Using precise CA-TIMS ages of volcanic air-fall tuff beds in correlating the Walloon Coal Measures of the Surat Basin, Australia

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 810 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmine Wainman ◽  
Peter McCabe
Keyword(s):  
High Precision ◽  
Sedimentary Facies ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Upper Jurassic ◽  
Marine Strata ◽  
Stratigraphic Framework ◽  
Lithostratigraphic Units ◽  
Spectrometry Technique ◽  
Discontinuous Nature ◽  
Coal Measures

The Upper Jurassic Walloon Coal Measures of the Surat Basin is one of Australia’s largest and most productive gas provinces. Despite the drilling of over 8500 wells and numerous publications, the stratigraphic framework is poorly defined. The laterally discontinuous nature of the sedimentary facies, including coals and fluvial channel sandstones, makes correlation difficult. The abundance of volcanic air-fall tuff beds within strata across the basin provides a unique opportunity to independently verify existing stratigraphic frameworks. Using the high-precision chemical abrasion thermal ionisation mass spectrometry technique, zircon grains from 28 tuff beds have been successfully dated within an error margin of less than 100 kyr. These dates substantially revise biostratigraphic and lithostratigraphic frameworks. Lithostratigraphic units are diachronous across the basin. In addition, the sparsity of key spore–pollen taxa limits the application of biostratigraphy. The complex interplay of climate and subsidence on facies distributions can now be documented over a time frame of ~4 Ma. Syntectonism played an important role in variable palaeodrainage patterns across the basin, the frequency of fluvial avulsions and preferential sites of peat accumulation through time. The new stratigraphic framework should aid in future exploration for coal seam gas in the area. Dating tuff beds using high-precision dating techniques should also assist in correlation of non-marine strata elsewhere in the world.

Revisions to the chronostratigraphic framework of the Upper Jurassic Walloon Coal Measures of the Surat Basin, Australia

2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 965
Author(s):  
Carmine Wainman ◽  
Peter McCabe
Keyword(s):  
Sea Level ◽  
Upper Jurassic ◽  
Coal Seam Gas ◽  
Flow Simulations ◽  
Reservoir Models ◽  
Stratigraphic Framework ◽  
Ionisation Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Time Gap ◽  
Coal Accumulation ◽  
Coal Measures

The Upper Jurassic Walloon Coal Measures (WCM) in the Surat Basin host the largest coal seam gas (CSG) resource in Australia. Despite this, a poorly defined lithostratigraphic framework hinders the development of reservoir models and groundwater flow simulations. Correlations in the WCM are challenging, owing to the complex arrangement of facies over short distances and the absence of a reliable regional stratigraphic datum. To better correlate the strata, 26 tuff beds were dated using the U–Pb chemical abrasion thermal ionisation mass spectrometry methodology across the Surat Basin CSG fairway. This initially suggested that coal-bearing strata in the basin were diachronous. However, the acquisition of a new date from the Surat Basin has identified a five million year time gap between dated tuffs ~20 m apart. This suggests the presence of an unconformity and that there were two independent episodes of coal accumulation in the basin. Above the unconformity, there are incised valleys with a sedimentary infill that transitions from fluvial- to tidal-influenced facies, as indicated by dinoflagellate cysts and tidal sedimentary structures, including double mud drapes. The cause of the unconformity is likely to be tectonic, as eustatic sea-level was rising during the Kimmeridigian. The marine incursion into the basin is the consequence of a highstand of sea-level during the early Tithonian. The application of the new chronostratigraphic framework should elucidate the evolution of fluviolacustrine systems in the basin and aid in resource prediction. Further dating of tuffs in the basin could refine the stratigraphic framework.

Sequence stratigraphy of the late Carboniferous Clifton Formation, New Brunswick

2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (11) ◽  
pp. 1289-1304
Author(s):  
Brandon M. Keough ◽  
Olivia A. King ◽  
Matthew R. Stimson ◽  
Page C. Quinton ◽  
Michael C. Rygel
Keyword(s):  
New Brunswick ◽  
Sediment Supply ◽  
Sequence Stratigraphic ◽  
Marine Strata ◽  
Stratigraphic Framework ◽  
Carbonaceous Shales ◽  
Study Interval ◽  
Maritimes Basin ◽  
Sequence Boundaries ◽  
Maximum Flooding Surface

The Maritimes Basin of Atlantic Canada contains a rich record of Pennsylvanian cyclothems. Previous studies have focused on rapidly subsiding depocenters in the central part of the basin where Carboniferous successions feature cyclic alternations between terrestrial and marginal marine strata. In contrast, the Pennsylvanian Clifton Formation was deposited on the relatively stable New Brunswick platform and contains almost entirely terrestrial strata. Although early studies of the Clifton Formation noted a cyclic architecture, particularly within Member B, this unit has remained understudied. We provide a sedimentological and sequence stratigraphic framework for the lower 85 m of Member B and interpret our results relative to a broader regional framework. Near the base of the study interval, the highstand systems tract is composed of red floodplain mudrocks; overlying sequence boundaries are composed of calcretes and (or) channels. The transgressive systems tract and maximum flooding surface are represented by coals and aquatic bivalve-bearing mudrocks. Moving upward through the section, the architecture of the highstand systems tract remains largely unchanged while sequence-bounding paleosols become less well developed, the transgressive systems tract becomes thinner and eventually not preserved, and the maximum flooding surface is only occasionally preserved, possibly represented by carbonaceous shales. These changes in cyclic architecture may be attributed to changes in the magnitude of glacioeustatic fluctuations, climate, and (or) the accommodation/sediment supply ratio. The results of this study show that the Clifton Formation represents the terrestrial/proximal endmember for cyclicity in the Maritimes Basin and provide new insight into paleotopography as a possible control on cyclothem architecture.

BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO THE EASTERN DAMPIER SUB-BASIN: AN INTEGRATED REVIEW BASED ON GEOPHYSICAL, STRATIGRAPHIC AND BASIN MODELLING EVALUATION

2004 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 123 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.P. Thomas ◽  
M.R. Lennane ◽  
F. Glass ◽  
T. Walker ◽  
M. Partington ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Data ◽  
Joint Venture ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
Upper Jurassic ◽  
Source Rocks ◽  
Third Order ◽  
Geochemical Fingerprinting ◽  
Stratigraphic Framework ◽  
Seismic Image ◽  
Hydrocarbon Charge

The eastern Dampier Sub-basin on Australia’s northwestern margin has been subject to intensive exploration activity since the early 1960s. The commercial success rate for exploration drilling, however, has been a disappointing 8%, despite numerous indications of at least one active petroleum system. During 2002–2003, Woodside and its joint venture partners undertook an integrated review of the area, aimed at unlocking its remaining potential. Stratigraphy, hydrocarbon charge and 3D seismic data quality were addressed in parallel.The eastern Dampier Sub-basin stratigraphy was upgraded from the existing, conventional, second-order tectono-stratigraphic framework to a third-order, exploration-scale, genetic stratigraphic framework. The new framework has regional predictive capability in terms of reservoir (and seal) presence and facies, and has led to recognition of new plays and an enhanced understanding of known plays. One new play involves shoreface sands within the Calypso Formation. New light has been shed on the known Lower Cretaceous M.australis sands play (K30), by the creation of gross depositional environment maps at third-order sequence scale. The Upper Jurassic deepwater clastics play of the Lewis Trough has also been developed, by recognition of four prospective, sand-rich gravity-flow intervals in the early Oxfordian (J42 play).A 3D charge modelling study, underpinned by new geochemical analysis, has allowed delineation of areas of higher and lower risk in terms of hydrocarbon charge and phase (oil versus gas). Key source rocks for oil are identified in the early Oxfordian W.spectabilis biozone, although they are also a likely source for gas in the southwest of the area. The Bathonian-Callovian Upper Legendre Formation is a major source for gas, but could also have contributed minor oil in the northeast of the area. By a combination of geochemical fingerprinting and 3D forward modelling, most hydrocarbon occurrences in the area have been tied to these source intervals, complete with a consistent view of maturities and migration pathways.Some 1,500 km2 of the Panaeus multi-client 3D survey were reprocessed, with close attention to multiple removal, velocities and imaging. A step-change improvement in seismic quality was obtained, together with improved velocities for depth conversion.The prospect portfolio has been polarised and much enhanced through these studies, and the results of several existing wells have become better understood. Some new prospects were identified by apparent direct fluid indications, detected in one case by 3D volume AVO screening. Other new prospects are the result of a clearer seismic image, or of the revised velocity model for depth conversion. New plays are still being followed up, while the fresh light cast on existing plays (e.g. K30 and J42), in combination with improved seismic data, has led to development of several interesting opportunities.

scholarly journals Seismic Characteristics and Development of the Upper Jurassic Carbonate Buildups from the Miechów Trough (Southern Poland)

Geosciences ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 239
Author(s):  
Łukasz Słonka ◽  
Piotr Krzywiec
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Data ◽  
Sedimentary Facies ◽  
Upper Jurassic ◽  
Seismic Facies ◽  
Depositional Model ◽  
Attribute Analysis ◽  
Deep Wells ◽  
Depositional System ◽  
Carbonate Buildups ◽  
Mass Flows

The presented study is devoted to the subsurface Upper Jurassic carbonate buildups and surrounding stratified inter-buildup deposits in the hitherto less recognized area, in comparison with other parts of the northern Tethyan shelf in Poland and Europe. The study area is located within the present-day Miechów Trough, almost entirely covered by thick Cretaceous and younger deposits. This paper shows results of the interpretation of 2D seismic data, calibrated by data from deep wells. Investigation of various elements of the Upper Jurassic carbonate depositional system in the Miechów Trough is supported by seismic facies and attribute analysis. The four distinctive seismic facies—(A) bedded, (B) mound-shaped, (C) contorted-chaotic, and (D) chaotic—were assigned to the main Upper Jurassic sedimentary facies, represented by (1) bedded facies, (2) massive facies (carbonate buildups) and (3) deposits of gravity mass-flows. The results of this study were used to construct a depositional model for the Upper Jurassic succession, that focuses on the initiation, growth and demise of the large carbonate buildups in this part of the basin. This paper also presents the more extensive distribution of the Upper Jurassic carbonate buildups than was previously proposed for the Miechów Trough.

scholarly journals A New Framework for the Pleistocene Stratigraphy of the Central St. Lawrence Lowland, Southern Québec

2007 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michel Lamothe
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Borehole Data ◽  
Depositional Sequence ◽  
Stratigraphic Framework ◽  
Stage 4 ◽  
Lithostratigraphic Units ◽  
New Framework ◽  
St Lawrence River ◽  
Glacial Advance ◽  
The Last Glacial

ABSTRACT For three decades, a stratigraphic framework involving one glaciation with two major ice advances (represented by the Bécancour Till and Gentilly Till), separated by one brief interstade (represented by the St. Pierre Sediments), has been invoked to explain the lithostratigraphic succession of Pleistocene sediments exposed in the St. Lawrence Lowland of southern Québec. New exposures found along the bluffs of the St. Lawrence River and recent borehole data provide evidence that the Pleistocene depositional sequence is the result of three glacial advances and two nonglacial events, each represented by organic-bearing units. Two lithostratigraphic units (Lotbinière Sand and Lévrard Till) and three climatostratigraphic units (St. Lawrence Stade, Grondines Interstade and Les Becquets Interstade) are introduced in the stratigraphie nomenclature. No definite age can be assigned to the lowermost till (Bécancour?) but it is now believed to be pre-Sangamonian. Field observations and geochronological data suggest the lower and upper interstadial sediments, and an intervening glacial unit represent brief but severe environmental changes that occurred at the beginning of the Wisconsin Glaciation, ca. 90-70 ka BP. This sequence may correlate with marine isotope stage 5a, stage 4, and the earliest part of stage 3. The age of the onset of the last glacial advance (Gentilly Till) is problematic, possibly ranging from 60 to 30 ka BP.

scholarly journals Characterizing and modeling the Upper Jurassic Arab-D reservoir using outcrop data from Central Saudi Arabia

GeoArabia ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 53-84
Author(s):  
Hassan Eltom ◽  
Osman Abdullatif ◽  
Mohammed Makkawi ◽  
Asaad Abdulraziq
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Upper Jurassic ◽  
Major And Trace Elements ◽  
Carbonate Reservoir ◽  
Oil Fields ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Well Spacing ◽  
Stratigraphic Framework

ABSTRACT Outcrop analogs are used to improve the characterization of reservoir stratigraphy, to understand subsurface facies architecture and heterogeneity, and to overcome the limitations associated with large inter-well spacing within individual oil fields. This study characterized and modeled outcropping strata equivalent to the Upper Jurassic Arab-D carbonate reservoir in Central Saudi Arabia. The study presents qualitative and quantitative sedimentological and petrographic descriptions of lithofacies associations and interprets them within a high-order stratigraphic framework using geostatistical modeling, spectral gamma-ray, geochemistry, petrography and micropaleontology. The sedimentological studies revealed three lithofacies associations, which are interpreted as a gentle slope platform depositional environment comprising nine high-frequency sequences. The biocomponents of the study area show a lower degree of diversity than the subsurface Arab-D reservoir; however, some key biofacies are present and provide indications of the nature of the paleoenvironments. The geochemical results show a strong correlation between the major and trace elements and the reservoir facies, and suggest that the concentrations of elements and their corresponding spectral gamma-ray logs follow the same general upward-shoaling pattern. The 3-D geocellular model captures small-scale reservoir variability, which is reflected in the petrophysical data distribution in the model. This investigation increases the understanding of the stratigraphy of the Arab-D reservoir and provides a general framework for zonation, layering, and lateral stratigraphic correlations.

scholarly journals Arquitectura estratigráfica, paleogeografía y proveniencia sedimentaria de las rocas cenozoicas del sur de Perú (Tacna, 18° S)

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 351
Author(s):  
Aldo A. Alvan ◽  
Yacory F. Bustamante ◽  
Elvis A. Sánchez ◽  
Mirian I. Mamani
Keyword(s):  
Sedimentary Facies ◽  
Normal Faults ◽  
Architectural Elements ◽  
Western Cordillera ◽  
Stratigraphic Framework ◽  
Basal Complex ◽  
Facies Associations ◽  
Sediment Mineralogy ◽  
Sedimentary Fill ◽  
Stratigraphic Thickness

The Cenozoic rocks lying in the Province of Tacna (18° S), southern Perú, represent approximately 600 m of stratigraphic thickness. This stacking groups the Sotillo (Paleocene), Moquegua Inferior (Eocene), Moquegua Superior (Oligocene), Huaylillas (Miocene) and Millo formations (Pliocene), and these are the sedimentary fill of the Moquegua Basin. The sediments of the three latter formations are organized into nine sedimentary facies and five architectural elements. Their facies associations suggest the existence of an ancient highly channelized multi-lateral fluvial braided system, with upward increase of pyroclastic and conglomeratic depositions. The heavy mineral spectra make each lithostratigraphic unit unique and distinguishable, being the sediments of the Moquegua Superior Formation rich in garnets, titanites and zircons; while the sediments of the Huaylillas and Millo formations in clinopyroxenes. This mineral arrangement becomes an excellent tool for stratigraphic correlations between outcrops and subsurface stratigraphy (by means of well cores studies) and allow to sketch out a new stratigraphic framework and a complex of rocky blocks bounded by normal faults, often tilted. The sediment mineralogy also suggests that the rocks conforming the Western Cordillera were the main source of sediments for the Moquegua Basin in Tacna. In this context, the detritus of the Moquegua Superior Formation derives mainly from the erosion of the rocks forming the Coastal Basal Complex (Proterozoic), the Ambo Group (Carboniferous) and the Junerata/Chocolate Formation (Early Jurassic). The Huaylillas Formation is a pyroclastic and sedimentary unit which components derived mainly from the Huaylillas volcanism (Miocene) and partly from the denudation of the Toquepala Group (Late Cretaceous). The Huaylillas Formation widely contrasts to the underlying Moquegua Superior Formation due its mineralogy and facies. Finally, the detritus of the Millo Formation derived mostly from the rocks forming the Barroso Formation (Pliocene), and their facies represent a higher contrast in relation to the underlying units due its notorious conglomerate facies.

scholarly journals Interpretation and Reconstruction of Depositional Environment and Petroleum Source Rock Using Outcrop Gamma-ray Log Spectrometry From the Huai Hin Lat Formation, Thailand

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chawisa Phujareanchaiwon ◽  
Piyaphong Chenrai ◽  
Kasira Laitrakull
Keyword(s):  
Depositional Environment ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Sedimentary Facies ◽  
Depositional Environments ◽  
Turbidity Currents ◽  
Stratigraphic Framework ◽  
Facies Associations ◽  
Mineral Compositions ◽  
Gamma Ray Log ◽  
Low K

Gamma ray logs are most useful in identifying subsurface lithology and interpreting depositional environments. This study highlights the use of outcrop gamma-ray logs along with outcrop observations and total organic carbon (TOC) analysis to provide the stratigraphic framework of the organic-rich rocks of Huai Hin Lat Formation in central Thailand. The study reveals five sedimentary facies including (1) structureless sandstone, (2) structured sandstone, (3) interbedded sandstone and siltstone, (4) interbedded mudstone and siltstone and (5) calcareous mudstone. These facies can be grouped into two facies associations; mudstone-dominated and sandstone-dominated facies associations. The depositional environment was interpreted as lacustrine basin-fill subdivided into deep lacustrine environment and sublacustrine fan associated with the turbidity currents. The total gamma-log characteristics are closely related to the lithologies controlled primarily by clay mineral compositions. Whist, the use of spectral gamma-ray can reveal more details on depositional environments and conditions. In this study, U concentrations is proven to be useful in highlighting organic-rich rocks in low K and Th concentration successions due to its ability to be fixed in clay minerals and organic materials under an anoxic condition. Thus, the U spectral gamma ray is suggested to combine with conventional gamma ray log for depositional environment and recognition of organic-rich rocks.

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