Sequence Stratigraphy

Template for Conceptual Models Used to Interpret Depositional Systems - beauty but not truth? Christopher G. St. C. Kendall University of South Carolina [email protected] 803 978 7523
Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Why codify rules for sequence stratigraphic nomenclature?

We use common terms and know their meaning Have a standard hierarchy of subdivisions Have a uniform methodology Guidance for revision Teaching resource: each new generation of students & practitioners have a common understanding

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Sequence Stratigraphy
A framework of genetically related stratigraphic facies geometries and their bounding surfaces used to determine depositional setting

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Sequence Stratigraphy Terminology

Stratigraphers have a position on terminology similar to the of Humpty Dumpty's from Lewis Carrolls Through the Looking Glass

"When I use a word, it means just what I choose it to mean nothing more nor less".
Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Talk Organization
Sedimentary Analysis & Sequence

Stratigraphy History of Sequence Stratigraphy Sequence Stratigraphy Analysis Defined Geometries & Stacking Patterns System Tracts & Relative Sea Level Bounding Surfaces Conceptual Models Terminology That Should be Defined Conclusions
Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Sequence Stratigraphy The process

Interpretation of the Sedimentary section involves: From oldest to youngest, identify the subdividing surfaces that envelope & enclose the discrete geometric bodies of sediment of the sedimentary section & build a template Backstrip these geometries & then use the template of surfaces to reassemble them in order of their accumulation The subdividing surfaces, geometry, lithofacies & fauna are input to a conceptual model to determine the evolving character of the depositional setting Each stratal unit is defined and identified only by physical relationships of the strata, including lateral continuity and geometry of the surfaces bounding the units, vertical stacking patterns, and lateral geometry of the strata within the units." (Van Wagoner et al., 1990).
Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

'Depositional' sequence Vail et al 1971

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

SB mfs TS

Establish a framework of genetically related stratigraphic facies geometries and their bounding surfaces to determine depositional setting

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Coast Types

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Sedimentary Analysis
Potential flow of interpretation
data

data

Scheme used to characterize depositional systems so they can be compared

interpretation interpretation

interpretation

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Power of Sequence Stratigraphy

Determines depositional setting by: Establishing the order in which strata were laid down in Explains the geometric hierarchy of sedimentary strata & the elements they form Uses the major surfaces marking breaks in the character of sedimentary section as a template for conceptual depositional models, independent of time (relative ages) Geologic time derived from: Radiometric markers Biostratigraphic markers

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Building Block Sedimentary Fill Hierarchy

Sediment body characterization in order of decreasing complexity Complex Set Complex Story Element Bed These are the fundamental components of Sequences and System tracts

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Fluvial - Architectural Elements

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Deepwater - Architectural Elements

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Deepwater - Architectural Elements

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Deepwater - Architectural Elements

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Hierarchy of Carbonate Shelf Architectural Elements

PROGRADING MARGIN PROGRADING MARGIN ONLAPPING MARGIN

SHELF COMPLEX

PROGRADING MARGIN

MARGIN COMPLEX

STACKED BED CYCLES

BED, LITHOLOGY, SEDIMENTARY STRUCTURES FAUNA Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

ALLOCHEMS CEMENTATION & DIAGENESIS

Elements Sequence Building Blocks

Definition of element hierarchy
Framework for systematic description & comparison of deposits of a depositional setting (fluvial, deltaic, deepwater etc) Based on physical organization of strata (geometry) & the surfaces bounding them

Genetically-related stratigraphic elements form the hierarchy Independent of type of setting Applicable at all scales & to all sedimentary systems

Purpose

Analysis & comparison of the elements of similar depositional systems

Provide the detailed character of a sequence and/or system tract Net to-gross, aspect ratio, & connectivity Lithofacies type & aquifer/reservoir quality
Application

Better defined depositional geometries and so depositional models More accurate aquifer/resource assessment Optimize strategy for depletion of aquifer/resource
Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

History of Sequence Stratigraphy

Sloss recognized intercontinental-unconformities & related them to eustasy Vail extrapolated eustatic signals to seismic sequence boundaries Jerveys simulations showed seismic sequences product of cyclic sea level (base level) change Van Wagoner & Posamentier related unconformities, transgressive surfaces & maximum flooding surfaces to boundaries of system tracts in depositional sequences responding to sea level change Hydrocarbon exploration models & production reservoir models use bounding surfaces, facies assemblages & system tracts as templates for depositional models & lithofacies geometry predictions

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Sloss Unconformities & Eustasy

After Lowell Thwaite

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

1st Seismic Sequence Interpretation

Vail et al, 1976

Mesozoic through Tertiary of Offshore Morocco

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

'Depositional' sequence Vail

Jervey Posmentier Van Wagoner

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Sequence stratigraphy
Analytical protocol marries rules of thumb (heuristics) to conceptual models Interprets general depositional setting of layered clastic & carbonate sedimentary strata Models developed to interpret variety of datasets

Work best with combination of outcrop, core, well log, & seismic data May work with two or more of these data sources but are least reliable for a single data source

Local differences in depositional processes, topography, and tectonics and, base level position, mean a model more appropriate to one setting, than others?
Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Sequence Stratigraphys Fuzzy Rules

Lithofacies geometries & confining surfaces transgress time Different geometries for a specific time interval

Local variations in rates & direction of tectonic movement Local rates of sediment supply & accumulation

Not all erosional or depositional surfaces are product of base level change Depositional models successfully predict lithofacies geometry for exploration & reservoirs Depositional model is refined as data base grows
Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Sequence stratigraphic analysis

Fundamental to sequence stratigraphic analysis: Strata deposited in order Surfaces subdivide strata into packages of beds with common depositional origin Geometric arrangement of strata & packages of strata reflect

Basin filling Erosional events

Commonly sequence stratigraphiy applied to sediment accumulation at basin margins in continental, marginal marine, and/or down-slope settings Fill accumulates either as:
Unconfined fill over these settings Confined within erosional down-cut topography
Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Unconfined geometric architecture

Stacked layers tend to have three basic patterns:
Aggrading (lie above one another vertically) Prograding (inclined in order over and beside

one another in a seaward direction) Retrograding (inclined in order over & beside one another in a landward direction)

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Stacking Patterns - Unconfined

After Van Wagoner

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Confined geometric architecture

Fill post erosional down-cutting expressed by a geometric architecture of stacked layers in either succession of :
Organized offset bodies and/or

Randomly ordered disorganized offset

bodies

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Confined Sedimentary Fill - Channels

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Stacking Pattern Rules & Problems

End member stratal stacking patterns reflect

interplay of accommodation (space available for sediments to fill) & rates of sediment accumulation Local vagaries in
Depositional processes Topography Tectonics & so base level position

mean stacking styles of geometry may merge with one another but are tied to system tracts
Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Stacking, Surfaces & System tracts!

Geometric architecture of stacked layers are inferred to be related to eustatic events :
Lowstand - Progradation-to-aggradational (PA) Transgression - Retrogradational geometries (R), Highstand - Aggradational-to-progradation geometries (AP) system tracts (Van Wagoner et al., 1988; Neil and Abreu, 2008) As many as five system tracts recognized but above three are most commonly used

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

System Tracts - Reviewed

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

System Tracts - Unconfined

3-D facies assemblages of common genetic origin with unconfined geometric architecture are interpreted to form during phases of relative sea-level cycle (Posamentier, et al, 1988)

System tracts defined by:

Bounding surfaces Position within a sequence Geometric stacking pattern

Lowstand - Progradation-to-aggradational (PA) Transgression - Retrogradational geometries (R), Highstand - Aggradational-to-progradation geometries (AP) system tracts (Van Wagoner et al., 1988; Neil and Abreu, 2008) As many as five system tracts recognized but above three are most commonly used

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Surfaces, System tracts & Sequences

Role of conceptual depositional models:
System tracts are inferred to be related to accommodation generation and fill. This relationship is explained using conceptual models

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Bounding Surfaces
Identification & interpretation of bounding surfaces that separate layered clastic and carbonate sedimentary strata into genetically related packages, system tracts, a key to Sequence Stratigraphy
Maximum Flooding Surfaces (MFS) Transgressive Surfaces (TS) (maximum

regressive surfaces & transgressive ravinement surfaces) Sequence Boundaries (SB) (subaerial unconformities, regressive surfaces of marine erosion & correlative conformities).
Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Conceptual Models
Three conceptual models commonly used in sequence stratigraphy are separated from each other on basis of bounding & subdividing boundaries of system tracts:
'Depositional' sequence of Vail et al 1971 'Genetic Stratigraphic' sequence model of

Galloway, 1989 'Transgressive-Regressive' (T-R) sequence model of Embry and Johannessen, 1992
Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

'Depositional' Sequence (Vail et al 1971)

Bounded by subaerial unconformities & marine correlative conformities Bounding surface assumed genetically connected with stratigraphic hiatus associated with subaerial unconformity that is progressively younger in seaward direction No matter systems-tract terminology used bounding surfaces of this sequence enclose:

Forced regressive Normal regressive (lowstand and highstand) Transgressive sedimentary packages

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

'Genetic Stratigraphic' Sequence Galloway, 1989

Bounded by maximum flooding surfaces. These surfaces interpreted to form as sea level rises rapidly, sediment supply slows & organic matter accumulates sequestering radioactive materials Sequence encloses

Forced regressive deposits Normal regressive (lowstand and highstand) deposits Transgressive deposits

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

'Transgressive-Regressive' (T-R) sequence (Embry & Johannessen, 1992)

Composite sequence boundary includes

subaerial unconformity & marine portion of maximum regressive surface Normal' & 'forced' regressive deposits are included within the 'regressive systems tract'

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Boundaries & Conceptual Models

After Catuneanu, 2007

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Sequence Stratigraphy Model Tree

After Catuneanu, 2002

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Application & nomenclature of conceptual models subject to debate

Nomenclature of systems tracts & sequence stratigraphic surfaces Surfaces that should be ranked as 'sequence boundary Framework of surfaces, systems tracts, selection of sequence boundaries may vary with approach, available data sets, & depositional setting

Good news!! Sequence stratigraphic method determines depositional setting of section Identification of genetic units & bounding surfaces mostly model independent. For both non-marine and marine systems, no matter characterization of 'sequence boundary', these boundaries envelope sedimentary section as through-going physical Sequence Stratigraphy Defined surface from basin margin to depocenter

Caveats

Sequence stratigraphic surfaces serve, at least in part, as boundaries between different genetic types of deposit Not all data lend themselves to identification of all sequence stratigraphic surfaces Not all sequence stratigraphic surfaces are present in every depositional section Depositional settings of nearshore to just offshore generate an array of depositional and erosional surfaces, many of incorporated into sequence stratigraphy In contrast, within either fluvial and/or deep-water systems, conditions favor formation of fewer key bounding sequence stratigraphic surfaces

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Why codify rules for sequence stratigraphic nomenclature?

We use common terms and know their meaning Have a standard hierarchy of subdivisions Have a uniform methodology Guidance for revision Teaching resource: each new generation of students & practitioners have a common understanding

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Terms to Define

Surfaces Separate layered clastic and carbonate sedimentary strata into genetically related packages, system tracts System Tract Specific three-dimensional facies assemblages of common genetic origin, associated with unconfined geometric architecture & interpreted as formed during phases of a relative sea-level cycle Conceptual Models Explains configuration of surfaces and geometries that occur in layered sedimentary record in terms of:
Basinal setting Rates of sediment supply & erosion (accumulation) Eustasy Tectonic movement
Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Terms to Define - Surfaces

Separate layered clastic & carbonate sedimentary strata into genetically related packages, or system tracts Subaerial unconformity Correlative conformity (sensu Posamentier, and sensu Hunt and Tucker; the former have renamend Posamentiers CC as the basal surface of forced regression). (Two different surfaces). Regressive surface of marine erosion Maximum regressive surface Maximum flooding surface Transgressive ravinement surfaces

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Terms to Define Systems Tracts

Specific three-dimensional facies assemblages of common genetic origin, associated with unconfined geometric architecture & interpreted as formed during phases of a relative sea-level cycle

Falling Stage Systems Tract (FSST) Lowstand Systems Tract (LST) Transgressive Systems Tract (TST) Highstand Systems Tract (HST) Regressive System Tract Low-accommodation systems Tract High-accommodation Systems Tract Forced regression Normal regression Transgression
Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Terms to Define Conceptual Models

Models that explain surfaces & geometries of layered sediments in terms of basinal setting, rates of supply & erosion (accumulation), eustasy, and tectonics Depositional sequence model Genetic Stratigraphic sequence model Transgressive-Regressive sequence model

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Definitions Points to consider

Definition Alternate terms Origin of Feature Absolute time or Fuzzy time significance if any?

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose. By any other name would smell as sweet.
WHAT, YOU THINK IM AN IDIOT? OF COURSE I WROTE DOWN WHAT WENT WHERE. OH.. WAIT IS THAT AN H OR AN I

Shakespeare's Romeo

and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2)

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Sequence Stratigraphy
The fundamental key to sequence stratigraphic interpretation is

the surfaces that subdivide the sedimentary section. Unfortunately the nomenclature of each of these sequence stratigraphic surfaces is constantly changing as our understanding of sedimentary systems & their interpretation improves Though changes in nomenclature are well intentioned they add to the confusion to a scientific methodology that is already overlaid with complex multi-syllable terminology A surface can be given a name that has been used before for a different surface. The innocent, not knowing the terminology has been changed, may lack understanding of the reason for the change, & feel that they are going stark raving mad
Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Sequence Stratigraphy Conclusions

Subdivision & interpretation of sedimentary record using a framework surfaces seen in outcrops, well logs, & 2-D and 3-D seismic. Include: Surfaces of erosion & non-deposition (Sequence Boundaries, Forced Regression Erosion Surface, Regressive Surface of Marine Erosion) Flooding (Trangressive Surfaces [TS or Max Regressive Surface] &/or maximum flooding surfaces [mfs] Ravinement Surfaces [RS- transgressive ) This template is used to predict the extent of sedimentary facies geometry, lithologic character, grain size, sorting &Sequence Stratigraphyquality reservoir Defined

Which way now?

Paul Dimitri Krynines alleged mantra was that:

Stratigraphy is the triumph of terminology over common sense

Our collective hope is to circumvent this cynical position & propose a more consistent & practical set of terminology!

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined

Sequence Stratigraphy Defined