Three-dimensional facies architecture analysis using sequence stratigraphy and seismic sedimentology: Example from the Paleogene Dongying Formation in the BZ3-1 block of the Bozhong Sag,Bohai Bay Basin,China

The Bohai Bay Basin is a classic non-marine rift basin in eastern China. The Paleogene Dongying sequences are the main hydrocarbon-bearing stratigraphic unit in the basin. Using three-dimensional (3-D) seismic data and one well control in the BZ3-1 Block in the western slope of the Bozhong Sag, we analyzed 3-D facies architectures of the Dongying sequences. The Dongying Formation, a second-order sequence, can be subdivided into four third-order sequences (from base to top: SQ1, SQ2, SQ3, and SQ4). The facies architecture was analyzed by using the seismic sedimentology approach based on 3-D seismic data. Sediment of the Dongying sequences was derived from the northern Shijiutuo Uplift via four major configurations of incised valleys, namely “V”, “U”, “W”, and composite shaped incised valleys. Seismic stratal slices reveal branching and converging characteristics of the channels from upstream to downstream. On the basis of an integrated analysis of well log, core data, seismic facies based on multi-seismic attributes, three sedimentary facies (e.g., “delta”, “fan-delta”, and “shore” or “shallow lacustrine” facies) have been recognized. The four types of incised valleys and their evolution control the sedimentary systems in the sedimentation area. The numbers and sizes of the fans are controlled by the sedimentary systems at various scales. Incised valley-fill and deltaic sand bodies are excellent hydrocarbon reservoirs and potentially good exploration targets for the study area. The reservoir quality of sequences SQ1, SQ2, and SQ3 become better gradually from base to top. The proposed sediment dispersal patterns may aid in the prediction of potential reservoir distribution. This study also demonstrates that facies architecture analysis using sequence stratigraphy and seismic sedimentology may serve as an effective approach for constructing 3D facies models for petroleum exploration in areas lacking of well or outcrop data.     

Neogene sequence stratigraphic architecture of the Nile Delta,Egypt: A micropaleontological perspective

The sequence stratigraphic architecture of the Neogene section from the subsurface Nile Delta is resolved based on exceptionally well-preserved microfossils from the offshore NDOB-1 borehole. The architecture is configured on bathymetry variations and statistical parameters as deduced from the relative abundance of foraminiferal associations. The statistical parameters include ratios of planktic versus benthic foraminifera, and cluster and correspondence analysis of the twelve most commonly used benthic foraminiferal genera as proxies of water depths. The combination of cluster and correspondence analysis was employed to decipher the evolution and dynamics of the basin and the mechanisms that controlled the deposition of Neogene sequences in the Nile Delta region. Four basic environmental settings were recognized: 1.) a middle to outer neritic eutrophic setting, 2.) a middle to outer neritic mesotrophic setting, 3.) an outer neritic to upper bathyal mesotrophic setting and 4.) an upper bathyal mesotrophic setting.Eight stratigraphic sequences were identified in the Neogene Nile Delta section. Three sequence in the Miocene (MSeq1, MSeq2 and MSeq3), three in the Pliocene (PSeq1, PSeq2 and PSeq3) and two in the Pleistocene (PtSeq1 and PtSeq2). These sequences are systematically measured and described in terms of time, space and water bathymetry. The sequence boundaries and flooding surfaces were dated using high-resolution microfossil biochronology and stratigraphic index markers. Individual sequences and boundaries were correlated with international and local sequence stratigraphic models. The new sequence stratigraphic model established here provides age calibrated surfaces for inter-basinal correlations and opens new avenues for hydrocarbon reservoir exploration.     

Could the conventionally known Abu Roash “G” reservoir (upper Cenomanian) be a promising active hydrocarbon source in the extreme northwestern part of Egypt? Palynofacies,palaeoenvironmental, and organic geochemical answers

In different areas of the Western Desert of Egypt, the Abu Roash “G” Member exhibits either a reservoir or source affinity. Thus, thirteen cutting samples covering the Abu Roash “G” Member were selected from the Nest-1A well at Matruh Basin to investigate its hydrocarbon source potential. Palynological age dating of the section that is calibrated with foraminifera and ostracodes enabled a proper identification of the “G” Member. Detailed analysis of the vertical distribution of particulate organic matter of this member shows two palynofacies types. PF-1 reflects an outer middle shelf depositional environment of prevailed reducing (suboxic-anoxic) conditions for the organic-rich shales of the lower “G” Member (samples 1–8). While, PF-2 reflects a minor regression that resulted in deposition of another organic-rich shales of the upper “G” Member (samples 9–13) in an inner middle shelf setting under the same prevailing reducing (suboxic-anoxic) conditions.Organic geochemical analysis reveals good to very good potential of the “G” Member as a hydrocarbon source rock (1.8–2.41, avg. 2.15 total organic content wt %). It also shows good to very good petroleum potential (PP: 4.8–11 , avg. 8 mg HC/g rock). Pyrolsis and palynofacies analyses show kerogen type II for the lower “G” Member (samples 1–8), which is characterized by high Hydrogen index (HI: 396 and 329 mg HC/g TOC at depths 1500 and 1560 m) and very high dominance of oil-prone material (amorphous organic matter “AOM”, marine palynomorphs, and sporomorphs) and very rare occurrence of gas-prone material (brown phytoclasts). The upper “G” Member (samples 9–13) shows kerogen type II-III, which is characterized by a lower HI value of 213 mg HC/g TOC at depth 1340 m and it contains fewer amounts of gas-prone material and relatively lower AOM and marine palynomorphs in comparison to the upper “G” Member. Maturation parameters T_max (430–433 °C), production index (PI: 0.1 mg HC/g rock), and thermal alteration index (TAI: 2+) indicate the lower “G” Member has already entered the early oil-window kitchen, and it is expected to produce oil. The upper “G” Member is expected to produce only oil with no gas shows, because it is marginally mature (T_max 426 °C, PI 0.2, TAI 2). The source potential index (SPI: 5.3 t HC/m²) of the “G” Member shows it as currently generating moderate quantities of oil in the area of Nest-1A well.Consequently, the organic-rich shales of the “G” Member are suggested here as a promising, active oil source rock in that extreme northwestern part of the Western Desert of Egypt. However, for commercial oil recovery from the Abu Roash “G” Member, it is highly recommended to explore the depocentre of Matruh Basin at about 150 km east the Nest-1A well.     

Applying seismic geomorphology to delineate switched sequence stratigraphic architecture in lacustrine rift basins: An example from the Pearl River Mouth Basin,northern South China Sea

Switched sequence stratigraphic architectural units were developed in the Eocene Wenchang Formation stratigraphic section of the Pearl River Mouth Basin (PRMB), northern South China Sea. Utilizing a high-quality 3D seismic data set, well logs and restored paleogeomorphology, the architecture and genesis of switched sequence stratigraphic units have been systematically investigated. The Wenchang Formation, a second-order sequence, can be subdivided into seven third-order sequences (from base to top: SQ1, SQ2, SQ3, SQ4, SQ5, SQ6, and SQ7). The sequence stratigraphic architecture of the Wenchang Formation is characterized by continuous lateral stacking patterns from sequences SQ1 to SQ7. Sequences SQ1–SQ4 mainly developed in the HZ26 sag, whereas sequences SQ5–SQ7 mainly developed in the XJ24 sag. The depositional centres of the Wenchang Formation appear to have migrated from the HZ26 sag to the XJ24 sag-along the northwest direction from sequences SQ1 to SQ7. Multiple tectonic activation episodes or alternating tectonic subsidence of the HZ26 and XJ24 sags resulted in the distinctive geomorphological features that effected the development of the switched sequence stratigraphic architecture in the study area. The switched sequence stratigraphic architecture presented in this study may provide new insights into a better understanding of sequence stratigraphic stacking patterns in continental lacustrine rift basins.     

辽东湾晚第四纪层序地层

通过对辽东湾高分辨率浅地层剖面声学地层与典型钻孔沉积地层的对比分析,揭示了研究区晚第四纪MIS5以来的地层层序。辽东湾高分辨率浅地层剖面自下而上划定的6个声学地层单元(SU₅、SU₄、SU₃、SU₂、SU₁²、SU₁¹)与钻孔岩芯划分的6个沉积地层单元(DU₅、DU₄、DU₃、DU₂、DU₁²、DU₁¹)具有良好的对应关系。分别与MIS4期、MIS2期低海面时期的沉积间断密切相关的两个层序界面R5、R3,将辽东湾识别出的地层单元自下而上划分为3个层序(SQ3、SQ2、SQ1)。其中SQ3仅识别出上部的海侵体系域与高水位体系域,对应MIS5期海平面相对较高时期的滨浅海相沉积(DU₅);SQ2自下而上由低水位体系域(MIS...     

Sequence stratigraphy of the Miocene section,southern Gulf of Mexico

This study focuses on the interpretation of stratigraphic sequences through the integration of biostratigraphic, well log and 3D seismic data. Sequence analysis is used to identify significant surfaces, systems tracts, and sequences for the Miocene succession.The depositional systems in this area are dominantly represented by submarine fans deposited on the slope and the basin floor. The main depositional elements that characterize these depositional settings are channel systems (channel-fills, channel-levee systems), frontal splays, frontal splay complexes, lobes of debrites and mass-transport complexes.Five genetic sequences were identified and eleven stratigraphic surfaces interpreted and correlated through the study area. The Oligocene-lower Miocene, lower Miocene and middle Miocene sequences were deposited in bathyal water depths, whereas the upper Miocene sequences (Tortonian and Messinian) were deposited in bathyal and outer neritic water depths. The bulk of the Miocene succession, from the older to younger deposits consists of mass-transport deposits (Oligocene-lower Miocene); mass transport deposits and turbidite deposits (lower Miocene); debrite deposits and turbidite deposits (middle Miocene); and debrite deposits, turbidite deposits and pelagic and hemipelagic sediments (upper Miocene). Cycles of sedimentation are delineated by regionally extensive maximum flooding surfaces within condensed sections of hemipelagic mudstone which represent starved basin floors. These condensed sections are markers for regional correlation, and the maximum flooding surfaces, which they include, are the key surfaces for the construction of the Miocene stratigraphic framework. The falling-stage system tract forms the bulk of the Miocene sequences. Individual sequence geometry and thickness were controlled largely by salt evacuation and large-scale sedimentation patterns. For the upper Miocene, the older sequence (Tortonian) includes sandy deposits, whereas the overlying younger sequence (Messinian) includes sandy facies at the base and muddy facies at the top; this trend reflects the change from slope to shelf settings.     

The Cenomanian/Turonian oceanic anoxic event in the Razzak Field, north Western Desert, Egypt: Source rock potential and paleoenvironmental association

The Western Desert of Egypt is one of the world’s most prolific Jurassic and Cretaceous hydrocarbon provinces. It is one of many basins that experienced organic-rich sedimentation during the late Cenomanian/early Turonian referred to as oceanic anoxic event 2 (OAE2). The Razzak #7 oil well in the Razzak Field in the northern part of the Western Desert encountered the Upper Cretaceous Abu Roash Formation. This study analyzed 23 samples from the upper “G”, “F”, and lower “E” members of the Abu Roash Formation for palynomorphs, particulate organic matter, total organic carbon (TOC) and δ¹³C_org in order to identify the OAE2, determine hydrocarbon source rock potential, and interpret the depositional environment. The studied samples are generally poor in palynomorphs, but show a marked biofacies change between the lower “E” member and the rest of the studied samples. Palynofacies analysis (kerogen quality and quantity) indicates the presence of oil- and gas-prone materials (kerogen types I and II/III, respectively), and implies reducing marine paleoenvironmental conditions. Detailed carbon stable isotopic and organic carbon analyses indicate that fluctuations in the δ¹³C_org profile across the Abu Roash upper “G”, “F”, and lower “E” members correspond well with changes in TOC values. A positive δ¹³C_org excursion (∼2.01‰) believed to mark the short-term global OAE2 was identified within the organic-rich shaly limestone in the basal part of the Abu Roash “F” member. This excursion also coincides with the peak TOC measurement (24.61 wt.%) in the samples.     

The Central Submarine Canyon in the Qiongdongnan Basin, northwestern South China Sea: Architecture, sequence stratigraphy, and depositional processes

Submarine canyons have been the subject of intense studies in recent years because of their close link to deepwater systems. The Central Canyon is a large unusual submarine canyon in the northwestern margin of the South China Sea, has a total length of about 425 km and is oriented sub-parallel to the continental slope. Using integrated 2D/3D seismic, well log, core, and biostratigraphy data, the current study documents the stratigraphic framework, internal architecture, depositional processes, and controlling factors of the segment of the Central Canyon located in the Qiongdongnan Basin.The integrated analysis shows that the canyon fill consists of four 3^rd-order sequences, SQ4, SQ3, SQ2, and SQ1. Each of them is bounded by regionally important erosional surfaces (3^rd-order sequence boundaries). Within each 3^rd-order sequence there is maximum regressive surface separating a regressive systems tract in the lower part and a transgressive systems tract in the upper part. Nine facies are identified and are further grouped into five depositional units, DU1 through DU5.The canyon evolved through four cut-and-fill stages, with a change from predominantly axial cut-and-fill to primarily side cut-and-fill. Axial cut-and-fill dominated during the first stage, and the slope-subparallel paleo Xisha Trough was intensely eroded by large-scale axial gravity flows. During the second cut-and-fill stage, the Central Canyon experienced both axial and side cut-and-fill. The third stage was dominated by side cut-and-fill. The canyon was eroded and fed by slope channels that transported sandy sediments from the shelf to the north during regression, and was covered by side-derived muddy MTCs during transgression. The last stage was also dominated by side cut-and-fill. The canyon, however, was filled predominantly by side-derived muddy MTCs.Evolution and depositional processes in the Central Canyon were likely controlled by slope-subparallel negative-relief induced by paleo-seafloor morphology, structural inversion of the Red River Fault and the slope-subparallel basement faults. Additionally, Coriolis force, sea-level fluctuations, high sedimentation rate, and rapid progradation of the slope also controlled and influenced the depositional processes, and internal architectures of the canyon.     

Palynological,palynofacies, paleoenvironmental and organic geochemical studies on the Upper Cretaceous succession of the GPTSW-7 well,North Western Desert,Egypt

The present study of the Abu Roash and Bahariya formations in well GPTSW-7 refines our understanding of the subsurface Cretaceous of the north Western Desert of Egypt. Our investigations are based on the palynological analyses of 71 cuttings samples, of which 24 have also been analyzed for geochemistry, in addition to 3 sidewall cores analyzed for vitrinite reflectance (R_o).     

Unreciprocated sedimentation along a mud-dominated continental margin,Gulf of Mexico,U.S.A.: Implications for sequence stratigraphy in muddy settings devoid of depositional sequences

According to widely accepted sequence stratigraphic and fill-and-spill models, sedimentary cyclicity along continental margins is modulated by relative sea-level change, whereas smaller-scale intraslope accommodation is controlled by the filling of pre-existing bathymetric depressions. Although these concepts are presumed to apply to shelf-to-slope settings regardless of grain size, we have tested both hypotheses in the mud-prone lower Pliocene to Holocene of offshore Louisiana, Gulf of Mexico, and reach different conclusions. We determine that over the last ∼3.7 Myr, differential accumulation and accompanying salt tectonism dislocated the fine-grained shelf and slope, prevented the development of sedimentary reciprocity at 10–100 kyr time scales, and inhibited fill-and-spill accumulation. We show that only 3% of “lowstand” mass transport deposits can be correlated to low stands in relative sea level, whereas approximately 30% of the deposits are related to transgressions and high stands; the remaining 67% are poorly constrained. Mass transport deposits also show no clear evidence of up-section increases in bypass. Based on our results, we conclude that the dominant control on stratigraphic architecture in offshore Louisiana was not relative sea-level change or patterns of accommodation, but rather differential deposition and concomitant salt-related subsidence, which controlled the distribution of facies, timing and location of mass transport deposits, and rates of sediment accumulation. Our conclusions highlight the importance of sediment supply and local tectonism, and caution against a priori use of conventional sequence stratigraphic and fill-and-spill models to decipher the stratigraphic evolution of actively-deforming mud-dominated continental margins. We therefore recommend treating stratigraphic models as testable hypotheses, rather than as methods of interpretation, particularly in fine-grained areas devoid of well-developed depositional sequences and in settings lacking intraslope ponded-to-perched accumulations.     

Seismic and sequence stratigraphy of the central western continental margin of India: late-Quaternary evolution

Seismic and sequence stratigraphic architecture of the central western continental margin of India (between Coondapur and south of Mangalore) has been investigated with shallow seismic data. Seismic stratigraphic analysis defined nine seismic units, that are configured in a major type-1 depositional sequence possibly related to fourth-order eustatic sea-level changes, comprising regressive, lowstand, transgressive and highstand systems tracts. The late-Quaternary evolution of the continental margin took place under the influence of an asymmetric relative fourth-order sea-level cycle punctuated by higher frequency cycles. These cycles of minor order were characterised by rapid sea-level rises and gradual sea-level falls that generated depositional sequences spanning different time scales. During the regressive periods, dipping strata were developed, while erosional surfaces and incised valleys were formed during the lowstands of sea level. Terraces, v-shaped depressions, lagoon-like structures observed on the outer continental shelf are the result of the transgressive period. In the study area we have recognised a complex erosional surface that records a long time span during the relative sea-level fall (regressive period) and the following sea-level lowstand and has been reworked during the last transgression. We also infer that sedimentation processes changed from siliciclastic sedimentation to carbonate sedimentation and again to siliciclastic sedimentation, marking an important phase in the late-Quaternary evolution of the western continental shelf of India. We attribute this to an abrupt climate change at the end of the oxygen isotope stage 2, between the Last Glacial Maximum and the Bølling-Allerod event (14?000 yr BP). This sensitive climate change (warming) favoured the formation of reefs at various depths on the shelf, besides the development of Fifty Fathom Flat, a carbonate platform on the outer shelf off Bombay developed prior to 8300 yr BP. The highstand systems tracts were deposited after the sea level reached its present position.     

Unique vs. non-unique stratal geometries: Relevance to sequence stratigraphy

The sequence stratigraphic architecture includes a complex array of stratal geometries with different degrees of stratigraphic significance. The ‘non-unique’ variability of the sequence stratigraphic framework (i.e., stratal geometries which are not diagnostic for the definition of systems tracts and bounding surfaces) is irrelevant to the workflow of sequence stratigraphy. What is relevant is the observation of the ‘unique’ stratal geometries that are diagnostic for the definition of units and surfaces of sequence stratigraphy. In downstream-controlled settings, these unique stratal stacking patterns relate to the forced regressive, normal regressive, and transgressive shoreline trajectories. Multiple controls interact during the formation of each type of stacking pattern, including accommodation, sediment supply, and the energy of the sediment-transport agents. This interplay explains the non-unique variability, but does not change the unique criteria that afford a consistent application of sequence stratigraphy. The distinction between unique and non-unique stratal geometries is critical to the sequence stratigraphic methodology. Failure to rationalize the non-unique variability within the context of unique stratal geometries is counterproductive, and obscures the simple workflow of sequence stratigraphy. This is the case with uncalibrated numerical modeling, which may overemphasize non-unique or even unrealistic stratigraphic scenarios. While useful to test the possible controls on stratigraphic architecture, modeling requires validation with real data, and plays no role in the sequence stratigraphic methodology.     

High-resolution sequence stratigraphy of clastic shelves VI: Mixed siliciclastic-carbonate systems

High-frequency sequences composed of mixed siliciclastic-carbonate deposits may exhibit either vertical or horizontal changes between siliciclastics and carbonates. Vertical facies shifts occur between systems tracts and define a ‘reciprocal sedimentation’ pattern, typically consisting of transgressive/highstand carbonates and forced regressive/lowstand siliciclastics, although variations from this rule are common. Mixed systems with lateral facies change, usually typifying transgressive and/or highstand systems tracts, may exhibit proximal siliciclastics and distal carbonates or vice-versa, although variations may also occur along depositional strike. The marked variability of mixed siliciclastic-carbonate sequences makes the definition of a universal sequence stratigraphic model impossible, as the composition and geometries of systems tracts may change considerably, and sequence stratigraphic surfaces and facies contacts may vary in terms of occurrence and physical expression. However, some resemblance exists between siliciclastic sequences and mixed sequences showing lateral facies changes between siliciclastics and carbonates. In particular, these mixed sequences display 1) a stratal architecture of the clastic part of the systems tracts that is comparable to that of siliciclastic deposits, 2) a dominant role of the inherited physiography and of erosional processes, rather than carbonate production, in shaping the shelf profile, and 3) a local lateral juxtaposition of siliciclastic sandstones and carbonate bioconstructions due to hydrodynamic processes. These observations are helpful in predicting the location of porous and potential sealing bodies and baffles to fluid flow at the intra-high-frequency sequence scale, and ultimately they are useful for both petroleum exploration and production.     

Influence de la circulation à long terme sur la répartition des organismes zooplanctoniques dans la Baie de Campeche,Mexique

A space-time approach is adopted in an attempt to understand the long-term influence of currents on the spatial pattern distribution of zooplankton, ichthyoplankton, and fish larvae communities in the Bay of Campeche, Mexico.The analysis is performed using results of a hydrodynamic numerical model, and zooplankton and ichthyoplankton abundances.Three fish larvae communities were identified in the Bay, on the basis of its physiography, i.e.: “neritic fluvio lagoon influence”, “neritic” and “oceanic” communities.A cyclonic eddy is formed in the Bay and drifts westward, facilitating transport and distribution of planktonic organisms. The eddy provides larvae transport from oceanic areas to the coastal areas and vice-versa. The seasonal distribution of fish larvae is highly influenced by the position of the eddy.The biomass pattern and fish larvae density observed in the coastal area off the Grijalva-Usumacinta delta are governed by the coastal front.     

南海东北部陆架边缘第四纪高分辨率层序地层和沉积体系演化及其控制因素

The northeastern shelf margin of the South China Sea(SCS) is characterized by the development of large scale foresets complexes since Quaternary. Based on integral analysis of the seismic, well logging and paleontological data, successions since ～3.0 Ma can be defined as one composite sequence, consist of a set of regional transgressive to regressive sequences. They can be further divided into six 3 rd order sequences(SQ0–SQ5) based on the Exxon sequence stratigraphic model. Since ～1.6 Ma, five sets of deltaic systems characterized by development of wedge-shaped foresets complexes or clinoforms had been identified. High-resolution seismic data and the thick foresets allowed further divided of sub-depositional sequences(4 th order) of regression to transgression, which is basically consistent with published stacked benthic foram O-isotope records. Depositional systems identified in the study area include deltaic deposits(inner-shelf deltas and shelf-edge deltas), incised valleys, and slope slumping massive deposits. Since ～1.6 Ma, clinoforms prograded from the southern Panyu Lower Uplift toward the northern Baiyun Depression, shelf slope break migrated seaward, whereas the shelf edge of SQ0 migrated landward. The development of incised valleys in the continental shelf increased upward,especially intensive on the SB3 and SB2. The slumping massive deposits increased abruptly since SB2, which corresponds to the development of incised valleys. The evolution of depositional systems of continental slope mainly controlled by the combined influence of sea level changes, tectonic movements, sediment supply and climate changes. Since ～3.0 Ma, relative sea level of the northern SCS had been experienced transgression(～3.0 Ma BP) to regression(～1.6 Ma BP). The regional regression and maximum transgressions of the composite sequences were apparently enhanced by uplift or subsidence related to tectono-thermal events. In addition,climatic variations including monsoon intensification and the mid-Pleistocene transition may have enhanced sediment supply by increasing erosion rate and have an indispensable influence on the development of the incised valleys and 5 sets of deltaic systems since ～1.6 Ma.     

High-resolution sequence stratigraphy of clastic shelves V: Criteria to discriminate between stratigraphic sequences and sedimentological cycles

In contrast to high-frequency sequences driven by high-magnitude relative sea-level changes, those controlled by short-term, minor relative sea-level and/or sediment supply changes may be difficult to discriminate from sedimentological cycles (i.e., bedsets) unrelated to shoreline shifts, especially in case of limited outcrop exposures. In fact, meter-scale, fully shallow-marine high-frequency sequences and typical meter-scale bedsets may share a similar, simple facies succession documenting either an upward increase or decrease of event beds. It is therefore necessary to define a set of criteria that allows to discriminate between thin high-frequency sequences and bedsets, based on sedimentological, stratigraphic, micropaleontological, mineralogical and diagenetic data. In particular, the sedimentological and stratigraphic criteria that aid discriminating between high-frequency sequences and bedsets include: 1) occurrence of environmental changes across bounding surfaces; 2) occurrence of water-depth changes across bounding surfaces; 3) physical appearance of bounding surfaces and associated substrate-controlled ichnofacies; 4) lateral extent of bounding surfaces; 5) presence of condensed deposits; 6) cycle thickness; 7) recognition of a set of clinoforms in a regressive shoreface-shelf succession. Moreover, the formation of wave-ravinement surfaces in the shoreface is usually associated with an increase in the percentage of benthic micro-foraminifera specimens documenting energetic conditions, and in the abundance of heavy minerals. Extensive cementation may also be found just below and/or above transgressive surfaces. However, the integration of more than one of the above criteria is necessary to reliably discriminate between sequence stratigraphic surfaces (and therefore high-frequency sequences) and bedset boundaries, the latter being only related to changes of energy level and/or local sediment supply without shoreline shifts. This work is essential to correctly reconstruct the sequence stratigraphic framework of a given succession and to interpret the factors that controlled the cyclicity.     

Tectono-stratigraphy of Lower Cretaceous Tanan sub-basin,Tamtsag Basin,Mongolia: Sequence architecture,depositional systems and controls on sediment infill

Tanan sub-basin is an active-fault bounded basin. The spatial distribution and temporal evolution of depositional systems were significantly influenced by tectonics. Fault movement and stages of basin development controlled the subsidence rates and the potential for erosion and the rate of sediment supply. Distinct stages of rift evolution during the early Cretaceous can be recognized, namely the early syn-rift, rift climax and late syn-rift stages. Three types of lacustrine sequence, consisting of distinctive depositional systems, are distinguished: (1) the early syn-rift sequences (SQ1 + SQ2), which are composed mainly of fan delta and shallow lacustrine depositional systems; (2) the rift climax sequences (SQ3) which developed in response to rapid and differential tectonic subsidence rates, and consist of fan delta, deep lacustrine and sublacustrine fan depositional systems; and (3) the late syn-rift sequences (SQ4) which are comprised of braided-delta and shallow lacustrine depositional systems. Each of the three lacustrine sequence architectures stands for a particular stage of basin fill and reflects variable rates of basin subsidence. Within each sequence, depositional systems and their stacking patterns are interpreted to have been a function of the interaction between tectonics and sediment supply. Differential subsidence across the basin, related to rotation of fault blocks, resulted in the formation of distinct paleomorphologies in different structural settings. These settings were fault-scarp zones controlling the development of fan-deltas, fault-terrace zones controlling the development of fan-delta and sublacustrine fans, half-graben dip-slope zones controlling the development of braided river and braided deltas, and intra-basinal fault-break zones controlling the development of sublacustrine fans. During the late syn-rift stage, active tectonism, displacement on the boundary faults had ceased. At this stage the depositional systems and their stacking patterns were dominantly related to the sediment supply rates, and not to tectonic activity.     

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.     

Stratigraphic evolution of Eocene clinoforms from northern Santos Basin,offshore Brazil: Evaluating controlling factors on shelf-margin growth and deep-water sedimentation

In order to assess the controlling factors on the evolution of a shelf margin and the timing of sediment transfer to deep waters, a seismic stratigraphic investigation was carried out in the Eocene interval of northern Santos Basin, offshore Brazil. The studied succession configures a complex of prograding slope clinoforms formed in a passive margin and encompasses five seismic facies and their respective depositional settings: shelf-margin deltas/shorefaces, oblique slope clinoforms, sigmoidal slope clinoforms, continental to shelfal deposits and mass-transport deposits. These are stratigraphically arranged as seven depositional sequences recording a total shelf-edge progradation of about 35 km and a progradation rate of 1,75 km/My. Two main types of sequences can be recognized, the first one (type A) being dominated by oblique slope clinoforms and shelf-margin deltas/shorefaces in which shelf-edge trajectories were essentially flat to descending and extensive sandy turbidites were deposited on the foreset to bottomset zones. Sequences of this type are dominated by forced-regressive units deposited during extensive periods of relative sea-level fall. Type B comprises an upper part represented by aggradational shelfal deposits and a lower part composed of mass-transport deposits and high-relief sigmoidal clinoforms with descending shelf-edge trajectory. Steep slump scars deeply cut the shelfal strata and constitutes the boundary between the two intervals observed in type B sequences. Sandy turbidites occur at the same frequency in both forced- and normal-regressive units but are more voluminous within forced-regressive clinoforms associated with shelf-margin deltas/shorefaces. Major slope failures and mass-transport deposits, by the other hand, occurred exclusively in type B sequences during the onset of sea-level fall and their volume are directly related to the thickness of the shelfal sediments formed during the pre-failure normal regressions.