SEQUENCE- STRATIGRAPHY

PROGRAM: S1-TEKNIK GEOLOGI-UP

By: Djuhaeni, ITB

Nugraha, UP
 What Sea-Level and Sea-Level Fluctuation?

Rising Sea Level?

- Deepening up
- Transgression
- Finning up
- Thinning up
- Retrogradation

Falling Sea Level?

- Shallowing up
- Regression
- Coarsening up
- Thickening up
- Progradation

Global Sea vs. Relative Sea Level?

 Global, Relative Sea-Levels, and Water Depth

Eustasy, Relative Sea Level and Water Depth

Sea Surface
WaterDepth
Relative
Sea Level

Water Eustasy
Bottom

Accumulated
Sediment
Datum

Center of
the Earth
 Controls on Strata

Relative sealevel (RSL) –

Accommodation elevation of sea-level
relative to the local datum

Water depth

Previously
accumulate
d sediment
Local datum -
Eustatic sealevel basement-
Elevation of sea- sediment contact
level relative to
the centre of the Basement
Earth

Fixed global datum

e.g. Centre of Earth
4
 Controls on Strata

Relative sealevel (RSL) –

Accommodation elevation of sea-level
relative to the local datum

Water depth

Previously
accumulate
d sediment
Local datum -
Eustatic sealevel basement-
Elevation of sea- sediment contact
level relative to
the centre of the Basement
Earth

Fixed global datum

e.g. Centre of Earth
5
 Controls on Strata

The simplest and most fundamental way to think about sequences is in terms of
the three factors, or variables, that control their development:

Sediment supply - the

volume of sediment being
delivered to a given area (e.g. a
sedimentary basin, a delta lobe,
the stoss-side of a ripple bed
form) through time.
E.g. 250x106 T yr-1of sediment
is supplied annually from the
Himalayas by the Indus river
into the Arabian Sea.
Eustasy - Changes in
elevation of the sea
surface with respect to
the centre of the Earth.
Varies globally (by
definition) due to
Tectonic subsidence/uplift - changing ocean volume
Vertical movements of the crust (related to plate
caused ultimately by plate tectonic tectonics) or by changing
movements. More detail on this later water volume (related to
in the course. e.g. formation of
icecaps).
 Accomodation Space

Rising

Falling

“ACCOMMODATION”
SPACE AVAILABLE

Water Depth
Uplift
Accumulated sediments

Subcidence Datum/Basement
 RSL & Accommodation
Time 1 Time 2
Sea surface
Accommodation - The
space available for
sediment to
Sea bottom accumulate at any
Accumulated sediment
point in a basin.
Datum
 relative sealevel
• Relative sealevel rises from time 1 to time 2 due to subsidence Accommodation is
• Sediment thickness deposited > relative sealevel rise, therefore dependent on all three
accommodation decreased factors that control
Time 1 Time 2 sequence
Sea surface
development- eustasy,
tectonic
Water depth subsidence/uplift AND
sediment supply
Accumulated sediment Sea bottom

 relative sealevel Datum

• Relative sealevel rises from time 1 to time 2 due to subsidence

• Sediment thickness deposited > relative sealevel rise, therefore
accommodation increased
 RSL & Accommodation
Time 1 Time 2
Sediment eroded
• Both diagrams are an
 relative sealevel Sea surface
Accumulated sediment
example of RSL fall
• In the field, and in
Datum many other data sets,
resulting strata are
• Sediment has filled accommodation to sea surface.
indistinguishable!
• Relative sea-level fall between time 1 and time 2 due to eustatic fall
• Sediment is exposed subaerially and eroded, producing unconformity • Hence the importance
Time 1 Time 2 Sediment eroded
of relative sealevel as a
Sea surface
term

Accumulated sediment
 relative sealevel Datum

• Sediment has filled accommodation to sea surface.

• Relative sea-level fall between time 1 and time 2 due to tectonic uplift
• Sediment is exposed subaerially and eroded, producing unconformity
Accomodation Space vs. Clastic Sedimentation
•What is sequence stratigraphy?
• Definition and predictions

•Elements of the sequence stratigraphic model

• Megasequences
• Sequences & systems tracts
• Parasequences
 Definitions and Predictions
• Sequence stratigraphy is a method for studying strata based on subdivision of the strata
into unconformity bounded units, or sequences, on a range of different scales
• Formation of the sequences is assumed to be driven primarily by relative sea-level
oscillations
• Based on this assumption, predictions can be made about likely stratal geometries and
the distribution of petroleum system elements in these strata
• Assumption of relative sea-level control also allows correlation of sequences, either
locally, regionally or perhaps even globally
 Definitions and Predictions

FSST
HST = Highstand systems tract
FSST = Falling stage systems tract
LST = Lowstand systems tract
TST = Transgressive systems tract
SB = sequence boundary
CS = condensed surface

• A sequence is a relatively conformable succession of genetically related strata bounded at

their upper surface and base by unconformities and their correlative conformities (Vail, et
al., 1977)
• A systems tract is a set of genetically associated stratigraphic units that were deposited
during specific phases of the relative sea-level cycle (Posamentier, et al, 1988)
• A parasequence is a relatively conformable succession of genetically related beds or
bedsets bounded by marine flooding surfaces or their correlative surfaces (Van Wagoner,
1985)
 Definitions and Predictions

Well 1 Well 2 Well 3

The Sequence Stratigraphic Heirarchy

• Basic transgressive-
regressive
architectures occur
on various temporal
and spatial scales
• Some element of
scale independence?
• Exploration focuses
on T-R cycle and
sequence scale
• Production issues
more concerned with
parasequence scale

From Duval, Cramez & Vail 1992

 The Sequence Stratigraphic Heirarchy
Regressive - Offlap Shoreline position
1st Order Megasequences
> 50 Myr
Transgressive
- Onlap

Sealevel
Highstand systems tract
Transgressive systems Lowstand wedge 2nd - 3rd
tract
Lowstand fan 2 Sequences
Order
Inner
shelf/fluvial Outer shelf Slope Deep-marine 1- 50 Myr

Sealevel
Parasequence 2 4th-5th Order Parasequences
Parasequence 1 10s to 100s of Kyr

Stack to make...

Nth Order Laminations, beds, bed

seconds, minutes, hours or years sets
 Megasequences
They’re big and long!
Sea-level curve Megasequence Unconformity
present
200m -200m
Quaternary
This is a TejasII
TejasIII Neogene
Paleogene
chronostratigraphic TejasI
65
ZuniIII
diagram from a Cretaceous
ZuniII
generalised cross- ZuniI 144

section through 213

Jurassic

North America AbsarokaIII Triassic

248
AbsarokaII Permian
286
AbsarokaI Pennsylvanian
333

KaskaskiaII Mississipian
360
KaskaskiaI Devonian
408
TippecanoeII Silurian
438

TippecanoeI
Ordovician

SaukIII 505
SaukII
Cambrian
SaukI 590
Precambrian
 Megasequences
Quaternary
TejasIII Neogene
TejasII
TejasI Paleogene
65
ZuniIII
ZuniII Cretaceous
144
ZuniI
Jurassic
213
AbsarokaIII Triassic
248
AbsarokaII Permian
286
AbsarokaI Pennsylvanian
333
KaskaskiaII Mississipian
360
KaskaskiaI Devonian
408
TippecanoeII Silurian
438

TippecanoeI
Ordovician
SaukIII 505
SaukII
Cambrian
SaukI 590
Precambrian
Sequences & Systems Tracts
 Sequences & Systems Tracts: The Terms
• Highstand is the period of high sea level during the cycle and the beds deposited during this
period are called the highstand systems tract (HST)

• During sea-level fall erosion of the shelf occurs as rivers erode into the sediment deposited
during the previous cycle: where erosion is localised the rivers cut incised valleys. This erosion
creates an unconformity, which in this context is also called a sequence boundary (SB)

• The interval of low sea level is called a lowstand and the deposits of this period are called the
lowstand systems tract (LST). The relative sea level is rising slowly but the rate of sediment
supply is relatively high

• The point at which the rate of creation of accommodation due to relative sea-level rise exceeds
the rate of sediment supply to fill the space is called the transgressive surface (TS)

• Deposits on the shelf formed during a period of relative sea level rising faster than the rate of
sediment supply are referred to as the transgressive systems tract (TST)

• As the rate of sea-level rise slows down the depositional system reaches the point where the
accommodation is balanced by sediment supply: The point of furthest landward extent of the
shoreline is called the maximum flooding surface (MFS)

• A return to aggradational and progradational patterns of shelf sedimentation marks the onset of
the highstand systems tract above the maximum flooding surface.
Sequences & Systems Tracts
 Sequences & Systems Tracts
Shelf-break Ramp
margin margin
 Sequences & Systems Tracts

• A sequence is a relatively conformable succession of genetically related strata bounded at

their upper surface and base by unconformities and their correlative conformities (Vail, et
al., 1977)
• A systems tract is a set of genetically associated stratigraphic units that were deposited
during specific phases of the relative sea-level cycle (Posamentier, et al, 1988)
• A parasequence is a relatively conformable succession of genetically related beds or
bedsets bounded by marine flooding surfaces or their correlative surfaces (Van Wagoner,
1985)
Normal versus Forced Regression
Deepwater Sand-Prone Strata:
The Lowstand Model
Parasequences
Parasequences

rise

fall

TIME
Parasequences
 Parasequences
Transgression
 Parasequences
Highstand
 Parasequences
Highstand to falling stage
 Parasequences
Late
Thinning-upwards HST • Ordered thickness
parasequences, proportion of
subtidal facies decreasing variations driven by
upwards
Early periodic
HST
accommodation
High
variations driven by
periodic RSL
TST
variations
3rd-order
RSL FSST
LST Thick parasequences, • Requires at least
subtidal dominated
two superimposed
periods and
Thickening-upwards amplitude of RSL
Low parasequences, proportion of
subtidal facies increasing upwards oscillation
Thin parasequences, Paleosol
• Commonly assumed
tidal-flat dominated
Shallowing- Tidal-flat facies model for both
upwards
parasequenc Shallow subtidal parasequences and
es facies
high-frequency
sequences
From Bosence & Wilson, 2003
 Parasequences
Offshore
Marine flooding
surface
Foreshore

Estuarine
Upper Sequence
shoreface boundary

Upper
shoreface
Highstand

Tens to hundreds of metres

systems
Lower tract
shoreface
Lower
shoreface

Condensed Maximum
facies flooding
Offshore surface
Offshore Lower
Marine flooding shoreface Transgressive
surface systems
Foreshore tract
Upper
shoreface

A parasequence is a relatively
conformable succession of Lowstand
Estuarine systems
genetically related beds or tract
bedsets bounded by marine Parasequences Sequence
boundary
flooding surfaces or their Upper
correlative surfaces shoreface
 Parasequences
• “A relatively conformable succession of genetically related beds or bedsets
bounded by marine flooding surfaces or their correlative surfaces.”
(Van Wagoner et al. 1990)
• Parasequences are the building blocks of sequences.

Scale - metres to tens of metres

Two examples of parasequences, showing:

• Shallowing-upwards depositional trends
• Capped by flooding surfaces across which water-depth increases

Question - what controls parasequence formation?

 Parasequences

• Parasequences can be very

useful building blocks for
identifying stacking
patterns, interwell and
regional correlation and for
building static reservoir
models
• So how do we recognise
parasequences on Gamma-
logs?
 Sequence Stratigraphy Concept
Well Data
Lithostratigraphy

Lithologic Information

Chronostratigraphy
Sequence Stratigraphy Concept
Parasequence Concept:Coarsening Upward Parasequence in a Coatal Env: Wave Dominated Coastal Deposit
Parasequence Concept:Coarsening Upward Parasequence in a Coastal Env: Fluvial Dominated Coastal Deposit (Delta)
Parasequence Concept: Fining Upward Parasequence in a Tidal Flat: Tidal Dominated Coastal Deposit
Parasequence Concept: Exercised
 Parasequence Concept: Parasequence Boundary Types

PARASEQUENCE BOUNDARY VARIASIONS

PSB PSB PSB PSB

Erosion
Surface

LOW ENERGY FLOODING

LOW ENERGY FLOODING HIGH ENERGY FLOODING

BAY-LAGOON-FLUVIAL SHOREFACE-UPPER SF LOWERSHORFACE-SHELF

Parasequence Concept: Delta Concept of Allen et, al, 1997
Parasequence Concept: Delta Concept of Allen et, al, 1997
Parasequence Concept: Allen et, al, 1997 vs. Van Wagoner, 1991
Stacking Pattern Parasequence: Progradation and Retrogradation Parasequence Sets
Correlation: Parasequence s vs. Sand to Sand Correlations
Correlation: Parasequence s vs. Sand to Sand Correlations
Correlation: Parasequence s vs. Sand to Sand Correlations
Correlation: Parasequence s vs. Sand to Sand Correlations
 Stacking Pattern Parasequence: Progradation Parasequence Sets

Well#01 Well#02 Well#03 Well#04

 Stacking Pattern Parasequence: Retrogradational Parasequence Sets

Well#01 Well#02 Well#03 Well#04 Well#05

Accomodation vs. Carbonates Build-Up
Mechanisms: Eustasy
Mechanisms: Local Tectonics
 Mechanisms: Regional Tectonics

Regional tectonic uplift & subsidence due to mantle convection – dynamic topography

From Burgess, 2008

 Mechanisms: Regional Tectonics

• Supposedly passive margin of

eastern USA assumed to be
tectonically queiscent,
undergoing slow steady
subsidence due to late stage
port-rift thermal requilibration
and isostatic adjustment
• Convection modelling
conditioned with mantle
tomography suggests much
more complex uplift &
subsidence history, dependent
on mantle viscosity structure
• The work of Miller et al, Neftex
and other proponents of
eustatic curves is just simply
wrong…

From Moucha et al 2008, EPSL vol. 271

Mechanisms: Temperature
Mechanisms: Continental Water Sequestration
Mechanisms: Continental Ice Sequestration
Mechanisms: Ocean Basin Volumes
Mechanisms: Ocean Basin Volumes
 Mechanisms: Ocean Basin Volumes
Changes in dynamic topography
0 Ma Present day 30 Ma Early Oligocene

• Dynamic topographic lows related • Dynamic topographic lows related

to subduction of the west Pacific to subduction of the west Pacific
plate largely gone plate
• Decreased ocean basin volume • Increased ocean basin volume
• Eustatic rise 30 Ma to present • Eustatic low

From Moucha et al 2008, EPSL vol. 271

 Mechanisms: Milankovitch Climate Cycles

• Periodic fluctuations in Earth’s orbit and

axis of rotation assumed to drive climate
cycles
• Climate cycles in turn drive eustatic sea-
level change via water temperature and ice
volume