scholarly journals The Lower Cretaceous carbonate slope-to-platform-margin succession near Khatt, United Arab Emirates: sedimentary facies and depositional geometries

GeoArabia ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 275-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernd Eilrich ◽  
Jürgen Grötsch
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Lower Cretaceous ◽  
Carbonate Platform ◽  
Sedimentary Facies ◽  
Depositional Environments ◽  
Type I ◽  
Platform Margin ◽  
Carbonate Slope ◽  
Channel Deposits ◽  
Depositional Geometries

ABSTRACT The Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous carbonate succession exposed near Khatt provides exceptional conditions for the investigation of sedimentary facies and depositional geometries in a carbonate slope-to-platform-margin setting. A coarsening-upward sequence in Lower Cretaceous limestones indicates decreasing depth of deposition and platform progradation. A pronounced shedding of sediments containing reefal fragments occurs in a slope environment with a well exposed basin-to-platform transect. The carbonate succession consists of mudstone, wackestone, grainstone, coarse rudstone with conglomerate/breccia interbeds, and framestone at the top. The depositional architecture is characterized by the abundance of massive sheet- or channel-like limestone bodies within thinly bedded and generally uniform strata. Quantitative analysis of many carbonate channel deposits and their geometries measured in outcrop led to the distinction of two major types. Type I channel deposits are thin (0.3 to 5 m) but massive, and are commonly irregularly shaped in cross-section. They are as much as 200 m wide. Type I channel deposits are characterized by a wide size range of skeletal and non-skeletal carbonate components. Type II channel deposits, by contrast, are more regularly bedded and have much larger thickness-to-width ratios, in general close to 1:10. Furthermore, they are composed of packstone to grainstone calciturbidite sediments. As with some sheet deposits, they can be correlated through most of the 5.5-km-long Khatt outcrop. Stratigraphically, however, their occurrence is very much restricted, indicating significant alternation of depositional styles as a consequence of changing carbonate platform production and changing sedimentary environments. The data presented here can serve as input for 3-D geological modeling of equivalent depositional environments in the subsurface. They can also be applied to object-based deterministic and stochastic facies modeling.

Benthic foraminiferal zonation in deep-water carbonate platform margin environments, northern Little Bahama Bank

1988 ◽  
Vol 62 (01) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald E. Martin
Keyword(s):  
Deep Water ◽  
Benthic Foraminifera ◽  
Carbonate Platform ◽  
Sedimentary Facies ◽  
Depositional Environments ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Sediment Gravity Flows ◽  
Gravity Flows ◽  
Platform Margin ◽  
Water Carbonate

The utility of benthic foraminifera in bathymetric interpretation of clastic depositional environments is well established. In contrast, bathymetric distribution of benthic foraminifera in deep-water carbonate environments has been largely neglected. Approximately 260 species and morphotypes of benthic foraminifera were identified from 12 piston core tops and grab samples collected along two traverses 25 km apart across the northern windward margin of Little Bahama Bank at depths of 275-1,135 m. Certain species and operational taxonomic groups of benthic foraminifera correspond to major near-surface sedimentary facies of the windward margin of Little Bahama Bank and serve as reliable depth indicators. Globocassidulina subglobosa, Cibicides rugosus, and Cibicides wuellerstorfi are all reliable depth indicators, being most abundant at depths >1,000 m, and are found in lower slope periplatform aprons, which are primarily comprised of sediment gravity flows. Reef-dwelling peneroplids and soritids (suborder Miliolina) and rotaliines (suborder Rotaliina) are most abundant at depths <300 m, reflecting downslope bottom transport in proximity to bank-margin reefs. Small miliolines, rosalinids, and discorbids are abundant in periplatform ooze at depths <300 m and are winnowed from the carbonate platform. Increased variation in assemblage diversity below 900 m reflects mixing of shallow- and deep-water species by sediment gravity flows.

Benthic foraminiferal zonation in deep-water carbonate platform margin environments, northern Little Bahama Bank

1988 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald E. Martin
Keyword(s):  
Deep Water ◽  
Benthic Foraminifera ◽  
Carbonate Platform ◽  
Sedimentary Facies ◽  
Depositional Environments ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Sediment Gravity Flows ◽  
Gravity Flows ◽  
Platform Margin ◽  
Water Carbonate

The utility of benthic foraminifera in bathymetric interpretation of clastic depositional environments is well established. In contrast, bathymetric distribution of benthic foraminifera in deep-water carbonate environments has been largely neglected. Approximately 260 species and morphotypes of benthic foraminifera were identified from 12 piston core tops and grab samples collected along two traverses 25 km apart across the northern windward margin of Little Bahama Bank at depths of 275-1,135 m. Certain species and operational taxonomic groups of benthic foraminifera correspond to major near-surface sedimentary facies of the windward margin of Little Bahama Bank and serve as reliable depth indicators. Globocassidulina subglobosa, Cibicides rugosus, and Cibicides wuellerstorfi are all reliable depth indicators, being most abundant at depths >1,000 m, and are found in lower slope periplatform aprons, which are primarily comprised of sediment gravity flows. Reef-dwelling peneroplids and soritids (suborder Miliolina) and rotaliines (suborder Rotaliina) are most abundant at depths <300 m, reflecting downslope bottom transport in proximity to bank-margin reefs. Small miliolines, rosalinids, and discorbids are abundant in periplatform ooze at depths <300 m and are winnowed from the carbonate platform. Increased variation in assemblage diversity below 900 m reflects mixing of shallow- and deep-water species by sediment gravity flows.

scholarly journals Stratigraphy and Depositional Environment of Mauddud Formation in Ratawi Oil wells of Southern Iraq

2021 ◽  
Vol 877 (1) ◽  
pp. 012030
Author(s):  
Maha Razaq Manhi ◽  
Hamid Ali Ahmed Alsultani
Keyword(s):  
Deep Sea ◽  
Lower Cretaceous ◽  
Depositional Environment ◽  
Carbonate Platform ◽  
Depositional Environments ◽  
Oil Wells ◽  
Oil Field ◽  
Microfacies Analysis ◽  
Thin Sections ◽  
Southern Iraq

Abstract The Mauddud Formation is Iraq’s most significant and widely distributed Lower Cretaceous formation. This Formation has been investigated at a well-23 and a well-6 within Ratawi oil field southern Iraq. In this work, 75 thin sections were produced and examined. The Mauddud Formation was deposited in a variety of environments within the carbonate platform. According to microfacies analysis studying of the Mauddud Formation contains of twelve microfacies, this microfacies Mudstone to wackestone microfacies, bioclastic mudstone to wackestone microfacies, Miliolids wackestone microfacies,Orbitolina wackestone microfacies, Bioclastic wackestone microfacies, Orbitolina packstone microfacies, Peloidal packstone microfacies, Bioclastic packstone microfacies, Peloidal to Bioclastic packstone microfacies, Bioclastic grainstone microfacies, Peloidal grainstone microfacies, Rudstone microfacies. Deep sea, Shallow open marine, Restricted, Rudist Biostrome, Mid – Ramp, and Shoals are the six depositional environments in the Mauddud Formation based on these microfacies.

scholarly journals Large-scale vertical movements in Cenomanian to Santonian carbonate platform in Iberia: Indicators of a Coniacian pre-orogenic compressive stress

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Andrieu ◽  
Nicolas Saspiturry ◽  
Marine Lartigau ◽  
Benoit Issautier ◽  
Paul Angrand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Carbonate Platform ◽  
Sedimentary Facies ◽  
Depositional Environments ◽  
Deep Basin ◽  
Vertical Movements ◽  
Flexural Response ◽  
Kinematic Models ◽  
Far Field Stress ◽  
Iberian Margin

The Cenomanian to early Santonian interval is usually considered a time of postrifting tectonic quiescence around the northern margins of Iberia that preceded the onset of the Pyrenean convergence by crustal thrusting in the latest Santonian. However, plate kinematic models of the Mesozoic evolution of Iberia poorly constrain the Turonian-Santonian position of Iberia relative to Eurasia. This study reconstructs changes in the sedimentary facies and architecture of the Iberian carbonate platform throughout the Late Cretaceous and sheds new light on the geodynamic evolution of the Iberia-Eurasia relationship at that time. Sixteen outcrop sections were described and 24 sedimentary facies identified that define 5 depositional environments ranging from the basin to the continental setting. From these and previously published field data we reconstruct the evolution of the Pyrenean carbonate platform, on an east-west transect nearly 400 km long, on the basis of 11 short-term depositional sequences and 5 long-term systems tracts. In our interpretation, the Cenomanian and Turonian correspond to a postrift stage during which the European and Iberian margins, together with the deep basin between them, subside gently, as shown by accommodation rates varying from ~15 to 30 m/My in the margins and ~100 to 150 m/My in the basin. The Coniacian and early Santonian are characterized by a large-scale flexural response consisting of (1) uplift of the southern Iberian margin, with negative accommodation rates, karstified surfaces and paleosols, and (2) increasing subsidence rates in the basin and its edges (the northern Iberian margin and eastern Aquitaine platform), with accommodation rates several times greater than during the Turonian. We propose that far-field stress associated with slight northward motion of the Iberia plate led to the incipient large-scale flexural deformation in the Pyrenean domain. The late Santonian and Campanian are an early orogenic stage marked by rapid subsidence throughout the Pyrenean domain, except at its western end. We argue that the initiation of the Pyrenean convergence, usually considered to occur during the latest Santonian, occurred in the Coniacian.

scholarly journals Review of the syn-rift to early post-rift depositional systems of the Cretaceous Mauléon rift: sedimentary record of continental crust hyperextension and mantle denudation (Western Pyrenees)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolas Saspiturry ◽  
Benoit Issautier ◽  
Philippe Razin ◽  
Simon Andrieu ◽  
Eric Lasseur ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbonate Platform ◽  
Regional Distribution ◽  
Sedimentary Facies ◽  
Depositional Environments ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Proximal Margin ◽  
Continental Breakup ◽  
Sedimentary Environments ◽  
Synthetic View ◽  
Fault Scarps

Abstract — The Mauléon basin, in the northwestern Pyrenean belt, is related to Early Cretaceous rifting and continental breakup. Here we review the evolution of depositional environments in the hyperextended Mauléon rift basin during Albian and Cenomanian time. This review includes the lithostratigraphy, regional distribution, boundaries, age and facies sedimentology of the basin’s syn-rift formations and their members. We construct paleogeographic maps to elucidate (1) the 3D distribution of sedimentary facies and depositional environments during the Albian and Cenomanian from the Iberian proximal margin to the hyperextended domain and (2) the link between major extensional structures and sedimentation during rifting and continental breakup. The Mauléon rift was supplied during most of the Albian by sediments from the Iberian proximal margin. The southern margin had a steep and abrupt topographic boundary related to a northward crustal rollover along the south-dipping Saint-Palais detachment. This feature controlled the deposition of base-of-slope conglomerates at the base of the margin that abruptly gave way to low-density turbidites, then hemipelagic deposits in the hyperextended domain. During latest Albian to Early Cenomanian time, continental breakup occurred in the eastern Mauléon basin and the vergence of the detachment systems reversed. Minor debris-flow deposits formed at the foot of fault scarps associated with the newly formed north-dipping detachments. Elsewhere, sediment from deltaic systems to the west in the Saint-Jean-de-Luz area deposited low-density turbidites in the hyperextended domain. During the post-rift stage, the flux of coarse sediment from the detachment footwall gradually declined as deformation waned, and low-density turbidites expanded onto the hyperextended domain from the European Late Cretaceous carbonate platform. These paleogeographic reconstructions, in addition to offering a synthetic view of the evolution of sedimentary environments during rifting, offer new insight into the post-rifting exhumation of the lower crust and mantle.

scholarly journals Cambrian Ordovician sedimentary facies and its evolution in Tadong area

2021 ◽  
Vol 329 ◽  
pp. 01055
Author(s):  
Ding Hansheng
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Carbonate Platform ◽  
Sedimentary Facies ◽  
Seismic Profile ◽  
Oil And Gas Exploration ◽  
Stratigraphic Framework ◽  
Lower Ordovician ◽  
Platform Margin ◽  
Carbonate Platform Margin ◽  
Order Sequence

In order to clarify the sedimentary development law under the Cambrian Ordovician regional stratigraphic framework in Tadong area, and lay a theoretical foundation for further oil and gas exploration in the study area. The distribution, characteristics and evolution of main sedimentary facies belts of Cambrian Ordovician are studied by means of drilling core observation, cast thin section identification, logging curve feature analysis, seismic profile and well connection profile. The results show that the Cambrian middle lower Ordovician in Tadong area is equivalent to a second-order sequence and can be further divided into 12 thirdorder sequences. Each third-order sequence is mainly composed of transgressive and highstand tracts. Carbonate platform margin beach facies and Reef (mound) beach complex facies are favorable reservoir development facies belts in this area; Under the regional stratigraphic framework, three types of sedimentary facies can be identified in Cambrian Ordovician, and a total of 10 subfacies are developed; The evolution of sedimentary facies is mainly controlled by the rise and fall of sea level, which is characterized by the migration of platform margin facies and the change of platform facies.

Seismic Facies, Stratigraphy, Geomorphology, and Seismic Modelling of a Lower Cretaceous Carbonate Platform

2020 ◽  
pp. SP509-2020-18
Author(s):  
Jean-Christophe Embry ◽  
David Hunt ◽  
Arnout Colpaert ◽  
Anders Dræge ◽  
Laura Zahm
Keyword(s):  
Lower Cretaceous ◽  
Spatial Organization ◽  
Carbonate Platform ◽  
Rock Physics ◽  
Seismic Facies ◽  
Carbonate Platforms ◽  
Seismic Modelling ◽  
Seismic Sequences ◽  
Seismic Geomorphology ◽  
Platform Margin

AbstractGlobally, Lower Cretaceous carbonate platforms form important hydrocarbon reservoirs. An exceptional seismic dataset allowed us to examine controls on the stratigraphy, seismic geomorphology, facies architecture, and along-strike variability of a Lower Cretaceous platform. Within the platform succession, a partitioning of facies is developed between Transgressive, Highstand and Forced Regressive seismic sequences. Spectacular seismic geomorphologic images of the platform using spectral decomposition techniques reveal spatial organization within both depositional and diagenetic (i.e. paleokarst) patterns. The study was undertaken in order to optimise a well location. Pre-drill seismic facies interpretations were interpreted with the aid of offset well data and drill cores. Core data encompass a range of slope, platform margin and platform interior facies with inferred paleoenvironments that are matched to the seismic geomorphology of the platform. 2D Seismic forward modelling was integrated in our workflow to investigate the extent of potential sealing lithologies and the reservoir potential of the individual seismic sequences. Nearby wells were used to calibrate a modified rock physics model for the different lithofacies. Multiple seismic model realisations were generated to assess reservoir quality in alternative well locations and the continuity and quality of sealing strata. Results of the pre-drill forward-modelled poro-perm prediction are presented, showing a good fit with the final well observations after drilling.

Palaeoenvironment, sequence stratigraphy and palaeogeography of the Lower Cretaceous deposits of Mehdi Abad, Yazd Block, Central Iran

2020 ◽  
Vol 295 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-89
Author(s):  
Mohammad Safaei ◽  
Asadollah Mahboubi ◽  
Soroush Modabberi ◽  
Reza Moussavi-Harami
Keyword(s):  
Sequence Stratigraphy ◽  
Coastal Plain ◽  
Tidal Flat ◽  
Lower Cretaceous ◽  
Depositional Environment ◽  
Carbonate Platform ◽  
Depositional Environments ◽  
Sea Level Changes ◽  
Deep Basin

Four Lower Cretaceous sections in the southern Yazd Block were measured and studied to interpret the palaeoenvironments, synsedimentary tectonics, and sequence stratigraphy. The Early Cretaceous sedimentary record of this block, consisting of the Sangestan, Taft, Abkuh, and Darreh Zanjir formations, was mainly influenced by synsedimentary tectonic activities in a tectonically unstable basin. Field observations and laboratory studies were used to identify lithofacies and microfacies, based on which six depositional environments were identified: upper coastal plain (alluvial fans), shore, tidal flat, lagoon, shoal, and open marine. A carbonate-siliciclastic shallow platform including an alluvial-coastal plain and an inner platform is suggested for the depositional environment of the Sangestan Formation. The depth of the overall shallow sedimentary basin of Sangestan Formation increases from west to east and deposition was controlled by long- term sea-level changes. A carbonate platform consisting of inner and outer parts, including tidal flat, lagoon, open marine belts, is suggested for the depositional environment of the Taft and Abkuh formations, while the Darreh Zanjir Formation accumulated in a deep basin. The predominant facies demonstrate an overall transgression-regression cycle (the 2rd order cycle) during the depositional time of these formations in the southern Yazd Block.

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