Abstract
The Australian Upper Proterozoic, Permo-Carboniferous and Pleistocene glacial epochs were each notable for well -developed examples of glacially-induced, cyclical sedimentation. The Pennsylvanian (Upper Carboniferous) of North America was similarly characterized by cyclothems of probably related origin. Both the foregoing Pennsylvanian and the Australian Permain contain much of the world's coal. Both are significant sources also of hydrocarbons and constitute some of the more prolific hydrocarbon resources on both continents.Around the world, Quaternary sea-floor and terrestrial sedimentary sequences reveal increasing evidence of comparable climatic fluctuations and related sea-level influenced sedimentary deposition. Such fluctuations relate primarily to alternate waxing and waning of contemporary continental ice sheets. Astronomic cycles influenced principally by the varying obliquity of the ecliptic (earth's axial tilt), and the precession of the equinoxes, appear to offer primary climatic controls. Milankovitch -type astronomic radiation cycles almost certainly apply.Prominent sedimentary cycles characterising parts of the Australian Quaternary succession relate directly to repetitive climatic and sea-level changes. In turn, these are related back to Permo-Carboniferous sedimentary deposition as it influenced coal formation, the development of hydrocarbon source rock and a range of sand reservoirs as they bear on oil exploration.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.