Upper Cretaceous and Cenozoic Sedimentary Sequence, Baltimore Canyon Trough, United States Atlantic Margin: ABSTRACT

Abstract

The extent and character of Upper Cretaceous and Cenozoic rock units in the Baltimore Canyon Trough are revealed by geologic data from 29 exploratory wells. These data, released to the public in 1982, have been used previously in the description of regional rock-stratigraphic units in the trough. Now, a more detailed interpretation and correlation of electric logs and mud logs from these wells and a petrographic examination of thin sections have revealed the composition and lateral distribution of these units. Four detailed stratigraphic cross sections were constructed to show rock-unit correlations among 19 exploratory wells based on lithology and electric logs. Thin-section photomicrographs of drill cuttings and conventional cores document the mineralogic composition of these units. The Upper Cretaceous section is composed principally of gray to brown, calcareous mudstone and is 1,555-3,220 ft (475-980 m) thick. One major shaly, glauconitic quartzarenite within the mudstone is present at most of the well sites. An Eocene carbonate unit, 100-1,100 ft (30-335 m) thick, overlies the mudstone. This unit grades from fossiliferous wackestones to calcareous shale. Oligocene to Miocene calcareous mudstone overlies the Eocene carbonate. White to gray, calcareous clay, shale, and siltstone are common constituents, and limestone, dolomite, and sand are minor constituents. Miocene to Pliocene unconsolidated fine to very coarse-grained sand overlies the mudstone. An uppermost unit of predominantly gray clay is present in the eastern part of the basin. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1923------------