-log cross-sections in south Texas and extreme northeastern Mexico.

The stratigraphic evolution of the Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous Mexican passive margin resulted from the superimposition of four second-order relative sea level cycles atop a first-order long term relative sea level rise. This relative rise likely reflects a global eustatic rise driven by long-term changes in mid-ocean ridge volume related to sea-floor spreading rates associated with the opening of the Gulf and the Atlantic. These two different orders of eustasy operated in concert with underlying thermotectonic subsidence to produce systematic changes in accommodation from the base to the top of the section. Such changes account for the overall shift from lowstand-dominated facies associations characteristic of the Middle-Upper Jurassic (red beds, evaporites, marginal marine silic clastics and low relief, shallow marine high-energy carbonates), to highstand-dominated facies associations characteristic of the Lower Cretaceous (higher relief, shallow marine carbonate platforms, deep marine shales and pelagic carbonates).

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90987©1993 AAPG Annual Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana, April 25-28, 1993.