Towards the standardization of sequence stratigraphy

Abstract

Part of the Earth Sciences CommonsThis Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Department of at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska -Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Papers in the Earth and Atmospheric Sciences by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska -Lincoln. AbstractSequence stratigraphy emphasizes facies relationships and stratal architecture within a chronological framework. Despite its wide use, sequence stratigraphy has yet to be included in any stratigraphic code or guide. This lack of standardization reflects the existence of competing approaches (or models) and confusing or even conflicting terminology. Standardization of sequence stratigraphy requires the definition of the fundamental model-independent concepts, units, bounding surfaces and workflow that outline the foundation of the method. A standardized scheme needs to be sufficiently broad to encompass all possible choices of approach, rather than being limited to a single approach or model.A sequence stratigraphic framework includes genetic units that result from the interplay of accommodation and sedimentation (i.e., forced regressive, lowstand and highstand normal regressive, and transgressive), which are bounded by "sequence stratigraphic" surfaces. Each genetic unit is defined by specific stratal stacking patterns and bounding surfaces, and consists of a tract of correlatable depositional systems (i.e., a "systems tract"). The mappability of systems tracts and sequence stratigraphic surfaces depends on depositional setting and the types of data available for analysis. It is this high degree of variability in the precise expression of sequence stratigraphic units and bounding surfaces that requires the adoption of a methodology that is sufficiently flexible that it can accommodate the range of likely expressions. The integration of outcrop, core, well-log and seismic data affords the optimal approach to the application of sequence stratigraphy. Missing insights from one set of data or another may limit the "resolution" of the sequence stratigraphic interpretation. 1 2 c a t u n e a n u e t a l . i n e a r t h -science r e v i e w s 92 (2009)

High-Frequency Sequences in the Quaternary of Pelotas Basin (coastal plain): a record of degradational stacking as a function of longer-term base-level fall

“…The method was based on termination (onlap, downlap, toplap and truncations), geometry and pattern of the reflections to interpret units and surfaces (Mitchum Jr. et al 1977;Vail et al 1977;Neal 2004;Catuneanu 2002;Catuneanu et al 2009;Abreu et al 2010;Barboza et al 2009. GPR units are determined based on its internal configuration and geometry, allowing the definition of radarfacies and packages.…”

Forced regressive wedge in the Mesoproterozoic Koldaha Shale, Vindhyan basin, Son valley, central India

“…6; e.g., Vail et al, 1991;Mitchum and Van Wagoner, 1991;Strasser et al, 1999). Parasequences may also be autocyclic in origin (Catuneanu et al, 2009;Zecchin and Catuneanu, 2013). However local and regional tectonic activity can also play a significant role in creation of accommodation space and hence in determining the stacking pattern.…”

“…13). Limited availability of vertical accommodation space tends to lead to frequent avulsion of the river and the process appears to be exaggerated in the absence of vegetation (Catuneanu, 2006(Catuneanu, , 2009Sarkar et al, 2012). A laterally extensive transgressive lag overlies the fluvial unit and the unconformity at the base identifies the unit as a sea level lowstand product (cf., Posamentier and Vail, 1988).…”

Autogenic influence on the morphology of submarine fans: an approach from 3D physical modelling of turbidity currents

“…Thus, these over-variations suggest that autogenic (intrinsic) controls had influence in the simulated fans morphology. This influence was attributed to the self-organizing property of sedimentary systems, which tend to adjust for a more efficient energy condition (Catuneanu et al 2009). Therefore, in each experiment, a determinate self-adjust condition may have occurred, resulting in different geometrical and morphological behaviour.…”