Fluvial Facies Sequence Stratigraphy and its Application to Oil Exploration

Abstract

It is considered that discussion on adaptability of sequence stratigraphy in fluvial sedimentation is significant for oil exploration. As the main controlling factor is the sea-level fluctuations in the coastal river system, Exxon sequence stratigraphy can be applied to divide the sequences into: lowstand, transgressive and highstand systems tracts. And in the inland fluvial system, the application of low- and high-accommodation systems tracts may keep more coincident with the actual stratigraphic record. From the Exxon stratigraphy to low- and high-accommodation systems tracts, each model will be of great value in the petroleum exploration because of the lateral phase transition raised and the vertical phase transition predicted. However, controlled by many allogenic processes, fluvial strata still shows many problems in which the patterns can not be clearly explained. Thus, fluvial sequence stratigraphy needs to be further developed. Researching on various models of fluvial facies sequence stratigraphy in the development process will bring the important theoretical and practical value to the oil reservoir exploration.