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Octavian Catuneanu - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Sequence Stratigraphy in the context of the ‘modeling revolution’
Marine and Petroleum Geology, 2020Co-Authors: Octavian CatuneanuAbstract:Abstract Confusions between methodology and modeling created a false premise to question the ‘future of Sequence Stratigraphy’. In reality, the future is already here in terms of a standard methodology. Despite the variability of the stratigraphic architecture, there are only a few stacking patterns that are diagnostic to the definition of stratal units and bounding surfaces, which can be observed at all stratigraphic scales. The identification of the diagnostic stacking patterns, at scales defined by the purpose of the study or by the resolution of the data available, provides the guiding principle of the Sequence stratigraphic methodology. The modeling of the possible controls on Sequence development plays no role in the methodological workflow, and can continue indefinitely after the construction of a Sequence stratigraphic framework. Therefore, it is important to separate methodology from modeling in Sequence Stratigraphy. The standard methodology does not prevent future developments in the field of stratigraphic modeling. Uncalibrated modeling can ‘demonstrate’ any stratigraphic scenario, whether realistic or not. While the methodology evolved from a model-driven to a data-driven approach, uncalibrated modeling has become the new ‘triumph of interpretation over facts and common sense’. The latest trend in forward modeling is the shift from an overemphasis on accommodation to an overemphasis on sediment supply, to the point that all aspects of the stratigraphic architecture are explained by variations in sediment supply or even solely by autocyclicity. In reality, it is always a combination of accommodation and sedimentation, and both elements of this ‘dual control’ contribute in discernible ways to the architecture and makeup of the Sequence stratigraphic framework. The methodology does not require an interpretation of the underlying controls on accommodation and sedimentation, but only the observation of stratal stacking patterns and stratigraphic relationships that result from their interplay. Muddling the distinction between methodology and modeling leads to unnecessary confusion and a reversal of the progress made in the development of Sequence Stratigraphy as a data-driven methodology.
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Model-independent Sequence Stratigraphy
Earth-Science Reviews, 2019Co-Authors: Octavian CatuneanuAbstract:Abstract Stratal stacking patterns provide the basis for the definition of all units and surfaces of Sequence Stratigraphy. The same types of stacking patterns may be observed at different scales, in relation to stratigraphic cycles of different magnitudes. At each scale of observation, stacking patterns define systems tracts, and changes in stacking pattern mark the position of Sequence stratigraphic surfaces. The construction of a framework of systems tracts and bounding surfaces fulfills the practical purpose of Sequence Stratigraphy. Beyond this framework, model-dependent choices with respect to the selection of the ‘Sequence boundary’ may be made as a function of the mappability of the various types of Sequence stratigraphic surface within the studied section. Sequence stratigraphic frameworks are basin-specific in terms of timing and scales of the component units and bounding surfaces, reflecting the interplay of global and local controls on accommodation and sedimentation. A stratigraphic Sequence corresponds to a cycle of change in stratal stacking patterns, defined by the recurrence of the same type of Sequence stratigraphic surface in the rock record. Sequences, as well as component systems tracts and depositional systems, can be observed at all stratigraphic scales. Sequences of any scale may include unconformities of equal and/or lower hierarchical ranks, whose identification depends on the resolution of the data available. The relative ranking of Sequences of different scales is defined by their stratigraphic relationships, as lower rank Sequences are nested within higher rank systems tracts. Despite this nested architecture, the stratigraphic framework is not truly fractal because Sequences of different scales may differ in terms of underlying controls and internal composition of systems tracts. A scale-independent approach to methodology and nomenclature is key to the standard application of Sequence Stratigraphy across the entire range of geological settings, stratigraphic scales, and types of data available.
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Sequence Stratigraphy: Guidelines for a Standard Methodology
Advances in Sequence Stratigraphy, 2017Co-Authors: Octavian CatuneanuAbstract:Abstract The interplay of local and global controls on accommodation and sedimentation generates basin-specific Sequence stratigraphic frameworks that record cyclicity at multiple scales. There are no temporal or physical standards for the scale of any type of Sequence stratigraphic unit. Sequences, systems tracts, and depositional systems can be defined at different scales, depending on the scope of the study, the resolution of the data available, and the local conditions of accommodation and sedimentation. A scale-independent methodology and nomenclature is key to the standard application of Sequence Stratigraphy. Stratal stacking patterns provide the basis for the definition of all units and surfaces of Sequence Stratigraphy. The same types of stacking patterns may be observed at different scales, in relation to stratigraphic cycles of different magnitudes. At any scale of observation (i.e., hierarchical rank), a specific type of stacking pattern defines a systems tract, and changes in stacking pattern mark the position of Sequence stratigraphic surfaces. Beyond this model-independent framework, model-dependent choices with respect to the selection of the “Sequence boundary” may be made as a function of the mappability of the different types of Sequence stratigraphic surface that are present within the study area. The model-independent methodology, inherently simple and consistent, provides the flexible platform for a standard application of Sequence Stratigraphy across the entire range of geological settings, stratigraphic scales, and types of data available.
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Chapter 6 - Sequence Stratigraphy
Developments in Sedimentology, 2012Co-Authors: James A. Maceachern, Octavian Catuneanu, Shahin E. Dashtgard, Dirk Knaust, Kerrie L. Bann, S. George PembertonAbstract:Sequence Stratigraphy is a methodology that employs stratal stacking patterns and key bounding surfaces to erect a framework allowing depositional facies to mapped and interpreted paleogeographically. Historically, Sequence Stratigraphy has been focused on allogenically induced changes such as eustasy, tectonics, and climate. Like sedimentology, ichnology assists in the identification and interpretation of bounding surfaces separating stratal units. These are recognized through the use of trace-fossil omission suites and the juxtaposition of ichnological suites recording shifts in depositional settings that contravene Walther's Law. Two siliciclastic case studies from the Lower Cretaceous Viking Formation of Canada and one carbonate case study from the Middle Permian–Lower Triassic Khuff Formation, offshore Iran, are employed to showcase the utility of ichnology in Sequence-stratigraphic evaluations. Case study 1 deals with incised shorefaces and the identification of forced regressive, lowstand, and transgressively incised shallow-marine sand bodies. Case study 2 addresses wave-dominated estuarine valleys that are incised into highstand marine paraSequences and incrementally infilled during early transgression. Case study 3 focuses on Sequences from a carbonate platform built of transgressive systems tracts and highstand systems tracts separated from one another by maximum accommodation zones and capped by maximum regressive surfaces that are locally transgressively modified.
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The Method of Sequence Stratigraphy
2010Co-Authors: Octavian CatuneanuAbstract:Sequence Stratigraphy highlights stratal stacking patterns and changes thereof in a time framework. Each stratal stacking pattern defines a particular genetic type of deposit with unique sediment dispersal patterns within the basin, including ‘forced regressive’, ‘lowstand normal regressive’, ‘transgressive’, and ‘highstand normal regressive’. These genetic units consist of tracts of age-equivalent depositional systems (i.e., systems tracts), and are bounded by key Sequence stratigraphic surfaces. The optimal approach to the application of Sequence Stratigraphy relies on the integration of outcrop, core, well-log and seismic data. Each data set provides different insights toward the identification of stratal stacking patterns and key bounding surfaces, and mutual corroboration is important to reduce the error margin of interpretations. Not all data sets may be available in every case study, a factor which may limit the ‘resolution’ of the Sequence stratigraphic interpretation. At the same time, not all types of data afford the recognition of all Sequence stratigraphic surfaces, and not all Sequence stratigraphic surfaces are present in every depositional setting. The area of transition between fluvial and shallow-water systems affords the formation of the entire array of Sequence stratigraphic surfaces. In contrast, within fluvial and deep-water systems, conditions are favorable for the formation of fewer key bounding surfaces. The existence of several competing approaches has prevented the inclusion of Sequence Stratigraphy in stratigraphic codes or guides. The various approaches differ in terms of (1) nomenclature of systems tracts and Sequence stratigraphic surfaces, and (2) selection of surfaces which should be elevated to the rank of ‘Sequence boundary’. Both these aspects do not make a difference to the successful application of the Sequence stratigraphic method. A standardized workflow requires the identification of all genetic units and bounding surfaces that are present in a stratigraphic succession. Beyond this framework of surfaces and systems tracts, the selection of Sequence boundaries may vary with the approach, available data sets, and depositional setting.
George P. Allen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Siliciclastic Sequence Stratigraphy - Siliciclastic Sequence Stratigraphy; concepts and applications
1999Co-Authors: Henry W. Posarnentier, George P. AllenAbstract:Siliciclastic Sequence Stratigraphy-Concepts and Applications - Sequence Stratigraphy has experienced a virtual explosion of applications in recent years. During that time, the concepts upon which Sequence Stratigraphy is based have been evolving to conform to new observations as well as new types of data. This volume summarizes the current status of this discipline as it applies to siliciclastic deposits. The emphasis in this volume is on Sequence Stratigraphy as an ?approach? to geological analysis, rather than as a model to which all data sets must conform. The expression of Sequence architecture and the nature of bounding surfaces is illustrated through examples and applications drawn from a range of data types, including outcrop, core, wireline log, and 3-D seismic data. In addition, Sequence expression also is illustrated using examples of modern landforms.
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siliciclastic Sequence Stratigraphy concepts and applications
GSW Books, 1999Co-Authors: Henry W. Posarnentier, George P. AllenAbstract:Siliciclastic Sequence Stratigraphy-Concepts and Applications - Sequence Stratigraphy has experienced a virtual explosion of applications in recent years. During that time, the concepts upon which Sequence Stratigraphy is based have been evolving to conform to new observations as well as new types of data. This volume summarizes the current status of this discipline as it applies to siliciclastic deposits. The emphasis in this volume is on Sequence Stratigraphy as an ?approach? to geological analysis, rather than as a model to which all data sets must conform. The expression of Sequence architecture and the nature of bounding surfaces is illustrated through examples and applications drawn from a range of data types, including outcrop, core, wireline log, and 3-D seismic data. In addition, Sequence expression also is illustrated using examples of modern landforms.
Wolfgang Schlager - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Ordered hierarchy versus scale invariance in Sequence Stratigraphy
International Journal of Earth Sciences, 2009Co-Authors: Wolfgang SchlagerAbstract:Sequence Stratigraphy has been applied in a wide range of scales of time and space, from decimeter-thick layers formed within hours to kilometer-thick basin fills formed during hundreds of millions of years. The traditional approach to practice Sequence Stratigraphy in this wide range of scales is to subdivide the sediment piles into an ordered hierarchy of Sequence cycles of different duration and different architecture. An alternative are scale-invariant models with fractal characteristics. Published data confirm two predictions of the ordered-hierarchy model: Sequences of very short duration (
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Carbonate Sedimentology and Sequence Stratigraphy
2005Co-Authors: Wolfgang SchlagerAbstract:Sedimentology and Stratigraphy are neighbors yet distinctly separate entities within the earth sciences. Sedimentology searches for the common traits of sedimentary rocks regardless of age as it reconstructs environments and processes of deposition and erosion from the sediment record. Stratigraphy, by contrast, concentrates on changes with time, on measuring time and correlating coeval events. Sequence Stratigraphy straddles the boundary between the two fields. This book, dedicated to carbonate rocks, approaches Sequence Stratigraphy from its sedimentologic background. This book attempts to communicate by combining different specialities and different lines of reasoning, and by searching for principles underlying the bewildering diversity of carbonate rocks. It provides enough general background, in introductory chapters and appendices, to be easily digestible for sedimentologists and stratigraphers as well as earth scientists at large.
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Sequence Stratigraphy of carbonate rocks
The Leading Edge, 1999Co-Authors: Wolfgang SchlagerAbstract:In the first contribution to TLE’s Geologic Column, J. M. Mulholland concluded that “Sequence Stratigraphy … is a tool that every explorationist must master.” I agree. In fact, Sequence Stratigraphy is more than a versatile tool in exploration and production geology. It is in many ways a role model for applied earth sciences. The fundamental task for much of the applied earth sciences is to predict occurrence and properties of sedimentary rocks in the subsurface. Forward modeling from first principles is insufficient to accomplish this goal. The nonlinear dynamics of depositional systems is too complex.
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Sedimentology and Sequence Stratigraphy of Reefs and Carbonate Platforms: A Short Course
1992Co-Authors: Wolfgang SchlagerAbstract:Classical Sequence Stratigraphy has been developed primarily from siliciclastic systems. Application of the concept to carbonates has not been as straightforward as expected even though the basic tenets of Sequence Stratigraphy are supposed to be applicable to all depositional systems. Rather than force carbonate platforms into the straightjacket of a concept derived from another sediment family, this publication takes a different tack, starting out from the premise that Sequence Stratigraphy is a modern and sophisticated version of lithoStratigraphy. It reviews sedimentologic principles governing the large-scale anatomy of reefs and platforms; looks at Sequences and systems tracts from a sedimentologic point of view; assesses the differences between siliciclastics and carbonates in their response to sea level; evaluates processes that compete with sea level for control on carbonate Sequences; and presents a set of guidelines for application of Sequence Stratigraphy to reefs and carbonate platforms.
P. G. Eriksson - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Towards the standardization of Sequence Stratigraphy
Earth-Science Reviews, 2008Co-Authors: Octavian Catuneanu, P. G. Eriksson, Vitor Abreu, Janok P. Bhattacharya, Michael D. Blum, Robert W. Dalrymple, Christopher R. Fielding, William L. Fisher, William E. Galloway, Martin R. GiblingAbstract:Abstract Sequence Stratigraphy emphasizes facies relationships and stratal architecture within a chronological framework. Despite its wide use, Sequence Stratigraphy has yet to be included in any stratigraphic code or guide. This lack of standardization reflects the existence of competing approaches (or models) and confusing or even conflicting terminology. Standardization of Sequence Stratigraphy requires the definition of the fundamental model-independent concepts, units, bounding surfaces and workflow that outline the foundation of the method. A standardized scheme needs to be sufficiently broad to encompass all possible choices of approach, rather than being limited to a single approach or model. A Sequence stratigraphic framework includes genetic units that result from the interplay of accommodation and sedimentation (i.e., forced regressive, lowstand and highstand normal regressive, and transgressive), which are bounded by ‘Sequence stratigraphic’ surfaces. Each genetic unit is defined by specific stratal stacking patterns and bounding surfaces, and consists of a tract of correlatable depositional systems (i.e., a ‘systems tract’). The mappability of systems tracts and Sequence stratigraphic surfaces depends on depositional setting and the types of data available for analysis. It is this high degree of variability in the precise expression of Sequence stratigraphic units and bounding surfaces that requires the adoption of a methodology that is sufficiently flexible that it can accommodate the range of likely expressions. The integration of outcrop, core, well-log and seismic data affords the optimal approach to the application of Sequence Stratigraphy. Missing insights from one set of data or another may limit the ‘resolution’ of the Sequence stratigraphic interpretation. A standardized workflow of Sequence stratigraphic analysis requires the identification of all genetic units and bounding surfaces that can be delineated objectively, at the selected scale of observation, within a stratigraphic section. Construction of this model-independent framework of genetic units and bounding surfaces ensures the success of the Sequence stratigraphic method. Beyond this, the interpreter may make model-dependent choices with respect to which set of Sequence stratigraphic surfaces should be elevated in importance and be selected as Sequence boundaries. In practice, the succession often dictates which set of surfaces are best expressed and hold the greatest utility at defining Sequence boundaries and quasi-chronostratigraphic units. The nomenclature of systems tracts and Sequence stratigraphic surfaces is also model-dependent to some extent, but a standard set of terms is recommended to facilitate communication between all practitioners.
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Sequence Stratigraphy of the Precambrian
Gondwana Research, 2007Co-Authors: Octavian Catuneanu, P. G. ErikssonAbstract:Abstract The method of Sequence Stratigraphy requires the application of the same workflow and principles irrespective of the age of strata under analysis. In that respect, its application to Precambrian successions is similar to the approach used for Phanerozoic case studies. Differences, however, are recorded in terms of the preservation potential and the amount of data available for analysis; the rates and intensities of the allogenic controls on sedimentation; the environmental conditions and related physical processes; and the evolution of competing groups of organisms and associated biogenic processes. The combined effect of these contrasting aspects accounts for differences in the architecture of depositional Sequences, particularly with respect to the relative contributions of various systems tracts to the makeup of a Sequence. The application of Sequence Stratigraphy to Precambrian basins has considerably enlarged the perspective on the fundamental principles governing the processes of sedimentary basin formation and the mechanisms controlling stratigraphic cyclicity in the rock record. These first-order principles are perhaps the most important contribution of Precambrian research to Sequence Stratigraphy. At the broader scale of Earth's geological history, the tectonic regimes governing the formation and evolution of sedimentary basins are shown to have been much more erratic in terms of nature and rates than originally inferred solely from the study of the Phanerozoic record. This provides important clues with respect to the criteria that should be involved in the hierarchy system of classification of stratigraphic Sequences and bounding surfaces.
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Precambrian Sequence Stratigraphy
Sedimentary Geology, 2005Co-Authors: Octavian Catuneanu, Marcelo A. Martins-neto, P. G. ErikssonAbstract:Abstract Sequence Stratigraphy studies the change in depositional trends in response to the interplay of accommodation and sediment supply, from the scale of individual depositional systems to entire sedimentary basin-fills. As accommodation is controlled by allogenic mechanisms that operate at basinal to global scales, the change in depositional trends is commonly synchronized among all environments established within a basin, thus providing the basis for the definition of systems tracts and the development of models of facies predictability. All classical Sequence stratigraphic models assume the presence of an interior seaway within the basin under analysis and are centered around the direction and types of shoreline shifts, which control the timing of all systems tracts and Sequence stratigraphic surfaces. In overfilled basins, dominated by nonmarine sedimentation, the definition of systems tracts is based on changes in fluvial accommodation, as inferred from the shifting balance between the various fluvial architectural elements. The method of Sequence Stratigraphy requires the application of the same set of core principles irrespective of the age of strata under analysis, from Precambrian to Phanerozoic. The study of Precambrian basins is often hampered by poorer stratal preservation and by a general lack of time control. However, where sedimentary facies are well preserved, the lack of time control may be partially compensated by a good knowledge of facies architecture and relationships, as well as by paleocurrent data. The latter are particularly important to understand the stratigraphic record of tectonically active basins, where abrupt shifts in paleoflow directions allow one to infer tectonic events and map the corresponding Sequence-bounding unconformities. Arguably the most important contribution of Precambrian research to Sequence Stratigraphy is the better understanding of the mechanisms controlling stratigraphic cyclicity in the rock record, and hence of the criteria that should be employed in a system of Sequence stratigraphic hierarchy. There is increasing evidence that the tectonic regimes which controlled the formation and evolution of sedimentary basins in the more distant geological past were much more erratic in terms of origin and rates than formerly inferred solely from the study of the Phanerozoic record. In this context, time is largely irrelevant as a parameter in the classification of stratigraphic Sequences, and it is rather the stratigraphic record of changes in the tectonic setting that provides the key criteria for the basic subdivision of the rock record into basin-fill successions separated by first-order Sequence boundaries. These first-order basin-fill successions are in turn subdivided into second- and lower-order Sequences that result from shifts in the balance between accommodation and sedimentation at various scales of observation, irrespective of the time span between two same-order consecutive events. Sequences identified in any particular basin are not expected to correlate to other first- and lower-order Sequences of other basins that may be similar in age but may have different timing and duration.
Martin R. Gibling - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Towards the standardization of Sequence Stratigraphy
Earth-Science Reviews, 2008Co-Authors: Octavian Catuneanu, P. G. Eriksson, Vitor Abreu, Janok P. Bhattacharya, Michael D. Blum, Robert W. Dalrymple, Christopher R. Fielding, William L. Fisher, William E. Galloway, Martin R. GiblingAbstract:Abstract Sequence Stratigraphy emphasizes facies relationships and stratal architecture within a chronological framework. Despite its wide use, Sequence Stratigraphy has yet to be included in any stratigraphic code or guide. This lack of standardization reflects the existence of competing approaches (or models) and confusing or even conflicting terminology. Standardization of Sequence Stratigraphy requires the definition of the fundamental model-independent concepts, units, bounding surfaces and workflow that outline the foundation of the method. A standardized scheme needs to be sufficiently broad to encompass all possible choices of approach, rather than being limited to a single approach or model. A Sequence stratigraphic framework includes genetic units that result from the interplay of accommodation and sedimentation (i.e., forced regressive, lowstand and highstand normal regressive, and transgressive), which are bounded by ‘Sequence stratigraphic’ surfaces. Each genetic unit is defined by specific stratal stacking patterns and bounding surfaces, and consists of a tract of correlatable depositional systems (i.e., a ‘systems tract’). The mappability of systems tracts and Sequence stratigraphic surfaces depends on depositional setting and the types of data available for analysis. It is this high degree of variability in the precise expression of Sequence stratigraphic units and bounding surfaces that requires the adoption of a methodology that is sufficiently flexible that it can accommodate the range of likely expressions. The integration of outcrop, core, well-log and seismic data affords the optimal approach to the application of Sequence Stratigraphy. Missing insights from one set of data or another may limit the ‘resolution’ of the Sequence stratigraphic interpretation. A standardized workflow of Sequence stratigraphic analysis requires the identification of all genetic units and bounding surfaces that can be delineated objectively, at the selected scale of observation, within a stratigraphic section. Construction of this model-independent framework of genetic units and bounding surfaces ensures the success of the Sequence stratigraphic method. Beyond this, the interpreter may make model-dependent choices with respect to which set of Sequence stratigraphic surfaces should be elevated in importance and be selected as Sequence boundaries. In practice, the succession often dictates which set of surfaces are best expressed and hold the greatest utility at defining Sequence boundaries and quasi-chronostratigraphic units. The nomenclature of systems tracts and Sequence stratigraphic surfaces is also model-dependent to some extent, but a standard set of terms is recommended to facilitate communication between all practitioners.
