High-resolution sequence stratigraphic division and distribution of tidal deposits in the Zhuhai Formation, Huizhou Sag, Pearl River Mouth Basin, South China Sea

The Zhuhai Formation of the Huizhou Oilfield has been interpreted as being deposited in a tide-dominated estuarine setting. This paper uses stratigraphic principles, cores and logging data to analyse the facies changes of tidal sedimentation in response to the base level cycle. We conclude that the mud flat progradational allocycle is the result of a long-term base level fall, while the fining-upwards autocycle is in response to a short-term base level fall. Region-wide mud layers of supratidal zones and scour surfaces of subtidal zones are stratigraphic surfaces of tidal sedimentation. By integrating high-resolution stratigraphic correlations with seismic attributes extracted from the stratal slicing of 3-D data volumes, we use an attribute map of RMS (root mean square) amplitude to image the distribution and evolution of tidal deposits in the study area. Intertidal zones and the upper parts of the tidal cycle are favourable areas for prospecting and oil reserves and thus provide a basis for petroleum exploration and development.