Sedimentological Description Research Articles

Facies, petrophysical and geochemical properties of gravity-flow deposits in reservoir analogs from the Itararé Group (late Carboniferous), Paraná Basin, Brazil

Abstract Since many reservoirs do not allow direct observation due to their depth and/or difficulty of sampling, studies of analogs have been commonly used as a tool to understand the spatial distribution of reservoir properties. The Parana Basin is 1.6 million km2 large and has two known petroleum systems. However, there are only 124 irregularly distributed wells drilled in the basin, among which 22 contain gas or oil shows and 10 have sub commercial accumulations. The Permo-Carboniferous Itarare Group, due to the exploration history, is the best exploratory target in the basin because it has thick intervals of sandstones with moderate to good reservoir quality and also because it often lies directly on gas-prone source rocks of the Devonian Ponta Grossa Formation. In order to increase knowledge about Itarare Group reservoirs, as well as to better understand its heterogeneities, this study aims to integrate petrophysical data with facies and facies associations using both outcrop and cores from shallow wells in southeastern Parana Basin. By doing this it is expected to fill a gap of quantitative data in previous studies on reservoir analogs in the Itarare Group. Cores and outcrops were analyzed in sandstones in order to integrate surface and subsurface data, and to understand the lateral continuity according to stratigraphic correlations. Equipment such as gamma-ray spectrometer, portable x-ray fluorescence, and a minipermeameter were used for the acquisition of quantitative data. Sedimentological description of cores and outcrops as well as thin section description were also carried out. The facies with the greatest reservoir potential are medium to fine-grained, massive (Sm) and normally-graded (Sg) sandstones. In one outcrop locality (Rio dos Cedros), the Sg facies presents the best reservoir properties such as secondary porosity of 32% and average permeability of 1439 mD. The geochemical data allowed evaluating the gamma-ray variation in relation to chemical elements, such as iron oxide. In outcrop, API radiation is higher in relation to the cores, as well as Al2O3 and Fe2O3. These values are related to the large amount of intraclasts and cementation by iron oxides-hydroxides. Despite in the great amount of iron presents in the Rio dos Cedros samples, the porosity is mainly secondary, generated by the feldspars dissolution. The correlation between the cores and outcrops allowed the evaluation of the influences of mass transport deposits in the petrophysical properties of sandstones. In cores, sandstones interbedded with these deposits have high permeability, but it is not possible to evaluate its lateral continuity. In outcrops it was possible to observe that these deposits affect lateral continuity, permeability and porosity. We conclude that the best reservoir facies in the Itarare Group will be associated with sites within the basin that are away from the slope region and the influence of mass-transport processes.

High-resolution bathymetry of the Alderney Race and its geological and sedimentological description (Raz Blanchard, northwest France)

ABSTRACT We present a high-resolution 1:15,000 bathymetric map (Main map) of Alderney Race located offshore of northwestern France, with the strongest currents in Europe. We use this map, underwater video transects and Shipek grabs to improve geological maps previously published. We distinguished Proterozoic crystalline rocks, Paleozoic and Cretaceous sedimentary rocks on the present-day sea floor. Some structures as faults and folds are also mapped. We identified a Quaternary cover made of pebbles, boulders and blocks interpreted as corestones resulting in differential erosion and alteration of the substratum. This cover is commonly encrusted by fixed fauna, such as bryozoans and barnacles. Finally, we describe the present-day mobile sediment cover characterized by sand patches and pebble dune fields (up to 10 m in height). Our videos show the presence of mobile fine-grained sediment patches under the resolution of our map lying between the cobble and pebble cover. We summarize our interpretations on a non-exhaustive geological-sedimentary map.

Local and Target Exploration of Conglomerate-Hosted Gold Deposits Using Machine Learning Algorithms: A Case Study of the Witwatersrand Gold Ores, South Africa

Determining the gold grade and facies type in areas with little geological information and sparse exploration samples is fraught with uncertainties and often results in high operational costs. Point-wise gold grade data are commonly used to guide exploration and resource estimation with the application of spatial interpolation techniques such as kriging. Within this environment of data scarcity, the application of kriging leads to significant grade estimation errors, as high nugget thresholds reduce the effectiveness of kriging, a good example being the gold deposits in the Witwatersrand Basin of South Africa. To reduce the impact of subjective grade interpolation and geological interpretation, as well as to exploit currently unused geological descriptions, we present a novel machine learning-based algorithm called GS-Pred. It combines both sedimentological and gold assay data for point-wise gold grade prediction and automated facies identification in a conglomerate-hosted gold deposit. For this application, GS-Pred requires an input database of sedimentological descriptions, spatial information and gold grades and makes predictions of gold grades at any point within the spatial coverage of the input database, provided that it has appropriate sedimentological descriptions. In essence, GS-Pred examines the spatial and non-spatial variability of metal grades and provides information of the estimated resource below the nugget threshold. This proposed algorithm has been validated on subsets of data on gold grade and sedimentological characteristics of conglomerates in the Witwatersrand Basin. Validation results suggest that GS-Pred is more accurate than current machine learning techniques and ordinary kriging. The clustering result shows that there are four or at most five facies which can be distinguished from the clustering results within the dataset, which maximises the contrast in the inter-cluster prediction behavior. These clusters have a good spatial correspondence with the known geology, and the method, combined with gold grade predictions, was able to identify probable mineralization patterns, thus assisting in target exploration. This novel machine learning algorithm is entirely data driven. We have shown its successful application in a complex geological setting as the Witwatersrand Basin.

Sedimentological and geomorphological characteristics of Quaternary deposits in the Planica-Tamar Valley in the Julian Alps (NW Slovenia)

ABSTRACTWe present a geomorphological map on a scale of 1:15,000, with detailed sedimentological descriptions, and a general relative spatio-temporal depositional reconstruction of Quaternary sediments in the Planica-Tamar Valley (NW Slovenia). After the Last Glacial Maximum, the retreating Quaternary glacier deposited large amounts of glacial sediments. These were followed by Holocene sediments, which differ in their sedimentological characteristics, transport mechanisms, and morphology. These sediments are deposited as sedimentary bodies with complex depositional geometries. They form areas of active, partly active, and inactive sedimentation in response to local/regional climate and bedrock geology. Previous research of the valley was mainly focused on bedrock mapping, while almost completely neglecting Quaternary deposits. This work is the first broader analysis of Quaternary sedimentary deposits in the research area, which offers an insight into the complex geomorphological and sedimentological processes, which shape the current mountainous landscape.

Late Pennsylvanian glaciation: Evidence of icehouse conditions from Canyon and cisco units, Midland Basin, Texas

Abstract The late Paleozoic has long been recognized a time of significant continental glaciation associated with high-frequency, high-amplitude glacioeustasy. Although, precise assessment of glacioeustatic amplitudes are difficult to extract from the stratigraphic record, best approximations may be possible by analyzing spatial and temporal distributions of depositional facies utilizing several wells across the study area. We used detailed sedimentologic description and depositional facies analysis from 12 wells and applied rigorous cycle stacking pattern analysis, exposure surfaces recognition and wireline logs to correlate timelines across the wells. On the basis of the high-resolution sequence stratigraphic framework built for the Scurry Area Canyon Reef Operators (SACROC) field, a highly-resolved glacioeustatic curve was generated for latest Desmoinesian to the latest Virgilian. Our eustatic curve suggests that the Missourian and Virgilian stages of the late Pennsylvanian are characterized by high frequency, high-amplitude eustatic fluctuations. The Missourian stage was a period dominated grainstone-capped cycles that are isopachous and conformable. These cycles reflect a eustatic amplitude of at least 37 m with an average duration of 100 ka suggesting the dominance of short-term eccentricity signal. The Virgilian stage is far more complicated and is characterized by highly shingled cycles compared to the Missourian stage. Deeper water phylloid boundstone and calichified shoal complex grainstones are juxtaposed next to each other which suggests a stronger eustatic amplitude (>40 m) compared to the Missourian stage. Although the eustatic amplitude of the Virgilian cycles is similar to those of the Missourian cycles, they have a longer frequency (343 ka) representative of long-term eccentricity. We conclude that the late Pennsylvanian stratigraphy of the SACROC field in the Midland Basin records extensive continental glaciation during the Missourian stage and increased and reached an acme during the Virgilian stage.

Insights into eruption dynamics from the 2014 pyroclastic deposits of Kelut volcano, Java, Indonesia, and implications for future hazards

On 13 to 14 February 2014 a ~4h long, VEI 4 eruption occurred at Kelut volcano (Java, Indonesia). Pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) and extensive ash fall led to 7 fatalities and disruption to flights across the Asia-Pacific region. New sedimentological descriptions of the pyroclastic deposits from the 2014 eruption were compared with eyewitness and satellite reports to elucidate temporal variations in eruptive dynamics. The stratigraphy of the deposits is presented in 3 stages, associated with two eruptions that occurred approximately ~15–30min apart. Stage 1 PDC deposits originate from the smaller onset eruption. The PDC deposits from Stage 2, and tephra fall deposits from Stage 3 originate from the second, plinian eruption. During the onset eruption (Stage 1), low energy PDCs were produced that ran out to <2.6km. Basal layers show characteristics of deposits similar to ash-cloud surges that carried dominantly fine ash and crystal fragments. These are capped by deposits typical of high-particle concentrated pyroclastic flows. All Stage 1 deposits have high contents of dense lithic fragments (up to 44% by vol.), sourced from the 2007–2008 lava dome and conduit walls, indicating that the eruption onset was driven by an explosive release of gas-overpressure below the vent-capping dome. Increases in the magma flux and transition to a more constant eruption led to a growing eruption column during the ~2-hour long Stage 2 plinian eruption. Pumice rich (>70% by vol.) PDC deposits ran out to 4.7km from the vent. The deposits reflect an increased output of fresh fragmented magma, and some conduit widening evidenced by dense lithic fragments. Vent instabilities and incorporation of dense material into basal margins of the plume led to the marginal collapse and formation of these PDCs. Stage 3 occurred in the final hour at the peak of the plinian eruption, around 01:00 to 02:00, and produced reversely graded lapilli fall deposits with ≤90vol% pumice from a 26km-high plume. This indicates that there was a sustained flux of juvenile magma to the now open vent system, and expansion and fragmentation of the gas-rich magma was at its most efficient. Our study of the eruptive sequence of Kelut provides some constraints on predicted patterns for future explosive activity, critical for further hazard assessment of the volcano. Since 1901 Kelut has erupted on intervals of 1 to 23years, and the 2014 event characterises a typical “explosive” style of eruption that alternates regularly with effusive dome-formation and collapse events. This pattern depends on the dynamics of magma renewal to the system, and degassing conditions in the shallow magma reservoir and upper conduit. If this pattern holds, and the next eruption occurs within the next two decades, a return of prolonged dome growth could be anticipated.

Stratigraphic architecture of incised valleys and unincised channel systems in the Carbonera Formation (C6-C1 members: Upper Oligocene – Lower Miocene), Llanos basin, Colombia

This work presents a sequence stratigraphic framework for the Upper Oligocene – Lower Miocene C6-C1 members of the Carbonera Formation in the Llanos basin, Colombia. In the interval corresponding to the C5 member, facies associations that comprise middle shoreface, tidal channels and bars, tidal flat deposits, brackish bay, tidal-fluvial channels and central estuary have been identified through the integration of core descriptions and wireline logs. The vertical assemblage of the recognized facies associations permits the definition of several cycles of transgression and regression, as well as episodes of relative sea-level fall and their consequent fluvial incision. Basinward shifts of facies, lateral changes in well-log motifs and seismic amplitude anomalies allow the interpretation of incised-valley systems overlying deposits associated with marginal and shallow marine environments, which also present channelized sand bodies. Consequently, the sedimentary and stratigraphic architecture is composed of an interspersed set of channels with different genetic origins and contrasting potentials in terms of petroleum production. Maximum flooding surfaces, subaerial unconformities and transgressive ravinement surfaces are the significant stratigraphic surfaces identified, which separate progradational and retrogradational stages and define sequence boundaries.In addition to the C5 member, a sequence stratigraphic model for the interval corresponding to the C6-C1 members of the Carbonera formation is presented based on cuttings, well-log stacking patterns and interpretation of 3D seismic horizon and time slices. In total, nine regressive-transgressive cycles (i.e., genetic stratigraphic sequences) are interpreted for the interval studied. The proposed stratigraphic framework relates oil occurrences and currently producing intervals with stratigraphic surfaces and permits a consistent classification of the petrophysical properties, establishing several families that are genetically related.The sedimentological descriptions of the Carbonera C5 member and the proposed sequence stratigraphic model highlight the marine influence in the deposition of the Carbonera Formation. Furthermore, this work emphasizes the role of relative sea-level fluctuations in deposition and erosion in coastal areas during tectonically active periods in the foreland Llanos basin.

The effect of oil emplacement on quartz cementation in a deeply buried sandstone reservoir

Quartz is an important, porosity-occluding cement in sandstone reservoirs that have been subjected to elevated temperature (>80°C to 100°C) for a substantial period of time. The effect of oil emplacement on quartz cementation in reservoir sandstones is controversial; some studies have concluded that early oil emplacement can inhibit quartz cementation, leading to the preservation of porosity, whereas other studies have concluded that quartz cementation appears largely unaffected by oil emplacement. Here we have studied shallow marine, Upper Jurassic sandstones from Ula field, Norwegian North Sea, with reservoir temperatures of approximately 150°C, to determine whether oil emplacement had a significant impact on diagenesis with particular attention to quartz cementation. Following sedimentological description of cores, samples above and below the oil–water contact have been collected, adjacent to core-analysis plug points. These samples then underwent a series of studies, including petrographic point counting with a transmitted light microscope, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), backscattered electron microscopy, SEM-cathodoluminescence microscopy, and fluid-inclusion studies. These data were integrated with routine core-analysis and petrophysical log data. Density and resistivity log data have been used to determine the precise oil saturation of each sample studied. The distributions of all potential controls on porosity and permeability, such as grain size, sorting, matrix clay content, and degree of bioturbation, the presence of grain coatings and dolomite cement, and the amount of quartz cement, have been assessed. The presence of primary oil inclusions within quartz cement shows that oil ingress into the Ula reservoir commenced prior to the onset of quartz cementation. Very fine–grained, matrix-rich, bioturbated, microquartz-cemented sandstones have uniformly low quartz-cement contents irrespective of oil saturation. Medium-grained, graded, matrix-poor, microquartz-poor sandstones have quartz cement ranging from 1% to greater than 17%, associated with core porosities of approximately 22% and 7%, respectively. Higher oil saturations equate to higher porosities and permeabilities in the medium-grained, graded, matrix-poor, microquartz-poor sandstones, which cannot be explained by any control other than the amount of quartz cement as a function of pore fluid type. Oil emplacement therefore appears to have inhibited quartz cementation at high oil saturations and can be viewed as an important control on reservoir quality. The significance of this study is that the presence of oil in a sandstone reservoir at the time that quartz cement was growing can have a considerable impact on reservoir quality. Models that seek to predict quartz cement and reservoir quality in sandstones need to account for the timing of oil emplacement compared with other diagenetic processes.

Depositional processes on the distal Scoresby Trough Mouth Fan (ODP Site 987): Implications for the Pleistocene evolution of the Scoresby Sund Sector of the Greenland Ice Sheet

The investigation of trough mouth fans (TMFs), important paleoclimatic archives on mid- and high-latitude continental margins, has so far mainly been based on the integration of various types of acoustic data supplemented with short sediments cores. In consequence, sedimentological and chronological data about parts of TMFs deposited prior to the Last Glacial Maximum remains sparse. Here, we re-evaluate the upper part of ODP Site 987 drilled on the distal part of the Scoresby Sund TMF on the east Greenland continental margin, which records the former dynamics of the Scoresby Sund sector of the Greenland Ice Sheet. Based on a more detailed sedimentological description than previously available we find that lithological unit I, deposited over the last ~2.14Ma, can be divided into two parts, a lower part dominated by glacimarine and marine deposits including some scattered, sandy turbidites and an upper part of debris flow deposits interbedded with sandy turbidites. The transition between these parts occurred at about 0.99Ma, i.e. at the same time when the mode of ice-sheet variation changed globally, the average ice sheet size increased significantly and the periodicity of ice-volume variation increased from around 41ka to approximately 100ka (the “Mid-Pleistocene Transition”). On the distal Scoresby Sund TMF, this change appears to be reflected through a marked increase in the abundance of sandy turbidity flows accompanied by a longer run-out of some of the debris flows due to the delivery of larger sediment volumes during longer-lasting glacial maxima. This suggests that long sediment cores from TMFs have the potential to record the major climatic trends occurring during the Pleistocene.

Geology of the Campanian M1 sandstone oil reservoir of eastern Ecuador: A delta system sourced from the Amazon Craton

The Campanian M1 sandstone Member of the Napo Formation is one of the main reservoirs of the Capiron-Tiputini oil play system of the eastern part of the Oriente Basin of Ecuador. This study presents a geological model for this reservoir at the Apaika and Nenke oil fields included within the Block 31, and the Eden Yuturi oil field, operated by PETROAMAZONAS EP. The geological characterization of the M1 sandstone is based on an integrated study, which includes core description, electric log analyses and seismic data interpretation.The sedimentological descriptions from available cored sections show that M1 sandstone records a variety of fluvial to shallow marine processes, including mass flow and delta-front turbidity currents not previously documented. The stratal stacking pattern interpreted from electric logs indicates that the succession reflects deltaic progradation rather than the backstepping pattern typically displayed by the underlying Albian to Santonian sediments of the Napo Formation. Seismic RMS amplitude defines clinoform geometries with sigmoidal sand body architecture prograding from east to west. Correlation with neighboring regions in Colombia suggest that the M1 sandstone was probably part of a large river-dominated delta system sourced from the east during major Campanian progradation.The location of the source area of sediment was determined using U-Pb detrital zircon dating. Provenance ages are uniform within the M1 Sandstone cluster in a population that ranges from 1.4 to 1.6 billion years. These ages indicate that sands were derived mostly from erosion of the lithotectonic Rio Negro-Jurena province, located to the northeast of the studied area. Detrital ages from the overlying Maastrichtian Tena Formation include ages between 80 and 200 Ma pointing to an important change in the source areas, located in the Eastern Cordillera of Ecuador. The change in sediment supply from east to west recorded in the Tena Formation coincide with the initial episodes of the Andean orogeny, and may be driven by the collision of fragments of the Caribbean large igneous province (CLIP) against the continental margin of northwestern South America.

A Gerecse pannóniai puhatestűi és lelőhelyeik: rétegtan, őskörnyezet és fejlődéstörténet

A Gerecse földtani térképezése során a Magyar Földtani és Geofizikai Intézet geológusai új, vagy régen feledésbe merült és részletesen soha nem dokumentált pannóniai feltárásokat azonosítottak a hegység északi előterében, az onnan dél felé felnyúló völgyekben, és a hegység belsejében is. Az ezekből begyűjtött puhatestű fauna (kiegészítve a már korábban ismert tatai puhatestű faunával és régebbi gyűjteményi anyagokkal) és a feltárásokban megfigyelhető szedimentológiai jellemzők alapján a pannóniai rétegsor itt is, mint az egész Dunántúli-középhegység északnyugati peremén, egyetlen transzgresszív-regresszív ciklusból áll. A ciklus transzgresszív szárnyát a tatai téglagyári feltárásokban a vékony transzgresszív bázisrétegre települő Száki Formáció kékesszürke agyagja és az abban megőrződött mély szublitorális fauna, míg a Gerecse központi részén, a tardosi Vályus-kút környékén, 375 méter tengerszint feletti magasságban a lignites agyaggal kezdődő rétegsor fedőjében települő, szintén mély szublitorális puhatestűeket tartalmazó agyag képviseli. A dunaszentmiklósi Iván halála-völgyben valószínűleg egy szökőár hozta létre a kréta fekü anyagából képződött konglomerátumot, homokos mátrixában tömegesen megjelenő zárt (két teknős) pannóniai kagylóhéjakkal. Az üledékciklus regresszív szárnyát az Újfalui Formáció képződményei adják; ezek legjobb feltárásai a Gerecse északi előterében, a Neszmély környéki völgyekben (Nyáraska-völgy, Disznós-kúti-völgy, Csekendi-völgy) és Süttő környékén találhatók. A formációt felépítő felfelé sekélyedő, néhány méter vastag ciklusok faunája a kagylók uralta sekély szublitorális együttesekből, a csigák magas diverzitásával jellemzett litorális faunákból és végül mocsári puhatestű együttesekből áll. Gyűjteményi anyagokban előfordulnak folyóvízi fajok is. A transzgresszív szárny a Congeria czjzeki zóna felső részébe tartozik, míg a regresszív szárny a Lymnocardium ponticum zóna része; a teljes ciklus képződésének kora 9,4–8,7 millió év lehetett. A fáciesek elterjedése alapján a transzgresszió már tagolt térszínen játszódott le, majd az üledékképződéssel egyidejűleg is folyt a terület vetődéses deformációja, de a tatai és vályus-kúti rétegsorok közötti nagy magasságbeli különbség csak további vetőmozgásokkal, a Gerecse utólagos kiemelkedése nyomán jöhetett létre.

Conifer woods from the Salamanca Formation (early Paleocene), Central Patagonia, Argentina: Paleoenvironmental implications

The main objective of the present work is to describe the first conifer assemblage of a mixed forest from the Danian Salamanca Formation at the Estancia Las Violetas locality (San Jorge Basin, Central Patagonia, Argentina), based on detailed descriptions of secondary xylem. Also, sedimentological description of the Estancia Las Violetas outcrops are made in order to understand the paleoenvironmental conditions under which paleocommunities developed. Six conifer woods are described and assigned to one Podocarpoxylon Gothan and three Cupressinoxylon Göppert species (including a new species). This is the first record of Patagonia forest where the conifer assemblage is dominated by Cupressinoxylon, associated with Podocarpaceae and palms (recorded as fruits), conforming a mixed forest with a floristic composition similar to present-day New Caledonia forests. Las Violetas fossil forest represent a parautochtonous community developed in a forested coastal setting, a tide-dominated estuary, at ∼51–50° S paleolatitudes of South America during the early–middle Danian.

Sedimentological interpretation of coastal ditch cuttings: implications for subsurface geology and provenance in Dahomey Basin, Nigeria

Understanding sediment provenance and subsurface geology of an area plays an important role in geological exploration and environmental studies. This research characterized subsurface geology and provenance of coastal sediments in some parts of the eastern Dahomey Basin, southwestern Nigeria. One hundred twenty-six ditch cuttings were retrieved from four boreholes drilled along the coastal–near-coast area of the basin. Samples were subjected to sedimentological descriptions, heavy mineral analysis and geochemical analysis (atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS)), using standard laboratory procedures. The presence of stable–ultra-stable heavy minerals and the paucity of unstable minerals characterized the analyzed samples. AAS showed that SiO2 was the dominant oxide in all the 42 representative samples analyzed, with concentration that generally exceeds 90 wt%, thereby complementing ZTR index to ascertain sediment maturity. Careful comparison of the sedimentological data and heavy mineral indices shows several non-correlatable depositional cycles in the wells, while five distinct sequences were revealed from bivariate geochemical plots. Dominance of plutonic provenance, with very minor contributions from metamorphic rocks, continental depositional environment and repeated cycles of long transportation and deposition were inferred. This study demonstrated the usability of ditch cuttings to predict provenance, paleoenvironment and transport history in terrains with paucity of outcrops, core data and fossil-deficient intervals.

Depositional model and sequential evolution of the upper Quintuco Formation in its type area: implications for paleogeographic reconstructions for the southern Neuquén Basin during the Valanginian

The Quintuco Formation (Berriasian-early Valanginian) in central Neuquén province comprise marine, transitional and continental deposits. These deposits were included in several regional stratigraphic studies since the 80’s but receiving little attention in terms of detailed facies analysis, palaeoenvironmental reconstructions and evolution. Understanding the evolutionary stage corresponding to cusp section of the Quintuco Formation and its relation with basal deposits of the Mulichinco Formation, is key to estimate the magnitude of associated change to the event of basin reconfiguration occurred in the early later Valanginian. In order to reconstruct the final stages of the evolution of the Quintuco Formation in its type locality (Sierra de la Vaca Muerta), a facial, architectural and sequence-stratigraphic analysis of the uppermost interval is presented. The study comprise the sedimentological description and interpretation of facies, combined with architectural analysis of key intervals. This allowed the identification of 7 facies associations, which represent the accumulation in prodelta (FA 1), delta front (FA 2 and FA 3), distal delta plain (FA 4 y FA 5) and proximal delta plain (FA 6 and FA 7). Subsequently, the spatial distribution of the different facies associations were analyzed and key surfaces related to significant changes in the depositional settings were identified across the investigated region. In this context, sequence-stratigraphic analysis of the studied interval was addressed and stacking patterns of the successions and vertical evolution of the interval are discussed. The upper interval of the Quintuco Formation represents the development of a deltaic system, where fluvial processes were dominant, but waves affected the off-axis parts of the system. The proximal areas were located towards the southwest with prodelta settings located toward the east. The delta system was built by successive shallowing-upward successions (15-40 m), bounded by regional transgressive surfaces, and with a long-term progradational staking. The reconstructed paleogeography for the last evolutionary stage of the Quintuco Formation suggest a well-established source area from the west-southwest, that would represent a new insight for paleogeographic settings for the southern Neuquén Basin during the Valanginian.

Lithofacies Classification of Thin-Layered Turbidite Reservoirs Through the Integration of Core Data and Dielectric-Dispersion Log Measurements

SummaryDistal turbidites consist of thin laminations (inch scale), usually ranging from fine sand to clay-rich deposits and may represent major hydrocarbon reservoirs: Conventionally, they are studied by means of a log-based binary modeling that discriminates productive and nonproductive layers. Nevertheless, the binary model represents a major drawback when dealing with laminations in the silt-grain-size range, because their allotment to either end member can be extremely problematic.This paper deals with a novel, probabilistic, lithological facies-classification approach that integrates core data and a high-resolution dielectric-dispersion wireline log: Its 1-in. vertical resolution and a related fit-for-purpose petrophysical model make the log tool's response suitable to describe the lithological heterogeneity of these reservoirs.The approach is presented by means of a study performed on the cored section of a well drilled into a laminated gas-bearing Pleistocene reservoir in the Adriatic Basin. A core-based classification was first carried out with sedimentological descriptions, mineralogical analyses, cation-exchange-capacity (CEC) measurements, routine and special core analyses, and a statistical investigation of grain-size distributions: This allowed the identification of four lithofacies ranging from hemipelagite to coarse silt. Next, a log-based classification was carried out with a multivariate statistical numerical technique integrated in a Bayesian framework run on the dielectric-dispersion model curves. The outputs are the probability of log-facies, the most-probable facies scenario, and the associated uncertainty by means of entropy computation. In the end, a four-facies log-based classification was obtained that matches the core-based classification with an overall agreement in excess of 93%.Compared with the conventional methodology, the presented approach shows the added value of identifying intermediate lithologies, thus leading to a more-accurate quantification of the thickness of the potentially hydrocarbon-bearing net reservoir.

Facies analysis of yedoma thermokarst lakes on the northern Seward Peninsula, Alaska

Thermokarst lakes develop as a result of the thaw and collapse of ice-rich, permanently frozen ground (permafrost). Of particular sedimentological importance are thermokarst lakes forming in late Pleistocene icy silt (yedoma), which dramatically alter the land surface by lowering surface elevation and redistributing upland sediment into lower basins. Our study provides the first description of yedoma thermokarst lake sedimentology based on the cross-basin sampling of an existing lake. We present lake sediment facies descriptions based on data from sediment cores from two thermokarst lakes of medium depth, Claudi and Jaeger (informal names), which formed in previously non thermokarst-affected upland yedoma on the northern Seward Peninsula, Alaska. We identify four prominent facies using sedimentological, biogeochemical, and macrofossil indicators: a massive silt lacking aquatic macrofossils and other aquatic indicators situated below a sub-lacustrine unconformity (Facies 1); two basal deposits: interbedded organic silt and chaotic silt (Facies 2–3); and a silt-rich mud (Facies 4). Facies 1 is interpreted as yedoma that has thawed during lake formation. Facies 3 formed adjacent to the margin due to thaw and collapse events from the lake shore. Material from Facies 3 was reworked by wave action to form Facies 2 in a medium energy margin environment. Facies 4 formed in a lower energy environment toward the lake basin center. This facies classification and description should enhance our ability (i) to interpret the spatial and temporal development of lakes and (ii) to reconstruct long-term patterns of landscape change.

Linking distal volcaniclastic sedimentation and stratigraphy with the development of Ruapehu volcano, New Zealand

Long-lived stratovolcanoes are often characterized by cycles that include pulses of explosive and effusive eruptive activity, periodic flank collapses, and long periods of eruptive quiescence. Reconstructing these solely from exposures on volcanic edifices is difficult because deposits are dominantly from comparatively recent reconstruction episodes, while older sequences are buried or have long been eroded. Long-runout mass-flow deposits, on the other hand, offer insights into the older eruptive history and long-term eruptive behavior of composite volcanoes. At Mt. Ruapehu, New Zealand, 40Ar/39Ar dating of lava clasts within distal mass-flow sequences, combined with new mapping and sedimentological descriptions, reveal three hitherto unknown eruptive episodes of the volcano and extend its minimum age to at least 340 ka. Plinian to subplinian eruptions were followed by periods of subdued volcanic activity. Voluminous (>1 km3) inter-eruptive flank failures were precursors to major reconstruction episodes, associated with numerous syn-eruptive mass flows emplaced up to 90 km from the volcano. Syn-eruptive collapse triggered large plinian eruptions associated with pyroclastic density currents. Rapid ring-plain aggradation dominated during periods of subdued volcanic activity when intensive edifice erosion induced frequent inter-eruptive lahars.

Clastic injection dynamics during ice front oscillations: A case example from Sólheimajökull (Iceland)

Soft-sediment deformation structures are being increasingly used as a tool for reconstructing palaeoenvironments and porewater pressure conditions in glacial settings. However, the potential of hydrofractures and clastic injections in the reconstruction of ice dynamics remains poorly constrained. This paper presents the results of a detailed study of a clastic injection network outcropping in the Sólheimajökull forefield (South Iceland). Sedimentological descriptions are combined with microscopic to macroscopic analyses of clastic injection geometries, sediment-fills, and cross-cutting relationships. The 250m long and 20m high exposure observed along the east flank of the proglacial braid plain displays alternating glaciofluvial sediments and subglacial tills, illustrating oscillations of the ice margins. These sediments are cross-cut by a dense network of injection composed of dykes propagating upward or downward, sills, and stepped sills. These clastic injections result from processes of hydrofracturing and the sediment-fills in these hydrofractures are generally laminated with an increase of grain-size towards the centre of the injections. These fracture-fill characteristics suggest multiple injection phases within the hydrofractures and an increase of porewater pressure over time. Five main generations of clastic injections showing different senses of propagation and dip directions are determined and are interpreted as forming in different environments. Per descensum clastic dykes dipping down ice demonstrate subglacial hydrofracturing underneath flowing-ice, while sills and per ascensum clastic dykes form in submarginal to marginal environments due to the decrease of ice overburden pressure. The integration of these results with the sedimentological characteristics allows the Holocene ice front oscillations of the Sólheimajökull to be reconstructed. This study demonstrates the importance of hydrofracture systems and their sediment-fills in the reconstruction of palaeo-ice dynamics.

Sedimentology, three‐dimensional geobody reconstruction and carbon dioxide origin of Pleistocene travertine deposits in the Ballık area (south‐west Turkey)

AbstractThe Denizli Basin in the West Anatolian Extensional Province in western Turkey is well‐known for its numerous travertine occurrences. A combined sedimentological, diagenetic and geochemical investigation is executed on the Ece and Faber travertines of the Ballık area, the largest travertine site in the Denizli Basin. The first aim of this study is the reconstruction of a three‐dimensional geo‐model in combination with a detailed sedimentological description from fabric to lithotype, lithofacies and geobody scale, with a focus on integrating pore‐typing. The second aim involves the delineation of the CO2‐origin of ancient travertine precipitating waters. Peloidal, phyto and dendritic lithotypes dominate the studied travertines and honeycomb and bacteriform shapes and encrusted bacterial or fungal filaments related to their fabrics suggest a microbial influence. The environment of travertine precipitation evolved from dominantly sub‐aqueous, as represented by the sub‐horizontal and biostromal reed travertine facies, to dominantly sub‐aerial in a thin water film, resulting in the cascade, waterfall and biohermal reed travertine facies. A general progradation of the travertine mound is indicated by the occurrence of stacked waterfall travertines. This results in sigmoidal clinoforms inside a general mound boundary configuration. Strontium and oxygen‐carbon isotope signatures of the travertines point to a mixing mechanism of palaeofluids with deeply originated, heavy carbon CO2 with lighter carbon CO2 of shallow origin. These deposits can thus be considered as endogenic travertines. Carbonates of the Lycian Nappes acted as main parent carbon source rocks. The relative contribution of the lighter carbon isotopes is most likely to have originated from organic matter or soil CO2. This study provides a unique three‐dimensional insight into the Ballık travertine architecture that potentially can be used as an analogue for subsurface travertine reservoirs worldwide and illustrates the importance of the combined use of δ13C and 87Sr/86Sr signatures in the delineation of the CO2‐origin of travertine precipitating waters.

Lithofacies, depositional environments and stratigraphic architecture of the Wajid Group outcrops in southern Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT The Wajid Group is a Palaeozoic siliciclastic succession of southern Saudi Arabia. In the outcrop belt it is ca. 500 m thick, whereas in the subsurface, the thickness increases to more than 4,500 m. The siliciclastic sediments have great reservoir potential for hydrocarbons and for groundwater. Although they represent one of the most important aquifers of the Arabian Peninsula, neither their sedimentologic, lithostratigraphic, nor their reservoir characteristics are satisfactorily known. In this study, a detailed description of lithology and sedimentology is given and the Wajid Group sediments are interpreted in terms of depositional environment and facies architecture. Thirteen lithofacies (LF 1 to LF 13) have been recognised, most of them composed of different subfacies. These lithofacies are grouped into 9 lithofacies associations (LF-A1 through LF-A9). LF-A1 through LF-A3 and LF-A7 represent shallow-marine siliciclastic environments. The remaining lithofacies associations describe periglacial environments of the Hirnantian (Late Ordovician) and Permian Gondwana glaciations. Except for a few pro-glacial fluvial deposits, fluvial successions and aeolian sediments are absent in the outcrops of the Wajid Sandstone. Five formations are recognised in the Wajid Group: the Dibsiyah, Sanamah, Qalibah, Khusayyayn, and Juwayl formations. They are all separated by major unconformities. The Dibsiyah Formation represents a vast sand-sheet complex with core and margin facies formed under shallow-marine conditions. These marine conditions enabled an abundant fauna to proliferate and leave its traces in the form of Skolithos piperock and Cruziana sp. A late Cambrian to Early Ordovician age is inferred for these deposits from regional considerations. The Sanamah Formation records the Late Ordovician Hirnantian glaciation with coarse sandstones and conglomerates. A variety of glacier-induced sedimentary structures are present. The internal succession is composed of three major sediment packages reflecting three ice advance-retreat cycles. The latest of these cycles is overlain by a few metres of marginal-marine sediments of the Qalibah Formation. The Khusayyayn Formation was deposited probably during Early Devonian times. It also represents a sand-sheet environment characterised by the dominance of mega-scale and giant cross beds and bed sets. A marine depositional environment is assumed from scarce Skolithos sp., and because nearly all indicators of a braided river system are absent. The Juwayl Formation of Permian age was deposited at the interface of the Late Palaeozoic Gondwana ice shield with a large lake that may have covered most of southern Arabia and adjacent areas. Proglacial sandstones and conglomerates were deposited close to the glaciers, whereas fine-grained sediment with dropstones, boulder pavements and a wide spectrum of soft-sediment deformation are characteristic of the lake environment. While the two glacial successions and the Khusayyayn Formation can rather confidently be attributed to the geological time scale, either through seismic correlation or biostratigraphically, the Dibsiyah Formation has not yet been biostratigraphically well dated.