The influence of lateral topographic confinement on fluvial channel‐belt clustering,compensation and connectivity – lower Wasatch Formation and Dakota Sandstone,Utah, USA

Fluvial channel‐belt clustering has recently been documented using quantitative metrics for systems dominated by autogenic controls. It has long been recognized that allogenic forcing (tectonic and eustatic controls) can lead to confinement of fluvial systems, resulting in clustering of channel belts. To date, no study has quantitatively documented the differences in channel‐belt clustering, compensational stacking of channel belts and interchannel‐belt connectivity in unconfined and confined systems. This study quantitatively compares world‐class outcrops of an unconfined fluvial system (Palaeocene lower Wasatch Formation) with outcrops of a confined fluvial system (Cretaceous Dakota Sandstone). Two new methods have been developed to quantitatively document channel‐belt clustering and intrachannel‐belt connectivity. These new methods, and other previously developed methods, are used to document an increase in channel‐belt clustering and intrachannel‐belt connectivity downdip in both systems. Additionally, it was found that channel belts within the unconfined system stack more compensationally than those in the confined system. These new methods and empirical relationships can be used for predicting intrachannel‐belt connectivity, and accurately modelling unconfined and confined fluvial systems in the subsurface.