Simulation of the Capitan Shelf Margin (Late Permian, Guadalupian) of West Texas/New Mexico, A Response to Eustatic Change and an example of the use of Sedpak

Abstract

Abstract The interactive computer simulation, SEDPAK, can track the sedimentary geometries produced by the filling of a two-dimensional basin from both sides, with a combination of clastic sediment and in situ carbonate growth (Strobel et al., 1987, 1988; Heiland-Hansen et al., 1988; Scaturo et al., 1988). The simulation program is implemented in 'C' and has been executed on Apollo and Sun workstations using graphical plotting functions based on the 'X' windows system. Sediment geometries are plotted on the graphics terminal as they are computed, so the user can immediately view the results. Then, based on these observations, the parameters can be repeatedly changed and the program rerun till the user is satisfied with the resultant geometry. SEDPAK models geometries of clastic and carbonate sediments as they evolve through time and respond to depositional processes that include tectonic movement, eustasy, and sedimentation. Clastic modeling includes sedimentary bypass and erosion and sedimentation in alluvial and coastal plains, marine-shelf, basin-slope, and basin-floor settings. Carbonate modeling includes progradation, the development of hard grounds, downslope aprons, keep up, catch up, back step, and drowned reef facies, as well as lagoonal and epeiric facies. Also included is the capability to model extensional vertical faulting of the basin, sediment compaction, and isostatic response to sediment loading.