Integrated stratigraphic correlation of Upper Devonian platform-to-basin carbonate sequences, Lennard Shelf, Canning Basin, Western Australia: advances in carbonate margin-to-slope sequence stratigraphy and stacking patterns
- Creators
- Playton, Ted E.
- Hocking, Roger M.
- Tohver, Eric
- Hillbun, Kelly
- Haines, Peter W.
- Trinajstic, Kate
- Roelofs, Brett
- Katz, David A.
-
Kirschvink, Joseph L.
- Grice, Kliti
- Montgomery, Paul
- Hansma, Jeroen
- Yan, Maodu
- Pisarevsky, Sergei
- Tulipani, Svenja
- Ratcliffe, Ken
- Caulfield-Kerney, Samuel
- Wray, David
Abstract
High-resolution, time-significant correlations are integral to meaningful stratigraphic frameworks in depositional systems but may be difficult to achieve using traditional sequence stratigraphic or biostratigraphic approaches alone, particularly in geologically complex settings. In steep, reefal carbonate margin-to-slope systems, such correlations are essential to unravel shelf-to-basin transitions, characterize strike variability, and develop predictive sequence stratigraphic models—concepts that are currently poorly understood in these heterogeneous settings. The Canning Basin Chronostratigraphy Project integrates multiple independent data sets (including biostratigraphy, magnetostratigraphy, stable isotope chemostratigraphy, and sequence stratigraphy) extracted from Upper Devonian (Frasnian and Famennian) reefal platform exposures along the Lennard Shelf, Canning Basin, Western Australia. These were used to generate a well-constrained stratigraphic framework and shelf-to-basin composite reconstruction of the carbonate system. The resultant integrated framework allows for unprecedented analysis of carbonate margin-to-slope heterogeneity, depositional architecture, and sequence stratigraphy along the Lennard Shelf. Systems tract architecture, facies partitioning, and stacking patterns of margin to lower-slope environments were assessed for six composite-scale sequences that form part of a transgressive-to-regressive supersequence and span the Frasnian–Famennian (F–F) biotic crisis. Variations are apparent in margin styles, foreslope facies proportions, dominant resedimentation processes, downslope contributing sediment factories, and vertical rock successions, related to hierarchical accommodation signals and ecological changes associated with the F–F boundary. We present these results in the form of carbonate margin-to-basin sequence stratigraphic models and associations that link seismic-scale architecture to fine-scale facies heterogeneity. These models provide a predictive foundation for characterization of steep-sided flanks of reefal carbonate platform systems that is useful for both industry and academia. This study emphasizes the utility of an integrated stratigraphic approach and the insights gained from better-constrained facies and stratal architecture analysis, insights that were not achievable with traditional sequence stratigraphic or biostratigraphic techniques alone.
Additional Information
© 2016 SEPM. Published: January 01, 2017. We especially thank the Aboriginal tribes of the Bunaba and Gooniyandi (Kuniandi) people, who allowed us to conduct this research on their sacred lands. Thanks to Paul Montgomery and Peter Cawood for the integrated chronostratigraphic vision and to Phil Playford for introduction to the outcrop belt. Special thanks to reviewers John Weissenberger, Ken Potma, William Morgan, Brian Pratt, and Charles Kerans for feedback and guidance that greatly improved the quality of the manuscript. Funding was supplied by the Australian Research Council Linkage Program (grant LP0883812), ARC-QEII Grant Program, ARC-DORA-3 Grant Program, MER- IWA, WAERA, CSIRO, Buru, Chevron Australian Business Unit, Chevron Energy Technology Company, the University of Greenwich, and Chemostrat, Ltd. Field support and safety assistance were provided by Wundargoodie Aboriginal Safaris (Colin and Maria Morgan and family and crew), the Geological Survey of Western Australia, Chevron Australian Business Unit, and Steve Meyer, Sean O'Connell, and Bill Robinson of Chevron. Thanks to Windjana Gorge National Park, Napier Downs, the Mimbi Community, Mount Pierre Station, Fossil Downs Station, Brooking Downs Station, the Pillara Mine, and the Cadjebut Mine for field area access and resources. Thanks to R. Addenbrooke, H. Allen, A. Duffy, G. Beacher, M. Diamond, T. Holland, J. Hsieh, L. Lanci, K. Liebe, E. Maslen, L. McEvoy, S. Shoepfer, U. Singh, M. Thorp, T. Tobin, A. Vonk, F. Wellmann, and K. Williford for field assistance. Thanks to E. Davies, M. Ducea, J. Klemm, F. Pardini, T. Raub, G. Rotberg, J. Sano, S. Slotznick, P. Ward, and M. Wright for logistical and/or analytical contributions. R.M. Hocking and P.W. Haines publish with the permission of the Executive Director of the Geological Survey of Western Australia.Attached Files
Published - sepb-16-01-248-301.pdf
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Additional details
- Eprint ID
- 87695
- Resolver ID
- CaltechAUTHORS:20180710-102611416
- LP0883812
- Australian Research Council
- Minerals Research Institute Of Western Australia
- Western Australian Energy Research Alliance
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
- Buru Energy Limited
- Chevron Australian Business Unit
- Chevron Energy Technology Company
- University of Greenwich
- Chemostrat, Ltd.
- Created
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2018-07-10Created from EPrint's datestamp field
- Updated
-
2021-11-15Created from EPrint's last_modified field
- Series Name
- SEPM Special Publication
- Series Volume or Issue Number
- 107