Transgressive-regressive cycles in Lower Cretaceous strata, Mississippi Interior Salt Basin area of the northeastern Gulf of Mexico, USA

Abstract

Four transgressive-regressive (T-R) cycles and five T-R subcycles have been recognized in Lower Cretaceous strata of the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. These T-R cycles are the LKEGR-TR 1 (Lower Cretaceous, Eastern Gulf Region) (upper Valanginian–upper Aptian), the LKEGR-TR 2 (upper Aptian–middle Albian), the LKEGR-TR 3 (middle–upper Albian), and the LKEGR-TR 4 (upper Albian–lower Cenomanian) cycles. The LKEGR-TR 1 Cycle consists of three subcycles: LKEGR-TR 1–1 (upper Valanginian–lower Aptian), LKEGR-TR 1–2 (lower Aptian) and LKEGR-TR 1–3 (upper Aptian) subcycles. The LKEGR-TR 2–1 (upper Aptian–lower Albian) and the LKEGR-TR 2–2 (lower–middle Albian) subcycles constitute the LKEGR-TR 2 Cycle. The LKEGR-TR 3 and the LKEGR-TR 4 cycles consist of a single T-R cycle.Recognition of these T-R cycles is based upon stratal geometries, nature of cycle boundaries, facies stacking patterns within cycles, and large-scale shifts in major facies belts. The T-R subcycles are characterized by shifts in major facies belts that are not of the magnitude of a T-R cycle. The cycle boundary may be marked by a subaerial unconformity, ravinement surface, transgressive surface or surface of maximum regression. A single T-R cycle consists of an upward-deepening event (transgressive aggrading and backstepping phases) and an upward-shallowing event (regressive infilling phase). These events are separated by a surface of maximum transgression. The aggrading phase marks the change from base-level fall and erosion to base-level rise and sediment accumulation; this phase signals the initiation of the creation of shelf-accommodation space. The marine transgressive and flooding events of the backstepping phase are widespread and provide regional correlation datums. Therefore, these T-R cycles and subcycles can be identified, mapped, and correlated in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico area. The progradational events associated with the regressive infilling phase represent a major influx of siliciclastic sediments into the basin, the development of major reef build-ups at the shelf margin, and a significant loss of shelf-accommodation space. These T-R cycles are interpreted to be the result of the amount of and change in shelf-accommodation due to a combination of post-rift tectonics, loading subsidence, variations in siliciclastic sediment supply and dispersal systems, carbonate productivity and eustasy associated with a passive continental margin. The T-R cycles, where integrated with biostratigraphic data, can be correlated throughout the northern Gulf of Mexico region and have the potential for global correlation of Lower Cretaceous strata.