Mid-cycle condensed shellbeds from mid-Pleistocene cyclothems, New Zealand: implications for sequence architecture

Richly fossiliferous and disconformity-bounded facies successions, termed Mid-Cycle Condensed Shellbeds (MCS), occupy a mid-cycle position within depositional sequences in the Castlecliff section (mid-Pleistocene, Wanganui Basin, New Zealand). These shell-rich intervals (0.1–4.5 m thick) comprise the upper of two loci of shell accumulation in Castlecliff sequences. The lower disconformable contacts are sharp and variably burrowed, and are interpreted as submarine transgressive surfaces formed by storm or tidal current erosion at the feather-edge of contemporary transgressive systems tracts. Above (i.e. seaward) of this erosion surface, macrofossil remains (mainly bivalves and gastropods) accumulated, with little reworking, on the inner-shelf under conditions of reduced terrigenous sediment supply. The upper contacts are sharp transitions from shell-rich to relatively shell-poor lithofacies; parautochthonous shell accumulation was ‘quenched’by downlapping highstand systems tract shelf siltstones and muddy fine sandstones. Castlecliff MCS, together with the basal shell-rich part of overlying highstand systems tracts, occupy a stratigraphic position which corresponds to the condensed section that forms at the transgressive/highstand systems tract boundary in the sequence model of Haq et al. (1987). Palaeoenvironmental analysis indicates that Castlecliff MCS are substantially, if not entirely, transgressive deposits. This study therefore shows that the ‘condensation maximum’within a depositional sequence does not necessarily bracket the transgressive systems tract/highstand systems tract boundary.     

Sequence stratigraphy in a mixed carbonate-silicilastic depositional system (Middle Miocene; Styrian Basin,Austria)

The mixed carbonate-siliciclastic Weißenegg (Allo-) Formation records three depositional sequences corresponding approximately to the TB 2.3, TB 2.4 and TB 2.5 global cycles. Sea-level fluctuations were of the order of at least 30 m. Siliciclastic lowstand systems tracts comprise lignite deposits, reworked basement and tidal siltstones (above a tectonically enhanced sequence boundary) as well as coastal sand bars. Coastal sands of the transgressive systems tract contain distinct layers of well cemented nodules. They are interpreted as the first stage in hardground formation and record superimposed minor sea-level fluctuations. Coral patch reefs and rhodolith platforms developed during transgressive phases and were subsequently drowned and/or suffocated by siliciclastics during early highstand. Shallowing upwards siliciclastic parasequences, each terminated by a bank of rhodolith limestone, form the (late) highstand systems tract. The limestone beds record superimposed fourth-order transgressive pulses. Occasionally a carbonate highstand wedge developed. Lowstand carbonate shedding occurred where the top of a platform which suffered incipient drowning during highstand was near sealevel again during the following lowstand. Late highstand delta progradation is common.     

Cambrian- Ordovician Deep - Water Deposits in Southwest Jiangxi, China

The Cambrian-Ordovician rocks in southwestern Jiangxi are mainly composed of deep-water deposits, in which 5 facies have been recognized: sandstone facies, sandstone-mudstone facies, siltstone-mudstone facies, mudstone (slate)facies, and chert facies. They are of turbidity current origin and are related to pelagic and hemipelagic deposits. In the light of facies distribution, the Cambrian-Ordovician deposits can be classified into 3 facies associations formed in middle fan, outer fan and deep-sea plain environments respectively. The 3 different orders of vertical cycles in the stratigraphic sequence are considered to be controlled by factors such as sea-level fluctuation, basin subsidence and submarine fan progradation. The tectonic setting of the sedimentary basin is interpreted as passive continental margin based on the chemical composition analysis of the sandstone.     

Late Cretaceous paleoenvironmental evolution of the Tarfaya Atlantic coastal Basin,SW Morocco

Lithological evidence, benthic foraminiferal census counts, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) scanner-derived elemental data were integrated with planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphy and bulk carbonate stable isotopes to retrace the Turonian to early Campanian paleoenvironmental evolution and sea-level history of the Tarfaya Atlantic coastal basin (SW Morocco). The lower Turonian is characterized by laminated organic-rich deposits, which contain impoverished benthic foraminiferal assemblages, reflecting impingement of the oxygen minimum zone on the shelf during a sea-level highstand. This highstand level is correlated to the global transgressive pulse above the sequence boundary Tu1. The appearance of low-oxygen tolerant benthic foraminiferal assemblages dominated by Gavelinella sp. in the middle to upper Turonian indicates an improvement in bottom water oxygenation, probably linked to offshore retraction of the oxygen minimum zone during a regressive phase. This interval is marked by major regressive events expressed by a series of erosional truncations associated with the prominent sequence boundaries Tu3 and/or Tu4. Dysoxic–anoxic conditions recorded in the upper Santonian of the Tarfaya Basin coincide with the eustatic sea-level rise prior to Sa3 sequence boundary. The lower Campanian transgression, only recorded in the southern part of the Tarfaya Basin, coincided with substantial deepening, enhanced accumulation of fine-grained clay-rich hemipelagic sediments and improved oxygenation at the seafloor (highest diversity and abundance of benthic foraminiferal assemblages). Stable isotope data from bulk carbonates are tentatively correlated to the English Chalk carbon isotope reference curve, in particular the Hitch Wood Event in the upper Turonian, the Navigation Event in the lower Coniacian, the Horseshoe Bay Event in the Santonian and the Santonian/Campanian Boundary Event.     

Facies and sequence stratigraphy of a Late Barremian wave-dominated deltaic deposit, Agadir Basin, Morocco

The late Barremian succession in the Agadir Basin of the Moroccan Western High Atlas represents wave-dominated deltaic deposits. The succession is represented by stacked thickening and coarsening upwards parasequences 5–15 m thick formed during fifth- or fourth-order regression and building a third-order highstand systems tract. Vertical facies transitions in parasequences reflect flooding followed by shoaling of diverse shelf environments ranging from offshore transition interbedded mudstones, siltstones and thin sandstones, lower shoreface/lower delta front hummocky bedforms to upper shoreface/upper delta front cross-bedded sandstones. The regional configuration reflects the progradation of wave-dominated deltas over an offshore setting. The maximum sea-level fall led to the development of a sequence boundary that is an unconformity. The subsequent early Aptian relative sea-level rise contributes to the development of an extensive conglomerate lagged transgressive surface of erosion. The latter and the sequence boundary are amalgamated forming a composite surface.     

Detached mud prism origin of highstand systems tracts from mid-Pleistocene sequences, Wanganui Basin, New Zealand

Marine siltstone successions, 1–20 m thick, form the upper part of sequences in the mid-Pleistocene Castlecliff section (≈ 0·98–0·35 Ma). The siltstones were deposited within a broad shelf embayment at and about glacioeustatic highstands and are interpreted as highstand systems tracts (HST). Shell-rich to relatively shell-poor contacts at the base of Castlecliff HST are interpreted as downlap surfaces, which mark the quenching of transgressive in situ biogenic accumulation (backlap shellbed). Nonetheless, the basal parts of Castlecliff HST successions are enriched in fossil content in the context of the highstand successions as a whole and represent downlap shellbeds. Castlecliff HST are truncated above by sequence-bounding ravinement surfaces, such that complete sandier-upward successions and subaerial exposure surfaces associated with sequence boundaries sensu stricto are never preserved. Modern highstand sedimentation in the Taranaki Bight offshore from Castlecliff is characterized by a mid-shelf mud depocentre and a coastal shore-connected sand prism, both of which are encroaching upon intervening shell-rich relict and palimpsest transgressive deposits. The mud depocentre is up to 9 m thick, and deposition is influenced by a gyre caused by bathymetric steering of storm-driven currents along the embayed coastline. Modern highstand deposition in the Taranaki Bight, in which the mud depocentre is in part detached from the contemporary shore-connected sand prism, is regarded as an analogue for the deposition of the preserved lower parts of Castlecliff HST. The inferred architecture of Castlecliff HST therefore need not refer to the shore-connected, progradational geometry predicted by traditional sequence models. The model proposed herein may have application to other shelf palaeo-embayments in which mid-shelf focusing of fine-grained sediment has resulted from coastal steering of currents.     

The carbonate—clastic cycles of the East-Alpine Raibl group: Result of third-order sea-level fluctuations in the Carnian

The Carnian Raibl group of the Eastern Alps consists of three 50–100 m thick, alternating carbonate and clastic third-order cycles, each of which can be traced for hundreds of kilometers. Tectono-eustatic sea-level fluctuations of a few tens of metres, spanning a few millions of years, are the driving mechanism of this cyclicity. The carbonate intervals represent restricted marginal marine, tidal and evaporitic environments. The clastic intervals represent inner and outer shelf facies, and are related to the fluviatile “Schilfsandstein” of the Germanic facies belt. In the Raibl group, contrary to other carbonate/clastic depositional settings, relative sea-level lowstands are dominated by carbonate production, and highstands are dominated by clastic deposition.

Each of the three Raibl cycles corresponds to a type-2 sequence, containing shelf margin, transgressive and highstand systems tracts. During sea-level lowstands, deltaic point sources were near the shelf margin, allowing clastics to bypass the carbonate platform. This setting corresponds to a shelf margin systems tract. Transgressive and highstand systems tracts developed during the subsequent sea-level rise, as deltaic clastics were reworked and redistributed over the carbonate platform, and the deltas retrograded to the inner shelf. The highstand systems tracts are capped by a type 2 sequence boundary, which is conformable in the study area. The systems tracts can be further subdivided into shallowing upward subcycles, caused by fourth-order sea-level fluctuations, believed to represent Milankovitch rhythms.

The middle Raibl cycle is consistently thinner, and may represent a shorter termed, third-order sea-level fluctuation. Our data also corroborate a second-order transgressive trend for the Carnian.     

贵州南部泥盆系层序地层划分和层序地层格架的建立

贵州南部的泥盆系为一个大型的楔状体。从深水背景的广西南丹罗富剖面到古陆边缘的贵阳乌当剖面,泥盆系由13个层序变薄尖灭成5个层序,这是泥盆纪早期海侵尖灭与晚期海退尖灭的结果。研究区泥盆系由海侵碎屑岩岩系到清水台地碳酸盐岩岩系地层序列构成2个二级层序,又可进一步划分为13个三级层序。二级层序和三级层序均由其特殊的沉积相序列组成。研究区泥盆系层序地层划分和层序地层格架的建立提供了一个在年代地层与海平面变化框架内研究“相迁移”的良好实例。     

Transition from basin-plain to shelf deposits in the carboniferous flysch of Southern Morocco

In the Jebilet Palaeozoic inlier, 20 km north of Marrakech, there are extensive exposures of Carboniferous flysch deposits. Although there are some structural complications due to over-riding nappes with associated chaotic breccias, one clearly unbroken succession from basin-plain turbidites to shallow-marine deposits can be examined. The succession is more than 2 km thick and is dated as Upper Viscan in the uppermost part.The lowermost unit of B- and C-based turbidites shows no sequential organisation and is interpreted as a typical basin-plain association. Above this are similar turbidites arranged in thickening-upward sequences that may represent outer-fan or base-of-slope deposits. Succeeding these are thin-bedded turbidites with interbedded units formed by mass movement that represent a slope deposit. The overlying lenticular-bedded facies resembles previously described overflow deposits of submarine-fan channels, but is here interpreted as comprising storm-generated deposits on the outer shelf/upper slope. These deposits are genetically linked with the overlying parallel-laminated sandstones with irregular-rippled tops for which a storm-surge origin is suggested. The upper part of the succession shows cross-bedded, oolitic, bioclastic, sandy limestones with bipolar current structures sandwiched between low-energy siltstones containing thin-graded silt/sand beds. These are collectively interpreted as shelf deposits that formed under different depths due to transgressive-regressive events.The sequence differs from many described in the literature in that there is an absence of most submarine-fan facies. Locally a NNE-SSW basin strike is proposed with a basin margin to the ESE, but there is at present little control on regional palaeogeography.     

Lithofacies and depositional characteristics of gas shales in the western area of the Lower Yangtze,China

The Lower Yangtze is considered as a potentially productive shale gas area in China, but only limited research has thus far been carried out there. On the basis of a detailed investigation of fourteen outcrops, eight lithofacies in the Hetang Formation (510–541 Ma), the Gaojiabian Formation (430–443.4 Ma), the Gufeng Formation (270–281 Ma) and the Dalong Formation (252–263 Ma) have been identified: silicalite, siliceous non‐calcareous mudstone, siliceous shale, carbonaceous shale, calcareous mudstone, silty–shaly interlaminated mudstone, siltstone and limestone. Three types of fossils were also found in the four formations: sponge spicules, radiolarians and graptolites. Moreover, four key outcrops of the fourteen were suitable for more additional detailed analyses and interpretation of their depositional environments and plausible sequence of the stratigraphic system tracts. As a result, the four potential shale gas formations were all divided into third‐order sea‐level sequences. Every third‐order sequence was further divided into four system tracts, corresponding to an early transgressive system tract (ETST), a late transgressive system tract (LTST), an early highstand system tract (EHST) and a late highstand system tract (LHST). On the basis of the interpretation of the lithofacies and depositional environments in the western area of the Lower Yangtze, sediments can be related to hydrothermal and biological processes, terrigenous clastic input and calcium compensation. These processes were interpreted to occur in a sequential order that we divide into three stages. The ETST period was the first stage, in which hydrothermal upwelling from the open ocean produced a siliceous lithological combination. During the second stage corresponding to the LTST + EHST, our results suggest that some biological communities in the stable deep water provided plenty of organic‐rich matter. The LHST period was the third stage, in which terrigenous clastic material was deposited close to the land, and some carbonate sediments began appearing near the platform. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Eustatically-controlled sedimentation in the Hettangian-Sinemurian (Early Jurassic) of Poland and Sweden

In earliest Jurassic times, terrigenous, continental and marginal marine deposition occurred in a large epeiric basin along the Tornquist Line in Europe. Detailed sedimentological studies allow recognition of palaeoenvironmental fluctuations in space and time. The main earliest Jurassic transgressions occurred in the early Hettangian, early Sinemurian, mid-Sinemurian and latest Sinemurian and formed bounding discontinuities (transgressive surfaces) of considerable correlative significance. There is a step-wise trend of increasing marine extension and influence during the early Hettangian, early Sinemurian, mid-Sinemurian and latest Sinemurian-earliest Pliensbachian transgressions. Four sequences, four transgressive systems tracts, three highstand systems tracts and three levels regarded as equivalents of maximum flooding surfaces are distinguished. In the case of type 2 sequences, when incised valley-fill deposits are not developed and regional erosion is less common, it may be rather difficult to define the sequence boundaries, which are often concealed within the amalgamated fluvial deposits occurring in the neighbouring parts of two adjacent sequences (fluvial/deltaic sediments terminate the highstand systems tracts and in this setting the transgressive systems tracts start with continental deposits prior to the transgressive surfaces). Generally, an exact correlation can be achieved between the sequence stratigraphy of the northeast and northwest European Lower Jurassic and the eustatic curve proposed by EPR (assuming some changes proposed by A. Hallam). The establishment of this correlation hopefully will stimulate future studies of the sequence stratigraphy of poorly dated siliciclastic deposits of marginal basins. In this setting even minor changes in sea-level may cause major changes in facies development over large areas.     

Sequence development of Late Cenomanian–Turonian carbonate ramps, platforms and basins in Israel

The Cenomanian–Turonian carbonate-dominated lithofacies of Israel reflect a complex interplay between tectonics, sea-level change, and palaeoecology. Improved correlation based on revision of the bio- and chronostratigraphic framework has enabled the establishment of a sequence-stratigraphic model comprising five sequences delineated by four sequence boundaries, in the Late Cenomanian–Early Coniacian interval. The Late Cenomanian–Turonian succession begins with prograding, highstand, carbonate-platform deposits of the first sequence. Interruption of progradation and drowning of this platform took place within the Late Cenomanian guerangeri Zone (=the vibrayeanus Zone in Israel), resulting in a drowning unconformity which is regarded as a Type 3 sequence boundary (labelled CeUp). The drowning is attributed in part to extinctions in the rudist-dominated biofacies (e.g., Caprinidae), which led to reduced carbonate production and enhanced the impact of the sea-level rise. Similar drowning of Tethyan platforms around the C/T boundary has been linked to the establishment of coastal upwelling and consequent eutrophication. Outer ramp hemipelagic facies (Derorim and the Lower Ora formations) replaced the platform carbonates, thickening substantially southwards in the Eshet-Zenifim Basin of southern Israel. Along the ancient continental slope (Mediterranean coastal plain) evidence of this drowning is obscured by submarine erosion, while in central and northern Israel the drowned section is represented by condensation or a hiatus, reflecting an elevated, sediment-starved sea-floor. A carbonate platform dominated by rudistid shoals (‘Meleke’ Member; Shivta Formation) was re-established in the Judean hills and northern Negev during the middle part of the Turonian coloradoense Zone (local zone T4). Later, during kallesi Zone times (T7), the platform facies prograded southwards towards the Eshet-Zenifim intra-shelf basin. The drowning succession and overlying resurrected carbonate platform are topped in central and southern Israel by a pronounced Type 1 sequence boundary (Tu1) between the kallesi (T7) and ornatissimum (T8) zones (Middle Turonian). In central Israel and northern Negev the sequence boundary is overlain by lowstand deposits of the ‘Clastic Unit’ and by the transgressive and highstand inner to mid-ramp deposits of the Nezer and Upper Bina formations. In the southern Negev the sequence boundary is overlain by lowstand and transgressive systems tracts of mixed carbonates, siliciclastics, and localized evaporites (Upper Ora Formation), and then by mid to inner ramp carbonates of the Gerofit Formation. The latter represents a very high rate of accumulation, indicating rapid, continued subsidence balanced by platform growth. The Tu2 sequence boundary of the Late Turonian is expressed in the southern Negev by a shift from inner ramp carbonates of the Gerofit Formation to outer ramp chalky limestones of the Zihor Formation, indicating localized drowning. The succeeding Co1 sequence boundary again indicates localized drowning of the prograding highstand deposits of the Zihor Formation (‘Transition Zone’) overlain by Lower Coniacian transgressive deposits of the upper part of the Zihor Formation. All of these third-order sequences are expressed in southern Israel, where the rate of subsidence was in balance with sea-level fluctuations. In contrast, the Judean Hills and eastern Galilee areas have a more incomplete succession, characterized by hiatuses and condensation, because of reduced subsidence. More distal areas of continuous deep-water deposition in western Galilee and the coastal plain failed to record the Middle Turonian lowstand, while a longer term, second-order sequence spanning the entire Late Cenomanian–Early Coniacian interval, is present in the Carmel and Yirka Basin areas.     

四川龙门山甘溪泥盆纪生态地层、层序地层与海平面变化

龙门山甘溪剖面是我国泥盆系重要典型剖面之一,倍受中外同行关注。本文着重对生态地层、事件地层、层序地层进行研究,为研究全球海平面变化提供区域背景资料。龙门山甘溪剖面含十分丰富的底栖生物化石,从洛赫柯夫阶-弗拉斯阶自下而上可识别出24个腕足动物群落,另外还建立了若干礁复体群落和浮游群落
本文对以上群落的特征、性质、分异度、成分、底栖组合及其与沉积环境的关系作了分析和讨论,并识别了11个海进海退事件(生物的或非生物的)
本区泥盆系是加里东构造旋回后的第一个沉积盖层,属海平面主体上升和海侵同步条件下的旋回超覆地层,由砂质海岸环境向碳酸盐台地环境推进,构成了区内泥盆纪沉积层序序列的组合特征。根据海平面的变化及其相旋回的变迁,划分出6个三级沉积层序。6个沉积层序代表6次海平面的相对升降周期,大致相当于Vail,P.R.(1977)划分的三级地层旋回的海平面变化周期(延续时限1-12Ma),包括4个较大的海平面上升周期与2个较大的海平面下降周期,即洛赫柯夫期、布拉格晚期至埃姆斯早期,吉维中期及弗拉斯早、中期的海平面上升期与艾费尔期中晚期至法门期的海平面下隆期。
上述沉积层序特征和海平面变化,说明区内泥盆纪台缘断陷盆地的形成经历了由陆向海转化和盆地发展演化过程,反映了上扬子地台西缘陆架沉积发展的历史大致可划分为:盆地的雏形阶段(碎屑岩陆架的形成阶段),盆地的发展阶段(碎屑岩与碳酸盐岩混积陆架的形成阶段)和盆地形成与消亡不同性质的三个阶段。它们的形成与演化主要是构造断陷活动和龙门山海水不断向东侵进、古特提斯海北支向东扩展的结果,展示了由滨岸陆架转变为碳酸盐台地,由陆源碎屑充填转化为碳酸盐岩沉积的发展史。     

Mesoproterozoic deep-water reefs from Borden Peninsula, Arctic Canada

A superbly exposed stromatolite reef complex occurs in the Victor Bay Formation near Strathcona River on northern Baffin Island. Individual reefs are up to 130 m thick and nearly 1 km in length, and their development was clearly related to their position in the facies spectrum and to sea-level dynamics. In the first sea-level cycle, metre-scale reefs grew amongst mid-ramp calcarenites and outer-ramp shales during slow sea-level rise; a 25-m-thick oblate reef tract, separating mid-ramp and outer-ramp facies, formed during the highstand. The greatest period of reef growth was during the second sea-level cycle. Pinnacle reefs nucleated on the karsted upper surface of the oblate reef tract and aggraded rapidly in response to rising sea-level, producing structures with more than 75 m of depositional relief. A gradual symmetrical succession of stromatolite growth forms, from stratiform to cylindrical columns to conical columns and then back through cylindrical columns to stratiform, is mirrored by evidence in offreef deposits for deepening to a maximum flooding surface and then shallowing. The tops of these high-standing reefs were karsted during the following regression, while dolomite ‘cryptodomes’ grew as sheets on their submerged flanks and as progradational tongues extending basinward of the reefs. Continued sea-level fall resulted in subaerial exposure of the entire reef complex and the extensive formation of surface and subsurface karst. These Proterozoic slope buildups are similar to Phanerozoic deep-water reefs in size, shape, prevalence of synsedimentary lithification, presence of Neptunian dykes and in their well-developed vertical zonation of reefbuilders. However, they differ in being constructed exclusively by stromatolites rather than being mud mounds with small skeletal elements, and in lacking halos of perireefal sand- and gravel-sized calcareous debris. Their responses to changes in sea-level were strikingly similar to those shown by their younger counterparts, and suggest that sequence-stratigraphic concepts derived from studies of Phanerozoic reefs can also be applied to the Proterozoic.     

河流沉积占优势地层中高频层序地层——以贵州盘县西部龙潭组为例

 贵州西部龙潭组主要含有6种沉积相组合:即浅海沉积、细粒滨岸平原沉积、溢岸沉积、小型河道砂体、叠置河道砂体和煤层。多层叠置砂体一般10-25m厚,2-10km宽,常含海绿石,切入下伏的三角洲平原、滨岸平原和浅海沉积中,被认为是下切谷充填。在龙潭组中共识别出广泛发育的10个层序界面,由此所限定的层序大致相当于4级旋回层序。在这些层序中,准层序或准层序组识别不出,然能识别体系域,层序几乎全由海进体系域(TST)和高位体系域(HST)组成,低位体系域(LST)发育不好。在垂向上,它们又可叠置成3级复合层序,并由低位、海进和高位层序组组成。在低位层序组中,河道下切常冲刷掉下伏层序的全部HST和部分TST,致使其与下伏层序的下切谷充填重合。在海进层序组中,下切作用最弱,具最小砂/泥比值,下切谷充填侧向孤立。高位层序组是低位和海进层序的过渡类型,下切谷充填也趋于孤立。     

Facies analysis and high-resolution sequence stratigraphy of the Lower Eocene shallow marine Ametlla Formation, Spanish Pyrenees

The Lower Eocene Ametlla Formation of the Ager Basin, Spanish Pyrenees, is a rapidly deposited shallow marine unit formed in a setting characterized by syn-sedimentary tectonic activity. Mapping of the formation over a distance of 25 km was conducted according to sequence stratigraphical principles with emphasis on facies analysis. Twelve facies, grouped in five facies associations, have been recognized in the Ametlla Formation. The studied succession records a vertical transition from deltaic systems prograding onto a sediment-starved shelf, via estuarine deposits associated with incised valleys, to sandbar complexes in a tidal seaway. In terms of sequence stratigraphy, three scales of genetic sedimentary units were recognized. (1) At the regional scale, elements of two 3rd-order composite sequences (sensu Exxon) have been recognized. These include a 3rd-order highstand sequence set encompassing the lowermost part of the Ametlla Formation and the underlying Passarella Formation, and a 3rd-order transgressive sequence set that constitutes the middle parts of the Ametlla Formation. The sequence sets are separated by an unconformity with up to 35 m of incision that is interpreted as a major sequence boundary. It is argued that the incised valleys associated with this unconformity were infilled during landward-stepping of the shelfal depositional system. Basinwards, the unconformable surface becomes subhorizontal and is overlain by a 2 m thick oyster bed formed in a sediment-starved setting subsequent to flooding of the incised valleys (which still acted as sediment conduits). Sandstones dominate the transgressive sequence set, whereas the highstand sequence set is dominated by siltstones, particularly in the lower part. In the transgressive sequence set, an upward increase in sand content and calibre is observed, relatable to punctuations of the transgressive trend by high-frequency sea-level fluctuations, and to downslope redistribution of sand. (2) At the subregional scale, detailed mapping indicates the presence of five 4th-order sequences. The 4th-order sequence boundaries are associated with sediment bypassing and minimal erosional relief, and were created by forced regressions during periods of relative sea-level fall. Sharp-based sandstones overlying these unconformities are believed to have accumulated during subsequent rise of relative sea-level. Where 4th-order maximum flooding surfaces can be recognized, the sequences may be subdivided into a sandstone-dominated transgressive systems tract and a siltstone-dominated highstand systems tract. (3) At the local scale, 2–9 5th-order parasequences are present within the 4th-order sequences. Superimposed parasequences are separated by flooding surfaces characterized by bioclastic accumulations, pervasive burrowing and extensive calcite cementation. The parasequences are commonly stacked in a landward-stepping manner.     

Sedimentology and lithostratigraphy of Upper Eocene sponge‐rich sediments,southern Western Australia

Late Eocene time in the Bremer and western Eucla Basins of southern Western Australia was a period of terrigenous clastic and abundant, unusual, biosiliceous sponge sedimentation. The Pallinup Formation (revised) consists of five units; 1 and 2 are basal sandstones, 3 and 4 are variably spiculitic mudstones, whilst the uppermost unit is spiculite and spongolite, and formalised as the Fitzgerald Member (new). The Pallinup Formation, plus coeval spiculites in palaeovalleys and carbonates in the western Eucla Basin, accumulated during one large‐scale, transgressive‐regressive relative sea‐level cycle. Drowned, low‐gradient rivers supplied mud but little sand. Instead, sand was locally sourced via transgressive shoreface erosion of deeply weathered regolith. Regression terminated shoreface erosion, eliminated the sand source, and resulted in a river‐supplied, clay‐dominated shallow‐marine depositional system. The unit 2–3 sandstone‐mudstone transition, which would normally be interpreted as transgressive drowning, is in this case the result of regressive cessation of sand supply. The peak relative sea‐level (highstand) horizon thus lies within unit 2 sandstones, a facies that would usually be considered wholly transgressive, and no highstand systems tract was deposited. The maximum flooding and downlap surfaces are the same horizon and cap the transgressive systems tract. They formed coincidentally or subsequent to peak relative sea‐level, but prior to initiation of unit 3 mudstone deposition. Upper unit 2 plus unit 3 represent a condensed section systems tract, and unit 4 plus the Fitzgerald Member comprise a regressive systems tract.     

Environmental and sequence stratigraphic implications of anhydrite textures: A case from the Lower Triassic of the Central Persian Gulf

The Lower Triassic Kangan Formation in the Persian Gulf (South Pars Gas Field) and its adjacent areas are composed of carbonate–evaporite sequences. These sediments were deposited in a shallow marine homoclinal ramp. Study of the anhydrite-bearing intervals shows various structures and textures. The anhydrite structures are mainly bedded, massive, chicken-wire and nodular type and the main textures are felted, sparse crystal, needle shape, lath shape, equant and fibrous. Pervasive and poikilotopic cement together with replacement and porphyroblastic gypsum are accounted as the most common diagenetic features in anhydrite. Evaluation of anhydrite occurrences and features support both primary and secondary formations. The nodular to chicken-wire anhydrite formed under synsedimentary sabkha conditions, whereas anhydrite cements occurred during the late stages of diagenesis (shallow burial stage). Massive to bedded anhydrite could have been formed under subaqueous conditions or originated by coalescing and continued growth of anhydrite nodules in the sabkha zone. Anhydrite fabrics impose a significant control on the reservoir quality of the Kangan carbonates at the South Pars Gas Field. Thick massive and bedded anhydrite could have been formed as an intraformational seals and anhydrite cements occluded pore spaces and reduced the poroperm values. The sequence stratigraphic analysis revealed two depositional sequences in the studied intervals, which are composed of TST and HST. Investigation of anhydrite throughout depositional sequences indicates a change in the content and style of anhydrite texture. Anhydrite content (volume) decreases upward through transgressive system tract (sea-level rise) whereas, it enhances during highstand system tract (sea-level fall). Pervasive and poikilotopic anhydrite cements together with replacement by anhydrite are prevalent features during transgressive and early highstand system tract. At the late HST, with a progradational stacking pattern, anhydrite value increases and felted, radial, equant, crystalline and mosaic texture are the most common anhydrite fabrics. Sequence boundaries that indicate maximum sea level fall and exposure of successions are marked by the broad anhydrite deposits with massive to bedded and chicken-wire structures and various textures that located in late HST package. There is an unambiguous relationship between the microfacies associations, the evaporite textures, and the sea-level fluctuations. This relationship could lead to a predictable pattern that can be of use as a general guide for the sequence stratigraphic interpretations in the area.     

Late-Quaternary paleoenvironmental evolution of Lesina lagoon (southern Italy) from subsurface data

Integrated sedimentological and micropaleontological (foraminifers and ostracods) analyses of two 55 m long borehole cores (S3 and S4) drilled in the subsurface of Lesina lagoon (Gargano promontory—Italy) has yielded a facies distribution characteristic of alluvial, coastal and shallow-marine sediments. Stratigraphic correlation between the two cores, based on strong similarity in facies distribution and AMS radiocarbon dates, indicates a Late Pleistocene to Holocene age of the sedimentary succession.Two main depositional sequences were deposited during the last 60-ky. These sequences display poor preservation of lowstand deposits and record two major transgressive pulses and subsequent sea-level highstands. The older sequence, unconformably overlying a pedogenized alluvial unit, consists of paralic and marine units (dated by AMS radiocarbon at about 45–50,000 years BP) that represent the landward migration of a barrier-lagoon system. These units are separated by a ravinement surface (RS1). Above these tansgressive deposits, highstand deposition is characterised by progradation of the coastal sediments.The younger sequence, overlying an unconformity of tectonic origin, is a 10 m-thick sedimentary body, consisting of fluvial channel sediments overlain by transgressive–regressive deposits of Holocene age. A ravinement surface (RS2), truncating the transgressive (lagoonal and back-barrier) deposits in core S4, indicates shoreface retreat and landward migration of the barrier/lagoon system. The overlying beach, lagoon and alluvial deposits are the result of mid-Holocene highstand sedimentation and coastal progradation.     

Depositional facies,environments and sequence stratigraphic interpretation of the Middle Triassic–Lower Cretaceous (pre-Late Albian) succession in Arif El-Naga anticline,northeast Sinai,Egypt

The Middle Triassic–Lower Cretaceous (pre-Late Albian) succession of Arif El-Naga anticline comprises various distinctive facies and environments that are connected with eustatic relative sea-level changes, local/regional tectonism, variable sediment influx and base-level changes. It displays six unconformity-bounded depositional sequences. The Triassic deposits are divided into a lower clastic facies (early Middle Triassic sequence) and an upper carbonate unit (late Middle- and latest Middle/early Late Triassic sequences). The early Middle Triassic sequence consists of sandstone with shale/mudstone interbeds that formed under variable regimes, ranging from braided fluvial, lower shoreface to beach foreshore. The marine part of this sequence marks retrogradational and progradational parasequences of transgressive- and highstand systems tract deposits respectively. Deposition has taken place under warm semi-arid climate and a steady supply of clastics. The late Middle- and latest Middle/early Late Triassic sequences are carbonate facies developed on an extensive shallow marine shelf under dry-warm climate. The late Middle Triassic sequence includes retrogradational shallow subtidal oyster rudstone and progradational lower intertidal lime-mudstone parasequences that define the transgressive- and highstand systems tracts respectively. It terminates with upper intertidal oncolitic packstone with bored upper surface. The next latest Middle/early Late Triassic sequence is marked by lime-mudstone, packstone/grainstone and algal stromatolitic bindstone with minor shale/mudstone. These lower intertidal/shallow subtidal deposits of a transgressive-systems tract are followed upward by progradational highstand lower intertidal lime-mudstone deposits. The overlying Jurassic deposits encompass two different sequences. The Lower Jurassic sequence is made up of intercalating lower intertidal lime-mudstone and wave-dominated beach foreshore sandstone which formed during a short period of rising sea-level with a relative increase in clastic supply. The Middle-Upper Jurassic sequence is represented by cycles of cross-bedded sandstone topped with thin mudstone that accumulated by northerly flowing braided-streams accompanying regional uplift of the Arabo–Nubian shield. It is succeeded by another regressive fluvial sequence of Early Cretaceous age due to a major eustatic sea-level fall. The Lower Cretaceous sequence is dominated by sandy braided-river deposits with minor overbank fines and basal debris flow conglomerate.