--> Abstract: The Origin of Stratigraphic Sequences, by G. S. Visher; #90921 (1999).

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VISHER, GLENN S.
Geological Services & Ventures, Inc., Tulsa, OK

Abstract: The Origin of Stratigraphic Sequences

A revolution is underway in understanding the causality of depositional patterns and sequences. The areal distribution of accommodation space is the primary control to interrelate the depositional setting, the depositional theme, and the genetic sequence of strata. Accommodation space is related to changes in sea level and rates and patterns of subsidence. These attributes are interrelated in space and time on scales of a few hundred sq km, and time periods of a few 1000 years.

Depocenters can be related to patterns of lithospheric stress distribution associated with wrench faulting, and the areal variations in lithospheric thickness, density, and heat flow.

Determining the origin of stratigraphic patterns requires the development of a time-rock correlation framework at a scale sufficient to determine the geometry of genetic sequences. Depositional patterns may reflect vertical stacking, progradation or overlapping stratigraphic responses. These patterns are complexly related to rates of change in accommodation space, rates of sediment supply, and dispersive forces. The mapping of the geometry and pattern of terminations of bedding planes and disconformities is required in order to determine the depositional history.

The depositional history of Missourian and Virgilian strata in Oklahoma and Kansas reflect changing patterns of basinal subsidence, progradation and onlap. These are associated with wrench faulting, the history of sea level changes and patterns of basinal subsidence. These can be causally related to the development of deltaic depocenters, carbonate banks and onlapping euxinic shale intervals.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90921©1999 AAPG Mid-Continent Section Meeting, Wichita, Kansas