Distinguishing depositional environments of the Lower Cambrian–Lower Cretaceous siliciclastic sequence of Jordan using geostatistical techniques: A proposal

Abstract

Applying geostatistical techniques, semivariogram function, and kriging interpolation on the Lower Cambrian–Lower Cretaceous siliciclastic sequence of Jordan yielded a discriminatory diagram that can be utilized to discriminate between the fluvial channel, fluvial floodplain, and shallow marine depositional environments. The mean-sorting index contour values equal to 2.5 or below were found to be indicative of a fluvial channel depositional environment, mean-sorting index contour values above 4.5 may indicate a shallow marine depositional environment, whereas mean-sorting index contour values ranging between 2.5 and 4.5 could indicate a fluvial floodplain depositional environment. The validity of the suggested technique stems from its ability to discriminate between the studied samples of already proven sedimentary environments. Similar studies on other clastic sedimentary rocks would indicate whether this conclusion is valid only for the case study or for all other clastic deposits of different ages, at different locations and of other depositional environments.