--> Abstract: Climatically-Driven Cyclicity in the Quaternary of the Gulf of Thailand, by Zhi-qiang Feng, Corbett Patrick W. M., and Robin Westerman; #90078 (2008)

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Climatically-Driven Cyclicity in the Quaternary of the Gulf of Thailand

Zhi-qiang Feng1, Corbett Patrick W. M.2, and Robin Westerman2
1Daqing Oilfield Company, Petrochina, Daqing, China
2Petroleum Engineering, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

The Quaternary in the Gulf of Thailand shows well-developed cyclicity. Eight sequences have been identified by using high resolution 2D seismic (800-4000Hz) profiles and engineering boreholes. Sediments change from marine mud to floodplain deposits from the bottom to the top of a typical sequence. Incised fluvial systems and soil crust developed on top of each sequence, which may indicate a significant subaerial exposure period after construction of each sequence. Each sequence represents a cycle of marine transgression and regression. The thickness of these sequences varies from 6 to 22 meters, with an average about 13 meters. By correlating to the Quaternary oxygen isotope curve, the eight cycles are dated 730,000 BP to 10,000 BP, with an average 91 kyr of periodicity, which suggests that these cycles should be caused by climate driven sea level oscillations controlled by eccentricity cycles discovered by Milankovitch. These kinds of cycles should exist in earlier geological history and should have global impact.

This study illustrates that integration of engineering boreholes and the high resolution 2D seismic profiles is an effective way to conduct stratigraphic analysis. These data are available in many continental shelves, which are collected for the purpose of determining sub-sea floor engineering properties so as to locate jack-up rigs and platforms on a sound footing.

Climate driven sea-level changes can lead marine transgression and regression across the broad shelves periodically. These types of cycles should exist in earlier geological history and have global impact. The Quaternary sequences in the Gulf of Thailand can be an analogue for the older sequences, especially for prediction of sand bodies within similar depositional settings.

 

AAPG Search and Discover Article #90078©2008 AAPG Annual Convention, San Antonio, Texas