--> ABSTRACT: Sequence Stratigraphy of a Mixed Carbonate-Siliciclastic Shelf, Holder Formation (Pennsylvanian, Virgilian), Sacramento Mountains, New Mexico, by S. L. Bachtel, E. C. Rankey, and J. Kaufman; #91021 (2010)

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Sequence Stratigraphy of a Mixed Carbonate-Siliciclastic Shelf, Holder Formation (Pennsylvanian, Virgilian), Sacramento Mountains, New Mexico

BACHTEL, STEVEN L., EUGENE C. RANKEY, and JONATHAN KAUFMAN

The Pennsylvanian Holder Formation was examined to evaluate the sequence stratigraphy of a mixed carbonate-siliciclastic system. Data from three nearby Exxon Production Research wells enhance interpretations by providing a continuous stratigraphic record through the studied interval. Holder strata were deposited on a proximal, narrow, tectonically active shelf and contain exposures of phylloid algal mound complexes that are hydrocarbon reservoirs in many basins worldwide.

The lateral and vertical distribution of parasequences and component facies defines the hierarchical sequence-stratigraphic framework of the Holder. The Holder Formation is composed of three lithologically-distinct parasequence styles: (1) carbonate dominated (subtidal carbonate and thin clastics), (2) marine-clastic dominated (fluvial-deltaic clastics and thin carbonate), and (3) non-marine/marine (marine and alluvial clastics, carbonate). Parasequences, which may not be laterally continuous, make up high-frequency sequences whose boundaries are defined by subaerial exposure of subtidal strata. The lower third of the Holder comprises a composite sequence with both transgressive and highstand sequence sets. This composite sequence contains high-frequency sequences with a central region of aggradational, carbonate-dominated parasequences, and basinward and landward, include marine clastic-dominated parasequences. The remainder of the Holder comprises a second composite sequence characterized at its base by a major landward shift in the position of carbonate- and marine-clastic dominated parasequences within high-frequency sequences that define the transgressive sequence set. Parasequences of overlying high-frequency sequences (highstand sequence set) prograde, with a carbonate-dominated zone that passes landward and vertically into a non-marine/marine zone. Sequence architecture is controlled by tectonics, eustasy, sediment supply, and paleotopography. 

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91021©1997 AAPG Annual Convention, Dallas, Texas.