Cyclic facies architecture as a key to depositional controls in a distal foredeep: Campanian Mesaverde Group,Wyoming, USA

The Mesaverde Group consists of a thick wedge of fluvial, littoral-deltaic and shallow marine clastics shed into the Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway of North America. The western parts of the seaway lay within the strongly subsiding foredeep of the active Sevier fold and thrust belt further to the west. The study area is located east of the axis of maximum subsidence and is thus in a favourable position to record competing effects of eustasy, sediment supply and thrust-load induced subsidence. Facies and sequence analysis carried out on high quality outcrop and well log data led to the recognition of a complex depositional cycle hierarchy within the typical storm- and wave-dominated inner shelf/shoreface/strand plain and delta systems of the Mesaverde. Fourth-order parasequences and parasequence bundles of estimated 100–400 ka duration are the best recognizable, ubiquitous and most useful stratigraphic units. Their arrangement with respect to sequence boundaries, however, varies with their overall stratigraphic position and also differs from the Exxon models. Mesaverde progradation was interrupted by a major transgression that occurred out of phase with the aggradational to progradational stacking trend of third-order sequences. A proposed genetic model relates large-scale (second-order) sequence architecture to tectonics: a Sevier thrust event as well as Laramide uplift within the foredeep controlled non-linear changes in the accommodation/supply ratio. Parasequence stacking patterns and sequence boundary formation, in contrast, were the product of (global?) eustasy enhanced by short-term, perhaps local, changes in the rates of subsidence and detrital influx.     

Petrology and depositional evolution of the Paleozoic rocks of Iraq

The study integrates petrographical and lithological data from deep exploration wells and outcrops in northern Iraq to better understand the sedimentary environments present in the basin and to evaluate the depositional evolution of the Paleozoic rocks in Iraq. The studied Paleozoic successions are represented by five sedimentary cycles of intracratonic sequences. These are dominated mainly by siliciclastic and mixed sedimentary packages, and are separated by major and minor unconformity surfaces. These cycles are as follow: the Ordovician cycle, represented by the Khabour Formation; the Silurian cycle, represented by the Akkas Formation; the Middle-Late Devonian to Early Carboniferous cycle, represented by the Chalki, Pirispiki, Kaista, Ora and Harur formations; the Permian–Carboniferous cycle, represented by the Ga’ara Formation and late Permian cycle, represented by the Chia Zairi Formation. Generally, the cycles are characterized by siliciclastic and mixed carbonate–clastic facies with abrupt changes during Late Paleozoic reflecting the environmental and tectonic events during this period. The Ordovician Khabour Formation is suggested to be of shallow marine environment of deposition with stacked transgressive and regressive cycles that are eustatically controlled. The shale of Silurian Akkas Formation was deposited in open-marine environment. Depositional regimes in the Late Devonian to Early Carboniferous are considered as a continuation of deposition in the subsiding basin with a wide geographic distribution that reflect the epicontinental or epeiric seas in a homoclinic ramp setting. The Permo-Carboniferous Ga’ara Formation was deposited in continental to paralic environment while the Late Permian Chia Zairi Formation represents the carbonate platform deposition. The study revealed that potential source rocks may include some shale beds of the Khabour Formation, hot shales of Akkas Formation and the shales of Ora Formation. The sandstones of the Khabour, Akkas and Kaista formations have good reservoir potential. The Late Permian carbonates of Chia Zairi Formation may be self-sourcing and contain multiple reservoirs. The occurrence of shale as source rocks and limestone as reservoir rocks and some evaporates as sealing horizons make the formation as a reservoir in its own right.     

河北平原曲流河沉积特征及其模式

本文研究了河流沉积构造、结构、石英颗粒表面特征和沉积相特征,并提出组成曲流点坝标志的两个重要要素及沉积模式。有助于认识古代岩相中点坝层序和对此模式。     

The La Luna formation: chemostratigraphy and organic facies in the Middle Magdalena Basin

A detailed geochemical study and a sequence stratigraphic interpretation have been conducted on a sedimentary sequence of the Upper Cretaceous La Luna Formation, in a section outcropping in the eastern flank of the Middle Magdalena Basin (MMB), Colombia. The goals were to evaluate geochemical variability related to lithofacies and organic facies changes, characterize depositional environment and investigate the possible relationship between geochemical data and sequence stratigraphic cycles. The La Luna Formation is composed of organic-rich sediments of monotonous appearance, with good to excellent potential for oil generation. Most of the bulk, petrographic and biomarker parameters display a relatively narrow range of variation. However, the geochemical variations are sufficient to differentiate organic facies types B, BC and C in the Salada Member, B and D in the Pujamana Member and B in the Galembo Member. Certain biomarker ratios are consistent within the La Luna Formation and are characteristic of its depositional environment, for example, average ratios of diasterane/sterane are lower than 1, Ts/Tm averages are less than 0.33, the C₃₅/C₃₄ hopane ratio is more than 0.92, and oleanane/C₃₀ hopane ratios range from 0.02 to 0.19. Regarding depositional condition indicators, the C₃₅/C₃₄ hopane ratio shows a good positive correlation with HI. This suggests that in carbonate environment changes in this parameter are more strongly related to redox condition than to changes in carbonate content. Regarding the possible relationship between organic matter characteristics and sea level changes, in regressive carbonate shelves during shallow stages, HI tends to increase and TOC tends to decrease, while in regressive siliciclastic shelves, both TOC and HI decrease continuously. Some biomarker ratios (oleanane/C₃₀ hopane, C₂₀/C₂₃ tricyclic, Ts/Tm) increase during base level falls. Regarding δ ¹³C/¹²C isotope composition, the aromatic fraction and whole bitumen display an isotopic shift associated to the main deepening event in the section.     

Research on Biofacies their Provincialization of Middle Permian-MiddleTriassic in the western Sichuan Basin

The research area is located in the western part of Sichuan basin as a Yangtze ecotope of Cathaysian Tethyan area. It is dominated by benthic fauna, including brachiopods, Fusulinids, corals, bivalves, foraminifers, ammonites, bryozoans, Crinoids and pleopods are less common with traces of trilobites, stromatoporas, nautilus and sporopollens seen in one or two areas,which are obviously controlled by sedimentary environments in accordance with sedimentary facies. On the basis of division and research of biological communities and according to the combination of communities with sedimentary characteristics, six kinds of biofacies have been recognized and described in the study area,i.e. benthic biofacies of restricted platform, benthic biofacies of open platform, benthic biofacies of inner gentle slope, benthic biofacies of outer gentle slope, benthic biofacies of shelf slope and swimming biofacies of deep-water basin. Based on the study of middle Permian to middle Triassic biofacies,biofacies pattern are established, category, ecotype, typical community, sedimentary facies and oil bearing of each biofacies are elucidated in this paper. According to the association law of biofacies in time and space, the ahthors think that there are three biofacies provinces in the study area, i.e., platform biofacies province, slope biofacies province and basin biofacies province.The distribution characteristics of bioface types indicates that the platform-type and ramp-type biofacies are mainly distributed in the subject of the study area. It indicates that their distribution are mainly controlled by Yangtze platform. But the bioface of deep water basin type biofacies and basin biofacies province are mainly distributed at the edge of study area, indicating that they are mainly controlled by the Longmen trough. The study of biofacies and their provincialization of Middle Permain-Middle Triassic in the Western Sichuan Basin is a reference for the reconstruction of paleogeography and paleo-plate.Therefore, the research is meaningful for the analysis of paleogeography, tectonics and their evoulution of the Sichuan Basin.     

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.     

Depositional characteristics and accumulation model of gas hydrates in northern South China Sea

The South China Sea (SCS) shows favorable conditions for gas hydrate accumulation and exploration prospects. Bottom simulating reflectors (BSRs) are widely distributed in the SCS. Using seismic and sequence stratigraphy, the spatial distribution of BSRs has been determined in three sequences deposited since the Late Miocene. The features of gas hydrate accumulations in northern SCS were systematically analyzed by an integrated analysis of gas source conditions, migration pathways, heat flow values, occurrence characteristics, and depositional conditions (including depositional facies, rates of deposition, sand content, and lithological features) as well as some depositional bodies (structural slopes, slump blocks, and sediment waves). This research shows that particular geological controls are important for the presence of BSRs in the SCS, not so much the basic thermodynamic controls such as temperature, pressure and a gas source. Based on this, a typical depositional accumulation model has been established. This model summarizes the distribution of each depositional system in the continental shelf, continental slope, and continental rise, and also shows the typical elements of gas hydrate accumulations. BSRs appear to commonly occur more in slope-break zones, deep-water gravity flows, and contourites. The gas hydrate-bearing sediments in the Shenhu drilling area mostly contain silt or clay, with a silt content of about 70%. In the continental shelf, BSRs are laterally continuous, and the key to gas hydrate formation and accumulation lies in gas transportation and migration conditions. In the continental slope, a majority of the BSRs are associated with zones of steep and rough relief with long-term alternation of uplift and subsidence. Rapid sediment unloading can provide a favorable sedimentary reservoir for gas hydrates. In the continental rise, BSRs occur in the sediments of submarine fans, turbidity currents.     

海拉尔盆地乌尔逊—贝尔凹陷岩性一地层油藏成藏特征及勘探方向

乌尔逊—贝尔凹陷是海拉尔盆地油气勘探的主战场,其岩性—地层油藏勘探程度较低,剩余油气资源勘探潜力较大.对乌尔逊—贝尔凹陷成藏特征的研究表明,岩性—地层油藏是主要的油藏类型,可分为岩性油藏、地层油藏和复合油藏3种类型油藏.油气主要沿不整合面及不同级次湖泛面上下分布,平面上围绕生油洼槽分布,不同的构造带上,发育的岩性—地层...     

Architecture of a forced regressive systems tract in the Turonian Ferron “Notom Delta”, southern Utah, U.S.A.

The large-scale stratigraphic architecture of forced regressive deposits has been documented in many previous studies. Bed-scale facies architectural analyses of these deposits, however, are still very limited. The Cretaceous Ferron “Notom Delta” in southern Utah, U.S.A. contains a 20 km dip-oriented exposure of a stepped, forced regressive systems tract. The main focus of this paper is to reconstruct the paleogeography and depositional history of the systems tract based on detailed stratigraphic and facies architectural analysis using 23 geological sections, photomosaics, and walking out of beds.Internally, the systems tract consists of 6 parasequences, 11f to 11a from the oldest to the youngest. During the progradation of parasequences 11f to 11b the paleoshorelines were wave-dominated, as indicated by the abundance of HCS and/or SCS beds, wave-ripple cross-laminated beds, and the occurrence of diverse and robust ichnological suites attributable to the Skolithos and Cruziana Ichnofacies. Progradation of the wave-dominated shorelines resulted in more homogeneous and laterally continuous sand bodies. From 11b to 11a, however, there is a distinct change in paleoshoreline regime from wave-dominated to tide-influenced as indicated by the common occurrence of tidal facies in 11a, including: (1) lenticular, wavy, and flaser bedding and bidirectional dipping cross strata; (2) reactivation surfaces, double-mud drapes, and ripple cross lamination with opposing dips at the toe of large dune-scale cross sets; (3) inclined heterolithic strata (IHS) and sigmoidal bedding with tidal rhythmites; and (4) cyclic vertical variation in facies and bed thickness and the common occurrence of sand-mud couplets. These tide-influenced facies show overall lower bioturbation intensity (BI 0-3). Progradation of the tide-influenced shoreline results in more heterolithic delta-front facies. Tidal and/or tidal-fluvial channels further dissect delta-front sandstones, forming more isolated sand bodies.Data from this study, as well as previous work, show that width and thickness of the forced regressive parasequences are small, typically less than 5 km and 20 m respectively. In subsurface studies, identifying and correlating such small-scale parasequences using sparse data involve significant uncertainties. A combination of the diagnostic features indicating forced regression and different data sets is essential to better constrain the geometry and architecture these small-scale bodies.     

Historical records and the sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the East China Sea

The coastal cities are the most advanced regions in China. In the past few decades, the environment changed very significantly due to large scale human activities in the coastal regions. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in three dated sediment cores from the west coast of the Yellow Sea (core A01), the Yangtze River estuary (YRE; core A02) and the Oujiang River estuary (ORE; core A03) were analyzed to reconstruct the environmental evolutionary process of the east China coastal region over the past century. In the three cores, PAHs concentrations were increased rapidly. Lower concentrations of PAHs were measured in core A02 than in cores A01 and A03. The vertical variation of PAHs in the YRE was dominated by the petrogenic sources. Historical records of PAHs in the ORE were controlled by pyrolytic sources. PAHs on the west coast of the Yellow Sea were contributed by the two sources.