scholarly journals Phanerozoic cycles of sea-level change on the Arabian Platform

GeoArabia ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bilal U. Haq ◽  
Abdul Motaleb Al-Qahtani
Keyword(s):  
Sea Level ◽  
Time Scale ◽  
Sediment Accumulation ◽  
Arabian Plate ◽  
Sea Level Changes ◽  
Sequence Stratigraphic ◽  
Sea Level Fluctuations ◽  
Regional Sea Level ◽  
Global Sea Level ◽  
Arabian Platform

ABSTRACT The Arabian Plate has experienced a complex tectonic history while also being widely influenced by eustatic sea-level changes. These diastrophic events either affected changes in the rate and/or location of subsidence that in turn led to the creation of significant new sedimentary accommodation, or caused major erosional hiatuses. As a result, both eustasy and tectonics have played important roles in the development of sedimentary sequences and in determining the locus and characteristics of reservoir, source and seal facies on the Arabian Platform. Here, we present a synthesis (Cycle Chart) of the regional sea-level fluctuations affecting the Platform that is based on Phanerozoic epi- and peri-Platform sequence-stratigraphic data. Information used for the synthesis includes sections from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the Greater Gulf area, Oman and Yemen. The regional Cycle Chart incorporates interpreted sedimentary onlap patterns on the margins of the Arabian Platform, as well as models of regional sea-level fluctuations that controlled these patterns. These are compared to eustatic data that represents the ‘global-mean’ models of sea-level changes, largely at second-order cycle level for the Paleozoic and third-order cycle level for the Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras. The comparisons reveal that Phanerozoic sediment accumulation patterns on the Platform were broadly controlled by eustasy, with a strong overprint of tectonics for several long intervals. During periods of tectonic quiescence, however, correlations with the eustatic events improve significantly. Thus, for example, during the Cambrian through early Silurian and mid Jurassic through early Paleogene intervals eustasy may have been the significant controlling factor for sedimentary patterns when long-term trends in both regional and global sea-level curves show similarities. The use of the Cycle Chart could facilitate exploration efforts on the Arabian Platform, provide better chronostratigraphic estimates and global correlations, and prove a useful accompaniment for sequence-stratigraphic studies. This integrative effort was greatly facilitated by the recent publication of the sequence stratigraphic synthesis of the Arabian Plate. The ages of Maximum Flooding Surfaces, however, have been recalibrated to the new (GTS 2004) time scale. This synthesis also represents a new recalibration of the Mesozoic and Cenozoic eustatic curves of Haq et al. (1988) to an up-to-date numerical time scale (GTS 2004).

scholarly journals Aquifer-eustasy as the main driver of short-term sea-level fluctuations during Cretaceous hothouse climate phases

2019 ◽  
Vol 498 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Sames ◽  
M. Wagreich ◽  
C. P. Conrad ◽  
S. Iqbal
Keyword(s):  
Sea Level ◽  
Phase Relationship ◽  
Sea Level Changes ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Groundwater Levels ◽  
Sequence Stratigraphic ◽  
Sea Level Fluctuations ◽  
Minimum Estimate ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Continental Ice Sheets

AbstractA review of short-term (<3 myr: c. 100 kyr to 2.4 myr) Cretaceous sea-level fluctuations of several tens of metres indicates recent fundamental progress in understanding the underlying mechanisms for eustasy, both in timing and in correlation. Cretaceous third- and fourth-order hothouse sea-level changes, the sequence-stratigraphic framework, are linked to Milankovitch-type climate cycles, especially the longer-period sequence-building bands of 405 kyr and 1.2 myr. In the absence of continental ice sheets during Cretaceous hothouse phases (e.g. Cenomanian–Turonian), growing evidence indicates groundwater-related sea-level cycles: (1) the existence of Milankovitch-type humid-arid climate oscillations, proven via intense humid weathering records during times of regression and sea-level lowstands; (2) missing or inverse relationships of sea-level and the marine δ18O archives, i.e. the lack of a pronounced positive excursion, cooling signal during sea-level lowstands; and (3) the anti-phase relationship of sea and lake levels, attesting to high groundwater levels and charged continental aquifers during sea-level lowstands. This substantiates the aquifer-eustasy hypothesis. Rates of aquifer-eustatic sea-level change remain hard to decipher; however, reconstructions range from a very conservative minimum estimate of 0.04 mm a−1 (longer time intervals) to 0.7 mm a−1 (shorter, probably asymmetric cycles). Remarkably, aquifer-eustasy is recognized as a significant component for the Anthropocene sea-level budget.

Latest Pliensbachian–Toarcian eustatic calibration using shallow-marine sedimentological record coupled with basinal geochemical analyzes

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
François-Nicolas Krencker ◽  
Alicia Fantasia ◽  
Mohamed El Ouali ◽  
Lahcen Kabiri ◽  
Stéphane Bodin
Keyword(s):  
Sea Level ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Level Fluctuation ◽  
Sea Level Changes ◽  
Relative Sea Level ◽  
Sequence Stratigraphic ◽  
Sea Level Fluctuations ◽  
Anoxic Events ◽  
Chemical Index Of Alteration ◽  
Sea Level Fluctuation

&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Sea-level fluctuation is an important parameter controlling the sedimentation in deep-marine environments and influenced also the expansion of oxygen-depleted conditions in neritic settings during oceanic anoxic events (OAEs). Despite this fundamental role, sea-level fluctuation remains on a short timescale (&lt;1 Myr) one of the least constrained parameters for numerous OAEs. Here we refine the sequence stratigraphic framework for the uppermost Pliensbachian&amp;#8211;Toarcian with a special focus on the Toarcian OAE interval. This study is based on sedimentological and total organic carbon isotope data used to correlate 16 sections located in the central High Atlas (Morocco). Palinspastically, those sections formed a 50-kilometer proximal&amp;#8211;distal transect along the northern Gondwana continental shelf, which allow reconstructing the shoreline migration through time and space. Our sequence stratigraphic interpretation is then compared to the geochemical signals (e.g. detrital index, chemical index of alteration) measured on samples collected in deep-environment settings from numerous basins distributed worldwide. Our study shows that the relative sea-level changes recorded in Morocco can be correlated over large distances across those basins, indicating that the relative sea-level changes were driven by eustatic fluctuations. This study gives insights into the relationship between relative sea-level fluctuations and the geochemical record.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

scholarly journals The Bakken Formation - understanding the sequence stratigraphic record of low-gradient sedimentary systems, shale depositional environments, and sea-level changes in an icehouse world

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 4-9
Author(s):  
Sven O Egenhoff ◽  
Neil S Fishman
Keyword(s):  
Sea Level ◽  
High Amplitude ◽  
Depositional Environments ◽  
Ice Age ◽  
Bakken Formation ◽  
Sea Level Changes ◽  
Sequence Stratigraphic ◽  
Sea Level Fluctuations ◽  
Layer Cake ◽  
Low Amplitude

The Bakken Formation is a major petroleum producer in the continental US. However, its deposition in an intracratonic, low-gradient setting has often been mistakenly described as “layer-cake”. This contribution is designed to highlight the time-transgressive nature of its main petroleum-producer, the middle Bakken member. Correlation of individual parasequences reveal the subtle nature of otherwise invisible low-angle stratigraphic geometries. Sequence stratigraphically-relevant surfaces occur throughout the unit and subdivide the entire Bakken into 5 third-order sequences; one of them is a hidden sequence at the base of the petroleum-producing middle Bakken indicating both a lowstand and a subsequent transgression. The organic-rich shales above and below the middle Bakken were deposited in an oxygen-deficient environment and show several burrow/fecal string types and indications of active currents during deposition. The Bakken records high amplitude sea-level changes during sequences compared to relative low amplitude sea-level changes of parasequences. This, coupled with a likely mismatch in timing of Bakken deposition relative to world-wide ice-age-induced cyclicity makes it unlikely that the Bakken sea-level fluctuations were dominated by glaciation.

scholarly journals Significant new biostratigraphic horizons in the Qusaiba Member of the Silurian Qalibah Formation of central Saudi Arabia, and their sedimentologic expression in a sequence stratigraphic context

GeoArabia ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Miller Merrell ◽  
Melvin John
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Sea Level ◽  
Arabian Plate ◽  
Important Species ◽  
Sequence Stratigraphic ◽  
Facies Associations ◽  
Global Sea Level ◽  
High Level ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Stratigraphic Evolution

ABSTRACT Detailed analysis of over 1,000 subsurface Silurian palynology samples from 34 wells has allowed the development of a robust biostratigraphy based on acritarchs, chitinozoans and cryptospores for the Qusaiba Member of the Qalibah Formation, central Saudi Arabia. The new index fossils described herein augment the Arabian Plate Silurian chitinozoan zonation. The high-resolution biostratigraphic zonation consists of nine First Downhole Occurrences (FDOs) from the lower Telychian through Aeronian. In particular, three regionally recognizable palynologic horizons were identified within the lower part of the informally designated Mid-Qusaiba Sandstone (Angochitina hemeri Interval Zone), and above the FDO of Sphaerochitina solutidina. This high level of biostratigraphic resolution provides a framework for the integration of the sedimentology and calibration with global sea level curves, leading to a detailed understanding of the sequence stratigraphic evolution of this part of the Silurian in Saudi Arabia. Sedimentological core studies identify three Depositional Facies Associations (DFAs) within the Mid-Qusaiba Sandstone interval, including: (1) shelfal deposits (DFA-I) characterized by interbedded hummocky cross-stratified sandstones, graded siltstones and bioturbated mudstones; (2) turbiditic deposits (DFA-II); and (3) an association of heavily contorted and re-sedimented sandstones, siltstones and mudstones (DFA-III) that is considered representative of oversteepened slopes upon the Qusaiba shelf. Integration of the newly recognized palynostratigraphic horizons and the sedimentological data facilitates an understanding of the sequence stratigraphic evolution of the Mid-Qusaiba Sandstone interval and its immediate precursors. Thus a Maximum Flooding Surface (MFS) is identified from significant palynostratigraphic, as well as sedimentological evidence, and concurs with the MFS identified regionally with the Monograptus convolutus Graptolite Zone. Several mud-prone cyclothems downlap onto the MFS. Each of these is identified by its own palynostratigraphic marker: these mud-prone cyclothems represent the distal parts of a Highstand Systems Tract (HST). The end of the HST is marked by evidence of a major, episodic drop in relative sea level. Thus, a relationship is identified wherein successive palynostratigraphic marker horizons, newly identified in this study, are partially eroded by the introduction of sandy turbidites (DFA-II). These turbidites arise from storm-induced erosion of gully complexes in the upper submarine slopes that are present as topography upon the Qusaiba shelf. Each of the successive drops in sea level is separated from the next by a minor, subsequent sea level rise, which precludes further submarine erosion and turbidite deposition, and is instead evident in the widespread occurrence of shallow marine (shelfal) muds and sandy tempestites (DFA-I). The lowstand per se is considered to be represented by the most widespread distribution of the DFA-II turbidite deposits, and is associated with the youngest Mid-Qusaiba Sandstone marker horizon identified in this study, namely Rugosphaera agglomerata n.sp. The youngest unit of DFA-II lowstand turbidites is limited in its occurrence to the more proximal parts of the study area, and thus is considered to represent the onset of the succeeding Transgressive Systems Tract (TST). Of the biostratigraphic indices used for correlation within the Qusaiba Member, Rugosphaera agglomerata and Eupoikilofusa curvata are formally described and two additional important species, Fractoricoronula n.sp. and ?Oppilatala n.sp., are retained in open nomenclature.

scholarly journals MIDDLE EAST GEOLOGIC TIME SCALE 2013

GeoArabia ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-52
Author(s):  
Moujahed I. Al-Husseini
Keyword(s):  
Sea Level ◽  
Time Scale ◽  
Average Duration ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Independent Study ◽  
Arabian Plate ◽  
Oceanic Anoxic Event ◽  
Sea Level Fluctuations ◽  
Geologic Time Scale ◽  
Sequence Boundaries

ABSTRACT During the Aptian 28 to possibly 34 transgressive-regressive “fourth-order” sequences were deposited on the Arabian Plate. The sequences were controlled by sea-level fluctuations with a relative amplitude of 5–20 m. The fluctuations are interpreted as the glacio-eustatic response to orbital-forcing and assumed to have an average duration of 405 Kyr corresponding to the long-eccentricity orbital cycle. The sequences are referred to as “stratons” and calibrated in the orbital time scale of Matthews and Al-Husseini (2010, abbreviated M&H-2010). An independent study by Huang et al. (2010) counted nearly 33 cycles of 405-Kyr in a deep-marine Aptian succession in the Piobicco core in central Italy. The Italian cycles and Arabian stratons can be correlated in GTS 2004 by the position and age of the oceanic anoxic event OAE1a (Selli Interval, ca. 124.5–123.1 Ma). Two lowermost Aptian stratons and at least nine upper Aptian ones show stratigraphic geometries that imply 40–50 m box-like drops in relative sea level. They provide evidence for the formation of an ice sheet, mainly in Antarctica, that held several 10s of meters sea-level equivalent. The ca. 5-Myr-long late Aptian drop started at Global SB Apt 5 (ca. 117.9 Ma), which correlates to a major eccentricity minimum predicted at 118.2 Ma in the M&H-2010 scale. Similar minima are predicted to recur every 14.58 Myr (36 × 405 Kyr), and to cause major glacio-eustatic drops and regional sequence boundaries (SB). The youngest SB 0 is predicted at 1.586 Ma, and SB 8 (118.2 = 1.586 + 8 × 14.58 Ma) is interpreted to have triggered the late Aptian glaciation. The M&H-2010 scale was tested against the high-resolution sea-level curve derived from benthic foraminiferal δ18O isotopes for the late Miocene to Holocene (9.25– 0.0 Ma, Miller et al., 2005, abbreviated Metal-2005). Antarctica’s glacio-eustatic signature is interpreted as high-frequency sea-level fluctuations with a period of 41 Kyr (obliquity) above -20 m relative to present-day sea level. The fluctuations ride up-and-down on longer-period sea-level cycles (transgression-regression) with amplitudes of 20–40 m. The cycles are bounded by prominent lowstands, have durations of 325–545 Kyr, and an average duration of 405 Kyr. Sequence Boundary SB 0 (predicted at 1.586 Ma) is interpreted at 1.54 Ma, and correlated to Calabrian Global sequence boundary Cala1 (1.54 Ma).

Early Silurian sea-level changes

1998 ◽  
Vol 135 (4) ◽  
pp. 447-471 ◽  
Author(s):  
DAVID K. LOYDELL
Keyword(s):  
Sea Level ◽  
Future Research ◽  
South American ◽  
Sea Level Changes ◽  
Sea Levels ◽  
Sea Level Fluctuations ◽  
Lower Silurian ◽  
Global Sea Level ◽  
A Minor ◽  
S Model

Global sea-level fluctuated markedly during the early Silurian, probably as a result of the waxing and waning of ice-sheets in the South American portion of Gondwana. The highest sea-levels of the Silurian are recorded by the Telychian upper crispus–lower griestoniensis and spiralis–lower lapworthi biozones. Other highstands occurred in the early Aeronian, during the convolutus Zone (mid Aeronian), guerichi Zone and late turriculatus Zone (early Telychian), and early Sheinwoodian. Low sea-levels characterized much of the argenteus and sedgwickii zones (Aeronian), the utilis Subzone (late guerichi–early turriculatus zones, early Telychian), the late Telychian (commencing in the mid lapworthi Zone) and, after a period of apparently only small amplitude sea-level fluctuations in the late Sheinwoodian and earliest Homerian, the mid–late Homerian, in particular the early nassa Zone. Facies (and faunal) changes in the Lower Silurian do not support the P and S model of Jeppsson and others, but are consistent with the sea-level changes proposed herein. Mid Telychian marine red beds appear to have been deposited during a minor sea-level fall immediately after a period of very high sea-levels, rather than during a transgressive episode as previously suggested. Comparison of the sea-level curve presented herein with those constructed in the past is hampered by the lack of precision currently possible in the correlation of early Silurian deep water (graptolitic) and shallow water (shelly) sequences. Improving the precision of this correlation should be a priority for future research.

BIOINDICATORS OF SEA-LEVEL FLUCTUATIONS IN SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL: NEW DATA AND METHODOLOGICAL REVIEW

Radiocarbon ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Julia Caon Araujo ◽  
Kita Chaves Damasio Macario ◽  
Vinícius Nunes Moreira ◽  
Anderson dos Santos Passos ◽  
Perla Baptista de Jesus ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sea Level ◽  
Late Holocene ◽  
Data Interpretation ◽  
Progressive Increase ◽  
Southeastern Brazil ◽  
Recrystallization Process ◽  
Sea Level Changes ◽  
Sea Level Fluctuations ◽  
Data Gap ◽  
Current Zero

ABSTRACT The vermetidae fossils of Petaloconchus varians, formed by calcium carbonate, associated with their radiocarbon ages, are the most accurate indicators of paleo sea level due to their restricted occupation in the intertidal zone in the rocky shore. However, the recrystallization of minerals can affect these age calculations and, consequently, the interpretation of the data. The aim of this study is to present new indicators of paleo sea-level changes in Southeast Brazil for the last 6000 years contributing to fill the data gap for the late Holocene. The influence of the recrystallization process was successfully resolved using the CarDS protocol, enabling the separation of the original aragonite fraction by density, prior to radiocarbon dating. This avoids the rejuvenation of ages and ensures greater efficiency for data interpretation. Paleo sea-level indicators were able to show a progressive increase in sea level up to the transgressive maximum of 4.15 m in 3700 BP years, followed by a regression to the current zero. This regression seems to have in addition, here we reinforce the reliability of the use of fossil vermetids as indicators of sea-level fluctuations.

Periodically forced self-organization in the long-term evolution of planktic foraminifera

2001 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 293-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Prokoph ◽  
Anthony D Fowler ◽  
R Timothy Patterson
Keyword(s):  
Sea Level ◽  
Logistic Map ◽  
Late Eocene ◽  
Self Organization ◽  
Extinction Data ◽  
Sea Level Fluctuations ◽  
Global Sea Level ◽  
Extinction Events ◽  
The Impact

Wavelet transform and other signal analysis techniques suggest that the planktic foraminiferal (PF) long-term evolutionary record of the last 127 Ma can be attributed to complex periodic and nonlinear patterns. Correlation of the PF extinction pattern with other geological series favors an origin of the ~30 Ma periodicity and self-organization by quasi-periodic mantle-plume cycles that in turn drive episodic volcanism, CO2-degassing, oceanic anoxic conditions, and sea-level fluctuations. Stationary ~30 Ma periodicity and a weak secular trend of ~100 Ma period are evident in the PF record, even without consideration of the mass extinction at the K–T boundary. The 27–32 Ma periodicity in the impact crater record and lows in the global sea-level curve, respectively, are ~6.5 Ma and ~2.3 Ma out of phase with PF-extinction data, although major PF-extinction events correspond to the bolide impacts at the K–T boundary and in late Eocene. Another six extinction events correspond to abrupt global sea-level falls between the late Albian and early Oligocene. Self-organization in the PF record is characterized by increased radiation rates after major extinction events and a steady number of baseline species. Our computer model of long-term PF evolution replicates this SO pattern. The model consists of output from the logistic map, which is forced at 30 Ma and 100 Ma frequencies. The model has significant correlations with the relative PF-extinction data. In particular, it replicates singularities, such as the K–T event, nonstationary 2.5–10 Ma periodicities, and phase shifts in the ~30 Ma periodicity of the PF record.

Sea level response to Quartenary erosion and deposition in Scandinavia 

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gustav Pallisgaard-Olesen ◽  
Vivi Kathrine Pedersen ◽  
Natalya Gomez
Keyword(s):  
Sea Level ◽  
Sea Level Changes ◽  
Glacial Cycles ◽  
Glacial Erosion ◽  
Erosion And Deposition ◽  
Late Pliocene ◽  
Glacial Origin ◽  
Sediment Deposits ◽  
Mass Redistribution ◽  
Global Sea Level

&lt;div&gt; &lt;p&gt;The landscape in western Scandinavia has undergone dramatic changes through numerous glaciations during the Quaternary. These changes in topography and in the volumes of offshore sediment deposits, have caused significant isostatic adjustments and local sea level changes, owing to erosional unloading and depositional loading of the lithosphere. Mass redistribution from erosion and deposition also has the potential to cause significant pertubations of the geoid, resulting in additional sea-level changes. The combined sea-level response from these processes, is yet to be investigated in detail for Scandinavia.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt; &lt;p&gt;In this study we estimate the total sea level change from late-Pliocene- Quaternary glacial erosion and deposition in the Scandinavian region, using a gravitationally self-consistent global sea level model that includes the full viscoelastic response of the solid Earth to surface loading and unloading. In addition to the total late Pliocene-Quaternary mass redistribution, we &lt;span&gt;also &lt;/span&gt;estimate transient sea level changes related specifically to the two latest glacial cycles.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt; &lt;p&gt;We utilize existing observations of offshore sediment thicknesses of glacial origin, and combine these with estimates of onshore glacial erosion and estimates of erosion on the inner shelf. Based on these estimates, we can define mass redistribution and construct a preglacial landscape setting.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt; &lt;p&gt;Our preliminary results show &lt;span&gt;perturbations of&lt;/span&gt; the local sea level up to &amp;#8764; 200 m since&lt;span&gt; the&lt;/span&gt; late-Pliocene in the Norwegian Sea, suggesting that erosion and deposition ha&lt;span&gt;ve&lt;/span&gt; influenced the local paleo sea level history in Scandinavia significantly.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/div&gt;

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