Stacked shoreline and shelf sandstone of La Ventana Tongue (Campanian), Northwestern New Mexico

Journal Article · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1984 · AAPG Bull.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6359865

Palmer, J J; Scott, A J

The coastal sandstones of the La Ventana Tongue in the San Juan basin, New Mexico, were deposited along the western margin of the Cretaceous Western Interior seaway and form the thickest ''bench'' of the Cliff House Sandstone (Mesaverde Group). The Cliff House Sandstone represents the transgressive phase of the Clagget cycle sandstones of the thick (up to 800 ft,) La Ventana Tongue stacked within a narrow zone due to a gross balance among basin subsidence, eustatic sea level changes, and sediment supply rates. Regional net-sandstone distribution highlights the elongate geometry and depositional strike (N50/sup 0/W) of the unit. Distinctive geometries of sandstone subunits and previous outcrop studies indicate deposition of La Ventana Tongue sediments in wave-dominated deltas and associtiated strand plain-coastal barrier systems, as well as shelf sandbar systems. Subdued, dip-oriented bulges in shoreline deposits represent deltaic headlands. Shoreline areas between headlands are considered to be strand plains or coastal barriers. Relatively isolated, elongate sandstones in offshore positions represent shelf sandbar systems.

• Research Organization: Exxon Co. USA, New Orleans, LA
• OSTI ID: 6359865
• Journal Information: AAPG Bull.; (United States), Journal Name: AAPG Bull.; (United States) Vol. 68:1; ISSN AABUD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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CRETACEOUS PERIOD
DATA ANALYSIS
ELECTRICAL SURVEYS
FEDERAL REGION VI
GEOLOGIC AGES
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
LEVELS
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SEDIMENTARY BASINS
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
SEDIMENTATION
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USA