Significance in the Integration of Facies Analysis, Stable Isotopes and Diagenetical Results for the High-Resolution Sequence Stratigraphy Characterization in the Shallow Platform of Shuaiba Formation, Lower Cretaceous, Abu Dhabi Onshore, UAE

The study presents the sequence stratigraphy of the carbonate platform focused in lower part of Shuaiba Formation, as well as the organization of the arrangement formed by the cyclical sedimentological evolution at high-resolution scale, through the facies analysis, diagenetical imprints and finally, significance of stable carbonate isotope results in the building up of carbonate platform in southeast Abu Dhabi. Interpreted stratigraphic surfaces from integration of depositional facies reviewed in all available cored data within studied area and stable carbon isotope results allowed that four small-scale regression-transgression depositional cycles can be discriminated which are stacked into a medium-scale sequence, that may record a 600 kyr Milankovitch signal. The small-scale sequences were correlated within the studied area using both conventional well logs and stable isotope records. Transgression hemicycles represent the increasing of accommodation space and can be identified in direct evidence, such as 25-40 ft. thickness of lithocodium/bacinella floatstones and skeletal peloidal packstones facies, association of facies interpreted within upper slope sub-environment. Likewise, in δ13C profiles, the rise/fall turnarounds of small-scale sequences are marked by negative δ13C peaks and associated with characteristics patterns: (1) proportion decrease of shallower sub-environments facies is interpreted as an rising relative sea-level and (2) decreasing δ13C trends interpreted to be related to decreasing nutrient supply. The medium/big pores of floatstones poorly connected in packstone matrix are expressed in the medium/high porosity with low permeabilities. In contrast, regressive hemicycles represent the reduction in accommodation space and can be characterized in direct evidence, such as the growing up of persistent 10-20 ft. thickness with thousands of meters of correlation of stromatoporoids and rudist facies, association of facies interpreted within shelf-margin complex sub-environment. In addition, the fall/rise turnarounds are marked by positive δ13C peaks, associated with the stromatoporoids/rudists mounds with characteristic patterns: (1) proportion increase of shallower sub-environments facies is interpreted as falling relative sea-level and increase in proximity and (2) increasing δ13C values interpreted to reflect increasing nutrient supply. Unusually very high permeability is attributed to the present of fractures and dissolution events that is enhanced where proportion of stromatoporoids facies are more pronounced. The described characterization resulted in the identification of genetic cycles that reproduce the sedimentological evolution, which are presented in small-scale sequences. In addition, the δ13C values enabled to understand the internal organization and the development of the carbonate building up in the Shuaiba shallow platform evolution. This study provides update and understanding on sedimentary facies, depositional pattern, and expands on previous published works, using new approach from semi-regional to local scales. Finally, results help to understand the laterally extensive water break-through thin intervals, which are directly related to the regressive hemicycles described previously.

Stappen High-Bjørnøya tectono-sedimentary element, Barents Sea

The Stappen High-Bjørnøya tectono-sedimentary element (TSE) is located in the western Barents Shelf and is one of the prominent tectonic elements in the area. The Stappen High comprises a shallow platform, and Bjørnøya forms its highest point with exposed outcrops. Modern seismic reflection data of improved quality in the southern part of the TSE and vintage seismic data in the northern portion are utilised. Together with updated geological information at Bjørnøya, the study provides insights into the Palaeozoic to early Cenozoic evolution of the Stappen High-Bjørnøya TSE. In this context, we discuss structural inheritance, the rift development, and we account for confirmed and potential hydrocarbon systems and plays.

Paleocene Larger Foraminifera from the Pyrenean Basin with a recalibration of the Paleocene Shallow Benthic Zones

A taxonomic study of the larger foraminifera found in Paleocene rocks from the Pyrenean basin has led to the description of sixty taxa including two new species: Alveolina korresensis and Valvulineria bacetai. In this work, we present a chronostratigraphic recalibration of the Paleocene Shallow Benthic Zones (SBZ 1 to SBZ 4) based on correlation with calcareous nannofossil and planktic foraminifera biozones, all integrated within the stratigraphic framework of Paleocene platform to basin depositional sequences established for the whole Pyrenean domain. The samples were collected in autochtonous and parautochtonous deposits from ten key shallow platform stratigraphic sections, representative from coastal to platform margin depositional settings. The results from two base of slope sections with numerous intercalations of calcareous turbidites with penecontemporaneous platform-derived biota have been integrated in the study. The regional chronostratigraphic framework is derived from magneto-biochronological studies carried out in the Zumaia section, global reference section for the Danian-Selandian and Selandian-Thanertian GSSPs. The new calibration of the Paleocene SBZs is summarized as follows. The SBZ 1 is constrained to the first 1.09 m.y. of the Paleocene; this first Paleogene biozone lacks distinct larger foraminifera biomarkers and thus is defined by an association of non-exclusive taxa composed of Valvulineria patalaensis, Stomatorbina? binkhorsti, P.? antiqua and Bangiana hanseni. The SBZ 2 now appears as the biozone encompassing most of the Danian stage (from ca. 64.91 m.y. to 61.6 m.y.), and is characterized by the association of Haymanella elongata, Haymanella paleocenica, Kayseriella decastroi, Rotospirella conica, Pyrenerotalia depressa, Elazigina dienii and Paralockhartia eos. The SBZ 2-SBZ 3 boundary coincides with the base of the Selandian stage (ca. 61.6 m.y.). The SBZ 3 biozone is defined by Glomalveolina primaeva, Periloculina slovenica, Vania anatolica, Coskinon rajkae, Fallotella alavensis, Cribrobulimina carniolica, Miscellanea yvettae, Miscellanea juliettae, Miscellanites primitivus, Miscellanites minutus, Ranikothalia soldadensis, Nummulites heberti and Discocyclina seunesi. The SBZ 3-SBZ 4 boundary is now ascribed to ca. 57.2 m.y. The SBZ 4 biozone appears characterized by Glomalveolina levis, Alveolina korresensis, Hottingerina lukasi, Daviesina garumnensis, Assilina yvettae, Assilina azilensis and Nummulites catari. The SBZ 4-SBZ 5 boundary is placed at the Paleocene-Eocene boundary event (ca. 56.0 m.y.).

Mapping of Conflicts of Use and Occupation of the Paranaguá Estuary Complex and Shallow Platform: Subsidies for Marine Spatial Planning

The preference for housing in coastal environments has become a human strategy due to several factors; as biodiversity wealth, geographic strategy, or abundance of fishing resources. The coastal and estuarine environment is a place of multiple uses for industrial, commercial, housing, port, and ecologically essential purposes. An effective Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is essential to establish a rational organization of the use of the marine space and the interactions between its uses, in order to balance the demands of development with the need to protect marine ecosystems, as well as to achieve social and economic objectives in a transparent and planned way (UNESCO-IOC, 2011). The present study identifies, maps, and separates the main human activities developed in the territorial space of the Paranaguá Estuarine Complex - Paraná, Brazil (CEP) and nearby shallow platform. Through Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques, it established the conflict zones and their impact on the marine environment and quantified areas of environmental protection affected by human activities. The results shows the regions between Pontal do Sul and Ponta do Poço, the southern portion of Baía das Laranjeiras and the Rasa Platform classified with High Conflict levels. Approximately 19% of the administrative limits of the Conservation Units (CU) in the region and 33% of the Damping Zones (DZ) are affected by anthropic activities and uses. In this way, the spatialization of existing conflicts in a place with broad uses for different purposes, would support to define economic strategies; direct actions for public policies, and decision making. Still, it can be a tool for the mitigation and compensation of environmental and social impacts, due to human activities in the study area. Keywords: Coastal management, geoprocessing, protected coastal areas, conservation units, coastal zone.

BIOTIC AND ABIOTIC EVENTS IN A SHALLOW CARBONATE PLATFORM (UPPER CRETACEOUS, SOUTH PYRENEAN MARGIN)

A detailed sedimentological and paleontological study of the Late Santonian-Late Campanian carbonate platform deposits of the Serres Marginals area (South margin of the Pyrenean Basin) has been performed. Three depositional shallow carbonate sequences have been distinguished (CI, C2 and C3). Within the shallow platform sequences moderate energy subtidal to intertidal, high energy sand-shoal, protected lagoon and restricted lagoon to lacustrine fades have been identified.