The transgressive infill of an inherited-valley system: The Springhill Formation (lower Cretaceous) in southern Austral Basin, Argentina

The Berriasian-Valanginian Springhill Formation of the Austral Basin of southern South America comprises fluvial to marine deposits. In order to interpret depositional systems and unravel the stratigraphic architecture of this unit in the southern region of the basin (Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina), 500 m of cores combined with well-log data from 41 wells were studied. Facies associations corresponding to fluvial (A1-A6), estuarine (B1-B5) and open-marine (C1-C4) depositional environments were identified. These facies associations succeed each other vertically across the entire study area (6800 km²) forming a ∼120-m-thick transgressive succession. This unit filled a north-south-oriented valley system, developed in the underlying Jurassic volcanic complex.Lowstand fluvial deposits of the first stage of the valley-system fill occur in downdip segments of the system above a sequence boundary (SB). These fluvial deposits are overlain by coastal-plain and tide-dominated estuarine strata across an initial transgressive surface (ITS). In the northern sector the earliest valley infill is characterized by a transgressive fluvial succession, overlying a merged SB/ITS that is probably time-equivalent of marginal-marine deposits of the southern sector. The fluvial strata in the north are overlain by wave-dominated estuarine deposits. A drastic change to open-marine conditions is marked by a marine flooding surface, with local evidence of marine erosion (FS-RS). Open-marine strata are thin (<10 m) and dominated by lower-shoreface and offshore-transition deposits. They are capped by a younger flooding surface (FS), which represents the onset to offshore conditions across the study area due to a continuous long-term transgression that persisted until the Barremian.Although the interpreted depositional systems and stratigraphic architecture of the Springhill Formation resemble transgressive incised-valley-fill successions, the greater thickness and larger size of the Springhill valleys suggest inherited rift topography rather than valley development during a relative sea-level fall.     

Diagenetic alterations and reservoir heterogeneity within the depositional facies: A case study from distributary-channel belt sandstone of Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation reservoirs (Ordos Basin,China)

Diagenesis is of decisive significance for the reservoir heterogeneity of most clastic reservoirs. Linking the distribution of diagenetic processes to the depositional facies and sequence stratigraphy has in recent years been discipline for predicting the distribution of diagenetic alterations and reservoir heterogeneity of clastic reservoirs. This study constructs a model of distribution of diagenetic alterations and reservoir heterogeneity within the depositional facies by linking diagenesis to lithofacies, sandstone architecture and porewater chemistry during burial. This would help to promote better understanding of the distribution of reservoir quality evolution and the intense heterogeneity of reservoirs. Based on an analogue of deltaic distributary channel belt sandstone in Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation, 83 sandstone plug samples were taken from 13 wells located along this channel belt. An integration of scanning electron microscopy, thin sections, electron microprobe analyses, rate-controlled porosimetry (RCP), gas-flow measurements of porosity and permeability, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments, together with published data, were analysed for the distribution, mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of detrital and diagenetic components and the distribution of reservoir quality within the distributary channel belt.Distribution of diagenetic alterations and reservoir heterogeneity within the distributary channel belt sandstones include (i) formation of high quality chlorite rims in the middle part of thick sandstones with coarser grain sizes and a lower content of ductile components resulted from the greater compaction resistance of these sandstones (providing larger pore spaces for chlorite growth), leading to formation of the intergranular pore – wide sheet-like throat and intergranular pore - intragranular pore – wide sheet-like throat (Φ>15%, k>1mD) in the middle part of thick sandstones; (ii) formation of thinner chlorite rims in the middle part of thinner sandstones is associated with the intergranular pore - intragranular pore – narrow sheet-like throat (9%<Φ<14%, 0.2mD<k<0.8mD); (iii) strong cementation by kaolinite in the more proximal sandstones of distributary channel owing to the strong feldspar dissolution by meteoric water, resulting in the intragranular pore - group of interstitial cement pores – narrow sheet-like throat/extremely narrow sheet-like throat (8%<Φ<11%, 0.1mD<k<0.3mD) due to the pore-filling kaolinite occluding porosity; (iv) formation of dense ferrocalcite zones (δ¹⁸O_VPDB = −23.4‰ to −16.6‰; δ¹³ C_VPDB = −4.0‰ to −2.3‰) favoured in the top and bottom of the channel sandstone which near the sandstone-mudstone bouding-surface, destroying pore space (Φ<8%, k<0.1mD); (v) strong compaction in sandstone of distributary channel edge laterally as a result of fine grain size and high content of ductile components in those sandstones, forming the group of interstitial cement pores – extremely narrow sheet-like throat with porosity values less than 8%.     

Stratigraphic signatures of punctuated rise in relative sea-level in an estuary-dominated heterolithic succession: Incised valley fills of the Toarcian Ostreaelv Formation,Neill Klinter Group (Jameson Land,East Greenland)

The Ostreaelv Formation (latest Pliensbachian–Toarcian) of the Neill Klinter Group is exposed along a >105 km wide, ENE-trending section in Jameson Land, East Greenland. Deposition took place in a large embayment (Jameson Land Basin) that was connected to the proto-Norwegian-Greenland Sea. Lithofacies in the Ostreaelv Formation range from clean sandstone to muddy heterolithic facies typified by strong grain-size contrasts.The Ostreaelv Formation is divided into four distinct and overall retrograding allostratigraphic units each composed of a characteristic set of tide-influenced, tide-dominated and wave-influenced facies associations. The allostratigraphic units are bounded by subaerial unconformities, interpreted as sequence boundaries, and are up to 75 m thick and 16 to >20 km in width. The allostratigraphic units include a sandy heterolithic estuary bay-head delta succession overlain by two sandy tide-dominated estuary fill successions, interbedded with a muddy heterolithic offshore marine succession. Each of the three estuarine allostratigraphic units was accumulated in an incised valley formed during fall in relative sea level and filled during successive transgressions with sediment supplied from marine and reworked fluvial deposits.In the three incised valleys fluvial sediments were deposited on top of an initial subaerial unconformity surface (SU) and were later reworked by succeeding transgressive ravinement along a transgressive surface (TS), thus creating combined SU/TS sequence boundaries. The data from the Ostreaelv Formation also provides knowledge and conceptual understanding of valley infill processes (tidal current, wave and fluvial energy), and both lateral and vertical variations in lithofacies architecture within incised valleys.Moreover, the study provides quantitative input data, such as incised valley dimensions, sand-containing capacity, and geometry to subsurface reservoir characterisation and modelling efforts of estuary fill successions.     

Tectono-sequence stratigraphic analysis of the Lower Cretaceous Abu Gabra Formation in the Fula Sub-basin,Muglad Basin,southern Sudan

The Fula Sub-basin of the Muglad Basin of southern Sudan is an active-fault bounded basin with an area of approximately 3300 km². The Lower Cretaceous Abu Gabra Formation formed during the first of three rifting cycles. It can be subdivided into five 3rd-order sequences named SQA∼SQE from bottom to top, indicating five stages of tectonostratigraphy and tectonosedimentary evolution. The spatial distribution and temporal evolution of clastic depositional systems are described in this paper based on integrated analysis of seismic, core and well logging data. In the Abu Gabra Formation of the Fula Sub-basin, a variety of depositional systems are recognized, namely, fan delta, braided delta, delta, sublacustrine fan and lacustrine system. The Fula Sub-basin has undergone a complex and phased rifting evolution, and a high abundance of transfer zones developed, causing the resulting distribution and architecture of both the sequence and depositional system to be controlled by various types of transfer zones. The following three types of sequence architectures from northern to southern part of the Fula Sub-basin have been identified: simple dustpan-shaped sequence architecture in the north, transfer-zone sequence stratigraphic architecture in the middle and graben-shaped sequence architecture in the south. The sequence architecture is under the control of the large-scale central transfer zone, and nine models are built to study the effect of at least three categories of small-scale transfer zones on the depositional systems in the Fula Sub-basin. The small-scale transfer zones play significant roles in basin fill, primarily in controlling of the positions of deposit-input points. This study provides valuable insights into tectonic control of depositional systems and sequence architectures in a continental rift basin such as the Fula Sub-basin.     

Facies and architecture of a tide-dominated segment of the Late Pliocene Orinoco Delta (Morne L'Enfer Formation) SW Trinidad

Exceptionally high shelf-subsidence rates (0.8–6.0+ mm/yr), a marked basinward stepping (to east and northeast) of the paleo-Orinoco shelf prism and post-Pliocene uplift of Trinidad all allow the sedimentary facies, process regime and the evolution of the Late Miocene Orinoco Delta to be evaluated from extensive outcrops along the southwest, and south coasts of Trinidad. The ca. 200 km easterly growth (late Miocene to present) of the Orinoco shelf-margin was generated by repeated cross-shelf, regressive–transgressive transits of the Orinoco Delta system. The studied Late Pliocene segment of this shelf-margin prism allows insight to how this margin was built. The Morne L'Enfer Formation (Late Pliocene) along Cedros Bay and Erin Bay in SW Trinidad, provides a window into the facies and process regime of the ca. 850 m-thick deltaic succession at an inner-shelf location some 100 km landward of the coeval shelf edge. Regressive facies associations include tide-influenced delta-front to prodelta deposits (FA1) within upward coarsening units, shoreface to offshore deposits, possibly with prograding mud cape deposits (FA2), and fluvial distributary channel infills (FA3), as well as muddy sediments of floodbasins and coastal embayments between the distributary channels (FA4), and tide-influenced bay-head delta deposits (FA5). Transgressive facies associations show an overall upward fining of grain size and include inner estuary distributary channels with minimal brackish-water or tidal influence (FA6), transition zone fluvial-tidal distributary channels (FA7), tide-dominated mid-outer estuary channel-bars (FA8), and intertidal to supratidal flat units (FA9). The tidal signals in both deltaic and estuarine units include bi-directional paleocurrents (channels), frequent mud drapes within stacked sets of cross-strata (delta-front), fluid mud layers, flaser, wavy and lenticular bedding, and ubiquitous spring-neap stratal bundling. The tide dominated nature of the paleo-delta in SW Trinidad was likely due to its location within an embayed proto-Columbus Channel, though by analogy with the modern Orinoco Delta, it is predicted that the same succession becomes wave dominated to the east as the delta emerged to the open ocean and approached the outer shelf and shelf-edge region. It is difficult to estimate how much of the abundant mud in the Pliocene deltaic sequences was derived from inner-shelf littoral currents with suspended Amazon River mud. The studied Late Pliocene Morne L'Enfer succession contains some 17 high-frequency transgressive–regressive sequences, each ca. 40–60 m thick, estimated to have an average time duration of 90–120 Ky. By analogy, the last glacial cycle on the Orinoco shelf saw the delta prograding across the 200 km-wide shelf to the shelf edge in ca. 100 Ky, then transgressing back to its present position in 20 Ky. A predicted model of the linkage between the study succession on SW Trinidad and its eastward continuation offshore towards the outer shelf and shelf edge in the Columbus Basin is suggested.     

Change of deltaic depositional environment and its impacts on reservoir properties—A braided delta in South China Sea

Depositional environment can change through geological time. This paper describes a delta that evolved from river-dominated into tide-dominated. The delta is located in the Ya13-1 field of the South China Sea. Understanding the change that occurred in the deltaic setting is important because the change in depositional environments led to changes in spatial distribution of facies and other rock properties.The Oligocene sediments of the third member of the Lingshui Formation in the Ya13-1 field were deposited in a river-dominated delta, and later impacted by marine flooding, fluvial and tidal currents. As a result of these different influences, the early-stage depositional micro-facies and the sandbody distributions are quite different from those of the later stage. At the early stage, fluvial influences prevailed, resulting in a fluvial-dominated delta plain and deposition of many linguoid sand bars in the delta front. During the late stage of deposition, tide-dominated delta fronts were developed extensively and finger sand bars deposited abundantly in the delta front as a result of the tidal influence.Ya13-1 gas field is laterally divided into two large subareas and vertically into eight stratigraphic packages. Because of the different influences of marine flooding that resulted in different interbeds and intercalations, the number of stratigraphic packages in the south is different from that in the north. The change of deltaic depositional environments also resulted in different reservoir properties between the northern and southern regions as the reservoir properties of mouth bars are generally better than distributary channels. These depositional characteristics significantly impact the development of the field.     

Modern fan deltas in the western Gulf of Corinth,Greece

Rivers in the western Gulf of Corinth have built gravelly fan deltas into waters 100–300 m deep. Seismic profiles (3.5 kHz) and gravity cores show that sand-filled channels extend seaward of modern distributary mouths and lead to sandy depositional lobes in deeper water. Much of the fan delta slope is underlain by mud. Closely spaced gullies cut the interchannel ridges on either side of the main channels. Incised slope valleys occur on east-facing slopes, where the wave fetch is greatest, and may be formed by rip-current-induced turbidity currents.     

溱潼凹陷阜一段层序地层格架及沉积体系研究

溱潼凹陷属走滑伸展型断陷,应用层序地层学原理和方法,建立了阜一段的层序地层格架,并在阜一段识别出湖泊三角洲和湖泊两大沉积体系。同时结合含砂率与地震属性研究,恢复了阜一段低位域、湖扩域和高位域的沉积体系,认为各体系域沉积体系在时空展布上具有一定的继承性和差异性。综合分析认为,研究区阜一段东部的殷庄—广山地区在低位域时发育大型三角洲沉积体系,主要以前缘河口坝及席状砂沉积为主,可作为良好储集层;西部斜坡带华港—北汉庄地区,低位域及高位域均发育三角洲沉积体系且规模较大,主要为平原河道及前缘河口坝沉积,也可作为很好的油气储层。     

Present temperature field and Cenozoic thermal history in the Dongpu depression,Bohai Bay Basin,North China

The Dongpu depression is located in the southern Bohai Bay Basin, North China, and it has abundant oil and gas reserves. There has been no systematic documentation of this depression's temperature field and thermal history. In this article, the present geothermal gradient and heat flow were calculated for 68 wells on the basis of 892 formation-testing data from 523 wells. Moreover, the Cenozoic thermal history was reconstructed using 466 vitrinite reflectance data from 105 wells. The results show that the Dongpu depression is characterized by a medium-temperature field between stable and active tectonic areas, with an average geothermal gradient of 34.8 °C/km and an average heat flow of 66.8 mW/m². The temperature field in the Dongpu depression is significantly controlled by the Changyuan, Huanghe, and Lanliao basement faults and thin lithosphere thickness. The geothermal gradient twice experienced high peaks. One peak was during the Shahejie 3 Formation depositional period, ranging from 45 °C/km to 48 °C/km, and the second peak was in the middle and late of the Dongying Formation depositional period, ranging from 39 °C/km to 40 °C/km, revealing that the Dongpu depression experienced two strong tectonic rifts during the geothermal gradient high peak periods. The geothermal gradient began to decrease from the Neogene, and the geothermal gradient is 31–34 °C/km at the present day. In addition, these results reveal that source rock thermal evolution is controlled by the paleo temperature field of the Dongying Formation depositional period in the Dongpu depression. This study may provide a geothermal basis for deep oil and gas resource evaluation in the Dongpu depression.     

Sequence stratigraphy and depositional architecture of the Pearl River Delta system,northern South China Sea: An interactive response to sea level,tectonics and paleoceanography

Using a combined dataset including 3D seismic volumes, 2D profiles and 127 industrial wells, this study systematically investigated sequence stratigraphy and depositional architecture of the Pearl River Delta system (PRDS) during the Middle Miocene. In total, six stratigraphic sequences (SQ1 to SQ6) were recognized for the Hanjiang Formation, each of which could be further subdivided into a transgressive systems tract (TST) and a regressive systems tract (RST) according to a T-R sequence stratigraphic model. Seismic geomorphologic approaches were then conducted to interpret and map the key depositional elements, including fluvial channel systems, river mouth bars, longshore bars, shelf sand ridges and shelf sand sheets. After a detailed construction of the paleogeography for each of the twelves systems tracts, it was found that the types, geometries and depositional regimes of PRDS significantly altered at ca. 13.8 Ma. Before ca. 13.8 Ma, the PRDS were dominated by well-developed fluvial systems and an overall lobate shape, indicating a fluvial-dominated process. However, after 13.8 Ma, the whole PRDS began to form enormous shoreline-parallel depositional elements such as longshore bars, shelf sand ridges and shelf sand sheets, indicating dominant shore-parallel regimes. Besides, the whole deltaic system displayed obvious southwest deflection in map view after 13.8 Ma.Detailed analysis showed that this sudden change in the evolution of the PRDS could be ascribed to an interactive response to several factors. At ca. 13.8 Ma, the sea level began to rapidly rise and caused the fluvial energy to decrease, which was likely to lead to the diversion of the fluvial systems. Besides, the gradual uplift of the Dongsha Rise resulted in the raised shelf topography in the east region, thus confining the fluvial channels to flow southwestward. What's more, a few key paleoceanographic events, including the reglaciation of the Antarctic ice-sheet and the shoaling of the Pacific-Indian Ocean Seaway, might have contributed to the intensification of the southwesterly flowing paleocurrent along the northern South China Sea, thus triggering the delta asymmetry and deflecton of the PRDS after 13.8 Ma.     

Mapping sediment-dispersal characteristics using seismic geomorphology: Late Paleogene to Neogene,Qinan Sag,Huanghua Depression,China

The main objective of this article has been to demonstrate the utility of stratal slice images for exploring the sequence stratigraphy and sedimentology of complex depositional systems. The seismic-geomorphology study and sedimentary interpretation were performed to map sediment-dispersal characteristics from late Paleogene to Neogene in Qinan Sag, located in Huanghua Depression of China. The Qinan Sag is underlain by a non-marine Mesozoic and Cenozoic-age stratigraphic section. Main data types in this study area are lithology, wire-line logs and 3D seismic. The main study strata, Member one of Shahejie Formation to Minghuazhen Formation, divided into two second-order sequences and four third-order sequences. The older of the two second-order sequences, SE, corresponds to the formations from Kongdian to Dongying. The younger of the two second-order sequences, SN, correspond to Guantao and Minghuazhen formations. Guided by third-order sequence-stratigraphic correlations from seismic and wireline-log data, we prepared stratal slices from a three-dimensional seismic volume to reveal high-resolution (10-m) sediment dispersal characteristics in a relative geologic-time domain. Using techniques of 3-D seismic geomorphology, we defined four types of depositional systems: braided deltas, deltas, braided rivers and meandering rivers. Stratal slices indicated that the depositional evolution of these interest sequences was from braided-delta front to delta front, braided river and finally meandering river system. Many factors related to the structural evolution history controlled the sediment-dispersal characteristics, such as the basin type, dynamic mechanism, faulting activity, subsidence rate and paleo-high.     

Stratigraphic architecture of an Early–Middle Jurassic tidally influenced deltaic system (Plover Formation), Browse Basin,Australian North West Shelf

Understanding the internal stratigraphic architecture of sand-dominated deltas is critical to assessing the extent and distribution of petroleum reservoirs. The stratigraphic architecture and evolution of a major Early–Middle Jurassic fluvio-deltaic system (Plover Formation) on the Australian North West Shelf has been established through integrated analysis of core, borehole image logs and wireline logs for the Calliance field in the Browse Basin. Six facies associations identified in cored intervals are interpreted as tidally influenced channel- and tidal channel-fill complexes (FA1–FA2), crevasse-splay deposits and interchannel marshes (FA3), heterolithic mouthbars and sandflats (FA4), sandy mouthbars (FA5) and offshore transition to offshore (FA6). Therefore, the overall depositional system in the study area is proposed to be a tidally influenced deltaic system, in which FA6 represents prodelta deposits, FA5 and FA4 constitute distributary mouthbar deposits of the delta front and tidally influenced channel and interchannel deposits represent the lower delta plain (FA2, FA1, FA3). Analysis of image lithology and fabric are used to extend interpretation to uncored intervals and to identify intrusive and extrusive igneous units and associated volcaniclastic facies within the formation. Five third-order stratigraphic sequences (S1–S5) record progradational (S1, S2 and S4) and retrogradational (S3 and S5) phases of delta evolution. Paleocurrent indicators derived from borehole image logs indicate common southerly directed sediment dispersal in S2 and S3 and increasingly complex with westerly directions in S4 and S5. Two rift-related depositional phases are recognised separated by a phase of uplift between S3 and S4. The stratigraphic succession of S2 is consistent with the depositional pattern expected in a synrift setting and deposition of the over-thickened sandy succession (FA5 in S4), which is also the major reservoir interval, was most likely controlled by syn-tectonic faulting.     

Hybrid event beds in the proximal to distal extensive lobe domain of the coarse-grained and sand-rich Bordighera turbidite system (NW Italy)

The Upper Cretaceous Bordighera Sandstone of NW Italy is a coarse-grained, sand-rich elongated turbidite system (ca. 15 × 45 km in outcrop) up to 250 m thick, interpreted to have been deposited in a trench setting. The siliciclastic succession interfingers with muddy calcareous turbidites, which become more abundant toward the lateral and distal domains. Bed type associations allow the distinction of a proximal channelized domain which transitions to a more distal lobe domain, characterized by abundant mudclast-rich sandstones and by bipartite and tripartite beds with a mud-rich middle or upper division (hybrid event beds). The transition between the proximal and distal domains occurs over a relatively limited spatial extent (ca. 5 km). The presence of lenticular bed-sets made up of coarse grained and mud-poor sandstones throughout the distal domain suggests that distributary channels were present, indicating sediment bypass further down-dip toward the most distal and not preserved parts of the system. Hybrid event beds - commonly associated with distal and marginal fan environments such as fan fringes - are present throughout the lobe domain and extend for up to ca. 30 km in down-dip distance. They are more abundant in the proximal and axial depositional lobe domain and their appearance occurs within a short basin-ward distance from the inferred channel-lobe transition zone. Flow expansion at the termination of the channelized domain and the enhanced availability of cohesive substrate due to the presence of intra-basinal muddy calcareous beds are interpreted as the key controls on the widespread occurrence of mudclast-rich and argillaceous sandstone beds. The abrupt appearance and the persistent occurrence of such beds across an extensive domain have implications for characterizing bed-scale (sub-seismic) heterogeneity of deep-water clastic hydrocarbon reservoirs.     

Palynology and geochemistry of channel-margin sediments across the tidal–fluvial transition,lower Fraser River,Canada: Implications for the rock record

In the tidally influenced Fraser River, Canada, palynological and carbon isotope (δ¹³C_org) signatures of channel-margin sediments are compared to environmental parameters (e.g., grain size, water salinity) to establish how the signatures vary across the tidal–fluvial transition. Palynological assemblages in the Fraser River are dominated by tree pollen, which constitutes between 85% and 95% of all assemblages. Dinocyst abundances do not exceed 2% of the total palynological assemblage, and the number and diversity of dinocysts gradually decreases landward. The calculated landward limit for dinocysts is at approximately 83 river km, which is relatively close to the upstream limit of the tidal backwater (at ∼100 km). δ¹³C_org values show minimal variability across the tidal–fluvial transition, and the average value is approximately −26‰. The δ¹³C_org signature of river sediments indicates a dominance of terrestrially sourced organic matter regardless of brackish-water and tidal influence on sediment deposition.Six palynological and geochemical trends are identified as relevant to the rock record. 1) In deltaic environments, palynological and geochemical characteristics are less useful than sedimentological and ichnological characteristics for establishing depositional conditions. 2) In marginal-marine settings, low abundances and low species diversities of dinocysts, coupled with a “terrestrial” geochemical signature (δ¹³C_org < −25‰) do not necessarily indicate deposition in a terrestrial environment. 3) Dinocyst abundances above 1% of the total palynomorph population can indicate a significant marine influence on sediment deposition. 4) Mud beds, preferably bioturbated, should be preferentially sampled in order to maximize palynomorph recovery. 5) Marine palynomorphs can occur, albeit in very low concentrations, to the landward limit of the tidal–backwater zone. 6) Palynological and geochemical data should be compared across the paleo-depositional environment in order to establish general trends and remove local variations caused by biases such as grain size.     

The Cosmonaut Sea Wedge

A set of multi-channel seismic profiles (∼15,000 km) is used to study the depositional evolution of the Cosmonaut Sea margin of East Antarctica. We recognize a regional sediment wedge, below the upper parts of the continental rise, herein termed the Cosmonaut Sea Wedge. The wedge is situated stratigraphically below the inferred glaciomarine section and extends for at least 1,200 km along the continental margin with a width that ranges from 80 to about 250 km. The morphology of the wedge and its associated depositional features indicate a complex depositional history, where the deep marine depositional sites were influenced by both downslope and alongslope processes. This interaction resulted in the formation of several proximal depocentres, which at their distal northern end are flanked by elongated mounded drifts and contourite sheets. The internal stratification of the mounded drift deposits indicates that westward flowing bottom currents reworked the marginal deposits. The action of these currents together with sea-level changes is considered to have controlled the growth of the wedge. We interpret the Cosmonaut Sea Wedge as a composite feature comprising several bottom current reworked fan systems. The wide spectrum of depositional geometries in the stratigraphic column reflects dramatic variations in sediment supply from the continental margin as well as varying interaction between downslope and alongslope processes.     

Seismic stratigraphy and geomorphology of a tide or wave dominated shelf-edge delta (NW Australia): Process-based classification from 3D seismic attributes and implications for the prediction of deep-water sands

Shelf-edge deltas (SEDs) forming during periods of relative sea level fall and lowstand are generally efficient in transferring sediments to the slope and basins, and their identification in subsurface data is often considered a good indication of coeval development of slope and basin-floor turbidite reservoirs. This study investigates the seismic stratigraphic evolution of a forced-regressive and normal regressive shelf-edge delta (Bonaparte SED) that accumulated on the edge of the NW Australian margin during the late Quaternary. High resolution 2D and 3D reflection seismic data allow reconstruction of the main episodes of delta progradation and understanding of the extrinsic and intrinsic controls on their deposition. The lack of a significant turbidite system forming off the shelf-edge delta throughout the Quaternary is a striking feature of the Bonaparte SED. Instead, slope sedimentation is dominated by the accumulation of plume-derived mud belts and their reworking through mass-transport processes. Seismic geomorphology permits interpretation of the process regime of the youngest shelf-edge depocentre by applying a new process-based shallow-marine classification scheme to the 3D seismic attribute data. Results suggest either a tide or wave dominated delta with fluvial processes being of tertiary significance. A tide or wave-dominated, fluvial-affected shelf-edge delta classification is consistent with the paleogeographical reconstruction of the margin during the last glacial maximum (ca. 25 ka BP). The comparison of this mixed-process shelf-edge delta and starved slope system with a fluvial-dominated counterpart with significant sandy slope deposits emphasizes the potential of assessing the process regime of shelf-edge deltas as a rapid, first approach for predicting the presence or absence of coeval slope and basin-floor reservoirs.     

Depositional architecture and sequence stratigraphy of the Karoo basin floor to shelf edge succession, Laingsburg depocentre, South Africa

The Laingsburg depocentre of the SW Karoo Basin, South Africa preserves a well-exposed 1200 m thick succession of upper Permian strata that record the early filling of a basin during an icehouse climate. Uniformly fine-grained sandstones were derived from far-field granitic sources, possibly in Patagonia, although the coeval staging and delivery systems are not preserved. Early condensed shallow marine deposits are overlain by distal basin plain siltstone-prone turbidites and volcanic ashes. An order of magnitude increase in siliciclastic input to the basin plain is represented by up to 270 m of siltstone with thin sandstone turbidites (Vischkuil Formation). The upper Vischkuil Formation comprises three depositional sequences, each bounded by a regionally developed zone of soft sediment deformation and associated 20-45 m thick debrite that represent the initiation of a major sand delivery system. The overlying 300 m thick sandy basin-floor fan system (Unit A) is divisible into three composite sequences arranged in a progradational-aggradational-retrogradational stacking pattern, followed by up to 40 m of basin-wide hemipelagic claystone. This claystone contains Interfan A/B, a distributive lobe system that lies 10 m beneath Unit B, a sandstone-dominated succession that averages 150 m thickness and is interpreted to represent a toe of slope channelized lobe system. Unit B and the A/B interfan together comprise 4 depositional sequences in a composite sequence with an overall basinward-stepping stacking pattern, overlain by 30 m of hemipelagic claystone. The overlying 400 m thick submarine slope succession (Fort Brown Formation) is characterized by 10-120 m thick sand-prone to heterolithic packages separated by 30-70 m thick claystone units. On the largest scale the slope stratigraphy is defined by two major cycles interpreted as composite sequence sets. The lower cycle comprises lithostratigraphic Units B/C, C and D while the upper cycle includes lithostratigraphic Units D/E, E and F. In each case a sandy basal composite sequence is represented by an intraslope lobe (Units B/C and D/E respectively). The second composite sequence in each cycle (Units C and E respectively) is characterized by slope channel-levee systems with distributive lobes 20-30 km down dip. The uppermost composite sequence in each cycle (Units D and F respectively) are characterised by deeply entrenched slope valley systems. Most composite sequences comprise three sequences separated by thin (<5 m thick) claystones. Architectural style is similar at individual sequence scale for comparable positions within each composite sequence set and each composite sequence. The main control on stratigraphic development is interpreted as late icehouse glacio-eustasy but along-strike changes associated with changing shelf edge delivery systems and variable bathymetry due to differential substrate compaction complicate the resultant stratigraphy.     

琼东南盆地陵水组层序格架及沉积体系的时空配置关系

利用层序地层学、沉积学原理和方法,对琼东南盆地古近系陵水组进行了层序划分和沉积体系时空配置关系的研究。建立了陵水组的层序地层格架,将其划分为Els3、ElS2和Elsl三个三级层序,其层序和体系域变化主要受控于凹陷内沉降中心的分布位置,沉积主要受控于盆地边缘的断坡带。每个三级层序低位体系域发育局限,海侵与高位体系域发育。沉积体系构成以扇三角洲、三角洲、滨海平原和浅海为主。探讨了沉积体系的演化,总结了其时空配置关系的特点。