The early Paleogene stratigraphic evolution of the Huerfano Basin, Colorado

2020 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-26
Author(s):  
Dirk M. Rasmussen ◽  
Brady Z. Foreman ◽  
Henry C. Fricke ◽  
Kathryn Snell ◽  
Lindsey Gipson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Isotope ◽  
Sedimentary Basins ◽  
River System ◽  
Coarse Grained ◽  
Meandering River ◽  
The North ◽  
South Central ◽  
Isotope Record ◽  
Laramide Basins ◽  
Early Paleogene

ABSTRACT Sedimentary basins throughout the North American Western Interior contain a record of Late Cretaceous through Eocene deposition related to the Laramide orogeny. The typical stratigraphic progression includes an uppermost Cretaceous fluvio-deltaic geologic formation that is unconformably overlain by an alluvial or paludal Paleocene geologic formation. The Paleocene unit is usually characterized by drab overbank facies, and overlain by an interval of amalgamated fluvial sand bodies. The overlying Eocene geologic units are characterized by red bed overbank facies. These major stratigraphic changes have been variably linked to long-wavelength dynamic subsidence, local uplift, and climatic shifts. Herein, we evaluate the depositional history of the Huerfano Basin of south-central Colorado in this overarching context. Our study presents a detailed lithofacies analysis of the Poison Canyon, Cuchara, and Huerfano Formations integrated with a new bulk (1) organic carbon isotope record, n = 299 measurements (Data Supplement 1A); and (2) magnetic record, n = 247 measurements (Data Supplement 1B). We interpret that the Paleocene Poison Canyon Formation was deposited by a braided or coarse-grained meandering river system with relatively poorly drained floodplains. The Eocene Huerfano Formation was likely deposited by a coarse-grained meandering river system with a comparatively well-drained floodplain. This pattern mirrors other Laramide basins, and is likely related to a regional drying pattern linked to long-term warming during the early Paleogene. Age of the intervening Cuchara Formation is poorly resolved, but is an anomalously thick and coarse-grained fluvial unit, with evidence for extensive reworking of floodplain deposits and a moderate coarsening-upward pattern. The Cuchara Formation is associated with magnetic trends that suggest greater oxidation and weathering, and greater variability in rainfall patterns, as well as a subtle negative shift in carbon isotope values. This pattern indicates a period of widespread progradation within the basin, potentially related to a major Laramide uplift event that affected Colorado’s Wet Mountains, Front Range, and Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Early Sevier orogenic deformation exerted principal control on changes in depositional environment recorded by the Cretaceous Newark Canyon Formation

2020 ◽  
Vol 90 (9) ◽  
pp. 1175-1197
Author(s):  
Anne C. Fetrow ◽  
Kathryn E. Snell ◽  
Russell V. Di Fiori ◽  
Sean P. Long ◽  
Joshua W. Bonde
Keyword(s):  
North American ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Sedimentary Basins ◽  
River System ◽  
Structural Deformation ◽  
Braided River ◽  
Thrust Belt ◽  
North American Cordillera ◽  
The North

ABSTRACT Terrestrial sedimentary archives record critical information about environment and climate of the past, as well as provide insights into the style, timing, and magnitude of structural deformation in a region. The Cretaceous Newark Canyon Formation, located in central Nevada, USA, was deposited in the hinterland of the Sevier fold–thrust belt during the North American Cordilleran orogeny. While previous research has focused on the coarser-grained, fluvial components of the Newark Canyon Formation, the carbonate and finer-grained facies of this formation remain comparatively understudied. A more complete understanding of the Newark Canyon Formation provides insights into Cretaceous syndeformational deposition in the Central Nevada thrust belt, serves as a useful case study for deconvolving the influence of tectonic and climatic forces on sedimentation in both the North American Cordillera and other contractional orogens, and will provide a critical foundation upon which to build future paleoclimate and paleoaltimetry studies. We combine facies descriptions, stratigraphic measurements, and optical and cathodoluminescence petrography to develop a comprehensive depositional model for the Newark Canyon Formation. We identify six distinct facies that show that the Newark Canyon Formation evolved through four stages of deposition: 1) an anastomosing river system with palustrine interchannel areas, 2) a braided river system, 3) a balance-filled, carbonate-bearing lacustrine system, and 4) a second braided river system. Although climate undoubtedly played a role, we suggest that the deposition and coeval deformation of the synorogenic Newark Canyon Formation was in direct response to the construction of east-vergent contractional structures proximal to the type section. Comparison to other contemporary terrestrial sedimentary basins deposited in a variety of tectonic settings provides helpful insights into the influences of regional tectonics, regional and global climate, catchment characteristics, underlying lithologies, and subcrop geology in the preserved sedimentary record.

scholarly journals Interpretasi Lingkungan Pengendapan Formasi Batuan Menggunakan Analisis Elektrofasies di Lokasi Tapak Puspiptek Serpong

EKSPLORIUM ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 29
Author(s):  
Heri Syaeful ◽  
Adi Gunawan Muhammad
Keyword(s):  
Depositional Environment ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
River System ◽  
Shape Variation ◽  
Point Bar ◽  
Meandering River ◽  
The North ◽  
Rock Formations ◽  
Subsurface Material ◽  
Crevasse Splay

ABSTRAKKegiatan karakterisasi material bawah permukaan penyusun pondasi tapak merupakan bagian dari studi tapak instalasi nuklir. Karakterisasi dilakukan dengan berbagai metode, diantaranya pemahaman tentang sistem pengendapan formasi batuan. Sebagai bagian dari metode interpretasi lingkungan pengendapan, analisis pemodelan fasies berdasarkan elektrofasies memberikan informasi yang cepat mengenai sistem pengendapan suatu formasi batuan. Metodologi yang digunakan adalah dengan interpretrasi log sinar gamma (log GR) menggunakan korelasi relatif antara variasi bentuk log dan fasies sedimentasi. Berdasarkan analisis diketahui Formasi Bojongmanik terbentuk pada lingkungan marine-lagoonal dengan pengaruh gelombang sangat rendah. Log GR yang menunjukan bentuk funnel, bergerigi dan simetris, mengindikasikan fasies shoreface, lagoon, dan tidal point bar. Arah sedimentasi, cekungan, dan suplai pada pengendapan sedimen Formasi Bojongmanik diinterpretasikan relatif ke utara. Formasi Serpong diendapkan pada sistem sungai bermeander dan tersusun atas endapan point bar, crevasse splay dan floodplain. Hasil analisis ini diharapkan dapat menjadi panduan dalam analisis lanjutan terkait karakterisasi material pondasi. ABSTRACTThe activity of subsurface material composing site foundation characterization is part of nuclear installation siting study. Characterization conducted by several methods, such as understanding the depositional environment of rock formations. As a segment of depositional environment interpretation method, facies model analysis based on electrofacies provides quicker information on depositional system of rock formation. Methodology applied is gamma ray log (log GR) interpretation using relative correlation between log shape variation and sedimentation facies. Based on the analysis, Bojongmanik Formation was deposited on marine-lagoonal environment with very low wave influence. Log GR that shows shape of funnel, serrated, and symmetry, indicate shoreface, lagoon, and tidal point bar facies. The direction of sedimentation, basin, and supply of Bojongmanik Formation interpreted relatively to the north. Serpong Formation deposited on meandering river system, and composed of point bar deposit, crevasse splay, and floodplain deposit. The result of analysis is expected to be guidance in further analysis related to the characterization of foundation materials.

scholarly journals Late Holocene Phytolith and Carbon-Isotope Record from a Latosol at Salitre, South-Central Brazil

1999 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Alexandre ◽  
Jean-Dominique Meunier ◽  
Andre Mariotti ◽  
Francois Soubies
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Isotope ◽  
Isotope Analysis ◽  
First Record ◽  
Selective Dissolution ◽  
Second Development ◽  
Central Brazil ◽  
South Central ◽  
Dry Spell ◽  
Isotope Record ◽  
Anthropogenic Fires

AbstractThe reliability of paleovegetation records inferred from soil phytolith assemblages and SOM (soil organic matter) carbon isotope analysis was examined in light of previous pollen and charcoal reconstructions. The sampled latosol is located in south-central Brazil (Salitre), at a boundary between forest and cerrado. The derived mean age of phytoliths and SOM at each level is the result of a balance between continuous translocation and selective dissolution. It increases with depth in a regular, quantifiable fashion that allows paleoenvironmental interpretation. Phytoliths and SOM tracers first record a savanna phase, associated with the last Holocene long dry period occurring between ca. 5500 and 4500 yr B.P. Two periods of tree community development followed, between ca. 4000 and 3000 and after ca. 970 yr. B.P., leading to the present cerrado/forest association. The dry spell interrupted this trend about 970 ± 60 yr B.P. The second development of woody elements was contemporaneous with an increase in anthropogenic fires. Therefore, climate was more important than fires and human activities in constraining the growth of vegetation during the last nine centuries at Salitre. More generally, despite pedogenic processes, soil phytoliths and δ13C values of the SOM may be accurate tracers of vegetation changes.

scholarly journals Maastrichtian carbon isotope stratigraphy and cyclostratigraphy of the Newfoundland Margin (Site U1403, IODP Leg 342)

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver Friedrich ◽  
Sietske J. Batenburg ◽  
Kazuyoshi Moriya ◽  
Silke Voigt ◽  
Cécile Cournède ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Carbon Cycle ◽  
Carbon Isotope ◽  
North Atlantic ◽  
Climatic Variability ◽  
Stable Carbon Isotope ◽  
The North ◽  
Depositional Processes ◽  
Isotope Record ◽  
The North Atlantic

Abstract. Earth’s climate during the Maastrichtian (latest Cretaceous) was punctuated by brief warming and cooling episodes, accompanied by perturbations of the global carbon cycle. Superimposed on a long-term cooling trend, the middle Maastrichtian is characterized by deep-sea warming and relatively high values of stable carbon-isotope ratios, followed by strong climatic variability towards the end of the Cretaceous. A lack of knowledge on the timing of climatic change inhibits our understanding of underlying causal mechanisms. We present an integrated stratigraphy from Site U1403, providing an expanded deep ocean record from the North Atlantic (IODP Expedition 342, Newfoundland Margin). Distinct sedimentary cyclicity suggests that orbital forcing played a major role on depositional processes, which is confirmed by statistical analyses of high resolution elemental data obtained by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) scanning. Astronomical calibration reveals that the investigated interval encompasses seven 405-kyr cycles (Ma4051 to Ma4057) and spans 2.8 Myr directly preceding the Cretaceous/Paleocene (K/Pg) boundary. A high-resolution carbon-isotope record from bulk carbonates allows to identify global trends in the late Maastrichtian carbon cycle. Low-amplitude variations (up to 0.4 ‰), typical for open ocean settings, are compared to the hemipelagic Zumaia section (N-Spain), with a well-established independent cyclostratigraphic framework. Whereas the pre-K/Pg oscillations and the negative values of the Mid-Maastrichtian Event (MME) can be readily discerned in both records, patterns diverge around 67.5 Ma, with Site U1403 more reliably reflecting global climate change. Our new carbon isotope record and the established cyclostratigraphy from Site U1403 may serve as a future reference for detailed studies of late Maastrichtian events in the North Atlantic.

Late Pleistocene and Holocene depositional systems and the palaeogeography of the Dogger Bank, North Sea

2005 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 185-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Fitch ◽  
Ken Thomson ◽  
Vince Gaffney
Keyword(s):  
Late Pleistocene ◽  
North Sea ◽  
River System ◽  
Channel Network ◽  
Dogger Bank ◽  
The Holocene ◽  
Meandering River ◽  
The North ◽  
The North Sea ◽  
Depositional Systems

Abstract3D seismic data from the Dogger Bank, North Sea, allow the mapping of Late Pleistocene and Holocene depositional systems in unprecedented detail. The data demonstrate that glacial processes resulted in the development of incised tunnel valley systems during the Weichselian and that these were subsequently modified by fluvial processes in a pro-glacial setting. Subsequently, the Dogger Bank formed an emergent plain during the Holocene with a complex meandering river system, associated tributary or distributary channels and lakes, dominating the region. Prior to the sea level rising sufficiently to submerge the Dogger Bank around 7500 yr ago, the meandering river system was replaced by a dendritic channel network of potential fluvial, estuarine or intertidal origin. As the Holocene depositional features bear no systematic relationship to the bathymetry this study demonstrates that previously published bathymetry-based models for the Holocene palaeogeographic development of the North Sea require modification.

High-resolution organic carbon isotope record across the Cretaceous–Tertiary boundary in south-central Alberta: implications for the post-impact recovery rate of terrestrial ecosystems and use of δ13C as a boundary marker

2007 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 529-542 ◽  
Author(s):  
François Therrien ◽  
David A Eberth ◽  
Dennis R Braman ◽  
Darla K Zelenitsky
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Carbon Isotope ◽  
Terrestrial Ecosystems ◽  
Terrestrial Organic Matter ◽  
Sedimentary Environments ◽  
South Central ◽  
Organic Carbon Isotope ◽  
Isotope Record ◽  
Post Impact

A high-resolution study identified a δ13C excursion of –1.8‰ to –2.3‰ in terrestrial organic matter across the Cretaceous–Tertiary (K–T) boundary at two localities in the Scollard Formation of south-central Alberta, one of the northernmost occurrences of the K–T boundary in terrestrial settings. δ13C values are at their lowest within 6 cm above the K–T boundary claystone and return to pre-boundary levels within 10 cm above the boundary claystone. Statistical analyses reveal that the K–T isotopic shift in Alberta is related to the nature of floral changes that occurred across the K–T boundary. A radiometrically dated bentonite resting on the boundary-hosting Nevis coal at one of the localities permits us to estimate that the terrestrial carbon cycle recovered ~100 000 years after the K–T boundary event, a value that supports an existing hypothesis that terrestrial ecosystems recovered more rapidly than marine ecosystems. The organic carbon isotope record of the entire Scollard Formation demonstrates that the δ13C excursion across the K–T boundary did not reach anomalously low values by late Maastrichtian standards in Alberta. Furthermore, the occurrence of the K–T carbon isotope shift within a restricted stratigraphic interval (<10 cm) greatly limits the probability of its preservation in the context of terrestrial sedimentary environments. These observations suggest that, on their own, δ13C profiles may be unreliable for locating the K–T boundary (and possibly other geologically instantaneous events) and that they should be used in combination with other approaches (e.g., palynology) to identify the K–T boundary in sections lacking the boundary claystone and iridium anomaly.

Submarine fan deposystems and tectonics of a Late Cretaceous forearc basin along an accretionary convergent plate boundary, MacColl Ridge Formation, Wrangell Mountains, Alaska

1999 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 433-458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey M Trop ◽  
Kenneth D Ridgway ◽  
Arthur R Sweet ◽  
Paul W Layer
Keyword(s):  
Late Cretaceous ◽  
Compositional Data ◽  
Hanging Wall ◽  
Plate Boundary ◽  
Coarse Grained ◽  
Fault System ◽  
Forearc Basin ◽  
Submarine Fan ◽  
The North ◽  
South Central

Analysis of Upper Cretaceous sedimentary and volcanic strata in the Wrangell Mountains of south-central Alaska provides an opportunity to study the tectonics, depositional systems, and provenance of a forearc basin that developed along an accretionary convergent plate boundary. New data from the 1150 m thick MacColl Ridge Formation indicate that deposition occurred during the Campanian on a coarse-grained submarine fan that was derived from an uplifted allochthonous terrane exposed in the hanging wall of a fault system that separated the forearc basin from the subduction complex. New age controls include palynoflora indicative of a late middle to late Campanian age, and compatible radiometric age determinations of volcanic vitric-crystal tuffs near the top of the formation which have 40Ar/39Ar isochron ages of 79.4 ± 0.7 and 77.9 ± 2.1 Ma. Sedimentological and paleontological data show that sedimentation occurred on the inner portions of a sand- and gravel-rich submarine fan system. Evidence for this interpretation includes dominance of channelized sediment gravity flow deposits, particularly turbidites and debris flows; microflora indicative of open-marine conditions; unidirectional paleocurrent indicators; and syndepositional slump features. The pyroclastic eruptions that formed the vitric-crystal tuffs of the MacColl Ridge Formation are interpreted as products of the Late Cretaceous Kluane magmatic arc that bordered the forearc basin to the north. Sandstone and conglomerate compositional data combined with northward-directed paleocurrent indicators suggest that detritus was derived mainly from igneous rocks of the allochthonous Wrangellia terrane located in the hanging wall of the Border Ranges fault system along the southern margin of the basin. From a regional perspective, deposition of the MacColl Ridge Formation was coeval with the early part of Campanian-Maastrichtian synorogenic sedimentation and contractile deformation documented throughout the northwestern Cordillera.

Palaeoenvironmental analysis of a Miocene basin in the high Taurus Mountains (southern Turkey) and its palaeogeographical and structural significance

2002 ◽  
Vol 139 (4) ◽  
pp. 473-487 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. OCAKOĞLU
Keyword(s):  
Depositional Environments ◽  
Coarse Grained ◽  
Fault System ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
The South ◽  
Taurus Mountains ◽  
The North ◽  
South Central ◽  
Southern Turkey ◽  
Basin Fill

Determination of the relationships between the southern, marine-dominated Miocene basins of south central Turkey and their continental hinterland in southern Turkey has traditionally been frustrated by the apparent absence of basin remnants within the Taurus Mountains. The Dikme basin, which seems to be an enclave of basin remnants within the Aladağ Mountains (Eastern Taurides), consists mainly of coarse-grained continental sediments of various facies. These mostly early–middle Miocene sediments were studied to determine the depositional environments and the factors controlling the basin formation and basin fill architecture, to attempt to close the information gap between the Adana Basin to the south and central Anatolian Miocene further to the north. A generally southwest-flowing axial fluvial system and interfingering coarse-grained marginal alluvial clastics derived from northwest and southeast were identified. The marginal facies to the northwest is bounded by a N 55° E-running structural lineament, that starts from the Ecemiş Fault Zone and in digital elevation models extends toward the north of the study area. Along this lineament, Miocene sediments onlap steep fault-line escarpments. Certain Miocene levels are tectonically disrupted, and an intraformational unconformity and boulder conglomerates are also well-developed in the Miocene sequence. The southeast boundary is similarly defined by a NE-trending fault that periodically elevated the adjacent Tufanbeyli autochthon, producing coarse clastics from this area. This boundary fault also induced fining-upwards vertical patterns and synsedimentary deformation in the marginal facies. Additionally, the central part of the basin exhibits a distinct fault-defined morphology characterized by small-scale (tens of metres to 150 m high) valley-and-sill topography. A thin marine interval was also encountered in the southernmost part of the basin, indicating that the clastic system originating around this area debouched into a Miocene sea situated further to the south. The proposed palaeogeography and basin fill model suggests that the Dikme basin and similar Miocene remnants, all controlled mainly by a northeast-running extensional or transtensional fault system, may have been parts of the terrestrial hinterland that supplied sediment to rapidly subsiding marine areas further south, such as the Adana Basin.

scholarly journals Sedimentary architecture and optical dating of Middle and Late Pleistocene Rhine-Meuse deposits - fluvial response to climate change, sea-level fluctuation and glaciation

2005 ◽  
Vol 84 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
F.S. Busschers ◽  
H.J.T. Weerts ◽  
J. Wallinga ◽  
P. Cleveringa-a2 ◽  
C. Kasse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sea Level ◽  
Vegetation Cover ◽  
River System ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Coarse Grained ◽  
Fluvial Sediments ◽  
Ecological Data ◽  
Optical Dating ◽  
The North ◽  
Sedimentary Architecture

AbstractEight continuous corings in the west-central Netherlands show a 15 to 25 m thick stacked sequence of sandy to gravelly channel-belt deposits of the Rhine-Meuse system. This succession of fluvial sediments was deposited under net subsiding conditions in the southern part of the North Sea Basin and documents the response of the Rhine-Meuse river system to climate and sea-level change and to the glaciation history. On the basis of grain size characteristics, sedimentological structures, nature and extent of bounding surfaces and palaeo-ecological data, the sequence was subdivided into five fluvial units, an estuarine and an aeolian unit. Optical dating of 34 quartz samples showed that the units have intra Saalian to Weichselian ages (Marine Isotope Stages 8 to 2). Coarse-grained fluvial sediments primarily deposited under cold climatic conditions, with low vegetation cover and continuous permafrost. Finer-grained sediments generally deposited during more temperate climatic conditions with continuous vegetation cover and/or periods of sea-level highstand. Most of the sedimentary units are bounded by unconformities that represent erosion during periods of climate instability, sea-level fall and/or glacio-isostatic uplift.

Hydrothermal activity in the Upper Permian Ravnefjeld Formation of central East Greenland – a study of sulphide morphotypes

1998 ◽  
pp. 81-87
Author(s):  
Jesper Kresten Nielsen ◽  
Mikael Pedersen
Keyword(s):  
Base Metal ◽  
Early Period ◽  
Sedimentary Basins ◽  
Hydrothermal Activity ◽  
Source Rocks ◽  
Upper Permian ◽  
Thermal Activity ◽  
East Greenland ◽  
The North ◽  
Alum Shale

NOTE: This article was published in a former series of GEUS Bulletin. Please use the original series name when citing this article, for example: Kresten Nielsen, J., & Pedersen, M. (1998). Hydrothermal activity in the Upper Permian Ravnefjeld Formation of central East Greenland – a study of sulphide morphotypes. Geology of Greenland Survey Bulletin, 180, 81-87. https://doi.org/10.34194/ggub.v180.5090 _______________ Bituminous shales of the Ravnefjeld Formation were deposited in the subsiding East Greenland basin during the Upper Permian. The shales are exposed from Jameson Land in the south (71°N; Fig. 1) to Clavering Ø in the north (74°20′N) and have attracted considerable attention due to their high potential as hydrocarbon source rocks (Piasecki & Stemmerik 1991; Scholle et al. 1991; Christiansen et al. 1992, 1993a, b). Furthermore, enrichment of lead, zinc and copper has been known in the Ravnefjeld Formation on Wegener Halvø since 1968 (Lehnert-Thiel 1968; Fig. 1). This mineralisation was assumed to be of primary or early diagenetic origin due to similarities with the central European Kupferschiefer (Harpøth et al. 1986). Later studies, however, suggested base metal mineralisation in the immediately underlying carbonate reefs to be Tertiary in age (Stemmerik 1991). Due to geographical coincidence between the two types of mineralisation, a common history is a likely assumption, but a timing paradox exists. A part of the TUPOLAR project on the ‘Resources of the sedimentary basins of North and East Greenland’ has been dedicated to re-investigation of the mineralisation in the Ravnefjeld Formation in order to determine the genesis of the mineralisation and whether or not primary or early diagenetic base metal enrichment has taken place on Wegener Halvø, possibly in relation to an early period of hydrothermal activity. One approach to this is to study the various sulphides in the Ravnefjeld Formation; this is carried out in close co-operation with a current Ph.D. project at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. Diagenetically formed pyrite is a common constituent of marine shales and the study of pyrite morphotypes has previously been successful from thermalli immature parts of elucidating depositional environment and thermal effects in the Alum Shale Formation of Scandinavia (Nielsen 1996; Nielsen et al. 1998). The present paper describes the preliminary results of a similar study on pyrite from thermally immature parts of the Ravnefjeld Formation which, combined with the study of textures of base metal sulphides in the Wegener Halvø area (Fig. 1), may provide an important step in the evaluation of the presence or absence of early thermal activity on (or below) the Upper Permian sea floor.

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