THE MIDDLE CRETACEOUS TO RECENT SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHIC EVOLUTION OF THE EXMOUTH-BARROW MARGIN, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

2001 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 381 ◽  
Author(s):  
H.C. Young ◽  
N.M. Lemon ◽  
J.N.F Hull
Keyword(s):  
Passive Margin ◽  
Outer Shelf ◽  
Early Miocene ◽  
Early Pliocene ◽  
North West ◽  
Sequence Stratigraphic ◽  
The North ◽  
Stratigraphic Model ◽  
Sequence Boundaries ◽  
Stratigraphic Evolution

Five supersequences have been revealed by a regional sequence stratigraphic study conducted in the Albian (109 Ma) to Recent section of the Exmouth-Barrow passive margin. The interpretation utilises a new sequence stratigraphic model developed for mixed siliciclasticcarbonate lithofacies. A high degree of resolution is brought to the study by identification of 37 regional sequence boundaries controlled by biostratigraphic, wireline and seismic data. Ditch cutting analysis, integrated into the new chronostratigraphic framework, provided detailed lithofacies maps.The five supersequences, named the Gallic, Senonian, Palaeogene, Middle Neogene and Pliocene, are based upon regional lowstand, transgressive and highstand phases. The Gallic Supersequence (late Tithonian–latest Cenomanian) represents a marine incursion of siliciclastic sediments coincident with the rifting and accelerated movement of India away from Australia. A Senonian Supersequence (latest Cenomanian–middle Maastrichtian) truncates the previous supersequence with incised canyons developed on the outer shelf. The evolution of the Senonian section corresponds to the Australian separation from Antarctica and the first appearance of carbonates.The Palaeogene Supersequence (middle Maastrichtian– late Early Miocene) dominates much of the Tertiary and is identified by a basinward shift of facies following a Maastrichtian–Paleocene sea level fall. Enhanced subsidence on the outer shelf during the Eocene created a forced transgression with carbonate mudstonesiltstone deposition. A highstand during the Oligocene– Early Miocene formed the distinctive prograding carbonate shelf recognised throughout the North West Shelf.A Middle Neogene Supersequence (late Early Miocene– Early Pliocene) is identified by an erosive base and the development of a thin lowstand fan on the outer shelf. The supersequence is largely characterised by backstepping reefs following a Middle Miocene transgression. A Late Miocene eustatic stillstand restricted reef development to the inner shelf, generating coarsegrained carbonate progrades from highstand-shedding. The final Pliocene Supersequence (Pliocene–Recent) was initiated by a eustatic fall during the Early Pliocene and was followed by the development of a transgressive, aggrading shelf.

SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHIC INTERPRETATION OF CARBONATE WIRELINE LOG MOTIFS: AN EXAMPLE FROM THE NORTH WEST SHELF OF AUSTRALIA

1998 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 188 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.N.F. Hull ◽  
S.A. Smith ◽  
H.C. Young
Keyword(s):  
Sharp Increase ◽  
Passive Margin ◽  
Log Analysis ◽  
North West ◽  
Sequence Stratigraphic ◽  
Carbonate Sedimentation ◽  
The North ◽  
Wireline Logs ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Sequence Boundaries

An integrated biostratigraphic, wireline and seismic sequence stratigraphic study has been conducted to constrain the timing and evolution of Late Cretaceous to Tertiary depocentres along the North West Shelf of Australia. During this study a model for the sequence stratigraphic interpretation of wireline logs in this carbonate-dominated regime has been developed.A series of readily identifiable, lowstand clastic deposits interspersed within the predominantly carbonate passive margin section of the North West Shelf provide well-defined correctable events with which to divide the section. Biostratigraphic data have indicated the presence of missing section at the base of these clastic deposits and their shelfal equivalents. These events have been correlated to define sequence boundaries that are represented on wireline log data by a sharp increase in the gamma signature. Lowstand systems tracts exhibit an irregular sonic and upwardly increasing gamma signature. Transgressive systems tracts show characteristically upward-decreasing gamma and sonic profiles. Maximum flooding surfaces have been identified as the point of cleanest carbonate sedimentation represented by gamma minima on wireline logs. Log motifs exhibiting little character have been interpreted as highstand systems tracts. On seismic these sequence stratigraphic events are represented by stratal geometries that would be expected for these systems tracts.The model has enabled the definition of a higher resolution chronostratigraphic framework for the Mid Cretaceous to Recent section of the North West Shelf than has previously been possible. Forty basin-wide events have been identified from the biostratigraphic and wireline log analysis, thirty of which can be tied throughout the Barrow, Dampier and Roebuck basins.

New sequence stratigraphic framework on a ‘passive’ margin: Implications for post-breakup depositional environment and onset of glaciomarine conditions in Northeast Greenland

2020 ◽  
pp. jgs2020-128
Author(s):  
Thomas G. Petersen
Keyword(s):  
Late Eocene ◽  
Passive Margin ◽  
Tectonic Activity ◽  
Sequence Stratigraphic ◽  
Submarine Fans ◽  
The North ◽  
Tectonic Forces ◽  
Stratigraphic Evolution ◽  
Erosional Event ◽  
The Impact

Detailed sequence stratigraphic frameworks have been produced for most of the Cenozoic deposits around the North Atlantic and Greenland Sea. However, the sequence stratigraphic evolution of the Northeast Greenland shelf, a significant part of the Atlantic Ocean margin, has so far never been interpreted. This study provides for the first time, a detailed sequence stratigraphic interpretation of the Northeast Greenland shelf since the late Eocene. Tectonic evolution, eustatic sea level change and the impact of glaciations are integrated into a consistent geological history. Based on the identification of pronounced unconformities and their correlative conformities, 10 stratigraphic sequences are identified. The onset of deposition is defined by a pronounced erosional event, where late Palaeocene tectonic activity caused mass wasting of the uplifted footwall of the Danmarkshavn Ridge along ca. 200 km section of the ridge. During the mid Miocene, a second pronounced unconformity developed across the margin, which caused forced regressive submarine fans to prograde across the margin. The following tectonic quiet period is overlain by glaciomarine deposits, with evidence of ice deformation reaching the present day shelf break. Finally, unknown superregional plate tectonic forces are suggested as a driver of sequence formation based on correlation with the Canadian Arctic.

scholarly journals A revised lithostratigraphy for the Palaeogene – lower Neogene of the Danish North Sea

2005 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 21-24
Author(s):  
Poul Schiøler ◽  
Jan Andsbjerg ◽  
Ole R. Clausen ◽  
Gregers Dam ◽  
Karen Dybkjær ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
North Sea ◽  
Energy Agency ◽  
Sequence Stratigraphic ◽  
Oil Companies ◽  
The North ◽  
Reference Sections ◽  
Stratigraphic Model ◽  
Lithostratigraphic Units ◽  
The North Sea ◽  
Stratigraphic Nomenclature

Intense drilling activity following the discovery of the Siri Field in 1995 has resulted in an improved understanding of the siliciclastic Palaeogene succession in the Danish North Sea sector (Fig. 1). Many of the new wells were drilled in the search for oil reservoirs in sand bodies of Paleocene–Eocene age. The existing lithostratigraphy was based on data from a generation of wells that were drilled with deeper stratigraphic targets, with little or no interest in the overlying Palaeogene sediments, and thus did not adequately consider the significance of the Palaeogene sandstone units in the Danish sector. In order to improve the understanding of the distribution, morphology and age of the Palaeogene sediments, in particular the economically important sandstone bodies, a detailed study of this succession in the Danish North Sea has recently been undertaken. An important aim of the project was to update the lithostratigraphic framework on the basis of the new data.The project was carried out at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) with participants from the University of Aarhus, DONG E&P and Statoil Norway, and was supported by the Danish Energy Agency. Most scientific results cannot be released until September 2006, but a revised lithostratigraphic scheme may be published prior to that date. Formal definition of new units and revision of the lithostratigraphy are in preparation. All of the widespread Palaeogene mudstone units in the North Sea have previously been formally established in Norwegian or British wells, and no reference sections exist in the Danish sector. As the lithology of a stratigraphic unit may vary slightly from one area to another, Danish reference wells have been identified during the present project, and the lithological descriptions of the formations have been expanded to include the appearance of the units in the Danish sector. Many of the sandstone bodies recently discovered in the Danish sector have a limited spatial distribution and were sourced from other areas than their contemporaneous counterparts in the Norwegian and British sectors. These sandstone bodies are therefore defined as new lithostratigraphic units in the Danish sector, and are assigned Danish type and reference sections. There is a high degree of lithological similarity between the Palaeogene–Neogene mudstone succession from Danish offshore boreholes and that from onshore exposures and boreholes, and some of the mudstone units indeed seem identical. However, in order to acknowledge the traditional distinction between offshore and onshore stratigraphic nomenclature, the two sets of nomenclature are kept separate herein. In recent years oil companies operating in the North Sea have developed various in-house lithostratigraphic charts for the Paleocene–Eocene sand and mudstone successions in the Danish and Norwegian sectors. A number of informal lithostratigraphic units have been adopted and widely used. In the present project, these units have been formally defined and described, maintaining their original names whenever feasible, with the aim of providing an unequivocal nomenclature for the Palaeogene – lower Neogene succession in the Danish sector. It has not been the intention to establish a sequence stratigraphic model for this succession in the North Sea; the reader is referred to the comprehensive works of Michelsen (1993), Neal et al. (1994), Mudge & Bujak (1994, 1996a, b), Michelsen et al. (1995, 1998), Danielsen et al. (1997) and Rasmussen (2004).

Stratigraphy of the Birdrong: an integrated approach

2012 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 684
Author(s):  
Jessica Trainor ◽  
Jeffery Goodall ◽  
Kathryn Amos
Keyword(s):  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Predictive Tool ◽  
Palynological Analysis ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
Study Interval ◽  
Depositional Systems ◽  
Northern Carnarvon Basin ◽  
Facies Modelling ◽  
Sequence Boundaries

A detailed study of the Early Cretaceous Birdrong Sequence (S. areolata - P. burgeri) has been undertaken in the East Spar and Woollybutt fields, which lie in the northern end of the Barrow Delta complex in the Barrow Sub-basin, Northern Carnarvon Basin. This project integrates palynological, sedimentological and seismic stratigraphic interpretations to progress our understanding of the way in which the Barrow Delta evolved. The results will help develop remaining hydrocarbon prospectivity in the northern Barrow area. Palynological analysis within the Helby, Morgan and Partridge (2004) zonation scheme for the North West Shelf has enabled the identification of several significant biostratigraphic events, which have allowed further subdivision of the existing broad palynological zones. These palynological events represent influxes of specific dinoflagellate cyst taxa that may be tied to key stratal surfaces. These surfaces include transgressive ravinement surfaces, sequence boundaries and flooding surfaces. The palynological and sedimentological data, when combined, indicate a strong facies relationship between specific taxa and interpreted depositional environment. Such taxa include Gagiella, freshwater and brackish algae, and fully marine dinoflagellate cysts including Kaiwaradinium scrutillinum, Systematophora areolata, Phoberocysta neocomica and Cribroperidinium muderongense. The integration of sedimentology and palynology provides a powerful tool in interpreting depositional systems in shallow marine palaeoenvironments. Initial results indicate this may be used as a predictive tool for reservoir correlation and facies modelling. Key stratal surfaces identified through palynological and sedimentological study will be tested against 3D seismic to understand fully the stratigraphy of the study interval.

scholarly journals The Hell Creek Formation, Montana: A Stratigraphic Review and Revision Based on a Sequence Stratigraphic Approach

Geosciences ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 435
Author(s):  
Denver Fowler
Keyword(s):  
South Dakota ◽  
Lake Area ◽  
Sequence Stratigraphic ◽  
Hell Creek Formation ◽  
Accommodation Space ◽  
The North ◽  
Marine Influence ◽  
Sequence Boundaries ◽  
North And South ◽  
Upper Maastrichtian

The Upper Maastrichtian fluvial Hell Creek Formation of the Fort Peck Lake area, Montana (and regional equivalents) is notable for its vertebrate fossils and for the K-Pg mass extinction at or near its upper contact. Despite intense study, internal stratigraphy of the Hell Creek Formation is still poorly constrained, hindering study. This work reviews the stratigraphy of the Hell Creek Formation, as currently understood, and proposes important revisions to the recently proposed type section, particularly concerning complexity of the Hell Creek Formation basal contact. This work also subdivides the Montanan Hell Creek Formation into four 4th order depositional sequences, superimposed over a 3rd order marine transgression. Sequence boundaries are defined by four, laterally continuous disconformities formed by pauses in the creation of accommodation space, marked by overlying amalgamated channel complexes, or less commonly, correlative interfluve paleosols. Cyclicity in Montana may be correlative with similar 4th order cyclicity and marine influence documented in North and South Dakota, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Magnetostratigraphy and new biostratigraphic data support correlation of the upper Montanan sequence with the North Dakotan Cantapeta tongue (and overlying fines) and Canadian Scollard and Frenchman Formations.

Sequence stratigraphy of the lacustrine rift basin in the Paleogene system of the Bohai Sea area: Architecture mode, deposition filling pattern, and response to tectonic rifting processes

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. SF57-SF79
Author(s):  
Changgui Xu ◽  
Lu Huan ◽  
Song Zhangqiang ◽  
Jia Donghui
Keyword(s):  
Bohai Sea ◽  
Rift Basin ◽  
Third Order ◽  
Sequence Stratigraphic ◽  
The Bohai Sea ◽  
Stratigraphic Model ◽  
Architectural Patterns ◽  
Sequence Boundaries ◽  
Sea Area ◽  
System Tract

The Bohai Sea area is a complex lacustrine rift basin characterized by multistage rifts, polycycle superimpositions, and multiple genetic mechanisms. We recognized three types of sequence boundaries from the Paleogene strata of offshore Bohai, including 2 first-, 3 second-, and 10 third-order sequence boundaries. The third-order wedges, composed of the low-stand system tract (LST), lake expansion system tract (EST), and high-stand system tract (HST), are significant for hydrocarbon exploration. The sequence stratigraphic patterns vary in different periods. We discovered that the LST and EST are mainly developed in the rifting stage, whereas the HST is developed in the subsidence stage. Sequences developed in different depressions present significant variations, but the migration of the depocenter from the margin to the center during basin evolution can still be clearly recognized. Vertically, episodic tectonism plays an important role in controlling the formation of sequence boundaries, sequence structural features, and sequence architectural patterns. However, various rift basin marginal tectonics control the lateral sequence architectures. Because each structure belt is characterized by a unique sequence framework due to the strong influence of basin rifting processes, we establish a corresponding sequence stratigraphic model for the specific tectonic environment using process-based sequence stratigraphic methods.

Neoproterozoic slope deposits, Mackenzie Mountains, northwestern Canada: implications for passive-margin development and Ediacaran faunal ecology

2000 ◽  
Vol 37 (7) ◽  
pp. 997-1020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert B MacNaughton ◽  
Guy M Narbonne ◽  
Robert W Dalrymple
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Relaxation ◽  
Passive Margin ◽  
Sequence Stratigraphic ◽  
Facies Associations ◽  
Windermere Supergroup ◽  
Sea Level Oscillations ◽  
Relative Inability ◽  
Sequence Boundaries ◽  
Major Sequence ◽  
Water Facies

The youngest formations of the Neoproterozoic Windermere Supergroup in northwestern Canada (Gametrail, Blueflower, and Risky formations) record the transition from slope to shelf deposition on a prograding passive margin. Eleven facies associations are recognized, representing environments ranging from carbonate- and siliciclastic-dominated continental slope to open carbonate shelf and siliciclastic shoreface. Seven simple sequences are recognized, which can be grouped into three composite sequences. Combination of the data presented here with previous work on underlying and overlying formations indicates that the sequence-stratigraphic record is least detailed in the deepest-water facies and most detailed in shelf facies, reflecting the relative inability of high-frequency relative sea-level oscillations to affect deposition in deep-water settings. Falling-stage deposits are especially common in the upper slope region. Several major sequence boundaries (unconformities) are clustered in the interval a short distance below the Precambrian-Cambrian boundary. The most significant of these occurs high in the Blueflower Formation, not at the top of the Risky Formation as commonly inferred. This interval containing several surfaces may reflect thermal uplift related to the rifting recorded in rocks of this age in the southern Canadian Cordillera. Renewed subsidence (thermal relaxation) commenced just prior to the Neoproterozoic-Cambrian boundary, giving rise to a thick succession of shelf to nonmarine basal-Cambrian deposits. Ediacaran body fossils previously reported from the studied units occur in a range of slope to shoreface environments, including some facies that were deposited below the photic zone. The most common taxa occur across a spectrum of facies and were apparently ecological generalists.

scholarly journals Early to mid-Cretaceous mixed carbonate-clastic shelfal systems: examples, issues and models from the Arabian Plate

GeoArabia ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 541-598 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger B. Davies ◽  
David M. Casey ◽  
Andrew D. Horbury ◽  
Peter R. Sharland ◽  
Michael D. Simmons
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Passive Margin ◽  
Arabian Plate ◽  
Carbonate Platforms ◽  
Carbonate Production ◽  
Sequence Stratigraphic ◽  
Stratigraphic Model ◽  
Depositional Systems ◽  
Migration Pathways ◽  
Mixed Carbonate

ABSTRACT Maximum Flooding Surfaces (MFS) in the Early to mid-Cretaceous mixed carbonate-clastic shelfal systems of the Arabian Plate have been incorporated into a new sequence stratigraphic model that links Kuwait, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, to Oman and Yemen. It is based on regional sequence stratigraphic concepts supported by biostratigraphic, sedimentological and mineralogical data. The model has amended the positions of some existing MFS. The diachronous interplay between large-scale, proximal clastic systems and outboard (down-systems-tract) carbonate platforms was emphasized by concentrating on the depositional history of prodelta areas during delta advance and retreat. The prodelta area of relatively deep water separating the depositional systems has been termed the ‘Migratory Carbonate Suppressed Belt’ (MCSB). The model proposes that platform limestones expanded back over preceding prodelta areas during transgressions. The most extensive transgressions ultimately led to the demise of MCSBs. The maximum landward retreat of the shoreline coincided with the cessation of clastic input in the most up-systems-tract localities. Thus, the model has predicted that in many places MFS are located in the basal parts of clean carbonates even though these are not the deepest-water sediments. Examples are the Zubair-Shu’aiba (K70 MFS) and the upper Burgan-Maddud (K100) sections of the northern Gulf. Where carbonate platforms did not expand completely across the MCSBs, perhaps because of fault-control, the MCSBs survived and MFS are present within deeper-water, prodelta shales deposited below the most efficient window for carbonate production. Examples are the K40 to K60 MFS in intraformational shales of the Zubair, Biyadh, and Qishn formations of Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen, and K100 in the Burgan-Wasia formations of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Even in these cases, the MFS are present within limestones deposited further down-systems-tract, notably in Iran (K60—Khalij Member, Gadvan Formation; K100—Dair Limestone Member, Burgan-Kazhdumi formations). Deeper-water dense limestones and shales with accompanying MFS were deposited along the northeastern passive margin of the Arabian Plate, or within intrashelf basins with some limited connection to the open ocean. From a regional perspective it can be seen that eustatic or tectonically forced MFS do not necessarily occur within the deepest-water facies. A regional understanding is needed for a more precise sequence stratigraphic interpretation of the Early to mid-Cretaceous succession of the Arabian Plate. The identification of the stratigraphic architecture is of major economic importance at the reservoir scale, for instance in recognizing vertical permeability and transmissibility barriers, as well as at the regional-play fairway scale in the distribution of seals and their potential influence on migration pathways. Our interpretations are also relevant to the prediction of source-rock distributions and, in the longer term, may help identify stratigraphic trap potential related to the interplay between clastic and carbonate depositional systems. Although the model proposed relates to the Arabian Plate, general conclusions may be applicable to other regions where mixed carbonate-clastic systems are well developed, for example in many basins of Tertiary age in South East Asia.

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