Sequence Stratigraphy
Sequence stratigraphy
Sequence stratigraphy is a method of stratigraphic interpretation that combines the chronological order of the accumulation of sediments, their stratal architecture and the geometric relationships of their facies to determine depositional setting and predict stratal continuity. The workflow of sequence stratigraphic analysis first identifies the genetic units and bounding surfaces that compose the stratigraphic section in outcrop, core, well-log and seismic data. The framework formed by the genetic units and bounding surfaces is tied depositional models that explain the recurring character of sequence stratigraphic units and surfaces and provides a common terminology for each of these models, whatever the tectonic setting, depositional setting, sediment types (siliciclastics, carbonates, evaporites) data set that is available for analysis (e.g., seismic data versus well logs or outcrop). It is generally assumed that many of the strata and surfaces are related to changes in base level driven by eustasy.
The sequence stratigraphic methodology describes the order in which bodies of sediment were laid down and their geometric relationship to each other. It guides the interpretation of the origins of sedimentary rocks enabling the mapping and interpretation of single and multiple cycles of sedimentary rocks. The cycles are often in the form of vertically stacked associated sedimentary facies whose repeated occurrences often have similar geometric organization. These geometries and their bounding surfaces are closely associated with changes in accommodation (space available for sediments to fill).
Thus the simple sequence stratigraphic framework is based on surfaces of erosion and non-deposition (sequence boundaries), and flooding (trangressive surfaces and/or maximum flooding surfaces [mfs]). In addition there is an implicit but sometimes unstated connection between the external and internal surfaces of a sequence and base level change driven
Sequence stratigraphy is a method of stratigraphic interpretation that combines the chronological order of the accumulation of sediments, their stratal architecture and the geometric relationships of their facies to determine depositional setting and predict stratal continuity. The workflow of sequence stratigraphic analysis first identifies the genetic units and bounding surfaces that compose the stratigraphic section in outcrop, core, well-log and seismic data. The framework formed by the genetic units and bounding surfaces is tied depositional models that explain the recurring character of sequence stratigraphic units and surfaces and provides a common terminology for each of these models, whatever the tectonic setting, depositional setting, sediment types (siliciclastics, carbonates, evaporites) data set that is available for analysis (e.g., seismic data versus well logs or outcrop). It is generally assumed that many of the strata and surfaces are related to changes in base level driven by eustasy.
The sequence stratigraphic methodology describes the order in which bodies of sediment were laid down and their geometric relationship to each other. It guides the interpretation of the origins of sedimentary rocks enabling the mapping and interpretation of single and multiple cycles of sedimentary rocks. The cycles are often in the form of vertically stacked associated sedimentary facies whose repeated occurrences often have similar geometric organization. These geometries and their bounding surfaces are closely associated with changes in accommodation (space available for sediments to fill).
Thus the simple sequence stratigraphic framework is based on surfaces of erosion and non-deposition (sequence boundaries), and flooding (trangressive surfaces and/or maximum flooding surfaces [mfs]). In addition there is an implicit but sometimes unstated connection between the external and internal surfaces of a sequence and base level change driven
References: Van Wagoner, J.C., Posamentier, H.W., Mitchum, R.M., Vail, P.R., Sarg, J.F., Loutit, T.S., Hardenbol, J., 1988, An overview of sequence stratigraphy and key definitions. In: Wilgus, C.K., Hastings, B.S., Kendall, C.G.St.C., Posamentier, H.W., Ross, C.A., Van Wagoner, J.C. (Eds.), Sea Level Changes––An Integrated Approach, vol. 42. SEPM Special Publication, pp. 39–45.