--> Shelf-to-Basin Sequence Stratigraphic Framework and Early Diagenesis of Late Guadalupian Strata, Mckittrick Canyon, New Mexico and Texas: Preliminary Findings, by S. W. Tinker and L. Brinton; #90986 (1994).

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Abstract: Shelf-to-Basin Sequence Stratigraphic Framework and Early Diagenesis of Late Guadalupian Strata, Mckittrick Canyon, New Mexico and Texas: Preliminary Findings

Scott W. Tinker, Lise Brinton

This work examines the platform-to-basin sequence stratigraphic framework of the Seven Rivers and Yates Formations (Upper Guadalupian) in McKittrick Canyon, located in the southwest part of the Guadalupe Mountains of New Mexico and Texas. The north wall of McKittrick Canyon provides a magnificent, continuous exposure of these late Guadalupian deposits. Four platform and one slope section, representing (approx.) 3000 cumulative vertical feet, have been measured to date. Macroscopic and petrographic description of (approx.) 250 polished hand samples and corresponding thin sections enhance the field interpretations and provide a diagenetic framework. A `total-counts-per-second" log (pseudo gamma ray) was constructed from hand-held scintillometer measurements for each section to provide a subsurface tie to equivalent sections. Helicopter photos were scanned to produce a digital composite photo-mosaic.

Preliminary work on the platform indicates composite cyclicity. A typical high-frequency cycle (5-15 feet) is bounded sharply at the base by burrowed, peloidal, skeletal lime-mudstones to wackestones (subtidal to intertidal), shoals upward to peloidal, fenestral dolo-packstones (peritidal), and is commonly capped by pisolitic dolo-mudstones (peritidal to supratidal). These asymmetric high-frequency cycles bundle into unconformity-bound cycle sets or sequences. A typical sequence has a sharp-base overlain by a transgressively reworked fine sandstone, then four to six high-frequency cycles that shoal and thin upward. Recognizing these systematic stacking patterns on the platform, and their relationship to accommodation, enhances the platform-to-basin time-stratigraphic interpretation. T is in turn leads to a better understanding of the timing and position of critical facies tracts, early diagenesis, major siliciclastic bypass, and shelf margin geometry.

Sequence stratigraphic interpretations and data postings were made digitally on the photomosiac. The result is a spectacular, high-frequency seismic-scale continuous color display of the shelf-to-basin sequence stratigraphic framework with component lithofacies "shazams," facies tracts, and early diagenetic features.

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