Carbonate platform depositional sequences, Upper Cretaceous, south-central Pyrenees (Spain)

The Upper Cretaceous (Cenomanian-Maastrichtian) of the south-central Pyrenees shows five carbonate platform sequences where the major parameters are tectonism, relative sea-level fluctuations and inherited depositional profile. Depositional geometries and basin analysis permit an understanding of the depositional history.Five depositional sequences have been recognized: (1) The Santa Fe sequence (Middle-Upper Cenomanian), a ramp to a skeletal rimmed shelf with an escarpment bypass margin. The lower boundary is an angular unconformity and the upper one records a sea-level drop. The platform location of the margin was determined by a listric normal fault. (2) An abrupt sea-level rise drowned the former platform. The Congost sequence (Turonian-Lower Coniacian), a distally steepened ramp with erosional distal deep slope. The depositional model was largely controlled by pre-existing basin morphology. Cessation of platform development was due to a relative sea-level drop. (3) The Sant Corneli sequence (Upper Coniacian-Lower Santonian), a mixed terrigenous-skeletal homoclinal ramp with upright margin, deep slope and dysaerobic basin. The slope results from the backstepping by 24 km of the previous margin and gentle basin tilting. The platform margin remained more or less at the same position, and relief between platform and slope increased indicating continuous relative sea-level rise. The upper boundary is an angular unconformity at the platform margin produced by an abrupt sea-level rise and platform drowning, and by listric normal faulting. (4) The Vallcarga sequence (Upper Santonian-Campanian), a distal-steepened skeletal homoclinal ramp, erosional escarpment and turbidite basin, which corresponds to the Mesozoic maximum marine expansion. A listric normal fault created two depositional areas: a more or less flat footwall block with a north-northwest prograding carbonate ramp.     

Tectonic, eustatic and environmental controls on mid-Cretaceous carbonate platform deposition, south-central Pyrenees, Spain

Cenomanian–Turonian strata of the south‐central Pyrenees in northern Spain contain three prograding carbonate sequences that record interactions among tectonics, sea level, environment and sediment fabric in controlling sequence development. Sequence UK‐1 (Lower to Upper Cenomanian) contains distinct lagoonal, back‐margin, margin, slope and basin facies, and was deposited on a broad, flat shelf adjacent to a deep basin. The lack of reef‐constructing organisms resulted in a gently dipping ramp morphology for the margin and slope. Sequence UK‐2 (Upper Cenomanian) contains similar shallow‐water facies belts, but syndepositional tectonic modification of the margin resulted in a steep slope and deposition of carbonate megabreccias. Sequence UK‐3 (Lower to Middle Turonian) records a shift from benthic to pelagic deposition, as the shallow platform was drowned in response to a eustatic sea‐level rise, coupled with increased organic productivity. Sequences UK‐1 to UK‐3 are subdivided into lowstand, transgressive and highstand systems tracts based on stratal geometries and facies distribution patterns. The same lithologies (e.g. megabreccias) commonly occur in more than one systems tract, indicating that: (1) the depositional system responded to more than just sea‐level fluctuations; and (2) similar processes occurred during different times throughout sequence development. These sequences illustrate the complexity of carbonate platform dynamics that influence sequence architecture. Rift tectonics and flexural subsidence played a major role in controlling the location of the platform margin, maintaining a steep slope gradient through syndepositional faulting, enhancing slope instability and erosion, and influencing depositional processes, stratal relationships and lithofacies distribution on the slope. Sea‐level variations (eustatic and relative) strongly influenced the timing of sequence and parasequence boundary formation, controlled changes in accommodation and promoted platform drowning (in conjunction with other factors). Physico‐chemical and climatic conditions were responsible for reducing carbonate production rates and inducing platform drowning. Finally, a mud‐rich sediment fabric affected platform morphology, growth geometries (aggradation vs. progradation) and facies distribution patterns.     

Carbonate platform evolution: from a bioconstructed platform margin to a sand-shoal system (Devonian, Guilin, South China)

ABSTRACT The depositional organization and architecture of the middle–late Devonian Yangdi rimmed carbonate platform margin in the Guilin area of South China were related to oblique, extensional faulting in a strike‐slip setting. The platform margin shows two main stages of construction in the late Givetian to Frasnian, with a bioconstructed margin evolving into a sand‐shoal system. In the late Givetian, the platform margin was rimmed with microbial buildups composed mainly of cyanobacterial colonies (mostly Renalcis and Epiphyton). These grew upwards and produced an aggradational (locally slightly retrogradational) architecture with steep foreslope clinoforms. Three depositional sequences (S3–S5) are recognized in the upper Givetian strata, which are dominated by extensive microbialites. Metre‐scale depositional cyclicity occurs in most facies associations, except in the platform‐margin buildups and upper foreslope facies. In the latest Givetian (at the top of sequence S5), relative platform uplift (± subaerial exposure) and associated rapid basin subsidence (probably a block‐tilting effect) caused large‐scale platform collapse and slope erosion to give local scalloped embayments along the platform margin and the synchronous demise of microbial buildups. Subsequently, sand shoals and banks composed of ooids and peloids and, a little later, stromatoporoid buildups on the palaeohighs, developed along the platform margin, from which abundant loose sediment was transported downslope to form gravity‐flow deposits. Another strong tectonic episode caused further platform collapse in the early Frasnian (at the top of sequence S6), leading to large‐scale breccia release and the death of the stromatoporoid buildups. Siliceous facies (banded cherts and siliceous shales) were then deposited extensively in the basin centre as a result of the influx of hydrothermal fluids. The platform‐margin sand‐shoal/bank system, possibly with gullies on the slope, persisted into the latest Frasnian until the restoration of microbial buildups. Four sequences (S6–S9), characterized by abundant sand‐shoal deposits on the margin and gravity‐flow and hemipelagic deposits on the slope, are distinguished in the Frasnian strata. Smaller‐scale depositional cyclicity is evident in all facies associations across the platform–slope–basin transect. The distinctive depositional architecture and evolution of this Yangdi Platform are interpreted as having been controlled mainly by regional tectonics with contributions from eustasy, environmental factors, oceanographic setting, biotic and sedimentary fabrics.     

Lithofacies and sequence development on an Upper Devonian mixed carbonate-siliciclastic fore-reef slope, Canning Basin, Western Australia

Detailed sedimentological and stratigraphical analysis coupled with conodont biostratigraphy of a fore-reef slope succession in the Napier Range (Napier Formation) is used to develop a depositional model and relative sea-level history for late Frasnian to late Famennian reef evolution in the Canning Basin of north-western Australia. Changes in sedimentary style on the slope, reflecting differing rates of carbonate production on the platform, are linked to third- and higher order relative sea-level fluctuations. Overlapping slope aprons accumulated along the base of a steep-walled platform margin. Coarse carbonate debris was deposited adjacent to the margin as talus breccias (via rockfall) and debris-flow breccias. Depositional slopes up to 45°, and locally steeper, are demonstrated using rotated geopetal cavity fills. The predominance of channel-filling lithofacies throughout the slope succession indicates the highly channelized nature of the aprons. The middle slope is dominated by sandy oolitic-peloidal turbiditic grainstones interpreted as sediment exported from an active platform. The turbidites and associated debris-flow breccias contrast with condensed carbonate intervals and deep-water, non-fenestral stromatolites that record times of very low platform production. Lower slope turbidites and associated intraclastic breccias indicate widespread redeposition of sediment eroded from lithified and semi-lithified limestones higher up the slope. Several third-order sequences are recognized in the fore-reef succession and these are composed primarily of transgressive and highstand deposits. Carbonate production was severely restricted in the early Famennian coinciding with development of onlapping siliciclastic aprons during a relative sea-level lowstand. Evidence for a subaerial exposure event is also preserved within the siliciclastic strata. Controls on sequence development are difficult to constrain. Although two sequence boundaries can be correlated with falls on the global sea-level curve, the reef complexes evolved in an active extensional regime and it is highly likely that tectonism, in conjunction with eustasy, controlled accommodation on the platform and therefore carbonate productivity.     

内蒙古固阳渣尔泰山群增隆昌组台前斜坡碳酸盐角砾岩的成因

内蒙古固阳渣尔泰山群增隆昌组晚期沉积环境演化为碳酸盐岩台地。重点研究了台前斜坡碳酸盐角砾岩的岩性、岩相和相序特征 ,识别出重力滑动、浊流和风暴重力流成因的角砾岩 ,探讨了不同成因的角砾岩与海平面变化的响应关系。研究表明 ,角砾岩主要形成于海平面的上升速率减慢或最大静止期 ,此时台地碳酸盐岩产率过剩 ,大量的碳酸盐岩由地震、重力、风暴流带入斜坡和坡底 ,形成异地角砾岩。     

Depositional sequences and correlation of middle(?) to late Miocene carbonate complexes,Las Negras and Nijar areas,southeastern Spain

During Serravallian through Messinian time, marine carbonates flanked topographic highs that rimmed Neogene basins in the Western Mediterranean. Middle to upper Miocene carbonate strata in the Las Negras and Nijar areas (southeastern Spain) are 50-150 m thick and display 50-200 m of shelf-to-basin relief over 1-2 km. Detailed studies in those areas document the effects of relative sea-level change on sedimentation, biotic composition, and reef development. We identify three previously unrecognized, regionally correlatable depositional sequences (DS1, DS2, DS3) that occur between the underlying basement and the overlying Terminal Carbonate Complex. The lower depositional sequences (DS1, DS2) are mostly normal marine shelf (ramp) carbonates deposited on the flanks of basement highs. The basal part of DS2 locally contains some megabreccia reef blocks composed of Tarbellastraea and Porites. These blocks are the first evidence of reef growth in the area and represent a previously unrecognized period of reef development prior to the fringing reef development. The reef blocks probably formed as upslope patch reefs that were eroded and transported to distal slope locations. The upper sequence (DS3) is characterized by clinoform strata of a Porites-dominated fringing reef complex that prograded basinward in a downstepping style with successively younger reefs forming in a topographically lower and more basinward position as a result of a net sea-level drop. Regional correlation of Miocene shallow-marine strata between basins in Spain and elsewhere in the western Mediterranean is complicated because basins were semi-isolated from adjacent basins making physical correlation impossible. In addition, age-definitive biostratigraphic markers are poorly preserved in most of the Miocene shallow-water strata; basinal sediments that are more easily dated by microfossils do not typically interfinger with the shallow-marine strata in outcrop. Even where datable microfossils are found, resolution of dating is poor. Our studies in the Las Negras and Nijar areas illustrate the usefulness of integrating sedimentological, geometric and biotic data with locally derived relative sea-level (accommodation space) curves for correlation. The relative sea-level curves for each area show remarkable similarities in shape and magnitude of sea-level changes. These curves indicate several relative sea-level fluctuations during Miocene carbonate deposition prior to the major sea-level drop at the end of DS3 deposition that culminated in the exposure of the basin margin deposits and the deposition of evaporites in basinal areas during the Messinian. The depositional sequences in the Las Negras and Nijar areas may correlate with depositional sequences of similar age throughout the southern Cabo de Gata area, in Mallorca some 600 km to the northeast, and possibly in other Mediterranean locations. The widespread occurrence and possible correlation of the depositional sequences suggest regional processes such as eustacy or tectonism for their formation. The integration of sedimentological, palaeontological and sequence stratigraphic studies, and the construction of relative sea-level (accommodation space) curves may help in the interpretation of depositional histories of shallow-marine carbonate complexes and correlation of these strata between isolated areas. Other dating methods, in addition to microfossil dating, may allow for better age determination of the sequences and aid in identifying the importance of eustacy and tectonism in sequence development.     

海西—印支期上扬子南缘碳酸盐岩台地边缘沉积特征、演化及其控制因素

海西—印支期上扬子地块发育稳定型的碳酸盐岩大台地,在碳酸盐岩台地南缘台地边缘沉积体系发育,主要包括4种沉积类型:台地边缘滩,台地边缘礁、台地前缘斜坡、滩(礁)间海。据海西—印支期台缘沉积发育及分布特征,可分为4个沉积演化阶段:中泥盆世—晚泥盆世(SS1),台缘沿弥勒—师宗—晴隆—南丹—河池一线呈带状分布,台缘礁滩发育;早石炭世—早二叠世早期(SS2-SS3),台缘沿晴隆—六盘水—安顺呈带状分布,台缘生屑滩发育;早二叠世晚期—晚二叠世(SS4),沿贞丰—紫云—罗店—河池—柳州—娄底呈带状分布,台缘滩、台缘礁交互发育;早三叠世—中三叠世(SS5),沿贞丰—镇宁—贵阳—福泉一线呈带状分布,早三叠世主要发育台缘鲕粒滩,中三叠世台缘礁占优势。这4个阶段的台缘沉积特征表明:台地边缘礁滩沉积体系垂向演化受海平面变化控制,横向迁移主要受同沉积断裂控制,不同类型生物的出现和绝灭控制台缘生物礁滩的类型及特征。     

Sub-wavebase cross-bedded grainstones on a distally steepened carbonate ramp, Upper Miocene, Menorca, Spain

Cross‐bedded grainstones on carbonate ramps and shelves are commonly related to the locus of major wave energy absorption such as shorelines, shoals or shelf breaks. In contrast, on the Early Tortonian carbonate platform of Menorca (Balearic Islands), coarse‐grained, cross‐bedded grainstones are found at a distance from the palaeoshoreline where they were deposited below the wavebase. Excellent exposures along continuous outcrops on the sea cliffs of Menorca reveal the depositional profile and three‐dimensional distribution of the different facies belts of the Tortonian ramp depositional system. Basinward from the palaeoshoreline, fan deltas and beach deposits pass into 5‐km‐wide gently dipping bioturbated dolopackstone (inner and middle ramp), then into 12–20°‐dipping dolograinstone/rudstone clinobeds (ramp slope) and, finally, into subhorizontal fine‐grained basinal dolowackestone to dolopackstone (outer ramp). In this Miocene example, coarse‐grained grainstones exist in five different settings other than beach deposits: (1) on the middle ramp, where cross‐bedded grainstones were deposited by currents roughly parallel to the shoreline at 40–70 m estimated water depth and are interbedded with gently dipping bioturbated dolomitized packstones; (2) on the upper slope, where clinobeds are composed mostly of in situ rhodoliths and red‐algae fragments; (3) on the lower slope, as small‐scale bedforms (small three‐dimensional subaqueous dunes) migrating parallel to the slope; (4) at the transition between the lower slope and the outer ramp, where mollusc‐rich and rhodolithic rudstones and grainstones, interbedded in dolomitized laminated wackestones containing abundant planktonic foraminifera, infill slide/slump scars as upslope‐backstepping bodies (backsets); (5) at the toe of the slope, where coarse skeletal grainstones indicate bedform migration parallel to the platform margin, induced by currents at more than 150 m estimated water depth. This Late Miocene example also illustrates how changes in intrabasinal environmental conditions (nutrients and/or temperature) may produce changes in stratal patterns and facies architecture if they affect the biological system. Two depositional sequences compose the Miocene platform on Menorca, where a reef‐rimmed platform prograded onto an earlier distally steepened ramp. The transition from the ramp to the reef‐rimmed platform was effected by an increase in accommodation space caused by ecological changes, promoting a shift from a grain‐ to a framework‐producing biota.     

贵阳花溪地区早-中三叠世碳酸盐角砾岩楔沉积特征

早-中三叠世贵阳花溪地区位于浅水碳酸盐台地向深水盆地的过渡带,各沉积体系域特征明显,特别是低水位期碳酸盐角砾岩楔发育。野外调查发现研究区共发育4期低水位碳酸盐角砾岩楔,说明该区在早-中三叠世至少经历了4次明显的海平面变化。碳酸盐角砾岩楔的位置迁移反应了台地边缘位置的迁移和海平面相对变化的大小,其中谷立角砾岩舌相对于其他角砾岩楔向台地方向延伸距离最远,代表了台地边缘位置向台地方向迁移的距离最远,张家湾角砾岩楔代表了安尼初期的海平面快速下降。通过角砾岩楔的沉积特征和各岩石地层单元的几何接触关系判断出该区碳酸盐台地前缘演化过程：缓斜坡型台缘→沉积型台缘→礁镶跌积型台缘。     

黔南地区早、中泥盆世沉积演化的动力机制

泥盆纪时，黔南地区为一相对稳定的台地，早泥盆世晚期，海水开始漫漫其上.初始发育陆源碎屑沉积体系，中泥盆世发育陆源碎屑～碳酸盐混合体系.空间配置有下列几种类型:滨岸障壁～泻湖～河流体系，碳酸盐缓坡～滨岸障壁～泻湖体系，镶边型碳酸盐台地～泻湖三角洲（潮坪）体系，碳酸盐缓坡～三角洲体系。基底断裂限定了台地和台间沟的延限范围和演化进程，这两种不同沉积背景的沉积演化旋回可能主要受海平面变化控制。     

Stratal architecture and platform evolution of an early Frasnian syn‐tectonic carbonate platform,Canning Basin,Australia

Facies architecture and platform evolution of an early Frasnian reef complex in the northern Canning Basin of north‐western Australia were strongly controlled by syn‐depositional faulting during a phase of basin extension. The margin‐attached Hull platform developed on a fault block of Precambrian basement with accommodation largely generated by movement along the Mount Elma Fault Zone. Recognition of major subaerial exposure and flooding surfaces in the Hull platform (from outcrop and drillcore) has enabled comparison of facies associations within a temporal framework and led to identification of three stages of platform evolution. Stage 1 records initial ramp development on the hangingwall dip slope with predominantly deep subtidal conditions that prevented any cyclic facies arrangements. This stage is characterised by basal siliciclastic deposits and a major deepening‐upward facies pattern that is capped by a sequence boundary towards the footwall (north‐west) and a major flooding surface towards the hangingwall. Stage 2 reflects the bulk of platform aggradation, significant platform growth towards the hangingwall and the development of reef margins and cyclic facies arrangements. Thickening of this stage towards the hangingwall indicates that accommodation was generated by rotation of the fault block and overlying platform. Stage 3 records a major flooding and backstep of the platform margin. The Hull platform illustrates important elements of margin‐attached carbonate platforms in a half‐graben setting, including: (i) prominent, but limited, coarse siliciclastic input that does not have a major detrimental effect on carbonate production near the rift margin in arid to semi‐arid settings; (ii) wedge‐shaped accommodation created by syn‐depositional rotation of fault blocks and tilting of the hangingwall dip slope, resulting in shallow‐water facies and subaerial exposure up‐dip of the rotational axis and deeper water facies down‐dip; and (iii) evolution of a ramp to rimmed shelf, coincident with a sequence boundary–flooding surface, that is accelerated by tilting of the hangingwall dip slope during fault‐block rotation.     

Depositional systems and sequence stratigraphy analysis of the Upper Callovian to Tithonian sediments in the Central and Western Kopet‐Dagh Basin,Northeast Iran

Upper Callovian to Tithonian (late Jurassic) sediments represent an important hydrocarbon reservoir in the Kopet‐Dagh Basin, NE Iran. These deposits consist mainly of limestone, dolostone, and calcareous mudstone with subordinate siliciclastic interbeds. Detailed field surveys, lithofacies and facies analyses at three outcrop sections were used to investigate the depositional environments and sequence stratigraphy of the Middle to Upper Jurassic interval in the central and western areas of the basin. Vertical and lateral facies changes, sedimentary fabrics and structures, and geometry of carbonate bodies resulted in recognition of various carbonate facies related to tidal flats, back‐barrier lagoon, shelf‐margin/shelf‐margin reef, slope and deep‐marine facies belts. These facies were accompanied by interbedded beach and deep marine siliciclastic petrofacies. Field surveys, facies analysis, parasequences stacking patterns, discontinuity surfaces, and geometries coupled with relative depth variation, led to the recognition of six third‐order depositional sequences. The depositional history of the study areas can be divided into two main phases. These indicate platform evolution from a rimmed‐shelf to a carbonate ramp during the late Callovian–Oxfordian and Kimmeridgian–Tithonian intervals, respectively. Significant lateral and vertical facies and thickness changes, and results obtained from regional correlation of the depositional sequences, can be attributed to the combined effect of antecedent topography and differential subsidence related to local tectonics. Moreover, sea‐level changes must be regarded as a major factor during the late Callovian–Tithonian interval. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A large-scale meandering submarine canyon: outcrop example from the late Proterozoic Adelaide Geosyncline, South Australia

The late Proterozoic Adelaide Geosyncline, along with overlying Cambrian strata, comprises a thick sequence of sediments and sparse volcanics which accumulated in a major rift and passive margin setting. During late syn-rift or early post-rift phases, large volumes of terrigenous and carbonate sediments of the late Proterozoic Umberatana and Wilpena Groups and Cambrian Hawker Group filled the rift. Submarine canyon development was related to at least four of these depositional cycles, the most notable of which resulted in incision and subsequent filling of the major (several kilometres in width and up to 1.5 km deep) submarine canyons by the Wonoka Formation. The Wonoka Formation canyons are not obviously fault controlled. They are interpreted to have been eroded by turbidity currents during a relative low-stand of sea-level. They were subsequently filled by a fining-upwards suite of sediments which reflects subsequent relative rise of sea-level and carbonate platform development. Ultimately the canyon complex was buried by north-westerly progradation of overlying fluvial and slope sequences (Billy Springs Beds and possibly correlative upper Pound Subgroup). It is considered likely that more distal elements of this prograding clastic wedge provided the necessary material for canyon erosion, prior to canyon filling and ultimate burial by what may have been elements of the same depositional cycle. It is considered possible that the series of isolated outcrops of canyon cross-sections within the Wonoka Formation are sections of a single canyon thalweg developed within a considerably broader zone of slope degradation. If this interpretation is correct, then the gorge-like Patsy Springs Canyon lies in more proximal regions of the basin-slope, whereas 40 km to the north-east the lower slope is cut by the Fortress Hill Canyon Complex. Palaeocurrent analyses of channel-fill turbidites within the canyons imply that the Fortress Hill Complex is in fact the outcropping western edge of a sinuous, incised canyon thalweg. The Wonoka Formation canyons, containing basal sedimentary breccias but only minor conglomerates, are considered typical of passive margin canyon development. They are contrasted with the generally highly conglomeratic channel-fills observed in outcropping Tertiary and Cretaceous examples of active margin canyons and upper fan valleys.     

塔中地区晚奥陶世镶边台地沉积演化

通过大量岩芯、薄片、测井、地震等资料的对比分析,建立了塔中地区上奥陶统良里塔格组层序地层格架,并研究了沉积相演化、分布规律。晚奥陶世塔中地区为开阔台地、台地边缘组成的沉积型镶边台地。良里塔格组层序可划分出海侵体系域、高位体系域,共10个准层序组。前者包括准层序组1～4,为退积、加积准层序组,岩性以泥晶灰岩类为主、夹颗粒灰岩,局部发育生物灰岩。后者包括准层序组5～10,为加积、进积准层序组,岩性为颗粒灰岩、生物礁灰岩夹泥晶灰岩。海侵体系域时期,沉积范围逐步覆盖研究区,开阔台地与台地边缘的沉积范围相对稳定,开阔台地以滩间海、台内洼地等低能沉积亚相为主,台地边缘丘、滩沉积范围逐步扩大,出现镶边沉积特征。高位体系域时期,台地边缘沉积范围基本具有继承性,发育2～7期礁（丘）-滩的沉积旋回,形成礁滩复合体镶边特征;开阔台地大范围内为较低能滩间海沉积,局部发育2～4期丘（礁）-滩沉积旋回。该时期,台地边缘与开阔台地沉积地貌出现明显的高低分异,镶边台地成熟、定型。     

Sequence stratigraphy of a low productivity carbonate platform succession: the Upper Permian Wegener Halvø Formation, Karstryggen Area, East Greenland

The carbonate platform of the Upper Permian Wegener Halvø Formation in the Karstryggen area of central East Greenland is an example of a carbonate system with low production rates (2–3 cm kyr^–1) and differs from most other carbonate platforms by the lack of well-developed highstand progradation. The platform consists of three depositional sequences that formed in response to Kazanian sea-level cycles. Pinning point curves for the subaerial exposure surfaces separating the depositional sequences quantify the amplitude of the relative sea-level fluctuations in the range of 70–140 m. The platform developed on the karstified surface of an older Permian carbonate platform with a topographic relief locally exceeding 70 m. The predepositional relief influenced deposition in all three sequences. Transgressive systems tracts are thin and commonly dominated by condensed siliciclastic deposits in off-platform areas and palaeo-lows. Over palaeotopographic highs they consist of aggrading cementstones. Highstand deposits are limited to palaeotopographic elevated areas and consist of cementstone build-ups along the basin margin, and shallow subtidal to intertidal carbonates and evaporites in the platform area. Elsewhere, carbonate deposition took place during falling sea-level, and thin laterally extensive units of shallow-marine grainstones rest directly on top of deeper marine shales in the two first sequences, whereas thick prograding units of oolitic grainstones form the forced regressive systems tract of the uppermost sequence.     

湖南慈利江垭剖面二叠系-三叠系界线层序的沉积微相类型、沉积环境和海平面变化

本文对湖南慈利江垭剖面二叠系-三叠系界线层序(大隆组顶部9.4m和大冶组底部7.5m)进行了详细的沉积微相分析,划分出八种微相类型,并结合露头和光面上的沉积特征,对每种微相的成因和沉积环境进行了分析和讨论。在此基础上,研究了界线附近的沉积环境和相对海平面变化。大隆组顶部层序沉积于相对海平面持续上升阶段,随着相对海平面的上升,沉积环境逐渐由盆地边缘向盆地内部迁移。在大隆组最顶部,相对海平面有一快速的大幅度下降,沉积环境由深水盆地突然转变为浅水台地。之后自大冶组底部向上,相对海平面又逐渐上升,沉积盆地依次经历了滞流盆地、半循环盆地和循环盆地的转换;在距离大冶组底部约7m处,相对海平面开始下降,气候变得极为干燥,沉积盆地转变为蒸发盆地。值得指出的是,大隆组-大冶组界线处的快速海退面正好对应于二叠纪末生物灭绝面,从而表明大海退很可能是造成二叠纪末生物大灭绝的重要原因。     

扬子台地西缘早、中三叠世古地理重建

扬子台地西缘由于构造的逆冲推覆与平移走滑而受到严重破坏，因此，对其古地理重建就不能简单地依据现今露头岩相分布原封不动地来拟定古地理格架。为此，本文尝试采用“构造岩块分析法”，对这些位移了的岩块（断块）进行构造复位后，再编制早、中三叠世古地理复原图，重建其古地理演化格架。扬子台地西部边缘在早三叠世发育了进积的碳酸盐鲕粒浅滩，滩后为海湾或局限台地，滩前为碳酸盐缓坡；中三叠世时，边缘的南、北段有差异，北段滩前由缓坡（早世）演化成末端变陡的碳酸盐缓坡，而南段则发展成镶边陆架。     

中东地区阿普特阶Shuaiba组碳酸盐岩沉积体系特征及模式探究

中东地区主力产油层系Shuaiba组的勘探及研究逐渐以地层岩性圈闭为主,笔者通过总结Bab盆地阿普特阶Shuaiba组沉积相类型,多油田地层格架及空间展布特征的对比,为系统恢复Shuaiba组沉积演化过程及模式提供地质依据。研究表明,阿普特阶Shuaiba组共发育开阔台地、台地边缘、台缘斜坡及盆地相4种沉积相单元和6种亚相类型,各相带单元受控于四个三级层序且沿Bab盆地周缘呈带状展布。开阔台地一侧,主要沉积了第二个三级层序对应的Lower Shuaiba地层;台地边缘往Bab台内盆地区域,则以第三和第四个三级层序对应的Upper Shuaiba地层为主。Shuaiba组生物礁、滩建造集中发育在第二个三级层序的高位域阶段,滩间海、缓坡及盆地相受控于海进和低位体系域。阿普特阶Shuaiba台地边缘生物建隆、台内浅滩在空间上相互叠置并成带展布,符合弱镶边型缓坡台地沉积模式,该类型台地具备深水陆棚性质的非常宽缓的斜坡,且缓坡往盆地一侧发育一个镶边台地边缘。     

Last Interglacial changes in sea level on Aldabra,western Indian Ocean

The Pleistocene limestones on the island of Aldabra in the western Indian Ocean preserve a detailed record of the Last Interglacial interval. Sedimentological analysis has revealed that this interval, formerly regarded as reflecting rapid sea-level rise, during global warming, followed by a more gradual fall towards the low sea level of the Last Glacial Maximum, in fact shows much greater variation. Although data do not support an accurate chronology, there is evidence that reversals in sea-level trend caused both pauses in deposition and concurrent erosion during sea-level rise, and both stillstands and erosion during sea-level fall. Data include sea-level related variations in coral morphology, discontinuities and boundaries within depositional sequences, and changes in biofacies. These may explain inconsistencies in the radiometric ages of deposits within the unit, but question the nature of the interglacial cycle, the mechanisms driving it and, in particular, whether comparable variation occurred elsewhere.     

Evolution of an early Proterozoic foreland basin carbonate platform, lower Pethei Group, Great Slave Lake, north-west Canada

The Taltheilei, Utsingi, McLean and Blanchet formations form a 175–390 m thick carbonate platform-to-basin succession in the lower part of the PaleoProterozoic Pethei Group, preserved in the eastern arm of Great Slave Lake. Carbonates accumulated along the south-east margin of the Slave Craton within a foredeep formed during the collision of the Slave and Churchill Cratons. The rocks include eight, predominantly microbial, carbonate facies that comprise five facies associations representing (1) shallow-water rimmed shelf, (2) shallow-water open shelf, (3) shallow-water ramp, (4) upper slope and deep ramp, and (5) lower slope and basin plain environments. Microbialite facies grew by organically mediated precipitation of spar and micritic cement and trapping and binding of lime mud. These wholly subtidal facies typically reflect progressive shallowing and changing geometry of the lower Pethei sea floor, from ramp, to open shelf, to shallow rimmed shelf, with associated slope and basin plain deposition. Repeated relative sea-level changes influenced platform growth. This resulted in five shallowing upward packages; each separated by an incipient drowning event of varying magnitude. Antecedent topography and the size of the preceding drowning event strongly influenced the initial growth of each interval. This repeated pattern is attributed to interaction between (a) the inherent tendency of microbial carbonates to aggrade vertically, (b) changing sedimentation rates and (c) readjustments of relative base level. The lower Pethei succession is one of few PaleoProterozoic examples of carbonate platform growth within a foreland basin. It has (1) a low gradient profile, (2) extensive slope and basin plain carbonate production and sedimentation, (3) no ooids, (4) minor terrigenous clastic sediments, and (4) a mobile, submergent shelf rim lacking substantial carbonate sand shoals.