--> Basin Analysis and Sequence Stratigraphy in the Plio-Pleistocene--Marine Succession of Sicily and Adjacent Areas--Comparison with the Gulf of Mexico, by R. Catalano, E. Di Stefano, S. Infuso, A. Sulli, F. P. Vitale, and P. R. Vail; #90986 (1994).

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Abstract: Basin Analysis and Sequence Stratigraphy in the Plio-Pleistocene--Marine Succession of Sicily and Adjacent Areas--Comparison with the Gulf of Mexico

R. Catalano, E. Di Stefano, S. Infuso, A. Sulli, F. P. Vitale, P. R. Vail

Plio-Pleistocene marine successions on and offshore Sicily (Tyrrhenian Sea and Sicily Channel) are analyzed and correlated using the sequence stratigraphy models and tools. E-log pattern analysis, calcareous plankton integrated biostratigraphy, biochronology and magnetostratigraphy have been used to provide a chronostratigraphic framework for the marine Plio-Pleistocene of Sicily. The chart shows the main transgressive-regressive facies cycles, ten third order depositional sequences and their systems tracts in the interval 4.8-0.8 My, and eight minor order sequences reflecting the high-frequency sea-level fluctuations that occurred between 0.8 My and the Holocene.

In the study area, where both tectonically active and passive margins are present, the successions are characterized by very similar stratal geometries. Examination of outcrops, seismic lines and well logs reveal a common stratigraphic signature: thrusting and transgression until 3.0 My, regression and synsedimentary extensional tectonics between 3.0 and 2.4 My, compression and regression to 1.2 My, transgression and regional subsidence to 0.8 My, compression and regression to 0.5 My, subsidence coupled with strong vertical tectonics from 0.5 to Holocene.

The widespread regional character of the stratigraphic signature in the Plio-Pleistocene sedimentary record suggests that occurrence of the main unconformities has to be related to eustatic fluctuations. The comparison with the Plio-Pleistocene chronostratigraphic chart of the Gulf of Mexico shows striking similarities in number and ages of the sequence boundaries.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90986©1994 AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado, June 12-15, 1994