Lecture 24

1. Lithocorrelations
2. Well Logs
3. Seismic Reflections
4. Sequence Stratigraphy

Lithocorrelations

Correlating rocks based on lithology type and stratigraphic positioning

Hang correlation on marker beds
(Fig. 13.16, p. 476)

Colorado Plateau example (Fig. 13.19, p. 479)

Well Logs

Measure physical and chemical properties of lithologies by lowering instrumentation

into well (Fig. 13.20, p. 480)

Measure electric, gamma, sonic, and many other parameters (Fig. 13.22, p. 483)

Example of St. Genevieve in southern Illinois and use of Landmark software (show
figure)

Seismic Reflections

Mechanism
a. artificial propagation of seismic (elastic) waves (Fig. 14.1, p. 488)
b. reflected back to surface at discontinuities
c. velocities = 2 km/sec (some sediments) to 8 km/sec (ultramafics)
d. knowing the velocity allows calculation of the depth of the reflector
e. first studied in 1848 by Robert Malletin England
f. variable-density mode display

Reflection Geometries
a. Rich (1951) (Fig. 14.7, p. 495)
undaform platform top
clinoform platform margin
fondaform - basin
b. reflection categories (Fig. 14.4 14.6, p. 492-494)

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Sequence Stratigraphy

Depositional Sequence of Sloss (1963)

a. Definition: rock stratigraphic units of higher rank than group, megagroup or
supergroup, traceable over major areas of continent and bounded by unconformities of
interregional scope
b. Sloss (1963) figure
c. types of stratigraphic charts
- lateral distance versus rock thickness
- lateral distance versus time (Wheeler, 1958)

Depositional Sequence of Vail and Exxon

a. Definition: a stratigraphic unit composed of a relatively conformable succession of
genetically related strata that is bounded at it's top and base by unconformities or their
correlative conformities (smaller rock units than Sloss' definition)
b. Mitchum et al. (1977)
c. Vail was a graduate student of Sloss', and studied seismic reflection data
d. Exxon global cycle chart

Seismic Sequence Stratigraphy

a. based on concept that seismic reflections parallel bedding planes, which are of
chronostratigraphic significance
b. assumes that all strata within a depositional sequence were deposited within the
same given interval of time
c. diachronous = time lines cross bedding planes, equivalent lithologies not age
equivalent
d. development permitted
- ability to define of complex basin stratal architecture
- ability to identify, map, and correlate unconformities over great distances