EvapStratSigKendall.ppt

PRESENTATION OUTLINE Interpretation of stratigraphic sections is often based on the use of surfaces to subdivide the section – namely “Sequence Stratigraphy” If constrained by time depositional setting the bounding surfaces of evaporites form distinct widespread stratigraphic markers Updip supratidal sabkha evaporite cycles Downdip restricted playas basin evaporites Unique strong ties exist and constrain the timing of the accumulation linear belts of marine lacustrian evaporites when arid climates plate tectonic setting coincide Sequence Stratigraphic Interpretation Bounding Surfaces of Evaporites Distinct widespread stratigraphic markers constrained by time depositional setting: Updip supratidal sabkha evaporite cycles (upper bounding surface preserved in regressive coastlines matching sea level position of the late high stand system tract) Downdip restricted playas basin evaporites (upper surface coincides with sea level position of the lowstand and following transgressive system tract) Updip Supratidal Sabkha Cycles Regressive coastlines match the sea level position of the late Highstand SystemTract Matrix rich Circumscribe depositional basin Interbedded facies include:- Up dip - Wadii sediments aeolian sand Down dip - Cycles of shallow water carbonate Evaporites – sometimes signaled by solution breccias Restricted Playas Basin Evaporites Match sea level of Lowstand and Transgressive System Tract Matrix poor Deeper parts of the isolated evaporite basin Extensive bodies Thin interbedded fabric reflects seasonal evaporative cycles of circum basin climate Dead Sea Evaporites as Time Markers Unique strong ties exist constrain the timing of evaporite accumulations. These linear belts of marine lacustrian evaporites coincide with: Arid climates Plate tectonic setting Origin of Evaporites Rain shadow Width of continent High mountains Air System of the Arid Tropics Where when do thick evaporites accumulate? Break up of continental pl