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Sequence Stratigraphy

Sequence stratigraphy is a branch of geology that analyzes sedimentary rock sequences to understand depositional processes and geological history through identification of sequences bounded by unconformities. Sequences accumulate in response to sea level and sediment supply changes, forming distinct units that can be correlated between locations. Key concepts include sequence boundaries marking new sequences, systems tracts that are genetically related packages bounded by sequences and characterized by depositional environments, and maximum flooding surfaces separating transgressive and highstand systems tracts. Sequence stratigraphy helps understand past sea level changes, sediment responses, regional geology, facies distribution, and has implications for hydrocarbon exploration.

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Madhurjya Phukan
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37 views

Sequence Stratigraphy

Sequence stratigraphy is a branch of geology that analyzes sedimentary rock sequences to understand depositional processes and geological history through identification of sequences bounded by unconformities. Sequences accumulate in response to sea level and sediment supply changes, forming distinct units that can be correlated between locations. Key concepts include sequence boundaries marking new sequences, systems tracts that are genetically related packages bounded by sequences and characterized by depositional environments, and maximum flooding surfaces separating transgressive and highstand systems tracts. Sequence stratigraphy helps understand past sea level changes, sediment responses, regional geology, facies distribution, and has implications for hydrocarbon exploration.

Uploaded by

Madhurjya Phukan
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Sequence stratigraphy is a branch of geology that focuses on the interpretation and analysis

of sedimentary rock sequences in order to understand the processes that controlled their
deposition and the geological history of an area. It involves the identification and correlation
of genetically related sedimentary packages called sequences, which are bounded by
unconformities or other significant surfaces.

The main principles of sequence stratigraphy are based on the recognition that sedimentary
rocks accumulate in response to changes in sea level and sediment supply. These changes
result in the formation of distinct units within a stratigraphic succession, which can be
correlated across different locations.

Key concepts and components of sequence stratigraphy include:

1. Sequence Boundaries: These are unconformities or erosional surfaces that mark the
beginning of a new sequence. They represent periods of non-deposition or erosion
caused by changes in sea level.
2. Systems Tracts: Systems tracts are genetically related packages of sedimentary rocks
that are bounded by sequence boundaries. They are characterized by specific
depositional environments and represent distinct phases of the depositional system.
The most commonly recognized systems tracts include:
a. Transgressive Systems Tract (TST): This tract forms during a rise in sea level and is
characterized by retrogradational stacking patterns. Sediments accumulate in
progressively deeper environments.
b. Highstand Systems Tract (HST): The HST forms during a period of relatively stable
sea level. Sediments accumulate in a progradational stacking pattern, reflecting a
gradual seaward advance of depositional environments.
c. Lowstand Systems Tract (LST): The LST develops during a fall in sea level and is
characterized by progradational stacking patterns. Sediments accumulate in
progressively shallower environments.
3. Maximum Flooding Surface (MFS): The MFS is a surface that represents the maximum
extent of marine flooding during a transgressive phase. It typically separates the TST
from the overlying HST.

By identifying and correlating sequence boundaries, systems tracts, and maximum flooding
surfaces within a sedimentary succession, geologists can decipher the relative sea-level
changes and sedimentary responses through time. This helps in understanding the regional
and global geological history, predicting facies distribution, and can also have implications
for hydrocarbon exploration and reservoir characterization.

Sequence stratigraphy is widely used in both academia and the petroleum industry as a
valuable tool for understanding the stratigraphic architecture, depositional environments,
and reservoir potential of sedimentary basins. It provides a framework for interpreting the

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complex interplay between sea-level fluctuations, sediment supply, and tectonic processes
that shape the Earth's surface.

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