Late Transgressive Systems Tract Research Articles

Organic petrographic, geochemical, and sequence stratigraphic analyses for evaluating the hydrocarbon potential of Middle Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous rocks in Shushan Basin, northwestern Egypt

Integrated organic petrographic and geochemical analyses were made on organic-rich marine carbonate and mixed clastic-carbonate rocks of Middle–Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous age from the Shushan Basin, Egypt to evaluate their hydrocarbon potential. Analyses allowed the identification of depositional settings, paleoclimate, and three third order genetic stratigraphic sequences (SQ) with deposits assigned to highstand (HST), lowstand (LST) and transgressive systems tracts (TST). Deposition of the source rocks in the rifting Shushan Basin resulted from the interaction between Neotethyan sea level changes, tectonic, and climate. The good reducing conditions developed during the Neotethyan Middle–Late Jurassic (Bajocian–Kimmeridgian) second order sea level rises and the climatically induced carbonate sedimentation resulted in the deposition of the organic-rich carbonates of the Khatatba Formation (SQ 1, early–middle TST) in inner–middle shelf settings under anoxic–dysoxic conditions. The Late Jurassic (late Kimmeridgian) uplifting resulted in the deposition of the organic-lean mixed clastic–carbonate strata of the Masajid Formation (SQ 1, latest TST) in the same shelfal and reducing conditions, which experienced a notable dilution of organic matter. The late TST deposits of SQ 1 are good to very good oil-producing source rocks, where they show average good to very good generative potential of late mature (late oil-to early wet gas-window) highly oil-prone organic matter. The Early Cretaceous (Valanginian–Albian) uplifting associated with the rifting of the Shushan Basin overprinted the Neotethyan late Valanginian–Hauterivian second order sea level rises, Aptian second order highstand sea level, and Albian second order sea level rise. The coeval climatic shift toward more humid conditions resulted in the clastic-dominated deposition of the organic-lean regressive units of SQ 2 (HST and LST of Alam El Bueib, Alamein, and Dahab formations) and SQ 3 (HST and LST of the lower–upper Kharita Formation) in marginal marine settings under anoxic–dysoxic to oxic conditions. The HST and LST deposits of the SQ 2 and SQ 3 show poor to good organic richness of early–mid mature (early–peak oil-window) oil/gas-prone and gas/oil-prone organic matter, respectively and exhibit average fair oil source rock potential with no gas generation.

Terminal Ediacaran microbialite lithofacies associations with paleo-environmental constraints in a high-frequency sequence stratigraphic framework of Sichuan Basin, SW China

The terminal Ediacaran shallow marine microbialites are significant for paleo-environment reconstruction and petroleum exploration. Their depositional and paleo-environmental characteristics during high-frequency sea-level fluctuations were paid less attention, which limited the understanding of their evolution and related reservoir characterization. Microbialites from the fourth member of the upper Ediacaran Dengying Formation, Gaoshiti-Moxi area, Sichuan Basin, SW China are important records for studying their lithofacies associations and paleo-environmental constraints in high-frequency depositional sequences. Petrographic and geochemical analyses (in-situ major and trace elements and carbon and oxygen isotopes) indicate microbialites depositional and paleo-environmental evolution on a rimmed platform within a fourth-order depositional sequence. From late TST (transgressive systems tract) to early HST (highstand systems tract), thick-bedded dark-grey dolomudstone-thin-bedded spotted thrombolite dominates the platform margin; while thick-bedded dark-grey dolomudstone-thin bedded dark-grey wavy stromatolite dominates the platform interior. From late HST to early TST of the next fourth-order sequence, the platform margin is dominated by thick-bedded spotted thrombolite—dolograinstone, while the carbonate interior is dominated by thin-medium-bedded layered thrombolite—light-grey wavy stromatolite. Salinity correlates well with microbialite lithofacies associations: the platform interior layered thrombolite and wavy stromatolite enriched lithofacies associations are characterized by higher salinity than that of the platform margin spotted thrombolite enriched lithofacies associations. The microbialite lithofacies associations are less constrained by redox: platform interior layered thrombolite and wavy stromatolite enriched lithofacies associations are slightly more reduced than the platform interior spotted thrombolite enriched lithofacies associations. The redox analysis of the microbialites also indicates low oxygen levels of shallow marine in the study area during terminal Ediacaran, with possible oxygenation at the Ediacaran-Cambrian boundary. The study suggests that the terminal Ediacaran microbialite development was controlled by both high-frequency sea-level fluctuations and paleo-environmental factors such as salinity and redox. Platform margin spotted thrombolitic reefs from late fourth-order HST to next early fourth-order TST serve as favorable microbialite reservoirs. Platform interior layered thrombolites and wavy stromatolites are regarded as potential reservoirs, which deserve more detailed depositional-paleo-environmental research.

Late Ordovician climate and sea-level record in a mixed carbonate-siliciclastic-evaporite lithofacies, Williston Basin, USA

The Late Ordovician late Katian was a period of generally warm, transitional greenhouse to icehouse climate with sea-level oscillations dominated by moderate-amplitude eustasy. This study aims to improve the understanding of the climatic and sea-level fluctuations prior to the end-Ordovician glaciation, using a comprehensive core, wireline log, and thin-section dataset spanning the topmost Red River-Stony Mountain Formation within the subsurface of North Dakota, Williston Basin, North America. Eleven facies are identified, interpreted, and grouped into four facies associations, including salina to peritidal evaporative, restricted-marine subtidal, open-marine subtidal, and open-marine deeper water. Stratigraphic trends, basin-wide facies variations, and correlation of individual surfaces for ~380 km across the study area, suggest that the facies were deposited under different climatic and sea-level regimes as part of the long-term Stony Mountain sequence. The sequence (37–52 m) is bounded by anhydrites (basin center) and their correlative thin exposure-related breccias (updip proximal basin), and contains a set of high-frequency sequences (HFS; 2–26 m) that can be traced across the study area. The lowstand systems tract (LST) anhydrites formed in a shallow and well‑oxygenated setting under an arid climate during relatively short periods of the basin restriction. The sea-level rise during the early transgressive system tract (TST) resulted in a higher evapotranspiration rate and an increasingly humid climate that peaked during the late TST with the input of siliciclastics off the Transcontinental Arch. The increased precipitation and runoff resulted in quasiestuarine circulation. Return to semi-arid conditions characterizes the highstand systems tract (HST), with increasingly more restricted, shallow-marine and oxygenated setting with antiestuarine circulation. The work provides insight into the interaction of siliciclastic input, climate, and sea-level changes on depositional dynamics and sequence architecture of a mixed carbonate-siliciclastic-evaporite succession that formed in a tropical epicontinental basin setting prior to the end-Ordovician glaciation.

Variations of the trace fossil Zoophycos with respect to paleoenvironment and sequence stratigraphy in the Mississippian Mobarak Formation, northern Iran

Zoophycos in the Mississippian Mobarak Formation (Central Alborz, Iran) shows its potential in interpreting depositional settings, ecological features and sequence stratigraphy. Zoophycos A (ZoA), Zoophycos B (ZoB), Zoophycos/Phycosiphon (Zo/Phy) and Phycosiphon (Phy) ichnocoenoses are identified in the middle and outer ramp facies of the Mobarak Formation on the basis of shape, ichnodensity, ichnocomplexity degree and size of Zoophycos and other trace fossils. Zoophycos portrays a proximal-to-distal trend in the storm-dominated ramp sequence. In deeper parts of the ramp with long-term stable conditions and organic enrichment, Zoophycos producers selected equilibrium strategies (K-selected), whereas into the shallower parts they opted for opportunistic behavior (r-selected) due to short-term stable conditions with low food flux. The feeding behavior proposed in this study is based on general morphology as well as mode of sediment exploiting, and includes deposit feeding and the caching model. Moreover, this study confirms that the distribution pattern of the Paleozoic Zoophycos producers within a sequence stratigraphic framework that was totally different from that of the Mesozoic and Cenozoic. During the late transgressive systems tract (TST) and early highstand systems tract (HST), the excess of benthic food and the environmental stability, together with the prevalence of dysaerobic conditions, caused intense burrowing by the Zoophycos producer in proximal outer ramp to distal middle ramp. Its ethology, paleoecologic strategies and taphonomic signatures suggest that erosionally-exhumed, dewatered muddy beds (firmground) were not able to provide appropriate conditions for deposit-feeding Zoophycos producers as a consequence of their lower environmental stability. Therefore, Zoophycos as a standard component of the resident fair-weather community cannot be a good representative of the distal expression of the Glossifungites ichnofacies.

Sequence stratigraphy and coal accumulation of Lower Cretaceous coal-bearing series in Erlian Basin, northeastern China

The detailed depositional systems and basin evolution of Lower Cretaceous coal-bearing strata in the Erlian Basin of northeastern China were analyzed based on extensive borehole and outcrop data. A total of 7 facies associations are interpreted and consist of 14 distinct lithofacies, with lithologies including conglomerates, sandstones, siltstones, mudstones, shales, and coals. Five third-order sequences were recognized, and their internal lowstand, transgressive, and highstand systems tracts were defined based on six key sequence stratigraphic boundaries. These boundaries were represented by regional unconformities, basal erosional surfaces of incised valley fills, interfluvial paleosols, and abrupt depositional facies-reversal surfaces. Sequences I–V correspond to the rift-initiation stage, the early-rift climax stage, the late-rift climax stage, the immediate postrift stage, and the late postrift stage of the basin, respectively. The preferred sites for coal accumulation were braided fluvial delta plain, meandering fluvial delta plain, and littoral–shallow lake environments. The major coal seams formed during the early and late transgressive systems tract of sequences III, IV, and V, which were well developed in the eastern, northeastern, and northeastern parts of the Erlian Basin, respectively. Three coal depositional models were summarized in the sequence stratigraphic framework, including types 1, 2, and 3, corresponding to the Newark type, Newark–Richmond type, and Richmond type, respectively. These coal depositional models were closely related to the basin evolution. These results could provide preferred depositional environments and favorable areas of coal and coalbed methane (CBM) for the exploration and development of coal and CBM in the Erlian Basin, with the Jiergalangtu, Huolinhe, Baiyinhua, and A’nan sags recommended as the key sags.

Sequence palaeogeography, lacustrine basin evolution, and coal accumulation in the Lower Cretaceous Fuxin continental faulted basin, China

The Fuxin Basin is one of the major coal‐bearing basins in northeastern China with the coal seams mainly preserved in the Lower Cretaceous Fuxin Formation. The sequence stratigraphy, palaeogeography, basin evolution, and coal accumulation of the lacustrine coal‐bearing sequences in the Fuxin Formation were analysed based on borehole cores, well logs, and outcrop sections. Fifteen distinct lithofacies types were recognized with lithologies ranging from conglomerates, sandstones, siltstones, and mudstones to coals. Lithofacies are arranged into five facies associations representing alluvial fan, braided fluvial, meandering fluvial, fan delta, and lacustrine depositional systems. These facies associations collectively revealed a continental faulted basin setting. Based on the regional unconformities, basal scour surfaces of the incised valley fills sandstones, paleosols, or seat earths of coal seam on interfluves, and surfaces that mark abrupt depositional facies shifts, the Fuxin Formation was subdivided in two third‐order sequences. Palaeogeographic maps of each sequence have been reconstructed based on the contours of lithological parameters. The palaeogeographic units include alluvial fan, alluvial plain, channel (braided and meandering fluvial), fan delta, and lake. Preferred coal‐forming environments were mainly developed in the fan delta plain and fluvial back‐swamp. Compared with Sequence 1, the activity of basin‐margin faults and basement subsidence of the Sequence 2 gradually decreased, resulting in the lower rate of potential accommodation and less favourable conditions for peat accumulation. This background provided a basic understanding for the lacustrine basin evolution and coal accumulation. A six‐phase evolution model was proposed, which includes lowstand systems tract, early transgressive systems tract, late transgressive systems tract, early highstand systems tract, late highstand systems tract, and falling stage systems tract. The early and late TST of Sequence 1 and Sequence 2 were relatively beneficial stages for peat accumulation and coal development in the Fuxin Basin.

Reservoir properties distribution in the framework of sequence stratigraphic units: A case study from the Kangan Formation, Iranian offshore gas field, the Persian Gulf basin

The Lower Triassic Kangan and Upper Permian Dalan Formations have large volumes of gas and condensate reservoirs in the southern part of Iran and nearby countries. Shallow carbonate and evaporate succession of the gas bearing Kangan Formation in the Salman field was deposited in a shallow water carbonate ramp. The Salman field is a shared structure from which two-thirds is owned by Iran and the remaining portion is under territories of United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Kangan reservoir is traditionally subdivided into K2 and K1 zones. However, it has been divided into two depositional sequences based on the integration of seismic data criteria which are supposed to be a third-order sequence. In this study, the relationship between depositional sequences and reservoir properties have also been investigated. This paper mostly aims at finding and documenting the relation between depositional sequences and reservoir properties as well as constructing the related 3D geological model. Using and comparing three-dimensional (3D) seismic data and five well data particularly petrographic studies allow the recognition of 9 microfacies and two 3rd order sequences which are part of the Permian–Triassic Khuff Formation. In this study, three-dimensional models of sequences framework were constructed based on seismic and well data. Moreover, porosity and water saturation property models have constructed considering the sequence stratigraphic framework. According to the models, the high reservoir quality units mainly consist of grain-dominated rock fabrics, which are associated with shoal facies developed in the Late TST (transgressive system tract) and Early HST (highstand system tract). These results indicated high energy conditions in the transgressive sea-level rise. The supratidal, intertidal and lagoonal facies, presenting anhydrite and mud dominated rock fabrics showing a lower reservoir quality developed in the Late HST and Early TST. Therefore, the reservoir quality of HST is lower than TST. The reservoir quality of K2 is also much better than K1 and it is considered as the most prolific pay zone in the South Pars gas field. Based on the findings, the sequence stratigraphy framework in reservoir characterization plays a significant role in the better understanding of reservoir quality as well as reservoir property modeling.

Depositional environment and coal accumulation of the Lower Cretaceous Saihantala Formation in the Baiyinhua Sag of the Erlian Basin

The Erlian Basin is characterized by the Early Cretaceous thick coals and related coalbed methane resources. In this paper, we have analyzed lithofacies, sedimentary facies, sequence stratigraphy, and coal accumulation of the Lower Cretaceous in the Baiyinhua Sag of the Erlian Basin. The coal seams, which were developed from the littoral-shallow lacustrine and braided fluvial delta plain environments, were mainly formed in the late lowstand systems tract and late transgressive systems tract. The thickest coal was distributed in the central zone of the sag, which thinned out towards the northwest and the southeast. The thick coal seams were formed when fault basin was suitable for the large-scale development and preservation of peat in the stage of the basin contraction with uniform subsidence.

Organic matter accumulation in the Upper Devonian Duvernay Formation, Western Canada Sedimentary Basin, from sequence stratigraphic analysis and geochemical proxies

We present a model for organic carbon accumulation in the Upper Devonian Duvernay Formation of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin, relating total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations to a high resolution geochemical and organic petrologic database and comparing these to a core-based sequence stratigraphic interpretation. Many previous source rock studies have suggested that organic matter is enriched in transgressive systems tracts or at maximum flooding surfaces, an observation that is commonly attributed to an assumed relationship between water depth and oxygen levels. Our data set enables us to associate total organic matter content and organic assemblages with particular systems tracts and to examine how the organic assemblages change across the basin, tested against proxies for redox conditions and bioproductivity to relate relative sea level to specific mechanisms for organic accumulation.The Duvernay Formation comprises three third-order depositional sequences, superimposed on a second-order late transgressive systems tract and early highstand systems tract. Sequences are composed almost entirely of transgressive systems tracts and highstand systems tracts, with a lowstand systems tract only at the base of the upper cycle that marks the second-order sea level turnaround. Depositional facies generally vary from bioturbated carbonate-rich siltstones to siliceous mudstones from the platform margins to basin center. Organic petrologic analysis records predominantly amorphous organic matter and solid bitumen, with much less abundant vitrinite and inertinite. Organic matter type indicated by Rock-Eval analysis shows that in most cases, high total organic carbon (TOC) content is associated with better quality organic matter (high hydrogen index) and vice versa, indicating more reducing conditions or higher bioproductivity were responsibility for organic enrichment. However, near carbonate reefs, hydrogen index is uncorrelated with TOC, indicating that here, dilution by carbonate minerals was the primary control on organic enrichment. Across most of the basin, highest TOCs are recorded just above the second-order maximum flooding surface. Secondary peaks in TOC are recorded above the maximum flooding surface in the upper third-order cycle and in the transgressive systems tract of lower third-order cycle. Low TOC values are recorded in the lowstand systems tract and in the middle and upper third-order transgressive systems tracts almost up to the maximum flooding surfaces.Throughout much of the basin, proxies for relative sea level, restriction of water masses (Mo/TOC), redox conditions (Mo/Al and S/Fe) and bioproductivity (biogenic silica) coincide. These relationships demonstrate that organic carbon accumulation resulted from influxes of nutrient-rich upwelled water during high sea level; thus, TOC values are highest in the upper part of transgressive systems tracts and lower highstand systems tracts. Anoxia typically developed as a result of bioproductivity and enhanced organic matter accumulation but was not itself a trigger for organic sedimentation. Near carbonate reefs, however, varying sea level regulated carbonate sedimentation rate and organic matter dilution, and bioproductivity had less impact on organic matter concentrations; thus, TOC was high when carbonate deposition was low during transgressions, which forced carbonate reefs to backstep, limiting carbonate sedimentation in deeper water area.

Sequence paleogeography and coal accumulation of the Early–Middle Jurassic in central Qilian Mountain belt (Muli Basin), Qinghai Province, northwestern China

The Muli Basin in the Qinghai Province, located at the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, is a Jurassic coal-bearing basin, and is an important area for coal production in China. Recent explorations have revealed the presence of unconventional types of gases such as coalbed methane and gas hydrates. We have investigated the sedimentology, sequence stratigraphy, and lithofacies paleogeography of this basin based on data from outcrop and borehole sections. The coal-bearing strata include the Lower Jurassic Reshui and the Middle Jurassic Muli and Jiangcang Formations. Lithofacies including conglomerates, sandstones, mudstones, and coal were identified and have been interpreted to be formed in environments ranging from braided fluvial, braided fluvial delta, to lacustrine. The preferred sites of coal accumulation are the interdistributary bays of lower delta plain and upper delta plain environments. Three types of sequence boundaries are recognized, including regional unconformities between the Lower Jurassic and underlying Triassic, the basal surface of incised valley fills of thick-bedded sandstones in the Muli and Jiangcang Formations, and the surfaces that mark abrupt depositional facies shifts. Four third-order sequences were subdivided, namely S1, S2, S3, and S4 in ascending order, which correspond to the Reshui Formation, the Muli Formation, the lower member of the Jiangcang Formation, and the upper member of the Jiangcang Formation, respectively. Each sequence consists of a lowstand systems tract, a transgressive systems tract (TST), and a highstand systems tract. A series of sequence-specific basin-wide paleogeographic maps have been constructed based on contour maps of several lithological parameters including stratal thickness, sandstone-to-mudstone ratio, and mudstone thickness. From S1 to S4, the Muli Basin experienced an evolution from a braided fluvial system to braided fluvial delta, then to a lacustrine system, showing a gradual deepening process. Thick coal seams with thickness greater than 3.5 m (11.5 ft) were primarily developed in the delta plain environment where the rate of peat accumulation can be easily balanced by the rate of accommodation generation. A five-stage coal-accumulation model has been summarized, and the major coal seams mainly developed in the early and late TST of sequences S1 and S2.

Integrated Rock Typing of the Grainstone Facies in a Sequence Framework: a Case from the Jurassic Arab Formation in the Persian Gulf

AbstractThe late Jurassic Arab Formation, a significant carbonate‐evaporite reservoir rock in the Persian Gulf, is characterized by frequent grainstone facies. For rock type identification and reservoir characterization, core description, petrographic studies and pore system evaluation are integrated for Balal oil field in the Persian Gulf. The grainstone facies are developed into three shoal subenvironments on a carbonate ramp platform: leeward, central and seaward. Compaction, dissolution, cementation, anhydrite mineralization and dolomitization are the main diagenetic processes affecting the depositional pore system. Considering depositional and diagenetic features and pore types, the grainstones are classified into six rock types (RT 1 to RT6). Rock types 1, 2 and 5 have large pore throat sizes with intergranular and touching vug pore types. In rock type 3, moldic pores lead to high porosity and low permeability. Rock types 4 and 6 are cemented by anhydrite, calcite and dolomite. Generally, RTs 1, 2, 3 and 5 are related to late Transgressive systems tract (TST) and early Highstand systems tracts (HST) and show fair to good reservoir quality. In contrast, RTs 4 and 6 of late HST system tract show lower poroperm values, due to evaporite mineralization. Characterization of the grainstone facies provides a comprehensive understanding of the reservoir zones of the Arab Formation.

Sequence stratigraphy, palaeogeography, and coal accumulation in a gently sloping paralic basin: A case study from the Carboniferous–Early Permian Wuwei Basin, northwestern China

The Wuwei Basin is one of the major coal‐ and hydrocarbon‐bearing basins in northwestern China. Depositional environments, sequence stratigraphy, and palaeogeography of the Carboniferous to Early Permian coal measures in the Wuwei Basin were studied based on the data from outcrop sections and boreholes cores. The coal accumulation model is established within the sequence‐stratigraphic context. Fourteen lithofacies were recognized with the lithologies ranging from conglomerates, sandstones, siltstones, mudstones, carbonates, to coals, which are arranged into five facies associations representing delta, tidal flats, barrier and lagoon, littoral and associated strand‐plain, estuary, and carbonate ramp environments. These facies associations collectively revealed an overall marine‐continental transitional basin setting. The key sequence bounding surfaces, such as the regional unconformity, the basal surface of incised valley fills, and the surface that mark the facies reversal from regression to transgression, have been identified. Based on these surfaces, the Carboniferous to Early Permian in the Wuwei Basin were subdivided into seven third‐order sequences. The distribution of lithofacies and depositional facies in borehole sections, outcrop sections, and three correlation cross sections was investigated, and the sequence‐based palaeogeographic maps were reconstructed. It is inferred from the coal thickness and palaeogeographic maps that the most favourable coal accumulation environments were tidal flat and barrier–lagoon, followed by delta. The sequence stratigraphic framework controls the vertical horizons of the coal seams, whereas the palaeogeographic units determine the lateral development of the coal seams. Tidal flat, barrier–lagoon, and delta in the late transgressive systems tract and early highstand systems tract are the most favourable coal accumulation palaeogeographic units. The main coal accumulation centres were mainly distributed in the Yingpan Sag in the south of the basin, followed by the Ermahu Sag in the north of the basin.

Sequence stratigraphy in the middle Ordovician shale successions, mid-east Korea: Stratigraphic variations and preservation potential of organic matter within a sequence stratigraphic framework

The Jigunsan Formation is the middle Ordovician shale-dominated transgressive succession in the Taebaeksan Basin, located in the eastern margin of the North China platform. The total organic carbon (TOC) content and some geochemical properties of the succession exhibit a stratigraphically distinct distribution pattern. The pattern was closely associated with the redox conditions related to decomposition, bulk sedimentation rate (dilution), and productivity. To explain the distinct distribution pattern, this study attempted to construct a high-resolution sequence stratigraphic framework for the Jigunsan Formation. The shale-dominated Jigunsan Formation comprises a lower layer of dark gray shale, deposited during transgression, and an upper layer of greenish gray siltstone, deposited during highstand and falling stage systems tracts. The concept of a back-stepped carbonate platform is adopted to distinguish early and late transgressive systems tracts (early and late TST) in this study, whereas the highstand systems tracts and falling stage systems tracts can be divided by changes in stacking patterns from aggradation to progradation. The late TST would be initiated on a rapidly back-stepping surface of sediments and, just above the surface, exhibits a high peak in TOC content, followed by a gradually upward decrease. This trend of TOC distribution in the late TST continues to the maximum flooding surface (MFS). The perplexing TOC distribution pattern within the late TST most likely resulted from both a gradual reduction in productivity during the late TST and a gradual increase in dilution effect near the MFS interval. The reduced production of organic matter primarily incurred decreasing TOC content toward the MFS when the productivity was mainly governed by benthic biota because planktonic organisms were not widespread in the Ordovician. Results of this study will help improve the understanding of the source rock distribution in mixed carbonate–siliciclastic successions within a stratigraphic framework, particularly for unconventional shale reservoirs.

Sequence stratigraphic analysis of Eocene Rock Strata, Offshore Indus, southwest Pakistan

In this study, seismic data from two wells (Pak G2-1 and Indus Marine-1C) and age diagnostic larger benthic foraminifera (LBF) within drill cuttings has been used for the first time to identify depositional sequences within the carbonates in the Offshore Indus Basin, Pakistan. The Offshore Indus is tectonically categorized as a passive continental margin where carbonates occur as shelf carbonates in the near offshore and on volcanic seamounts in deeper waters. Seismic data analysis has indicated the presence of minor faults and carbonate buildups above the igneous basement in the south. Patterns of the seismic reflections enabled definition of three seismic facies units identified as: Unit 1 basement, represented by chaotic, moderate amplitude reflection configuration; while parallel bedding and the drape of overlying strata is typical character of Unit 2, carbonate mound facies. The younger Miocene channels represent Unit 3. The diagnosis of Alveolina vredenburgi/cucumiformis biozone confirmed the Ilerdian (55–52 Ma) stage constituting a second order cycle of deposition for the Eocene carbonates (identified as Unit 2). The carbonate succession has been mainly attributed to an early highstand system tract (HST). The environmental conditions remained favorable leading to the development of keep-up carbonates similar to pinnacle buildups as a result of aggradation during late transgressive system tract and an early HST. The carbonate sequence in the south (Pak G2-1) is thicker and fossiliferous representing inner to middle shelf depths based on fauna compared to the Indus Marine-1C in the north, which is devoid of fossils. Three biozones (SBZ 5, SBZ 6 and SBZ 8) were identified based on the occurrence of LBF. The base of the SBZ 5 zone marks the larger foraminifera turnover and the Paleocene–Eocene (P–E) boundary. The LBF encountered in this study coincides with earlier findings for the P–E boundary. Our findings indicate that the entire Ilerdian stage ranges from 55.5 to 52 Ma that was the episode of warmer water conditions on the carbonate shelves leading to the diversification of K-strategist larger foraminifera. The larger foraminiferal assemblage encountered in this study confirms the findings. The possible indication of stratigraphic-combination traps, revealed as reflection terminations, make carbonate mounds in the south a potential exploration target.

Sequence stratigraphic framework for mixed aeolian, peritidal and marine environments: Insights from the Pennsylvanian subtropical record of Western Pangaea

AbstractDue to difficulties in correlating aeolian deposits with coeval marine facies, sequence stratigraphic interpretations for arid coastal successions are debated and lack a unifying model. The Pennsylvanian record of northern Wyoming, USA, consisting of mixed siliciclastic–carbonate sequences deposited in arid, subtropical conditions, provides an ideal opportunity to study linkages between such environments. Detailed facies models and sequence stratigraphic frameworks were developed for the Ranchester Limestone Member (Amsden Formation) and Tensleep Formation by integrating data from 16 measured sections across the eastern side of the Bighorn Basin with new conodont biostratigraphic data. The basal Ranchester Limestone Member consists of dolomite interbedded with thin shale layers, interpreted to represent alternating deposition in shallow marine (fossiliferous dolomite) and supratidal (cherty dolomite) settings, interspersed with periods of exposure (pedogenically modified dolomites and shales). The upper Ranchester Limestone Member consists of purple shales, siltstones, dolomicrites and bimodally cross‐bedded sandstones in the northern part of the basin, interpreted as deposits of mixed siliciclastic–carbonate tidal flats. The Tensleep Formation is characterized by thick (3 to 15 m) aeolian sandstones interbedded with peritidal heteroliths and marine dolomites, indicating cycles of erg accumulation, preservation and flooding. Marine carbonates are unconformably overlain by peritidal deposits and/or aeolian sandstones interpreted as lowstand systems tract deposits. Marine transgression was often accompanied by the generation of sharp supersurfaces. Lags and peritidal heteroliths were deposited during early stages of transgression. Late transgressive systems tract fossiliferous carbonates overlie supersurfaces. Highstand systems tract deposits are lacking, either due to non‐deposition or post‐depositional erosion. The magnitude of inferred relative sea‐level fluctuations (>19 m), estimated by comparison with analogous modern settings, is similar to estimates from coeval palaeotropical records. This study demonstrates that sequence stratigraphic terminology can be extended to coastal ergs interacting with marine environments, and offers insights into the dynamics of subtropical environments.

Sequence stratigraphy of the subaqueous Changjiang (Yangtze River) delta since the Last Glacial Maximum

This study focuses on sedimentary research at the subaqueous Changjiang (Yangtze River) delta, based on five high-resolution seismic profiles and seven borehole cores with accurate AMS 14C datings. Three distinct seismic units were identified from the seismic profiles according to seismic reflection characteristics, and five sedimentary facies were recognized from borehole cores. These facies constituted a fining upward sedimentary sequence in relation to postglacial sea-level transgression. Three sequence surfaces (sequence boundary (SB), transgressive surface (TS), and maximum flooding surface (MFS)) demarcate the boundaries between early transgressive system tract (E-TST), late transgressive system tract (L-TST), early highstand system tract (E-HST) and late highstand system tract (L-HST), which constitute the sixth order sequence. These system tracts were developed coevally with postglacial sea-level rise. E-TST (~19–12kaBP) corresponds to an incised-valley infilling in the early stages of postglacial transgression whereas L-TST (~12–7.5kaBP) was formed during the last stage of postglacial transgression. The progradational structure of L-TST reflected in seismic profiles is possibly related to the intensification of the East Asian summer monsoon. E-HST (~7.5–2kaBP) was deposited in response to the highstand after maximum postglacial transgression was reached, while L-HST (~2kaBP–present) was initiated by accelerated progradation of the Changjiang delta.

Sequence stratigraphy and paleogeography of the Middle Jurassic coal measures in the Yuqia coalfield, northern Qaidam Basin, northwestern China

Detailed stratigraphic and paleogeographic analyses of data from 72 boreholes for the Middle Jurassic intermontane fluvial-lacustrine coal-bearing sequences were conducted in the Yuqia coalfield of the northern Qaidam Basin, northwestern China. Three third-order sequences lasting in total ca. 10.6 m.y., and an internal lowstand systems tract (LST), transgressive systems tract (TST), highstand systems tract (HST), and falling-stage systems tract (FSST) have been identified. A series of sequence-specific paleogeographic maps have been constructed based on the contours of lithological parameters. The paleogeographic units include alluvial fan-braided (meandering) fluvial plain, upper delta plain, lower delta plain, subaqueous delta, shore-shallow lake, and deep lake. The preferred sites of coal accumulation are interdelta bays, upper delta plains, lower delta plains, and fluvial back swamps. The sequence stratigraphic and sedimentological analysis of the Middle Jurassic coal-bearing measures of the Yuqia coalfield provides a basis for a comprehensive coal accumulation model that involves a six-period evolution from the LST, early TST, late TST, early HST, late HST to FSST. The major coal seams were accumulated in the early and late TST of the sequences S1 and S2. These results are of practical significance for coal resources exploration and enhance geological effects of prospecting engineering in the northern Qaidam Basin.

Lithofacies and depositional characteristics of gas shales in the western area of the Lower Yangtze, China

The Lower Yangtze is considered as a potentially productive shale gas area in China, but only limited research has thus far been carried out there. On the basis of a detailed investigation of fourteen outcrops, eight lithofacies in the Hetang Formation (510–541 Ma), the Gaojiabian Formation (430–443.4 Ma), the Gufeng Formation (270–281 Ma) and the Dalong Formation (252–263 Ma) have been identified: silicalite, siliceous non‐calcareous mudstone, siliceous shale, carbonaceous shale, calcareous mudstone, silty–shaly interlaminated mudstone, siltstone and limestone. Three types of fossils were also found in the four formations: sponge spicules, radiolarians and graptolites. Moreover, four key outcrops of the fourteen were suitable for more additional detailed analyses and interpretation of their depositional environments and plausible sequence of the stratigraphic system tracts. As a result, the four potential shale gas formations were all divided into third‐order sea‐level sequences. Every third‐order sequence was further divided into four system tracts, corresponding to an early transgressive system tract (ETST), a late transgressive system tract (LTST), an early highstand system tract (EHST) and a late highstand system tract (LHST). On the basis of the interpretation of the lithofacies and depositional environments in the western area of the Lower Yangtze, sediments can be related to hydrothermal and biological processes, terrigenous clastic input and calcium compensation. These processes were interpreted to occur in a sequential order that we divide into three stages. The ETST period was the first stage, in which hydrothermal upwelling from the open ocean produced a siliceous lithological combination. During the second stage corresponding to the LTST + EHST, our results suggest that some biological communities in the stable deep water provided plenty of organic‐rich matter. The LHST period was the third stage, in which terrigenous clastic material was deposited close to the land, and some carbonate sediments began appearing near the platform. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

남해 가막만의 현생퇴적층 발달특성

High-resolution seismic profiles coupled with sediment sampling were analyzed to investigate the acoustic characters and distribution patterns of the late Holocene sediments in Gamak Bay of the South Sea, Korea. The mean grain size of surficial sediment lies around . Sediments in the bay consist of silt and clay with progressive decrease toward the inner bay. The seismic sedimentary sequence overlying the acoustic basement can be divided into two sedimentary units (GB I and II) by a prominent mid-reflector (Maximum Flooding Surface; MFS). The acoustic basement occurs at the depth between 20 m and 40 m below the sea-level and deepens gradually southward. The GB I, mostly occupying the channel-fill, is characterized by reflection-free seismic facies. It can be formed as late Transgressive System Tract (TST), interpreted tidal environment deposits. MFS appears at the depth of about 15~28 m below the sea-level and is well defined by even and continuous reflectors on the seismic profile. The GB II overlying MFS is composed of acoustically transparent to semitransparent and parallel internal reflectors. GB II is interpreted as the Highstand System Tract (HST) probably deposited during the last 6,000 yrs when the sea level was close to the present level. Especially, it is though that the GB II was subdivided into two layers (GB II-a and II-b) by a HST-reflector and this was classified by wind, sea water flux, and tidal current.

Linked sequence stratigraphy and tectonics in the Sichuan continental foreland basin, Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation, southwest China

Intracontinental subduction of the South China Block below the North China Block in the Late Triassic resulted in formation of the transpressional Sichuan foreland basin on the South China Block. The Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation was deposited in this basin and consists of an eastward-tapering wedge of predominantly continental siliciclastic sedimentary rocks that are up to 3.5km thick in the western foredeep depocenter and thin onto the forebulge and into backbulge depocenters.Five facies associations (A–E) make up the Xujiahe Formation and these are interpreted, respectively, as alluvial fan, transverse and longitudinal braided river, meandering river, overbank or shallow lacustrine, and deltaic deposits. This study establishes a sequence stratigraphic framework for the Xujiahe Formation which is subdivided into four sequences (SQ1, 2, 3 and 4). Sequence boundaries are recognized on the basis of facies-tract dislocations and associated fluvial rejuvenation and incision, and systems tracts are identified based on their constituent facies associations and changes in architectural style and sediment body geometries. Typical sequences consist of early to late transgressive systems tract deposits related to a progressive increase in accommodation and represented by Facies Associations A, B and C that grade upwards into Facies Association D. Regionally extensive and vertically stacked coal seams define maximum accommodation and are overlain by early highstand systems tract deposits represented by Facies Associations D, E and C. Late highstand systems tract deposits are rare because of erosion below sequence boundaries. Sequence development in the Xujiahe Formation is attributed to active and quiescent phases of thrust-loading events and is closely related to the tectonic evolution of the basin. The Sichuan Basin experienced three periods of thrust loading and lithospheric flexure (SQ1, lower SQ2 and SQ3), two periods of stress relaxation and basin widening (upper SQ 2 and SQ3) and one phase of isostatic rebound (SQ4). Paleogeographic reconstruction of the Sichuan Basin in the Late Triassic indicates that the Longmen Mountains to the west, consisting of metamorphic, sedimentary and pre-Neoproterozoic basement granitoid rocks, was the major source of sediment to the foredeep depocenter. Subordinate sediment sources were the Xuefeng Mountains to the east to backbulge depocenters, and the Micang Mountains to the northwest during the late history of the basin. This study has demonstrated the viability of sequence stratigraphic analysis in continental successions in a foreland basin, and the influence of thrust loading on sequence development.