--> Abstract: Channel Belt Architecture and Geometry- A Function of Depositional Parasequence Set Stacking Pattern, Ferron Sandstone, East-Central Utah, by T. C. V (Coco) Van Den Bergh and J. R. Garrison, Jr.; #90952 (1996).

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Abstract: Channel Belt Architecture and Geometry- A Function of Depositional Parasequence Set Stacking Pattern, Ferron Sandstone, East-Central Utah

T. C. V (Coco) Van Den Bergh, James R. Garrison Jr.

Ferron Sandstone fluvial-deltaic parasequence sets exhibit a well-developed seaward-stepping, aggradational, and landward-stepping pattern. Detailed mapping has quantified the architecture and geometry of fluvial channel belts, as a function of parasequence set stacking patterns.

Channel belts within the seaward-stepping parasequence sets, formed in river-dominated deltas, when the available sediment supply exceeded the available accommodation space. They have vertically stacked internal channel-fill elements. Thicknesses from 3-5 m and 12-14 m and widths from 90-215 m and 365-425 m are most common. Width/thickness aspect ratios range from 8-53 and average about 30. Channel belts bifurcate as they approach the paleo-shoreline and become narrower, averaging 195 m in width, with lower aspect ratios, averaging about 17. Channel belts within the aggradational parasequence sets, formed in more storm-dominated deltas, when the sediment supply was balanced with rate of development of accommodation space. They have laterally stacked channel-fill elements. Thicknesses rom 8-11 m and 17-18 m and widths from 380-580 m are most common. Aspect ratios range from 32-97 and average about 57. Channel belts closer to the paleo-shoreline have aspect ratios averaging about 12. Channel belts within back-stepping parasequence sets, formed in wave-dominated deltas, when the available sediment supply was less than the available accommodation space. They range in thickness from 3-8 m and 230-808 m in width, with vertically stacked elements. Aspect ratios of 65-90 and 185-195 are most common.

Realistic geologic models of fluvial-deltaic systems must be constructed honoring changes in architecture and geometry as a function of parasequence set stacking patterns.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90952©1996 AAPG Rocky Mountain Section Meeting, Billings, Montana