Cyclicity and hierarchy in sequence stratigraphy: an integrated approach

Abstract

With standardized methodology and nomenclature, the sequence stratigraphy aims to characterize multi-scale cyclical units of genetically related rocks into a hierarchical chronostratigraphic framework. From facies to basin scale, the stacking patterns and stratigraphic surfaces are recognized as sequence elements. In parallel, Earth sciences have developed a sophisticated understanding of geological processes (tectonic, climatic, and eustatic) that produce the main cyclicity observed in the sedimentary rock record. This review paper discusses how the elaboration of hierarchical stratigraphic frameworks that incorporate the knowledge of these periodic geological processes -from high-to low-frequencies -as the control of generation and preservation of sequences -from high-to low-resolutions -guarantees objective results in predicting vertical recurrence and the lateral correlation of genetic stratigraphic units. This interpretive approach of cyclic stratigraphic analysis supports the development of effective observable criteria to identify and rank sequences in multiple scales, based on cycle anatomy, recurrence, vertical trends, and mappability. This methodological improvement reduces the inaccuracies and contradictions of traditional conceptual models based on fully preserved three-dimensional depositional systems.

Cyclicity in Earth sciences, quo vadis? Essay on cycle concepts in geological thinking and their historical influence on stratigraphic practices

“…This vertical and lateral facies correspondence is still used today for paleogeographic reconstructions, especially when associated with an actualistic approach (e.g. Fragoso et al, 2021).…”

“…They also define accommodation (defined by eustatic sea level and subsidence) and make the link to sequence stratigraphy (e.g. Holbrook and Miall, 2020;Fragoso et al, 2021). Hilgen et al (2004) advised that even the record produced by sudden autocyclic events (e.g.…”

“…It is concluded that much of geologic time is distributed across numerous gaps in the record (e.g. Dott, 1983;Udden, 1912;Ager, 1993;Sadler, 1999;Miall, 2015;Strasser, 2015;Holbrook and Miall, 2020), which limits the use of Walther's law of facies in reconstructing laterally adjacent paleoenvironments (Fragoso et al, 2021).…”

“…This author later proposed the existence of even larger groups, called hypercyclothems (Weller, 1958). This marked characteristic of the cyclicity in the sedimentary record, in which individual cycles occur in clusters that make up larger cyclical units, remains in modern approaches of sequence stratigraphy (Catuneanu, 2019a, b;Magalhães et al, 2020;Fragoso et al, 2021; see item 3.3) and cyclostratigraphy (e.g. Hinnov, 2018; see item 3.4) The term "stacking pattern" is often used to describe a hierarchical order of cyclical units.…”

“…Over time, sequence characterization has proven helpful in academic and industrial applications since such units constitute a natural structure for classification and local to regional correlations (e.g. Fragoso et al, 2021). Catuneanu and Zecchin (2013;p.…”