The biostratigraphic package approach to regional sequence stratigraphy and exploration

Conference · Fri Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1991 · AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (United States)

OSTI ID:7024838

Lane, H R ^[1]; Frye, M W ^[2]

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1. Amoco Production Co., Houston, TX (United States)
2. Resource Consulting Group, Morrison, CO (United States)

The 'Biostratigraphic Package Approach' to regional sequence stratigraphic interpretation is an exploration-oriented set of procedures that promotes and facilitates the multidisciplinary integration of paleontological, geological, and geophysical data and leads to a functional correlation framework. Basic to the approach is the recognition of a new biostratigraphic unit termed a 'Biothem,' which is here defined as a modified wedge- or lens-shaped body of strata that is: (1) bounded in its updip or near-shore extent by paleontologically recognizable unconformities, (2) conformable with underlying and overlying biothems in its maximum, ideal shelfal development, (3) where applicable, conformable or bounded by surfaces of nondeposition and/or submarine erosion in its downdip basinal or 'starved' equivalent, and (4) characterized by a logical sequence of depositionally related facies. Biothems are practical units whose definitions and degree of refinement are solely dependent on the quality and availability of biostratigraphic control. Thus, biothems may transcend stratigraphic rank but are conceptually the same as any of W.H.C. Ramsbottom's three unconformity-bounded units (Synthem, Mesothem, and Cyclothem). Ideal individual biothems, especially those of Mesothem or Cyclothem rank, are interpreted to be depositionally related and most likely equivalent to one transgressive-regressive depositional sequence. Biothems, as derived from the Biostratigraphic Package Approach, are most useful for establishing a time-stratigraphic framework in which to perform areal resource evaluations, especially in cratonic sequences, where seismic stratigraphic methods may not resolve carbonate on carbonate unconformities or sequence boundaries.

• OSTI ID: 7024838
• Report Number(s): CONF-910403--
• Conference Information: Journal Name: AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (United States) Journal Volume: 75:3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020200* -- Petroleum-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
03 NATURAL GAS
030200 -- Natural Gas-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
58 GEOSCIENCES
580000 -- Geosciences
AGE ESTIMATION
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
EVALUATION
EXPLORATION
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC STRATA
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
GEOLOGY
MINERAL RESOURCES
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
PALEONTOLOGY
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
RESOURCES
STRATIFICATION
STRATIGRAPHY