Lithology-based sequence-stratigraphic framework of a mixed carbonate-siliciclastic succession, Lower Cretaceous, Atlantic coastal plain

Abstract

This study presents a lithology-based sequence-stratigraphic framework and depositional model for Lower Cretaceous, mixed siliciclastic-carbonate sediments of the Mid-Atlantic coastal plain (eastern United States). Lithologic data from cores and cuttings were integrated with wireline logs and twodimensional seismic data to document lithofacies variability and stacking patterns across the Albemarle Basin of eastern North Carolina. Ten facies associations are defined, which are variably present within siliciclastic-and carbonate-dominated depositional profiles interpreted to extend from onshore lowland coastal plain to deep-shelf depositional environments.Three depositional sequences (0, 1, 2) were identified, each with component upward-shoaling parasequences. Seismic reflectors typically coincided with key sequence-stratigraphic surfaces, which guided correlations between wells. Parasequences are grouped into parasequence sets with progressive progradational or retrogradational (highstand and transgressive systems tracts, respectively) stacking patterns. Transgressive parasequences are thinner, uniform in thickness, and tend to be more dominated by molluskan carbonate facies. Highstand parasequences have more variable thickness, are siliciclastic dominated, and tend to be progradational on seismic data. Late highstand deposits of sequence 1 are dominated by restricted carbonate facies that likely reflect increased aridity. Lowstand deposits were not recognized from onshore well and seismic data.

Expanding the spectrum of shallow‐marine, mixed carbonate–siliciclastic systems: Processes, facies distribution and depositional controls of a siliciclastic‐dominated example

“…Their configuration and evolution depended heavily on the processes responsible for producing and depositing different types of carbonate grains (i.e. skeletal and non‐skeletal), as well as the processes supplying siliciclastic sand and mud to the basins (Coffey & Sunde, ; Zeller et al ., ; Labaj & Pratt, ; Schwarz et al ., ). Although a wide variety of depositional models (Table ) and resulting stratigraphic patterns are described for these mixed systems, few published examples have explored the attributes and controls of siliciclastic‐dominated mixed systems in which the contribution from non‐skeletal carbonates is dominant.…”

“…The configuration and evolution of these mixed systems depend heavily on the processes responsible for producing different types of carbonate grains (i.e. skeletal and non‐skeletal), as well as the processes supplying siliciclastic sand and mud to a basin (Zonneveld et al ., ; Coffey & Sunde, ; D'Agostini et al ., ; Zeller et al ., ; Labaj & Pratt, ). Hydrodynamic processes transporting and depositing the sediment within the marine realm control the final mixing.…”

“…Although facies distribution schemes have been proposed for some modern mixed shelves and ramps in which carbonate sediment prevails (Purdy & Gischler, ; Gischler & Lomando, ), less studies have reported on modern or Cainozoic, mixed shallow‐marine systems in which siliciclastic sediment is dominant, which is commonly mixed with skeletal grains (Saul et al ., ; Cantalamessa et al ., ; Vital et al ., ). However, even more uncommon are reconstructions of siliciclastic‐dominated systems from the rock record in which the contribution of non‐skeletal grains is important (Coffey & Sunde, ). As a result, no previous studies have attempted to show the degree of variability that can exist from carbonate‐dominated to siliciclastic‐dominated systems, and their resulting stratigraphic patterns, within the spectrum of these mixed systems.…”

Titanium mineral resources in heavy-mineral sands in the Atlantic coastal plain of the southeastern United States

“…1) is composed predominantly of thinly layered sequences of weakly consolidated clastic and carbonate sediments that are the products of numerous sea level transgressions and regressions during the Cretaceous (Owens and Gohn, 1985;Coffey and Sunde, 2014), the Tertiary (Paleogene and Neogene) (Segall and others, 1997), and the Quaternary (Pirkle and others, 1970;Toscano and York, 1992;Kulpecz, 2008;Parham and others, 2013;Pirkle and others, 2013), as well as coastal and shoreline processes still active today (Roberts and others, 2013). The Atlantic Coastal Plain is a complex, diverse mosaic of sand, gravel, silt, clay, soils, and carbonate sediments in peneplains, stream and river channels, wetlands, tidal lagoons, offshore barrier islands, and many other coastal plain features (Whittecar and others, 2016).…”

Advantageous source–reservoir combination in siliciclastic–carbonate sedimentary systems in a saline lacustrine basin (Jiuquan Basin, NW China): Implications for prediction of tight oil enrichment

“…However, early classifications (Mount, 1984) did not consider interstratified sequences of "pure" carbonate and siliciclastic sediments. In fact, "textural mixtures" and "interstratified sequences" constitute generalized mixed siliciclastic-carbonate sedimentary systems (Caracciolo, Gramigna, Critelli, Calzona, & Russo, 2013;Coffey & Sunde, 2014;Guo, Yan, & Du, 2003).…”