A model for high resolution sequence stratigraphy within extensional basins

Abstract Existing sequence stratigraphic models imply that for any given time period in a sedimentary basin, the interplay between rates of eustatic sea-level change and subsidence will dictate the type of sequence boundary formed (type-1 boundary if rate of sea-level fall exceeds subsidence and type-2 if it does not). Basin margin profile will dictate whether lowstand fluvial systems feed submarine fans (shelf-slope break profile) or detached shorelines (forced regressions on ramp margin). A conceptual model presented here, proposes that in structurally active extensional domains the expressions of eustatic sea-level change are still present in the stratigraphic record. These expressions are modified by complex basin margin topography and by significant, along strike variations in subsidence and accommodation creation. This model also illustrates that tectonically complex basins can host a spectrum of time equivalent lowstand deposits previously considered to be spatially and mutually exclusive. This model is illustrated by an example from the Oxfordian of the UK North Sea Central Graben.

[1]  S. Flint,et al.  Interfluve sequence boundaries in the Grassy Member, Book Cliffs, Utah: criteria for recognition and implications for subsurface correlation , 1996, Geological Society, London, Special Publications.

[2]  R. Gawthorpe,et al.  Sequence stratigraphy in active extensional basins: implications for the interpretation of ancient basin-fills , 1994 .

[3]  T. Burchette.  Book Review: Petroleum geology of northwest Europe. Vols. 1 and 2, edited by J.R. Parker et al. The Geological Society, London, U.K., 1993. Hardcover, 1537 pp. Price £150,-. ISBN 0-903317-85-0 , 1994 .

[4]  H. Posamentier,et al.  Variability of the sequence stratigraphic model: effects of local basin factors , 1993 .

[5]  H. Posamentier,et al.  Siliciclastic sequence stratigraphic patterns in foreland, ramp-type basins , 1993 .

[6]  A. B. Hayward,et al.  Sequence stratigraphy of a failed rift system: the Middle Jurassic to Early Cretaceous basin evolution of the Central and Northern North Sea , 1993 .

[7]  J. Price,et al.  Effective stratigraphical subdivision of the Humber Group and the Late Jurassic evolution of the UK Central Graben , 1993 .

[8]  A. Fraser,et al.  Genetic sequence stratigraphy for the North Sea Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous: distribution and prediction of Kimmeridgian–Late Ryazanian reservoirs in the North Sea and adjacent areas , 1993 .

[9]  A. W. Djakic,et al.  Sequence stratigraphic control on Middle and Upper Jurassic reservoir distribution within the UK Central North Sea , 1993 .

[10]  R. Gawthorpe,et al.  Application of sequence stratigraphy and trace fossil analysis to reservoir description: examples from the Jurassic of the North Sea , 1993 .

[11]  S. Prosser.  Rift-related linked depositional systems and their seismic expression , 1993, Geological Society, London, Special Publications.

[12]  J. Underhill,et al.  Jurassic thermal doming and deflation in the North Sea: implications of the sequence stratigraphic evidence , 1993 .

[13]  H. Posamentier,et al.  Forced regressions in a sequence stratigraphic framework; concepts, examples, and exploration significance , 1992 .

[14]  N. Hodgson,et al.  Salt-related tectonics, sedimentation and hydrocarbon plays in the Central Graben, North Sea, UKCS , 1992, Geological Society, London, Special Publications.

[15]  J. Wagoner,et al.  High-frequency sequences and their stacking patterns: sequence-stratigraphic evidence of high-frequency eustatic cycles , 1991 .

[16]  J. Wagoner,et al.  Siliciclastic sequence stratigraphy in well logs, cores, and outcrops , 1990 .

[17]  T. S. Olsen,et al.  Late Jurassic half-graben control on the siting and structure of hydrocarbon accumulations: UK/Norwegian Central Graben , 1990, Geological Society, London, Special Publications.

[18]  H. Posamentier,et al.  Eustatic Controls on Clastic Deposition II—sequence and Systems Tract Models , 1988 .

[19]  J. Walsh,et al.  Analysis of the relationship between displacements and dimensions of faults , 1988 .

[20]  Henry W. Posamentier,et al.  Eustatic Controls on Clastic Deposition I—conceptual Framework , 1988 .

[21]  R. Gawthorpe,et al.  Sedimentary models for extensional tilt-block/half-graben basins , 1987, Geological Society, London, Special Publications.

[22]  H. Johnson,et al.  The Fulmar Oil-field (Central North Sea): Geological aspects of its discovery, appraisal and development , 1986 .