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Depositional Setting and Sequence Stratigraphic Analysis of the Lower Permian Lower Hueco Formation on the Western Margin of the Orogrande Basin, South-central New Mexico

Eric J. Stautberg
University of Texas at El Paso, Department of Geological Sciences, El Paso, Texas, USA
[email protected]

On the western margin of the Orogrande Basin, eight outcrop datasets, in the form of measured stratigraphic sections from the Lower Permian Lower Hueco Formation were analyzed in regard to depositional facies distribution and sequence stratigraphy. Based on petrographic analysis of 247 samples and field relationships, 7 depositional facies are recognized: 1) tidal flat laminated dolomicrite with subordinate algal laminates, 2) restricted lagoonal ostracode-rich, cherty wackestones, 3) wave dominated oolitic and bioclast shoals, 4) open marine, fossiliferous packstones with subordinate phylloid algal biostromal bafflestones, 5) bank margin phylloid algal biohermal bafflestones with crinoidal and calci-sponge packstones, 6) outer ramp, open marine, Tubiphytes-red algal packstones, and 7) estuarine shoreface siliciclastics. Sequence stratigraphic analysis indicates two significantly different depositional sequences within the Lower Hueco Formation: a lower sequence dominated by depositional facies 1 and 2, and an upper sequence dominated by depositional facies 3 – 6. Both sequences are bounded by deposition facies 7, resulting from a significant decrease in eustatic sea-level, lowstand fluvial incision on the shelf, and the development of early transgressive estuaries. Phylloid algal bafflestones are restricted to transgressive systems tracts while highstand systems tracts are dominated by depositional facies 1 and 2 in the lower sequence and 3 – 6 in the upper sequence. Based on the spatial and temporal distribution of depositional facies in both sequences, eustatic sea-level was increasing throughout deposition of the Lower Hueco Formation and this margin contained well defined paleogeographic embayments related to lowstand incision and erosion.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90183©2013 AAPG Foundation 2013 Grants-in-Aid Projects