Abstract
In 1963 there were relatively few comprehensive studies on the paleoenvironments of sandstone and carbonate bodies. Today, this is a major area of investigation both by industry and by academics, and there is a very substantial literature, a very small part of which is summarized in Table 7-1. Underlying this effort is the idea that knowledge of the environment of deposition can help predict the size, shape, and orientation of a terrigenous and/or carbonate body as well as provide a guide to the internal distribution of its porosity and permeability. We emphasize only that part of this vast literature that relates shape to paleocurrents.
Although there are many studies on the paleoenvironments and shape of terrigenous and carbonate bodies, data about shape and paleocurrents is still largely lacking and almost totally so in carbonates.
Although there are many studies on the paleoenvironments and shape of terrigenous and carbonate bodies, data about shape and paleocurrents is still largely lacking and almost totally so in carbonates.
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References
Annotated References
Assereto, R., and F. Benelli, 1971: Sedimentology of the pre-Cenomanian Formations of the Jebel Ghorian, Libya in Carlyle Gray, ed. Symposium on the Geology of Libya. Tripoli, University of Libya, Fac. Sci., 37–83. Integrated environmental study featuring sedimentary structures, paleocurrents and petrology of a carbonate-terrigenous platform sequence of Mesozoic age. This paper is a good example of the now routine use of paleocurrents in environmental reconstruc
Baars, D. L., and W. R. Seager, 1970: Stratigraphic control of petroleum in White Rim Sandstone (Permian) in and near Canyonlands National Park, Utah. Bull. Am. Assoc. Petrol. Geologists 54, 709–718. One of the few studies of a large marine bar that can be seen in outcrop as well as mapped in subsurface. Megaripples super-imposed on a 200-foot high, 10-mile long bar. Some cross-bedding is up to 50 feet thick and is oriented transverse to trend of offshore bar.
Ball, M. M., 1967: Carbonate sand bodies of Florida and the Bahamas. J. Sediment Petrology 37,556–591. Geometry of tidal oolite bodies in relation to sediment transport directions and basin shape.
Banks, N. L., 1973: Tide-dominated offshore sedimentation, Lower Cambrian, north Norway. Sedimentology 20, 213–228. Four facies of tidally influenced, shallow marine shelf sandstones defined on the basis of grain size, bed thickness and sedimentary structures. Sand deposition believed to be a response to storm-enhanced, tidal currents. Author does not believe sandstone body shape can be predicted. Figure 9 is useful model for possible interpretation of offshore, tidally influenced sandstone bodies.
Bennacef, A., S. Beuf, B. Biju-Duval, O. Decharpal, O. Gariel and P. Rognon, 1971: Example of cratonic sedimentation, Lower Paleozoic of Algerian Sahara. Bull. Am. Assoc. Petrol. Geologists 55, 2225–2245. Remarkable exposure and geologic history of several proglacial and periglacial sandstone bodies related to Cambrian-Ordovician glaciation plus raised beaches.
Berg, R., 1966: Point-bar origin of Fall River sandstone reservoirs, northeastern Wyoming. Bull. Am. Assoc. Petrol. Geologists 52, 2116–2122. Classic subsurface study which uses the modern to interpret a Cretaceous alluvial deposit. Short and very sweet.
Brown, L. F., jr., A. W. Cleaves II and A. W. Erxleben, 1973: Pennsylvanian depositional systems in north-central Texas. Geol. Soc. Am., Guidebook 14, 122 p. Outstanding illustrations for geometry of sandstones on the shelf and slope.
Chisholm, J. I., and J. M. Dean, 1974: The Upper Old Red Sandstone of Fife and Kinross: a fluviatile sequence with evidence of marine incursion. Scottish J. Geol. 10, 1–30. Comprehensive paleocurrent study of cross-bedding displayed by histograms at outcrops, maps and histograms of dip angle plus an interesting illustration showing relationships between outcrops, their stratigraphic position, and their dominant sedimentary structures (Fig. 8).
Carr, D. C., 1973: Geometry and origin of oolite bodies in the Ste. Genevieve Limestone (Mississippian) in the Illinois Basin. Indiana Geol. Survey Bull. 48, 81 p. One of the few studies relating orientation of oolitic bodies to paleoslope of basin plus a summary of geometry of oolitic bodies, modern and ancient (Table 6). Key ideas: oolitic bars, geometry, paleocurrents, and paleoslope.
Derr, M. E., 1974: Sedimentary structure and depositional environment of paleochannels in the Jurassic Morrison Formation near Green River, Utah. Geological studies, Brigham Young University 21, (3),3–40. Exhumed fluvial-channel segments provide opportunity to relate paleocurrents, textures, and vertical sequences to geometries. Point-bar and avulsion channel sequences compared.
Evans, W. E., 1970: Imbricate linear sandstone bodies of Viking Formation in Dosland-Hoosier area of southwestern Saskatchewan, Canada. Bull. Am. Assoc. Petrol. Geologists 54, 469–486. An apparent blanket sandstone really consists of three imbricate, linear members believed to have been deposited by tidal currents on a shallow sea. Some widespread chert pebble beds are present.
Exum, F. A., and J. C. Harms, 1968: Comparison of marine-bar with valley-fill stratigraphic traps, western Nebraska. Bull. Am. Assoc. Petrol. Geologists 52, 1851–1868. Comparison and contrast of geometry of sandstone bodies, the dip of their crossstratification, degree of bioturbation, petrology and reservoir characteristics. Classic.
Glaze, R. E., ed., 1973: Core book. Wyoming Geol. Assoc., 25th Ann. Symp. and Core Seminar, 178 p. Descriptions, photographs, some wire line logs, and environmental interpretations of 24 cores from the Rocky Mountain Region plus a brief section on core processing. A useful book for all those who must describe and interpret diamond drill core. No paleocurrent data, but still very worthwhile.
Goodwin, P. W., and E. J. Anderson, 1974: Associated physical and biogenic structures in environmental subdivision of a Cambrian tidal sandbody. J. Geol. 82, 779–794. This paper, although lacking geometry, is a good example of environmental analysis using sedimentary structures, both physical and biologic.
Harms, J. C., 1966: Stratigraphic traps in a valley fill. Bull. Am. Assoc. Petrol. Geologists 50, 2119–2149. Comprehensive core description combined with careful electric log study distinguishes an alluvial valley sandstone from marine sheet sandstones. Good pictures of cores.
Hewitt, C., and J. T. Morgan, 1965: The Fry in situ combustion test-reservoir characteristics. J. Petrol. Technol. 17, 337–353. An outstanding subsurface study including vertical sequence, sandstone body shape, directional permeability and reservoir characteristics. Far ahead of its time.
Hobday, D. K., and H. G. Reading, 1972: Fair weather versus storm processes in shallow marine sand bar sequences in the Late Pre-Cambrian of Finnmark, north Norway. J. Sediment. Petrol. 42, 318–324. Little directly on shape of sandstone bodies, but useful because it relates crossbedding to inclined lateral accretion surfaces and distinguishes between foul and fair weather growth.
Houbolt, J. J. H. C., 1968: Recent sediments in the southern bight of the North Sea. Geol. Mijnbouw 47, (4),245–273. Good data on sand ridges and megaripples. Very impressive maps.
Hrabar, S. V., and P. E. Potter, 1969: Lower West Baden (Mississippian) sandstone body of Owen and Greene Counties, Indiana. Bull. Am. Assoc. Petrol. Geologists 53, 2150–2160. Detailed study of cross-bedding in a delta finger sandstone body, which has an upper and lower part: lower body was partially filled by tidal currents; upper body by downdip, fluvial currents. Key words: geometry,paleocurrents, environmental reconstruction, and permeability.
Kendall, C. G. S. C., and Sir P. A. D. Skipwith, 1969: Geomorphology of a recent shallow-water carbonate province: Khar Al Bazam, Trucial Coast, southwest Persian Gulf. Geol. Soc. Am. Bull. 80, 865–892. Plates 5 and 6 map orientation of sand ribbons, longitudinal and transverse megaripples, sand waves, and gullies and runnels on a shallow carbonate shelf.
King, R. E., ed., 1972: Stratigraphic oil and gas fields-classification, exploration methods and case histories. Am. Assoc. Petrol. Geologists Mem. 16, Soc. Exploration Geophys. Sp. Pub. 10, 687 p. Many useful articles arranged in to geologic and geophysical exploration methods and case histories of which there are 36.
Ludwick, J. E., 1970: Sand waves and tidal channels in the entrance to Chesapeake Bay. Virginia Acad. Sci. 21, 178–184. Sand bodies 5—12 feet high and 200—1200 feet long occur in water 20—25 feet deep. Surely they must have many ancient equivalents. See also NEWTON and WERNER (1971).
Ludwick, J. E., 1974: Tidal currents and zig-zag sand shoals in a wide estuary entrance: Bull. Geol. Soc. Am. 85, 717–726. An important paper that applies to both terrigenous and carbonate sand bodies; contains many relevant references to their dynamics. Good source of references.
Mcgowen, J. H., 1971: Gum Hollow fan delta, Nueces Bay, Texas: University of Texas Austin, Bur. Econ. Geol., Rept. Inv. 69, 91 p. Excellent source for maps of paleocurrent indicators and their relationship to sand distribution patterns. Case history of a 30-year old, man-made fan deposited at sea level.
Mccubbin, D. G., 1969: Cretaceous strike-valley sandstone reservoirs, northwestern New Mexico. Bull. Am. Assoc. Petrol. Geologists 52, 2114–2140. Individual sandstone bodies localized on seaward side of buried cuestas having local relief of more than 30m. Sand was transported along shore parallel to the orientation of the buried cuestas. Key words: paleocurrents, sandbody geometry, paleotopography, paleogeology, and longshore transport.
Mcdonnell, K. L., 1974: Depositional environments of the Triassic Gosford Formation, Sydney Basin. J. Geol. Soc. Australia 21, 107–132. A matrix of primary sedimentary structures is used to interpret the depositional environment of a Triassic sand-shale sequence. Paleocurrents and many informative illustrations.
Milton, D. J., 1973: Water and processes of degradation in the Martian landscape. J. Geophys. Res. 78,4037–4047. Alluvial ( ?) sandbodies on the Martian landscape.
Newton, R. S., and F. Werner, 1971: Form und Schichtungsgefttge periodischer Sandkorper im Strömungsfeld des Außenelbewatts. Geol. Rundschau 60, 321–330. Mapping of sandwaves on tidal flats gives good indication of current orientation. Discussion of external form and internal oriented structures. Compare with KENDALL and SKIPWITH (1969).
Park, Y. A., 1974: Migration and textural parameters of intertidal channel sand bars in the tidal environments near Sylt, Schleswig-Holstein (F. R. Germany): Meyniana 24, 73–89. Bedforms, sandbody shapes and grain size all very well done and illustrated.
Schmitz, U., 1971: Stratigraphie und Sedimentologie im Kambrium und Tremadoc der westlichen Iberischen Ketten nordlich von Ateca (Zaragoza) NE-Spanien. Mimster/Westf. 22, 123 p. A good example of an integrated field study wherein paleocurrents (cross-bedding, ripples, and fossil orientation) are routinely used along with other sedimentary structures, trace fossils and vertical sequences to help establish the environment of deposition (English and French summaries).
Sedimentation Seminar, 1972: Bethel Sandstone (Mississippian) of western Kentucky and south-central Indiana, a submarine-channel fill. Kentucky Geol. Survey, Ser. X, 24p. Excellent correlation between orientation of cross-bedding of marine sandstone and a sharply defined, narrow and very long paleovalley on the North American craton.
Selley, R. C., 1976: Subsurface environmental analysis of North Sea sediments: Am. Assoc. Petroleum Geologists. Bull. 60, 184–195. Argues that modem sedimentary environments tend to generate characteristic vertical sequences of grain size and sedimentary structures (and to some degree composition) which can be perceived by examining a combination of wire line logs plus cuttings and/or cores. Informative schematic drawings, especially Figure 1.
Sestini, G., 1971: Sedimentology of a paleoplacer: The gold-bearing Tarkwaian of Ghana in G. C. Amstulz and A. J. Bernard, eds., Ores in sediments. BerlinHeidelberg-New York, Springer, 275–305. Precambrian gold, conglomerates, paleocurrents plus ore body geometry and trends-a very practical application of paleocurre
Spearing, D. R., Compiler, 1974: Summary sheets of sedimentary deposits with bibliographies. Geol. Soc. Am., Misc. Chart 8. Seven sheets, one each for alluvial fans, alluvial, eolian, regressive shoreline, coastal barriers, tidal and turbidity deposits. Handy and informative with a total of over 500 references, mostly to the English literature. An exceptionally good and compact source of information, which should not be overlooked.
Swett, K., G. Devries Klein and D. E. Smit, 1970: A Cambrian tidal sandbody the Eriboll Sandstone of Northwest Scotland; an ancient recent analog. J. Geol. 79, 400–415. Regional measurement of cross-bedding and inventory of other structures in a thick, 670 ft, sandstone. Paleocurrents markedly polymodal with weak regional trend. Table 1 is useful example of environmental matching.
Thompson, D. B., 1970: Sedimentation of the Triassic (Scythian) red, pebbly sandstones in the Cheshire Basin and its margins. Geol. J.7, 183–216. Paleocurrents are part of an environmental analysis with Figs. 7 and 8 good.
Veen, F. R. van, 1971: Depositional environments of the Eocene Miador and Misoa Formations, Maracaibo Basin, Venezuela. Geol. Mijnbouw 50, 527–546. Outcrops and cores used to recognize fluvial and deltaic sandstones, the latter comparable to the Mississippi. Point-bar, distributary channel, and barrier bar sandstone bodies recognized and profiled. Application to subsurface.
Vos, R. G., 1975: An alluvial plain and lacustrine model for the pre-Cambrian Witwatersrand deposits of South Africa. J. Sediment. Petrol. 45, 480–493. Trends of gold-enriched placers and their similarity to the channels of a braided stream.
Weber, K. J., 1971: Sedimentological aspects of oil fields in the Niger delta. Geol. Mijnbouw 50, 559–576. Sandstone bodies and their depositional environments related to general delta development with good documentation of shape, grain size, and log characteristics. Poin t and barrier bar pIus tidal sandstone bodies as well as discussion of on-and off-lap cycles, each about 50 feet thick. Good discussion of sedimentation and growth fa ul ts is an extra dividend.
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Potter, P.E., Pettijohn, F.J. (1977). Internal Directional Structures and Shape of Sedimentary Bodies (1963–1976). In: Paleocurrents and Basin Analysis. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-61887-1_13
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