1. Practical Sequence Stratigraphy
Applications of Sequence Theory to Interpretation of the Stratigraphic Record

2. Some Definitions and Review of Key Concepts
Depositional Environment
(Geographic) Place on the earth’s surface today (or in the geologic past) where sediment is/was deposited
Sedimentary Facies
A rock unit with distinct lithologic “aspect” produced by physical, biological, and chemical processes in some depositional environment
Facies Associations
spatial associations of genetically related sedimentary facies reflecting some depositional environment in the stratigraphic record
Facies Sequences are distinct vertical successions of facies reflecting some depositional environment in the stratigraphic record
Depositional System
Three dimensional association of sedimentary facies representing the stratigraphic record of a particular depositional environment
Basically a facies association
Depositional Systems Tract
Three dimensional assemblage of sedimentary strata deposited in genetically related depositional environments during a limited period of geological time, associated depositional systems.

3. Some Definitions
Sequence Stratigraphy [Also see USC Sequence Stratigraphy Web]
Sequence Stratigraphy is an approach to the study of time, space, and lithologic relationships in the stratigraphic record that uses cycles of relative sea level change and accommodation space in sedimentary basins to explain and predict stratal geometry. (This term is tied to the version of allostratigraphy devised by the Exxon Production Research Group)
This approach emphasizes the recognition of key stratal surfaces,
their relationship to accommodation space
their chronostratigraphic significance
their predictive utility

4. Some Definitions and Review of Key Concepts
Allostratigraphy
Subdivision of the stratigraphic record otbo unconformities, their correlative conformities, and other key stratal surfaces;
These surfaces are allogenic (generated by processes essentially external to the site of sedimentation) and are chronostratigraphically (provide information on relative geologic age) significant
“In any given basin, or part of a basin, the effect on accommodation
space of base level changes will exert a fundamental control on
stratigraphy. The effects of these changes can be used as a way
of analyzing the succession of sedimentary strata. The utility of
the allostratigraphic approach is unquestionable regardless of our
inability to clearly establish the synchroneity of global eustatic
change with local, relative sea level change.”
Nichols, 1999

5. Some Definitions Depositional Sequence
A succession of relatively conformable, genetically related strata bounded by unconformities (and their correlative conformities). A subdivision of the rock record.
Depositional sequences are inferred to form through one cycle of relative sea level fall, rise and subsequent fall on a time frame between 1 to 10 my (third order cycles of relative sea level change)
Depositional sequences have a predictable internal structure consisting of major key stratal surfaces and depositional systems tracts

6. Some Definitions Depositional Systems Tracts
Internal “anatomy” of depositional systems tracts
Depositional Systems Tracts
The components of depositional sequences formed during different portions of a cycle of relative sea level change representing genetically associated stratigraphic units
Lowstand Systems Tract
Transgressive Systems Tract
Highstand Systems Tract

7. Some Definitions Major Stratal Surfaces
sequence boundaries (erosional unconformity; disconformity)
transgressive surfaces (ravinement surfaces)
maximum flooding surfaces (condensed section; paraconformities)

8. Shelf-Break versus Ramp Clastics-Dominated Continental Margin

9. variable

10. Basic Depositional Sequence/Systems Tract Model for a Generic, Clastics-Dominated Continental Margin

11. Scales of Sequence Stratigraphy
Depositional Sequences were defined using seismic data (resolution 10’s to 100’s of meters): Low Resolution Sequence Stratigraphy

12. High Resolution Sequence Stratigraphy
Integration of Log, Core, and/or Outcrop scale observations: Parasequences
relatively conformable successions of genetically related beds/bedsets bounded by marine flooding surfaces (and their correlative stratal surfaces)
generally consist of upward coarsening/shoaling successions bounded by thin, upward deepening units

13. Some Definitions Parasequences
genetically related, progradational, shoaling or shallowing upwards bed sets bounded at the top (and base) by a (smaller scale time and amplitude) marine flooding surface. A subdivision of the rock record.
Shoaling upwards packages of sediment related to one idealized cycle of relative sea level rise and fall on a time frame between 0.1 to 1 my (fourth or fifth order {“higher”} order) cycles of relative sea level change or variations in sediment input due to autocyclic processes)
Chronostratigraphic significance of flooding “stratal” surfaces, best represented in shore line to shelf successions

14. Some Definitions
Internal stratigraphic Architecture and Stacking patterns
Retrogradational stacking patterns
Aggradational stacking patterns
Progradational Stacking patterns

15. Hierarchy of Sedimentary Sequences
Rise
Fall

16. Sequence Stratigraphy First Principles and Controls
Implication of high resolution sequence concepts to aquifer/hydrocarbon reservoir correlation
Van Wagoner, et al., 1990
Retrogradational System
Progradational System

17. Stratigraphic Expression of Relative Sea Level Cycles
Long Term Cycles
Short Term Cycles
Stratigraphic Expression of Relative Sea Level Cycles
The Sequence Model
A tool for predicting stratigraphic architecture
Methodology for basin wide correlation
May be used for interregional correlation through recognition of Eustatic Cycles