Identification of sequence stratigraphy in the Dongying Formation of the Liaoxi low uplift, Bohai Bay Basin, China

Abstract

A change in sea level (or lake level) causes a change in accommodation space and sediment compensation, which then controls the formation and evolution of sequences. A multidisciplinary approach based on the integration of clay minerals, major and trace elements, paleosalinity, and three-dimensional seismic data were applied to interpret the stratigraphic sequence of the Dongying Formation in the Liaoxi low uplift. The sequence surface indicates that multistage tectonic action, paleoclimate, paleosalinity, and lake level change jointly controlled the sequence stratigraphy. The illite and illite–smectite mixed layers indicate an arid to semi-arid climate, whereas kaolinite implies humid conditions. Based on this principle, it is clear that the stratigraphic sequence is closely related to paleoclimate. Interpretation of the continental or marine character of the sediments via paleosalinity is increasingly based on the concentration of some trace elements. Hence, the sequence surface can be better evaluated through paleosalinity data. Based on the Sr/Ba and boron content, paleosalinity was evaluated and the sequence boundary was identified. Analysis of the concentration of major and trace elements was used to identify the lithology of the sedimentary region and further discern the stratigraphic sequence. These sequences are composed of lowstand, transgressive, and highstand system tracts. The work herein aimed to understand the reasons for the changes in sequences under the paleoclimate. In addition, major and trace elements, studied together with paleosalinity and clay mineral content, result in the determination of implications for sequence stratigraphy in many other basins. This paper can provide a novel method for comprehensively discerning a sequence surface.