DOCSLIB.ORG

Sequence Stratigraphy: a Revolution Without a Cause?

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Sequence Stratigraphy: a Revolution Without a Cause? Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.org/ by guest on October 1, 2021 Sequence stratigraphy: a revolution without a cause? R. C. L. WILSON Department of Earth Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK Abstract: The paper presents personal reflections on the origins and utility of sequence stratigraphic models. These focus on two questions: (1) does sequence stratigraphy represent a revolution in our understanding of the stratigraphic record, and (2) does it provide a new means of global correlation? The f-n-st question is answered in the affirmative, at least insofar as sequence stratigraphy enables us to integrate a wide range of data and interpretations across a huge range of spatial and temporal scales. The recognition of the importance of stratal surfaces has led to a greater understanding of the response by sedimentary to climatic, tectonic and eustatic changes. But it has yet to be shown that eustatic signals can be detected unequivocally in the stratigraphic record. Therefore this 'new global stratigraphy', based on the premise that sequence boundaries are primarily controlled by eustatic changes, is not yet a reality. Testing this hypothesis is beyond the resolution of current biostratigraphic and chronostratigraphic techniques. When I was invited to contribute to the Lyell to the subject are given by Wilson (1992) and bicentenary meeting, I was asked to talk about Christie-Blick and Driscoll (1995). Textbooks by 'Sequence stratigraphy and sea-level change'. It Miall (1996) and Emery and Myers (1996) provide was hardly surprising that 'sea-level change' was in-depth coverage, with Miall's text offering much included in the title, because over 150 years after constructive criticism. The best introduction from Lyell addressed the sea-level controversy, we are the Exxon school is the colourful volume on still trying to unravel tectonic and eustatic signals siliciclastic stratigraphy (Van Wagoner et al. from the sedimentary record. But sequence strati- 1990). Reflective articles by Posamentier and graphy is not just about sea-level change. It Weimer (1993) and Walker (1990) are well worth identifies genetic packages of strata bounded by reading. time-related physical surfaces: unconformities and their correlative conformities, and surfaces caused by flooding events. Peter Vail and the 'Exxon Method, problems and doctrine school' claimed that eustatic sea-level changes are The beginnings the dominant control on stratal geometries and facies distributions within them. For readers not The roots of sequence stratigraphy lie in the recog- familiar with it, the sequence stratigraphic nition, some 40 years ago, of packages of strata approach is summarised in Fig. 1. It develops a bounded by continent-wide unconformities. Tech- simplified version of a frequently used diagram nological advances that enabled the petroleum which is often referred to as the 'Exxon slug'. exploration industry to move offshore played a key To some geologists, the sequence stratigraphic role in stimulating stratigraphers to take this 'big approach heralded the possibility of the 'new global view'. High-quality marine seismic data enabled stratigraphy' whereby stratigraphic surfaces caused stratigraphic architecture to be determined at the by globally synchronous eustatic sea-level changes basin and continental margin scales. Out of this could be used as a means of global correlation. grew the conceptual framework that enables the However, others regarded it as dressing up integration of a range of scales of stratigraphic regressions, transgressions etc. in unnecessary new information from a single laminae to a first order terminology. stratigraphic sequence. This paper presents personal reflections on the I first learnt about seismic and sequence sequence stratigraphic approach gained both as a stratigraphy through a workshop run by Esso UK teacher and researcher. It focuses on the questions soon after the 'old testament' was published explicitly and implicitly stated in the title, but does (Payton 1977). They ran another in the 1980s, not attempt to provide a thorough description or around the time of the appearance of the 'new comprehensive critical review. Brief introductions testament' (Wilgus et al. 1988). The first meeting WILSON, R. C. L. 1998. Sequence stratigraphy: a revolution without a cause?. 303 In: BLUNDELL,D. J. & SCOTT, A. C. (eds) Lyell: the Past is the Key to the Present. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 143, 303-314. Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.org/ by guest on October 1, 2021 304 R.C.L. WILSON was, of course, seismically oriented, and the second which I find more use with students is given in Fig. one focused more on the outcrop and well log 2 -but this is not proof of the proposition! scales. At the first meeting there was some robust How can eustatic signals be determined from discussion about a number of problems and coastal onlap charts ? contentious issues, which was hardly surprising Exxon charts have a characteristic saw-tooth shape with people such as Drummond Matthews and with abrupt initial falls followed by gradual rises. Tony Hallam present. A few of these problems are The early derivative sea-level curves reflected such discussed below. asymmetry. In the early 1980s revised smoother curves were published, as by then it had been recognised that the landward encroachment of Are seismic reflections really time lines? sediments across older strata (onlap) along The examples given by the Exxon group at the Esso continental margins, as seen on seismic sections, workshop (e.g. Vail, Todd & Sangree 1977, figs involved marine and fluvial sediments. The latter 3-6) were not entirely convincing. A diagram for were deposited during periods when coastlines Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.org/ by guest on October 1, 2021 SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHY 305 Fig. 1. Sketch cross-sections illustrating the basic concepts and terminology of sequence stratigraphy. Sketches (a) to (g) illustrate the stages in the development of one depositional sequence during one cycle of relative sea-level change. Slightly modified from Skelton et al. (1997). moved seaward, yet on seismic sections landward new testaments, and especially the famous - or onlap continued. infamous - Haq curve (Haq et al. 1988), heralded the start of a new era of stratigraphic studies. How can sea-level curves for individual locations Perhaps a means of global chronostratigraphic yield a means of global correlation ? correlation was within reach? This euphoria This was, and still is, a minefield. Different probably resulted from the fact that, to many approaches, and different authors, produce different people, traditional stratigraphy had slipped into the curves for the same period of time (Fig. 3). Twenty doldrums. Many with an historical geology bent years after the first global curves were published, had taken refuge in sedimentology and found that all the evidence on which a series of Exxon school the sequence stratigraphic approach widened their curves are based have still not been published horizons - in space and time - as they attempted to although some is contained in the appendix of Haq analyse basin-wide data sets and interpretations. et al. (1988). Despite such shaky foundations (and The historical development of sequence strati- others which are discussed by Miall 1996) many graphy was significantly different from the way geologists felt that the contents of the old and Lyell's ideas were introduced to, and eventually Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.org/ by guest on October 1, 2021 306 R.C.L. WILSON Fig. 2. A cartoon to explain why seismic reflections are time lines, and do not follow lithostratigraphic boundaries. Changes in tone density depict facies changes; these are relatively abrupt across time lines, but gradual parallel to them. accepted by, the scientific community, or for that that it provides a new means of global correlation matter the exposure to peer review of later based on the supposed eustatic signals. So method conceptual advances. Seismic stratigraphy came became tainted by doctrine. Lyell avoided this trap, out of the corporate closet in the late 1970s, about as discussed by Jim Secord during his Linnean ten years after it had been routinely applied during Society lecture at the Bicentenary Meeting (see also petroleum exploration activities. The birth and Secord 1997). early childhood of sequence stratigraphy were not Therefore it is important to distinguish the subjected to open debate as were Lyell's analytical framework of sequence stratigraphy from observations and interpretations. Perhaps there debates about eustatic signals and the 'new global were robust debates within Exxon, but they failed stratigraphy'. With this in mind, this paper addres- to ensure that the method was distanced from ses two questions contained within its title: (1) does eustatic explanations when the subject entered the sequence stratigraphy represent a revolution in our public domain in 1977. Unfortunately, this led to understanding of the stratigraphic record, and (2) judgements about the value of the sequence does it enhance our ability to determine the causes stratigraphic approach being clouded by the claim (i.e. the relative contributions made by eustasy, sea level rise lOOm 50 0 50m ,i it 4 -= Berriasian ,0) LUL) o Volgian ~ Kimm. .J Oxfordian ~,.2 Callovian Fig. 3. Late Jurassic sea-level curves compared. (a) Haq et al. (1988) based on a compilation of coastal onlap and sequence stratigraphic
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Sequence Stratigraphy Basics, Concepts & Applications
    Sequence Stragraphy - Basics, Concepts & Applicaons Sequence Stratigraphy Basics, Concepts & Applications 07.-09.03.2016 Dr. Hartmut Jäger Sequence Stragraphy - Basics, Concepts & Applicaons Introduction Books Posamen(er , H.W. & Weimer, P . (eds), 1994: Siliciclas/c Sequence Stragraphy: Recent Developments and Applicaons. (AAPG Memoir) Loucks, R.G. & Sarg, J.F., 1994: Carbonate Sequence Stragraphy: Recent Developments and Applicaons. (AAPG Memoir) Emery, D. & Myers, K., 1996: Sequence Stragraphy. Blackwell Science Catuneanu, O., 2006: Principles of Sequence Stragraphy (Developments in Sedimentology). Elsevier Haq, B.U., 2013: Sequence Stragraphy and Deposi/onal Response to Eustac, Tectonic and Climac Forcing. (Coastal Systems and Con/nental Margins). Springer Sequence Stragraphy - Basics, Concepts & Applicaons Introduction Stragraphy “the science of strafied (layered) rocks in terms of /me and space” (Oxford Dic/onary of Earth Sciences, 2003) Sequence "A chronologic succession of sedimentary rocks from older below to younger above, essen/ally without interrup/on, bounded by unconformi/es.” (Glossary of Geology, 1987) Sequence Stragraphy - Basics, Concepts & Applicaons Introduction Sequence stratigraphy is one type of lithostratigraphy • used for subdivision of the sedimentary basin fll by a framework of major depositional and erosional surfaces • creates units of contemporaneous accumulated strata bounded by these surfaces (=sequences) • developed for clastic and carbonate sediments from continental, marginal marine, basin margins and
    [Show full text]
  • Stratigraphy, Sedimentary Structures, and Textures of the Late Neoproterozoic Doushantuo Cap Carbonate in South China
    Journal of Sedimentary Research, 2006, v. 76, 978–995 Research Article DOI: 10.2110/jsr.2006.086 STRATIGRAPHY, SEDIMENTARY STRUCTURES, AND TEXTURES OF THE LATE NEOPROTEROZOIC DOUSHANTUO CAP CARBONATE IN SOUTH CHINA 1 2 3 4 4 GANQING JIANG, MARTIN J. KENNEDY, NICHOLAS CHRISTIE-BLICK, HUAICHUN WU, AND SHIHONG ZHANG 1Department of Geoscience, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada 89154-4010, U.S.A. , 2Department of Earth Sciences, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, U.S.A. , 3Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, Palisades, New York 10964-8000, U.S.A. 4School of Earth Sciences and Resources, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China e-mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT: The 3- to 5-m-thick Doushantuo cap carbonate in south China overlies the glaciogenic Nantuo Formation (ca. 635 Ma) and consists of laterally persistent, thinly laminated and normally graded dolomite and limestone indicative of relatively deep-water deposition, most likely below storm wave base. The basal portion of this carbonate contains a distinctive suite of closely associated tepee-like structures, stromatactis-like cavities, layer-parallel sheet cracks, and cemented breccias. The cores of tepees are composed of stacked cavities lined by cements and brecciated host dolomicrite. Onlap by laminated sediment indicates synsedimentary disruption of bedding that resulted in a positive seafloor expression. Cavities and sheet cracks contain internal sediments, and they are lined by originally aragonitic isopachous botryoidal cements with acicular radiating needles, now replaced by dolomite and silica. Pyrite and barite are common, and calcite is locally retained as a primary mineral.
    [Show full text]
  • The Cretaceous-Tertiary Boundary Interval in Badlands National Park, South Dakota
    The Cretaceous-Tertiary Boundary Interval in Badlands National Park, South Dakota Philip W. Stoffer1 Paula Messina John A. Chamberlain, Jr. Dennis O. Terry, Jr. U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 01-56 2001 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Gale A. Norton, Secretary U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Charles G. Groat, Director The Cretaceous/Tertiary (K-T) boundary study interval at the Rainbow Colors Overlook along Badlands Loop Road, North Unit of Badlands National Park. This report is preliminary and has not been reviewed for conformity with U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) editorial standards or with the North American Stratigraphic Code. Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. 1345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025 http://geopubs.wr.usgs.gov/open-file/of01-056/ ABSTRACT A marine K-T boundary interval has been identified throughout the Badlands National Park region of South Dakota. Data from marine sediments suggest that deposits from two asteroid impacts (one close, one far away) may be preserved in the Badlands. These impact- generated deposits may represent late Maestrichtian events or possibly the terminal K-T event. Interpretation is supported by paleontological correlation, sequence stratigraphy, magnetostratigraphy, and strontium isotope geochronology. This research is founded on nearly a decade of NPS approved field work in Badlands National Park and a foundation of previously published data and interpretations. The K-T boundary occurs within
    [Show full text]
  • Carbonates Versus Siliciclastics in Sequence Stratigraphy
    SEDIMENTOLOGY AND SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHY OF REEFS AND CARBONATE PLATFORMS A Short Course by Wolfgang Schlager Free University, Amsterdam Continuing Education Course Note Series #34 Published by The American Association of Petroleum Geologists Tulsa, Oklahoma U.S.A. PREFACE Classical sequence stratigraphy has been developed primarily from siliciclastic systems. Application of the concept to carbonates has not been as straightforward as was originally expected even though the basic tenets of sequence stratigraphy are supposed to be applicable to all depositional systems. Rather than force carbonate platforms into the straightjacket of a concept derived from another sediment family, this course takes a different tack. It starts out from the premise that sequence stratigraphy is a modern and sophisticated version of lithostratigraphy and as such is a sedimentologic concept. "More sedimentology into sequence stratigraphy" is the motto of the course and the red line that runs through the chapters of this booklet. The course sets out with a review of sedimentologic principles governing the large-scale anatomy of reefs and platforms. It then looks at sequences and systems tracts from a sedimentologic point of view, assesses the differences between siliciclastics and carbonates in their response to sea level, evaluates processes that compete with sea level for control on carbonate sequences, and finally presents a set of guidelines for application of sequence stratigraphy to reefs and carbonate platforms. In compiling these notes, I have drawn not only on literature but also on as yet unpublished materials from my associates in the sedimentology group at the Free University, Amsterdam. I acknowledge in particular Hemmo Bosscher, Ewan Campbell, Juul Everaars, Arnout Everts, Jeroen Kenter, Henk van de Poel, John Reijmer, Jan Stafleu, and Flora Vijn.
    [Show full text]
  • Sequence Stratigraphy of a Mesozoic Carbonate Platform-To-Basin System in Western Sicily
    Cent. Eur. J. Geosci. • 1(3) • 2009 • 251-273 DOI: 10.2478/v10085-009-0021-8 Central European Journal of Geosciences Sequence stratigraphy of a Mesozoic carbonate platform-to-basin system in western Sicily Research Article Luca Basilone∗ Dipartimento di Geologia e Geodesia, Palermo University, via Archirafi 20-22, 90123 Palermo, Italy Received 15 April 2009; accepted 9 June 2009 Abstract: Sequence stratigraphic studies of the Triassic through Paleogene carbonate successions of platform, slope and basin in western Sicily (Palermo and Termini Imerese Mountains) have identified a sedimentary cyclicity mostly caused by relative oscillations of sea level. The stratigraphic successions of the Imerese and Panormide palaeo- geographic domains of the southern Tethyan continental margin were studied with physical-stratigraphy and facies analysis to reconstruct the sedimentary evolution of this platform-to-basin system. The Imerese Basin is characterized by a carbonate and siliceous-calcareous succession, 1200-1400 m thick, Late Triassic to Eocene in age. The strata display a typical example of a carbonate platform margin, characterized by resedimented facies with progradational stacking patterns. The Panormide Carbonate Platform is characterized by a carbonate succession, 1000-1200 m thick, Late Triassic to Late Eocene, mostly consisting of shallow-water facies with periodic subaerial exposure. The cyclic arrangement has been obtained by the study of the stratigraphic signatures (unconformities, facies sequences, erosional surfaces and stratal geometries) found in the slope successions. The recognized pattern has been compared with coeval facies of the shelf. This correlation provided evidence of sedimentary evolution, influenced by progradation and backstepping of the shelf deposits. The stratigraphic architecture of the platform-to-basin system is characterized by four major transgres- sive/regressive cycles during the late Triassic to late Eocene.
    [Show full text]
  • Mid-Depth Calcareous Contourites in the Latest Cretaceous of Caravaca (Subbetic Zone, SE Spain)
    Mid-depth calcareous contourites in the latest Cretaceous of Caravaca (Subbetic Zone, SE Spain). Origin and palaeohydrological significance Javier Martin-Chivelet*, Maria Antonia Fregenal-Martinez, Beatriz Chac6n Departamento de 8stratigrajia. institute de Geologia Economica (CSiC-UCM). Facultad de Ciencias Geologicas. Universidad Complutense. 28040 Madrid, Spain Abstract Deep marine carbonates of Late Campanian to Early Maastrichtian age that crop out in the Subbetic Zone near Caravaca (SE Spain) contain a thick succession of dm-scale levels of calcareous contourites, alternating with fine-grained pelagitesl hemipelagites. These contourites, characterised by an abundance and variety of traction structures, internal erosive surfaces and inverse and nOlmal grading at various scales, were interpreted as having been deposited under the influence of relatively deep ocean CUlTents. Based on these contourites, a new facies model is proposed. The subsurface currents that generated the contourites of Caravaca were probably related to the broad circumglobal, equatorial current system, the strongest oceanic feature of Cretaceous times. These deposits were formed in the mid-depth (200-600 m), hemipelagic environments at the ancient southern margin of Iberia. This palaeogeographic setting was susceptible to the effects of these currents because of its position close to the narrowest oceanic passage, through which the broad equatorial cun'ent system flowed in the westemmost area of the Tethys Seaway. Regional uplift, related to the onset of convergence between Iberia and Africa, probably favoured the generation of the contourites during the Late Campanian to the Early Maastrichtian. Keyword\': Contourites; Palaeoceanography; Late Cretaceous; Caravaca; Betics; SE Spain 1. Introduction aI., 1996; Stow and Faugeres, 1993, 1998; Stow and Mayall, 2000a; Shanmugam, 2000).
    [Show full text]
  • Paleoecology of Late Cretaceous Methane Cold-Seeps of the Pierre Shale, South Dakota
    City University of New York (CUNY) CUNY Academic Works All Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects 10-2014 Paleoecology of Late Cretaceous methane cold-seeps of the Pierre Shale, South Dakota Kimberly Cynthia Handle Graduate Center, City University of New York How does access to this work benefit ou?y Let us know! More information about this work at: https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/355 Discover additional works at: https://academicworks.cuny.edu This work is made publicly available by the City University of New York (CUNY). Contact: [email protected] Paleoecology of Late Cretaceous methane cold-seeps of the Pierre Shale, South Dakota by Kimberly Cynthia Handle A dissertation submitted to the Graduate Faculty in Earth and Environmental Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, The City University of New York 2014 i © 2014 Kimberly Cynthia Handle All Rights Reserved ii This manuscript has been read and accepted for the Graduate Faculty in Earth and Environmental Sciences in satisfaction of the dissertation requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Neil H. Landman____________________________ __________________ __________________________________________ Date Chair of Examining Committee Harold C. Connolly, Jr.___ ____________________ __________________ __________________________________________ Date Deputy - Executive Officer Supervising Committee Harold C. Connolly, Jr John A. Chamberlain Robert F. Rockwell The City University of New York iii ABSTRACT The Paleoecology of Late Cretaceous methane cold-seeps of the Pierre Shale, South Dakota By Kimberly Cynthia Handle Adviser: Neil H. Landman Most investigations of ancient methane seeps focus on either the geologic or paleontological aspects of these extreme environments.
    [Show full text]
  • Depositional Controls and Sequence Stratigraphy of Lacustrine to Marine
    DEPOSITIONAL CONTROLS AND SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHY OF LACUSTRINE TO MARINE TRANSGRESSIVE DEPOSITS IN A RIFT BASIN, LOWER CRETACEOUS BLUFF MESA, INDIO MOUNTAINS, WEST TEXAS ANDREW ANDERSON Master’s Program in Geology APPROVED: Katherine Giles, Ph.D., Chair Richard Langford, Ph.D. Vanessa Lougheed, Ph.D. Charles Ambler, Ph.D. Dean of the Graduate School Copyright © by Andrew Anderson 2017 DEDICATION To my parents for teaching me to be better than I was the day before. DEPOSITIONAL CONTROLS AND SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHY OF LACUSTRINE TO MARINE TRANSGRESSIVE DEPOSITS IN A RIFT BASIN, LOWER CRETACEOUS BLUFF MESA, INDIO MOUNTAINS, WEST TEXAS by ANDREW ANDERSON, B.S. THESIS Presented to the Faculty of the Graduate School of The University of Texas at El Paso in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE Department of Geological Sciences THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO December 2017 ProQuest Number:10689125 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. ProQuest 10689125 Published by ProQuest LLC ( 2018). Copyright of the Dissertation is held by the Author. All rights reserved. This work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code Microform Edition © ProQuest LLC. ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, MI 48106 - 1346 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS In the Fall of 2014, Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • Diagenesis and Sequence Stratigraphy
    Comprehensive Summaries of Uppsala Dissertations from the Faculty of Science and Technology 762 _____________________________ _____________________________ Diagenesis and Sequence Stratigraphy An Integrated Approach to Constrain Evolution of Reservoir Quality in Sandstones BY JOÃO MARCELO MEDINA KETZER ACTA UNIVERSITATIS UPSALIENSIS UPPSALA 2002 Dissertation for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Mineral Chemistry, Petrology and Tectonics at the Department of Earth Sciences, Uppsala University, 2002 Abstract Ketzer, J. 2002. Diagenesis and Sequence Stratigraphy. an integrated approach to constrain evolution of reservoir quality in sandstones. Acta Universitatis Upsaliensis. Comprehensive Summaries of Uppsala Dissertations from the Faculty of Science and Technology 762. 30 pp. Uppsala. ISBN 91-554-5439-9 Diagenesis and sequence stratigraphy have been formally treated as two separate disciplines in sedimentary petrology. This thesis demonstrates that synergy between these two subjects can be used to constrain evolution of reservoir quality in sandstones. Such integrated approach is possible because sequence stratigraphy provides useful information on parameters such as pore water chemistry, residence time of sediments under certain geochemistry conditions, and detrital composition, which ultimately control diagenesis of sandstones. Evidence from five case studies and from literature, enabled the development of a conceptual model for the spatial and temporal distribution of diagenetic alterations and related evolution of reservoir quality
    [Show full text]
  • Practical Application of Sequence Stratigraphy and Risk Analysis for Stratigraphic Trap Exploration
    t2.o Practical Application of Sequence Stratigraphy and Risk Analysis for Stratigraphic Trap Exploration Takeshi Nakanishi B.Sc. Geology - Osaka City University (Japan) M.Sc. Geology - Osaka Cþ University (Japan) National Centre for Petroleum Geology and Geophysics The University of Adelaide This thesis is submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Faculty of Science, The Universþ of Adelaide September 2002 THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE AUSTRALIA (Dr. g. llo Çeorge Affen. Table of Contents Table of Contents Abstract .. vllr I)eclaration x Acknowledgments xl Chapter l-Introduction I 1.1 Risk analysis inthe petroleum exploration business ........ 1 1.2 Stratigraphic traps: the targets to diversiff exploration risk .. 5 1.3 Sequence stratigraphy and stratigraphic trap exploration - l5 1.4 Designing an evaluationprocedure for stratigraphic trap exploration . .-...... 18 1.5 Publications t9 Chapter 2 - Methodology 20 2.1 Quantitative geologic risk evaluation and ENPV evaluation in JNOC's projects ... 20 2.1.1 Introduction 20 2.1.2 ENPV: Expected Net Present Value ... 20 2.1.3 Geologic risk evaluation ...... 29 2.1.4 Consistency - the challenge for the future 36 2.2lntegration of sequence stratigraphy and 3D seismic dat¿ visualisation 37 2.2.1 Sequence stratigraphy 37 2.2.2 3D seismic data visualisation ...... 47 2.23lnfegration of sequence stratigraphic concept and 3D seismic data visualisation. 52 Chapter 3 - Case Study Areas and Available Data 55 Chapter 4 - General Geologic Setting and Petroleum Systems of the Southern Cooper-Eromanga Basin 64 4.1 Stratigraphic and tectonic setting 64 4.2 Petroleum systems 68 4.2.1 Source rocks and migration..
    [Show full text]
  • Sedimentological Signatures of Extreme Marine Inundations
    Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências Departamento de Geologia Sedimentological signatures of extreme marine inundations Pedro José Miranda da Costa Doutoramento em Geologia Especialidade em Geologia Económica e do Ambiente 2012 I Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências Departamento de Geologia Sedimentological signatures of extreme marine inundations Pedro José Miranda da Costa Doutoramento em Geologia Especialidade em Geologia Económica e do Ambiente Tese orientada pelo Prof. Doutor César Augusto Canelhas Freire de Andrade e pelo Prof. Doutor Alastair George Dawson, especialmente elaborada para a obtenção do grau de doutor em Geologia, especialidade em Geologia Económica e do Ambiente 2012 II Sedimentological signatures of extreme marine inundations Resumo A identificação e diferenciação de depósitos de invasões marinhas extremas (i.e. tsunamis e tempestades), é essencial para a reconstrução da sua distribuição espacial e para a determinação de tempos de recorrência de eventos desta natureza. As características de depósitos de paleotsunamis podem variar de local para local com as características geomorfológicas e sedimentológicas do sector costeiro em análise, bem como, com a deposição e/ou erosão associadas à inundação e ao retorno das ondas. Estes factores tornam o reconhecimento de paleotsunamis, numa sequência sedimentar, uma tarefa ousada. Além de que, existem também variadíssimas similaridades entre depósitos sedimentares de tsunamis e de tempestades, o que pode restringir de sobremaneira a precisão no seu reconhecimento e, consequentemente, na determinação de períodos de retorno para invasões marinhas extremas. Esta trabalho tem como objectivo fundamental contribur para mitigar estas dificuldades, focando-se sobre a aplicação de análise litoestratigráfica, textural, morfoscópica, microtextural e de composição mineralógica, para identificar depósitos de inundações marinhas extremas e determinar as suas prováveis fontes sedimentares.
    [Show full text]
  • 174Ax Leg Summary: Sequences, Sea Level, Tectonics, and Aquifer Resources: Coastal Plain Drilling1
    Miller, K.G., Sugarman, P.J., Browning, J.V., et al. Proceedings of the Ocean Drilling Program, Initial Reports Volume 174AX (Suppl.) 174AX LEG SUMMARY: SEQUENCES, SEA LEVEL, TECTONICS, AND AQUIFER RESOURCES: COASTAL PLAIN DRILLING1 Kenneth G. Miller, James V. Browning, Peter J. Sugarman, Peter P. McLaughlin, Michelle A. Kominz, Richard K. Olsson, James D. Wright, Benjamin S. Cramer, Stephen J. Pekar, William Van Sickel2 SUMMARY This chapter provides the background, objectives, and major scien- tific accomplishments of Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Leg 174AX/ 174AXS, during which four boreholes were drilled onshore in the New Jersey (NJ) and Delaware (DE) Coastal Plains. These boreholes not only targeted the onshore equivalents of Miocene sequences drilled offshore during Leg 174AX with holes at Ocean View, NJ, and Bethany Beach, DE, but also provided an unprecedented sampling of marine Upper Cre- taceous–Paleogene onshore sequences with holes at Bass River and Ancora, NJ. Major scientific accomplishments of Leg 174AX include evaluating controls on sea level and sequences and global events in Earth history. Sea Level We established that eustasy is the dominant process that determines the template for potential sequences and their general architecture (stacking patterns and preservation of stratal surfaces) on the U.S. Mid- Atlantic margin. Leg 150X and 174AX onshore cores yielded a high- 1Examples of how to reference the resolution (1-m.y. resolution) chronology of ~30 Cenozoic and 11–14 whole or part of this volume. Late Cretaceous sequences by integrating Sr isotopic stratigraphy and 2 Shipboard Scientific Party biostratigraphy. Sequence boundaries (from 42 to 8 Ma) correlate with addresses.
    [Show full text]