Application of sequence stratigraphic concepts to the Upper Cretaceous Tununk Shale Member of the Mancos Shale Formation,south-central Utah: Parasequence styles in shelfal mudstone strata

Although sequence stratigraphic concepts have been applied extensively to coarse-grained siliciclastic deposits in nearshore environments, high-resolution sequence stratigraphic analysis has not been widely applied to mudstone-dominated sedimentary successions deposited in more distal hemipelagic to pelagic settings. To examine how sequence stratigraphic frameworks can be derived from the facies variability of mudstone-dominated successions, the Tununk Shale Member of the Mancos Shale Formation in south-central Utah (USA) was examined in detail through a combination of sedimentological, stratigraphic and petrographic methods. The Tununk Shale accumulated on a storm-dominated shelf during the second-order Greenhorn sea-level cycle. During this eustatic event, the depositional environment of the Tununk Shale shifted laterally from distal middle shelf to outer shelf, then from an outer shelf to an inner shelf environment. At least 49 parasequences can be identified within the Tununk Shale. Each parasequence shows a coarsening-upward trend via upward increases in silt and sand content, thickness and lateral continuity of laminae/beds, and abundance of storm-generated sedimentary structures. Variations in bioturbation styles within parasequences are complex, although abrupt changes in bioturbation intensity or diversity commonly occur across parasequence boundaries (i.e. flooding surfaces). Due to changes in depositional environments, dominant sediment supply and bioturbation characteristics, parasequence styles in the Tununk Shale show considerable variability. Based on parasequence stacking patterns, eleven system tracts, four depositional sequences and key sequence stratigraphic surfaces can be identified. The high-resolution sequence stratigraphic framework of the Tununk Shale reveals a hierarchy of stratal cyclicity. Application of sequence stratigraphic concepts to this thick mudstone-dominated succession provides important insights into the underlying causes of heterogeneity in these rocks over multiple thickness scales (millimetre-scale to metre-scale). The detailed sedimentological characterization of parasequences, system tracts and depositional sequences in the Tununk Shale provides conceptual approaches that can aid the development of high-resolution sequence stratigraphic frameworks in other ancient shelf mudstone successions.     

Early Miocene lacustrine deposits and sequence stratigraphy of the Ermenek Basin,Central Taurides,Turkey

The lacustrine Ermenek Basin evolved as a SE-trending intramontane graben affected by strike–slip deformation, with the initial two lakes merging into one and receiving sediment mainly through fan deltas sourced from the basin's southern margin. The northern margin was a high-relief rocky coast with a wave-dominated shoreline. The Early Miocene lacustrine sedimentation was terminated by a late Burdigalian marine invasion that drowned the basin and its surroundings. The lacustrine basin-fill succession is up to 300 m thick and best exposed along the southern margin, where it consists of four sequences bounded by surfaces of forced regression. The offshore architecture of each sequence shows a thin lowstand tract of shoreface sandstones overlain by a thick transgressive systems tract of mudstones interbedded with sandy tempestites and delta-derived turbidites, which form a set of coarsening-upward parasequences representing minor normal regressions. The corresponding nearshore sequence architecture includes a thick lowstand tract of alluvial-fan deposits overlain by either a well-developed transgressive systems tract (backstepping parasequence set or single fan-deltaic parasequence) and poorly preserved highstand tract; or a thin transgressive tract (commonly limited to flooding surface) and a well-developed highstand tract (thick fan-deltaic parasequence). The sequences are poorly recognizable along the northern margin, where steep shoreline trajectory rendered the nearshore system little responsive to lake-level changes. The resolution of local stratigraphic record thus depends strongly upon coastal morphology and the character of the depositional systems involved.The sequential organization of the basin-fill succession reflects syndepositional tectonics and climate fluctuations, whereas the lateral variation in sequence architecture is due to the localized sediment supply (deltaic vs. nondeltaic shoreline), varied coastal topography and differential subsidence. The study points to important differences in the sequence stratigraphy of lacustrine and marine basins, related to the controlling factors. A crucial role in lacustrine basin is played by climate, which controls both the lake water volume and the catchment sediment yield. Consequently, the effects of tectonics and the dynamics of changes in accommodation and sediment supply in a lacustrine basin are different than in marine basins.     

Sedimentary environment dynamics and the formation of coal in the Pennsylvanian Variscan foreland in the Ruhr Basin (Germany, Western Europe)

During the Pennsylvanian, formation of coal was a phenomenon that was spread over many continents. It is the aim of this paper to illustrate factors that led to the formation of coal seams in paralic clastic sedimentary environments in the Ruhr Basin (German Variscan foreland) during the Pennsylvanian in terms of sequence stratigraphy and the structural evolution of the basin. Lithostratigraphic sections from exploration wells in the currently explored zone of the coal basin allowed the generation of volumetric lithofacies models, using geostastical methods. These models support the analysis of sedimentary facies and a sequence stratigraphic interpretation of the successions that are widely correlated throughout the basin. We then evaluate the relation of the sequence stratigraphic elements derived from the facies models with the abundance of coal seams.     

北部湾盆地层序地层格架及其内部构成

本文根据地震剖面、测井曲线及钻孔岩心等资料，运用层序地层学工作方法对北部湾盆地进行了层序地层划分，并在此基础上作了沉积体系分析和相分析。     

Facies model of a fine‐grained,tide‐dominated delta: Lower Dir Abu Lifa Member (Eocene), Western Desert,Egypt

Existing facies models of tide‐dominated deltas largely omit fine‐grained, mud‐rich successions. Sedimentary facies and sequence stratigraphic analysis of the exceptionally well‐preserved Late Eocene Dir Abu Lifa Member (Western Desert, Egypt) aims to bridge this gap. The succession was deposited in a structurally controlled, shallow, macrotidal embayment and deposition was supplemented by fluvial processes but lacked wave influence. The succession contains two stacked, progradational parasequence sets bounded by regionally extensive flooding surfaces. Within this succession two main genetic elements are identified: non‐channelized tidal bars and tidal channels. Non‐channelized tidal bars comprise coarsening‐upward sandbodies, including large, downcurrent‐dipping accretion surfaces, sometimes capped by palaeosols indicating emergence. Tidal channels are preserved as single‐storey and multilateral bodies filled by: (i) laterally migrating, elongate tidal bars (inclined heterolithic strata, 5 to 25 m thick); (ii) forward‐facing lobate bars (sigmoidal heterolithic strata, up to 10 m thick); (iii) side bars displaying oblique to vertical accretion (4 to 7 m thick); or (iv) vertically‐accreting mud (1 to 4 m thick). Palaeocurrent data show that channels were swept by bidirectional tidal currents and typically were mutually evasive. Along‐strike variability defines a similar large‐scale architecture in both parasequence sets: a deeply scoured channel belt characterized by widespread inclined heterolithic strata is eroded from the parasequence‐set top, and flanked by stacked, non‐channelized tidal bars and smaller channelized bodies. The tide‐dominated delta is characterized by: (i) the regressive stratigraphic context; (ii) net‐progradational stratigraphic architecture within the succession; (iii) the absence of upward deepening trends and tidal ravinement surfaces; and (iv) architectural relations that demonstrate contemporaneous tidal distributary channel infill and tidal bar accretion at the delta front. The detailed facies analysis of this fine‐grained, tide‐dominated deltaic succession expands the range of depositional models available for the evaluation of ancient tidal successions, which are currently biased towards transgressive, valley‐confined estuarine and coarser grained deltaic depositional systems.     

基于沉积微相的野外露头剖面准层序分析——以鄂尔多斯盆地奥陶系临汾晋王坟剖面马家沟组为例

鄂尔多斯盆地奥陶系为广泛的陆表海碳酸盐岩沉积,其东部马家沟组岩相特征、岩石组合类型和旋回性丰富多样。通过对本区临汾晋王坟剖面的奥陶系马家沟组地层进行精细测量,笔者从剖面的沉积特征入手,进行沉积环境和沉积微相的分析,并以沉积微相的纵向演变规律为基础,结合准层序向上变浅的本质特征,识别划分野外露头剖面的准层序。研究区马家沟组共识别出32个准层序,可分为两种类型:准层序类型Ⅰ跨越若干微环境,相变向上为浅;准层序类型Ⅱ沉积于同一个微环境,向上有层厚的渐变趋势。两种类型准层序的形成取决于沉积物供给、短周期海平面升降和地层沉降三者之间的关系和相互作用。研究区内的准层序类型Ⅰ发育广泛,较为常见,类型Ⅱ则发育较少。     

Paleo-environmental reconstruction of Lopingian (upper Permian) sediments in the Galilee Basin,Queensland, Australia

The recent review of the Lopingian (upper Permian) stratigraphic framework of the Galilee Basin, prompted a reconsideration of the paleo-environments of deposition. This study interpreted the distribution of sedimentary facies from geophysical logs across the basin complemented by detailed logging from four key wells (GSQ Tambo 1-1A, OEC Glue Pot Creek 1, CRD Montani 1 and GSQ Muttaburra 1). Seven facies associations were identified: terrestrial fluvial, floodplain, lacustrine and mire; and paralic to marine estuarine shoreline, delta and restricted marine. Coal measures (mire facies) are best developed in the northeastern margin of the basin, whereas the southern Springsure Shelf was dominated by marine conditions throughout the Lopingian, only developing terrestrial facies towards the very uppermost Lopingian. The ‘Colinlea Sandstone equivalent’ was deposited in a fluvial system, with tidal influence exhibited in the southern part of the basin, which decreases further north as lacustrine environments become common. The regional transgression represented by the Black Alley Shale can be mapped into the central part of the basin, but based on new exploration data its northern extent is more limited than previously thought. The ‘Burngrove Formation equivalent’ and Bandanna Formation represent a southerly prograding fluvial-deltaic system during the regional regression in the upper part of the Lopingian.     

准层序、岩性变换带在陆相红盆中的应用——以民和盆地1∶5万红古城、新寺乡幅的白垩纪地层为例

陆相红盆与海相盆地在层序地层的基本单元和沉积作用等方面存在巨大差异。层序地层的基本概念,基本理论具体在陆相盆地中的作用,应紧密结合陆相分地自身的发育特点,创造了一套真正适合于陆相盆地层序地层学的概念和模式。陆相地层与海相地层相比规律性不明显,“层板对比”模式不适合陆相盆地地层分布实际。     

准层序、岩性变换带在陆相红盆中的应用——以民和盆地1∶5万红古城、新寺乡幅的白垩纪地层为例

陆相红盆与海相盆地在层序地层的基本单元和沉积作用等方面存在巨大差异。层序地层的基本概念、基本理论具体在陆相盆地中的应用 ,应紧密结合陆相盆地自身的发育特点 ,创造出一套真正适合于陆相盆地层序地层学的概念和模式。陆相地层与海相地层相比规律性不明显 ,“层板对比”模式不适合陆相盆地地层分布实际。准层序和岩性变换带的使用 ,是根据内陆红盆层序地层发育的自身特点 ,通过民和盆地白垩纪地层工作实践而提出的。它可以揭示陆相红盆层序地层的主控因素 ,把横向无序变为与成因相关的同期有序地层 ,使陆相层序、区域地层划分对比的研究不但可能 ,而且十分有效。     

Evolution of an ancient (Lower Cretaceous) marginal‐marine system from tide‐dominated to wave‐dominated deposition,McMurray Formation

Regionally extensive parasequences in the upper McMurray Formation, Grouse Paleovalley, north‐east Alberta, Canada, preserve a shift in depositional processes in a paralic environment from tide domination, with notable fluvial influence, through to wave domination. Three stacked parasequences form the upper McMurray Formation and are separated by allogenic flooding surfaces. Sediments within the three parasequences are grouped into three facies associations: wave‐dominated/storm‐dominated deltas, storm‐affected shorefaces to sheltered bay‐margin and fluvio‐tidal brackish‐water channels. The two oldest parasequences comprise dominantly tide‐dominated, wave‐influenced/fluvial‐influenced, shoreface to bay‐margin deposits bisected by penecontemporaneous brackish‐water channels. Brackish‐water channels trend approximately north‐west/south‐east, which is perpendicular to the interpreted shoreline trend; this implies that the basinward and progradational direction was towards the north‐west during deposition of the upper McMurray Formation in Grouse Paleovalley. The youngest parasequence is interpreted as amalgamated wave‐dominated/storm‐dominated delta lobes. The transition from tide‐dominated deposition in the oldest two parasequences to wave‐dominated deposition in the youngest is attributed mainly to drowning of carbonate highlands to the north and north‐west of the study area, and potentially to relative changes in accommodation space and deposition rate. The sedimentological, ichnological and regional distribution of the three facies associations within each parasequence are compared to modern and Holocene analogues that have experienced similar shifts in process dominance. Through this comparison it is possible to consider how shifts in depositional processes are expressed in the rock record. In particular, this study provides one of few ancient examples of preservation of depositional process shifts and showcases how topography impacts the character and architecture of marginal‐marine systems.     

鄂尔多斯盆地中部马五1亚段高分辨率层序地层格架中风化成岩模式和储层特征

以层序地层学理论为指导,研究了鄂尔多斯盆地中部奥陶系风化壳储层的层序地层特征,建立了马五₁亚段的高分辨率层序地层格架,在其内识别出了4个准层序;通过建立海平面变化与风化成岩（ 岩溶） 作用的关系模式,从成因上阐明了层间岩溶和后期高级别的风化成岩（ 岩熔） 作用的发生过程和控制因素,揭示了在碳酸盐岩高分辨率层序地层格架中,不同级别的海平面变化周期控制着不同级别的沉积层序和风化成岩（ 岩溶） 作用;分析了准层序与储层物性的关系,认为在鄂尔多斯盆地中部奥陶系风化壳储层中,准层序界面控制着层间岩溶的发育,是影响马五₁亚段风化壳储层性质的主要因素。     

Depositional facies and the sequence stratigraphic control of a mixed-process influenced clastic wedge in the Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway: The Gallup System,New Mexico,USA

Depositional facies have been hypothesized to be linked to sequence stratigraphic positions. Also, shoreline systems are built by mixed processes, including rivers, storms, fair-weather waves and tides. Resolving the complexity of shoreline deposition requires detailed quantitative facies analysis with particular attention to heterolithic successions. In this study, 71 sections in a 130 km long outcrop belt of the Cretaceous Gallup Formation in the north-west of the San Juan Basin were measured. Five major facies associations were identified using sedimentological and iconological interpretations, including offshore shelf, non-deltaic shoreline sandstones, deltas, coastal bayline and fluvial. Each facies association also comprises subordinate facies. Depositional facies interpretations are placed in a high-resolution sequence stratigraphic framework that allows for reconstructions of the palaeogeography of individual parasequence sets that demonstrate temporal and spatial evolution of facies associations and depositional processes. The results show that the Gallup is a mixed-process-controlled depositional system with fair-weather and storm-wave dominance, river influence and tide-effect, contrasting with previous interpretations of a solely fair-weather wave-dominated environment. Depositional processes and the resultant facies change with sequence stratigraphic positions in response to relative sea-level changes – particular facies are only deposited in certain systems tracts. Distinction and transition between non-deltaic shorefaces and wave-dominated deltas have also been documented in this study. Non-deltaic shorefaces are characterized by homogeneous sandstones with a wide-range bioturbation index and the absence of mudstones. Wave-dominated deltas are subject to river influence and contain prodelta facies. This study shows the importance of detailed facies analysis with high-resolution sequence stratigraphic control using outcrops for documenting sedimentary processes of shallow marine shoreline systems.     

Evolution of three unconformity‐bounded sandy carbonate successions in the McArthur River region of northern Australia: The Lawn,Wide and Doom Supersequences in a proximal part of the Isa Superbasin

Gamma‐ray curves from surface outcrops together with U–Pb SHRIMP zircon dating are used to redefine the evolution of a Palaeoproterozoic sandy dolostone succession from northern Australia. This case history indicates that gamma‐ray logging of surface sections should accompany lithostratigraphic logging or an inadequate interpretation of stratigraphic evolution is a likely outcome. The 1200 m‐thick Nathan Group from the McArthur River area had previously been interpreted as a more‐or‐less continuous package of carbonates deposited in lacustrine and associated shallow‐water environments. Now it is seen to comprise the preserved remnants of three truncated, second‐order supersequences—the Lawn, Wide and Doom Supersequences—each a few hundred metres thick and each deposited over a time period of a few million years. These supersequences are separated by major stratigraphic breaks each approaching probably 10 million years duration. Each supersequence comprises several third‐order sequences which themselves contain higher‐order cycles. These were deposited in a series of continental, shoreline, and inner to outer carbonate platform environments. Transgressive, high‐energy, fluvial to marginal marine, mixed clastic‐carbonate facies dominate most of the sequences. The middle, Wide Supersequence, however, preserves deeper water (mostly sub‐storm‐wave‐base) stromatolitic facies in one sequence, and storm‐reworked clastics in another. These are interpreted as condensed intervals deposited around their respective maximum flooding surfaces and are succeeded by regressive facies that probably represent highstand systems tracts. New correlations between these 1615–1575 Ma sandy carbonate successions of the McArthur Basin (Amos, Balbirini and Dungaminnie Formations) and time‐equivalent largely clastic successions in the Lawn Hill area (Lawn Hill and Doomadgee Formations), some 400 km to the southeast, are proposed.     

High‐resolution sequence stratigraphy of the Maastrichtian‐Ypresian succession along the eastern scarp face of Kharga Oasis,southern Western Desert,Egypt

A thick Maastrichtian‐Ypresian succession, dominated by marine siliciclastic and carbonate deposits of the regionally recognized Nile Valley and Garra El‐Arbain facies associations, is exposed along the eastern escarpment face of Kharga Oasis, located in the Western Desert of Egypt. The main objectives of the present study are: (i) to establish a detailed biostratigraphic framework; (ii) to interpret the depositional environments; and (iii) to propose a sequence stratigraphic framework in order to constrain the palaeogeographic evolution of the Kharga sub‐basin during the Maastrichtian‐Ypresian time interval. The biostratigraphic analysis suggests the occurrence of 10 planktonic zones; two in the Early Maastrichtian (CF8b and CF7), four in the Palaeocene (P2, P3, P4c and P5) and four in the Early Eocene (E1, E2, E3 and E4). Recorded zonal boundaries and biostratigraphic zones generally match with those proposed elsewhere in the region. The stratigraphic succession comprises seven third‐order depositional sequences which are bounded by unconformities and their correlative conformities which can be correlated within and outside Egypt. These depositional sequences are interpreted as the result of eustatic sea‐level changes coupled with local tectonic activities. Each sequence contains a lower retrogradational parasequence set bounded above by a marine‐flooding surface and an upper progradational parasequence set bounded above by a sequence boundary. Parasequences within parasequence sets are stacked in landward‐stepping and seaward‐stepping patterns indicative of transgressive and highstand systems tracts, respectively. Lowstand systems tracts were not developed in the studied sections, presumably due to the low‐relief ramp setting. The irregular palaeotopography of the Dakhla Basin, which was caused by north‐east to south‐west trending submerged palaeo‐highs and lows, together with the eustatic sea‐level fluctuations, controlled the development and location of the two facies associations in the Kharga Oasis, the Nile Valley (open marine) and Garra El‐Arbain (marginal marine).     

Sequence stratigraphy of a carbonate-evaporite succession (Zechstein 1, Hessian Basin, Germany)

The evaporitic Hessian Zechstein Basin is a sub‐basin of the Southern Zechstein Basin, situated at its southern margin. Twelve facies groups were identified in the Zechstein Limestone and Lower Werra Anhydrite in order to better understand the sequence‐stratigraphic evolution of this sub‐basin, which contains economically important potassium salts. Four different paleogeographic depositional areas were recognized based on the regional distribution of facies. Siliciclastic‐carbonate, carbonate, carbonate‐evaporite and evaporite shallowing‐upward successions are developed. These allow the establishment of parasequences and sequences, as well as correlation throughout the Hessian Basin and into the Southern Zechstein Basin. Two depositional sequences are distinguished, Zechstein sequence 1 and Zechstein sequence 2. The former comprises the succession from the Variscan basement up to the lowermost part of the Werra Anhydrite, including the Kupferschiefer as part of the transgressive systems tract. The highstand systems tract is defined by the Zechstein Limestone, in which two parasequences are developed. In large parts of the Hessian Basin, Zechstein sequence 1 is capped by a karstic, subaerial exposure surface, interpreted as recording a type‐1 sequence boundary that formed during a distinct brine level fall. Low‐lying central areas (Central Hessian Sub‐basin, Werra Sub‐basin), however, were not exposed and show a correlative conformity. Topography was minimal at the end of sequence 1. Widely developed perilittoral, sabkha and salina shallowing‐upward successions indicate a renewed rise of brine level (interpreted as a transgressive systems tract), because of inflow of preconcentrated brines from the Southern Zechstein Basin to the north. This marks the initiation of Zechstein sequence 2, which comprises most of the Lower Werra Anhydrite. In the Central Hessian Sub‐basin, situated proximal to the brine inflow and on the ridges within the Hessian Basin, physico‐chemical conditions were well suited for sulphate precipitation to form a thick cyclic succession. It consists of four parasequences that completely filled the increased accommodation space. In contrast, only minor sulphate accumulation occurred in the Werra Sub‐basin, situated further southwards and distal to the inflow. As a result of substantially different sulphate precipitation rates during increased accommodation, water depth in the region became more variable. The Werra Sub‐basin, characterized by very low sedimentation rates, became increasingly deeper through time, trapping dense halite brines and precipitating rock salt deposits (Werra Halite). This ‘self‐organization’ model for an evaporitic basin, in which depositional relief evolves with sedimentation and relief is filled by evaporite thereafter, contradicts earlier interpretations, that call upon the existence of a tectonic depression in the Werra area, which controlled sedimentation from the beginning of the Zechstein.     

Late‐glacial to Holocene depositional architecture of the Ombrone palaeovalley system (Southern Tuscany,Italy): Sea‐level,climate and local control in valley‐fill variability

The Ombrone palaeovalley was incised during the last glacial sea‐level fall and was infilled during the subsequent Late‐glacial to Holocene transgression. A detailed sedimentological and stratigraphic study of two cores along the palaeovalley axis led to reconstruction of the post‐Last Glacial Maximum valley‐fill history. Stratigraphic correlations show remarkable similarity in the Late‐glacial to early‐Holocene succession, but discrepancy in the Holocene portion of the valley fill. Above the palaeovalley floor, about 60 m below sea‐level, Late‐glacial sedimentation is recorded by an unusually thick alluvial succession dated back to ca 18 cal kyr bp . The Holocene onset was followed by the retrogradational shift from alluvial to coastal facies. In seaward core OM1, the transition from inner to outer estuarine environments marks the maximum deepening of the system. By comparison, in landward core OM2, the emplacement of estuarine conditions was interrupted by renewed continental sedimentation. Swamp to lacustrine facies, stratigraphically equivalent to the fully estuarine facies of core OM1, represent the proximal expression of the maximum flooding zone. This succession reflects location in a confined segment of the valley, just landward of the confluence with a tributary valley. It is likely that sudden sediment input from the tributary produced a topographic threshold, damming the main valley course and isolating its landward segment from the sea. The seaward portion of the Ombrone palaeovalley presents the typical estuarine backfilling succession of allogenically controlled incised valleys. In contrast, in the landward portion of the system, local dynamics completely overwhelmed the sea‐level signal, following marine ingression. This study highlights the complexity of palaeovalley systems, where local morphologies, changes in catchment areas, drainage systems and tributary valleys may produce facies patterns significantly different from the general stratigraphic organization depicted by traditional sequence‐stratigraphic models.     

从旋回的有序叠加形式到层序的识别和划分：层序地层学进展之三

在Exxon层序地层学概念体系中,由不整合面及其可以对比的整合面所限定的地层单位被定义为 层序,即三级沉积层序;构成三级层序的单元为体系域,体系域由若干准层序和准层序组所组成。基于海岸沉 积的层序地层模式,准层序被定义为“由海泛面所限定的层或层组组成的一个相对整合的序列”;作为准层序界 面的海泛面被进一步定义为：一个将老地层与新地层分开的面,穿过该面存在一个突然的“水深加深”。因此, 从海泛面到准层序,其定义由于不具有普遍性而表现出欠完整性。虽然类似级别的地层单元后来又被Exxon的 科学家修改为“高频层序”,但是,准层序这个欠完整的概念一直被广泛使用着。与层序地层学的Exxon时代大 致同步,或者在更早的时期,地质学家就已经注意到那些由岩层所构成的沉积旋回,以“洛非尔旋回层” 为典 型代表;这种类似的旋回性沉积记录,后来被进一步定义为“米级旋回”,而且将米级旋回进一步解释为异成因 机制控制下的自旋回沉积过程（间断-加积-旋回机制;PAC机制） 的产物,这种异成因机制是与米兰柯维奇 旋回相关的极地冰盖的消长所造成的海水体积变化,以及由这种数万年至数十万年级别的海水体积变化所产生 的高频海平面变化旋回。这些厚度为数厘米至数米的沉积旋回,在长周期三级层序中常常构成有序的叠加形式, 这种叠加形式成为研究三级层序内沉积趋势变化的主要标志。再者,对与米兰柯维奇旋回存在成因关联的沉积 旋回的研究,成为另一个地层学分支---旋回地层学的主要内容。如果说对Exxon层序地层学概念体系不协调 的研究是第1个进展、对长周期层序的形成机制的探索为层序地层学的第２个进展,那么,从旋回的有序叠加 形式到层序的识别与划分,不但表现出了旋回地层学和层序地层学的交融,而且也代表了层序地层学的第3个 重要进展。     

Stratigraphic architecture of the fluvio-lacustrine deposits, Bathan Formation, Al-Rehaili area, North Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

A siliciclastic-dominated succession (～11 m thick) underlying Harrat Rahat, belonging to the Miocene–Pliocene Bathan Formation is recently exposed at Al-Rehaili area, North Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It covers a wide spectrum of grain sizes varying from clay-rich mudstones to cobble grade conglomerate and consists of a variety of facies vary from fluvial to marginal and open lacustrine deposited in a half-graben basin formed along the eastern margin of the extensional Red Sea Basin. Field-based sedimentologic investigation enables to identify ten facies grouped into three facies associations (A–C). The depositional history is subdivided into two stages. The first stage represents deposition in gravel to sand-dominated fluvial system sourced from a southern source and grade northward into lacustrine delta and open lacustrine setting. The second stage on the other hand includes deposition of fluvial channels running in E–W direction with attached bank sand bar. Sequence stratigraphic interpretations of the lacustrine deposits enable to identify three unconformity-bounded sequences (SQ_1–3). The basal sequence is incomplete, consisting of three aggradationally to progradationally stacked delta plain and delta front parasequences. The second sequence is sharply and erosively overlying a red paleosol bed that defines the upper boundary of the first sequence. It includes two system tracts; upward-fining and deepening lacustrine offshore mudstones of the transgressive system tracts unconformably overlain by red paleosol of the regressive systems tracts. The top of this sequence is delineated at the sharp transgressive surface of erosion at the base of delta mouth bar deposits of sequence 3. Changes in the accommodation and sedimentation rates by basin subsidence under the influence of tectonics and sediment compaction and loading as well as climatic oscillation between semi-arid to arid conditions were the major controls on the fluvio-lacustrine sedimentation and their facies distribution. Tectonic reorganization of the drainage system resulted in the formation of E–W flowing fluvial streams in the second stage.     

湘西王村剖面寒武系花桥组浊积岩特征及其大地构造意义

湘西王村地区的寒武系代表江南斜坡相沉积序列,传统的下寒武统划分为杷榔组、清虚洞组;中寒武统划分为敖溪组、花桥组（下部）;上寒武统划分为花桥组（上部）、追屯组。其中,花桥组中浊流沉积发育,可识别出7次规模较大的浊流活动期,第一期浊积岩包括69个浊积序列,分别归属于11个副层序;第二期浊积岩包括37个浊积序列,分别归属于7个副层序。每个副层序的下部表现为近源浊积岩,上部表现为远源浊积岩,所代表的海水深度变化由浅变深。第一期浊流活动发生在海平面上升时期,形成三级层序的海侵体系域;第二期浊流活动发生在海平面较低、斜坡较陡时期,形成三级层序的低水位体系域。江南斜坡带中—上寒武世浊积岩频繁出现反映台地边缘深大断裂周期性活动强,断裂两盘升降差异运动显著。     

Accommodation and sediment-supply controls on clastic parasequences: A meta-analysis

This study combines data from many published case studies to undertake a quantitative characterization of clastic parasequences, with the aim to determine how accommodation, sediment supply and autogenic sediment-storage dynamics are recorded in their sedimentary architecture and stacking patterns. Results of this study are used to critically evaluate the validity of paradigms and models that are routinely used to explain and predict trends in the anatomy and arrangement of parasequences. Data on 957 parasequences from 62 case studies of clastic, shallow-water successions were coded in a relational database, which includes outcrop and subsurface datasets of ancient and Quaternary examples. These units cover the preserved records of both river-dominated deltas and wave-dominated coasts, representing shoreline transits over a breadth of timescales, likely of both local and regional extent. The role of extant accommodation, rates of creation of accommodation and rates of sediment supply in determining parasequence architecture is assessed through analysis of relationships between: (i) proxies of these variables at different scales (rates of aggradation and progradation, facies-belt shoreline trajectories, systems-tract type, parasequence-set stacking patterns, parasequence progradation angle and stratigraphic rise, size of feeder rivers); and (ii) parameters that describe the geometry and stacking style of parasequences, and associated shallow-water sand bodies. Statistical analyses of database outputs indicate which proxies of accommodation, sediment supply and accommodation/sediment-supply ratio are significant as predictors of parasequence architecture, and allow for interpretations of the importance of allogenic and autogenic factors. The principal results of this study reveal the following: (i) parasequence thickness varies as a function of water depth, accommodation generation and erosional truncation, and these variations are also reflected across types of systems tracts and parasequence sets; (ii) the dip length of parasequence sand bodies demonstrates scaling with measures of accommodation/sediment-supply ratio at multiple scales, partly in relation to the possible effect of sediment supply on progradation rates; (iii) in systems tracts, stratigraphic trends in parasequence stacking due to autogenic mechanisms or to acceleration or deceleration in relative sea-level fluctuations are not revealed quantitatively; (iv) some association is seen between the abundance of deltaic or river-dominated parasequences and progradational stacking; (v) positive but modest correlation is observed between measures of river-system size and the dip length of shallow-marine parasequence sand bodies. The resulting insights can be applied to guide sequence stratigraphic interpretations of the rock record and the characterization of sub-seismic stratigraphic architectures of subsurface successions.