Concepts Learned from a 3D Outcrop of a Sinuous Slope Channel Complex: Beacon Channel Complex, Brushy Canyon Formation, West Texas, U.S.A.

Abstract

Sinuous channels are common bathymetric features on Earth's continental margins. Until now, the 3D stratigraphy of these features has primarily been inferred from 3D seismic studies and from limited 2D outcrop exposures of ancient successions. The Beacon Channel Complex of the Permian upper Brushy Canyon Formation is an exceptionally wellexposed example of a 3D exposure of a sinuous slope channel system. The Beacon Channel Complex crops out on five cliff facies in an area of approximately 1 km 2 (0.625 mi 2 ). Nearly one complete wavelength of sinuosity is recorded in the outcrop.An integrated data set was used to evaluate the high-resolution, 3D stratigraphy of the Beacon Channel Complex. The stratigraphy of the Beacon Channel Complex is grouped into a hierarchical framework: one channel complex, two channel elements, and five channel stories. Each hierarchical level is empirically related to internal trends of erosional/ depositional energy, thickness, aspect ratio, and amalgamation ratio. Detailed field mapping reveals that the Beacon Channel Complex laterally migrated by both sweep and swing which temporally affected channel sinuosity. Phases of increasing sinuosity are related to channel downcutting, increasing swing, and basinward sweep, whereas phases of decreasing sinuosity are associated with channel filling, decreased swing, and landward sweep. Cross sections at various positions through the sinuous channel reveal patterns associated with facies and architectural asymmetry, reservoir connectivity, cross-sectional area, and preservation potential.The Beacon Channel Complex is an excellent reservoir and outcrop analog to many of Earth's sinuous slope channels on the basis of sinuosity, stratigraphic architecture, and grain size of its fill. This study provides additional knowledge of the 3D stratigraphy and processes of sinuous slope channels and offers a unique perspective that complements studies based on 3D seismic images of subsurface systems and nearseafloor studies of modern systems.

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