Isotope chronostratigraphy: high-resolution stratigraphic correlations in deep-water exploration tracts of northern Gulf of Mexico

Conference · Tue Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1987 · AAPG (Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol.) Bull.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5907575

Trainor, D M; Williams, D F

Ongoing stable isotope research, with cuttings from over 16 Pliocene-Pleistocene deep-water wells, has established a high-resolution framework for chronostratigraphic tie lines between Pliocene-Pleistocene wells. Detailed oxygen isotope (O/sub 18//O/sub 16/) records from core material and 16 exploration wells at 30-ft intervals provide a large data base by which to establish a type chemical stratigraphy record for the Gulf of Mexico. This type section is used to evaluate the stratigraphic integrity of exploration wells and the timing and reliability of important calcareous nannofossil and foraminiferal biostratigraphic datums. Within this framework, freshwater discharge events and local or regional unconformities can be defined with high precision. The record can be used to relate large-scale and fine-scale changes in (1) sediment accumulation rates, (2) the distribution of sand-shale facies, and (3) seismic sequence boundaries of glacial-eustatic cycles. Integration of this information can lead to a more precise definition of the timing and extent of target sand bodies in deep-water exploration tracts.

• Research Organization: Univ. of South Carolina, Columbia
• OSTI ID: 5907575
• Report Number(s): CONF-8710198-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: AAPG (Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol.) Bull.; (United States) Journal Volume: 71:9
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020200* -- Petroleum-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
ATLANTIC OCEAN
CARIBBEAN SEA
EXPLORATION
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC HISTORY
GEOLOGY
GULF OF MEXICO
MINERAL RESOURCES
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
RESOURCES
ROCKS
SANDSTONES
SEAS
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
STRATIGRAPHY
SURFACE WATERS