Major Controls on Build-and-Fill Sequences

1. Icehouse conditions - times of high amplitude and high frequency sea-level fluctuations

2. A perturbed system in which carbonate productivity is lower than optimum

3. Substrates not in highstand or lowstand positions

Examples of Settings

Examples used come from the Pennsylvanian of Kansas and New Mexico, Permian of New Mexico, and Upper Miocene of the Mediterranean Area (Spain)

Pennsylvanian Midcontinent Setting

Gondwana glaciation created high frequency-high amplitude sea-level fluctuations with amplitudes ~80-100+ m

High frequency sequences were deposited on a broad, gently tilted shelf bordering the rapidly subsiding Anadarko basin

Estimated durations of sea-level fluctuations are ~100-400 ka

Area was a semi-enclosed basin with a restricted connection to the open ocean

Similar sequences and facies associations occurred in S New Mexico, Paradox areas

Upper Miocene Mediterranean Setting

Extensive glaciation in the southern hemisphere created high frequency-high amplitude sea-level fluctuations with amplitudes ~75-100 m

The study area is characterized by highly variable gentle and steep sloped substrate. Sequences accumulated on gently sloping substrates

Estimated durations of sea level fluctuations are 25-100ka

Mediterranean area was a restricted basin. High frequency sequences were deposited just after, and perhaps concurrently with evaporite deposition in the main basin and sub-basins


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Last updated May 2004

http://www.kgs.ku.edu/PRS/publication/2004/AAPG/Build-and-Fill/P1-04.html