Abstract: Depositional History and Sequence Stratigraphic Framework of Middle and Upper Albian Rocks In the Big Bend Region of West Texas and Mexico

RUSH, JASON W., The University of Texas, Department of Geological Sciences, Austin, TX

The Albian rocks found in the Big Bend region of Texas and Mexico offer tremendous potential as a high-frequency carbonate platform outcrop analog. These rocks have not been studied using modern high-resolution sequence stratigraphic concepts. The Big Bend region contains the thickest and best exposed Albian outcrop succession in Texas. These rocks were deposited across a tectonic hinge line and may offer insight into how architecture responds to varying accommodation rates.

This proposed study is concerned with middle and upper Albian strata in the remote and rugged Big Bend country along the border of Texas and Mexico. These rocks are well-exposed and occur for more than 40 miles in dip direction. The objectives of this research are: (1) to document the depositional environments, (2) ascertain cycle and sequence boundaries, (3) determine the stratigraphic relationship of these rocks to the Lower Cretaceous rocks of the surrounding region, and (4) establish a high-resolution outcrop analog for carbonate platform reservoir characterization and exploration.

This field oriented study will detail the different facies relationships, internal architectures, and stacking patterns of these rocks. Graphic columnar sections and photo mosaics will be constructed with a high degree of resolution so that meter-scale cycles and architectural elements may be discerned. The resultant framework will enable accurate correlations with sections in central Texas and Mexico and help with the development of a reservoir scale, high-frequency sequence stratigraphic framework for these Albian platform carbonates.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90931©1998 AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid