3D and 4D controls on carbonate depositional systems: sedimentological and sequence stratigraphic analysis of an attached carbonate platform and atoll (Miocene, Níjar Basin, SE Spain)

Abstract

This study investigates the controls on three-dimensional stratigraphic geometries and facies of shallow-water carbonate depositional sequences. A 15 km 2 area of well-exposed Mid to Late Miocene carbonates on the margin of the Níjar Basin of SE Spain was mapped in detail. An attached carbonate platform and atoll developed from a steeply sloping basin margin over a basal topographic unconformity and an offshore dacite dome (Late Miocene). The older strata comprise prograding bioclastic (mollusc and coralline algae) dominated sediments and later Messinian Porites reefs form prograding and downstepping geometries (falling stage systems tract). Seven depositional sequences, their systems tracts and facies have been mapped and dated (using Sr isotopes) to define their morphology, stratigraphic geometries, and palaeoenvironments. A relative sea-level curve and isochore maps were constructed for the three Messinian depositional sequences that precede the late Messinian evaporative drawdown of the Mediterranean. The main 3D controls on these depositional sequences are interpreted as being: (i) local, tectonically driven relative sea-level changes; (ii) the morphology of the underlying sequence boundary; (iii) the type of carbonate producers [bioclastic coralline algal and mollusc-dominated sequences accumulated in lows and on slopes of < 14°w hereas the Porites reef-dominated sequence accumulated on steep slopes (up to 25°) and shallow-water highs]. Further controls were: (iv) the inherited palaeo-valleys and point-sourced clastics; (v) the amount of clastic sediments; and (vi) erosion during the following sequence boundary development. The stratigraphy is compared with that of adjacent Miocene basins in the western Mediterranean to differentiate local (

3D stratigraphic forward modelling for analysis and prediction of carbonate platform stratigraphies in exploration and production

“…This platform developed complex 3D morphology and stratigraphic geometries (Dabrio et al, 1981;Mankiewicz, 1996;Martin and Braga, 2001;Warrlich et al, 2005). The platform initiated on an irregular shoreline on the northwest margin of the Cenozoic Nı´jar Basin (Fig.…”

“…The detailed methods and results are published in Warrlich et al (2005) and the stratigraphic data are summarised in Fig. 2.…”

Falling‐Stage Systems Tract in Tropical Carbonate Rocks

“…The basin fi ll is well exposed, easily accessible and has been repeatedly studied in recent decades (Dabrio et al, 1981;Franseen & Mankiewicz, 1991;Mankiewicz, 1996). Warrlich et al (2005Warrlich et al ( , 2008 proposed a formal sequence stratigraphy. Depositional sequence E of this succession is dated as 6.2-5.9 Ma (Messinian) and includes a well-developed FST (Figs 10 and 11).…”

“…Assuming the FST represents half of a 100-kyr cycle, the range of rates of fall is 1200-1400 Pm yr 1 . Nijar (6) (after Warrlich et al, 2005): the FST of depositional sequence E is well constrained by fi eld data and a good match with modelling runs. Duration of the FST interval is estimated as 0.266 Myr and the range of fall as 168-177 m. This yields rates of fall of about 630-665 Pm yr 1 .…”

From ramp to platform: building a 3D model of depositional geometries and facies architectures in transitional carbonates in the Miocene, northern Sardinia

“…Reconstruction of geometries of carbonate depositional systems and their internal facies distribution is essential for a better understanding of lateral and vertical heterogeneity, complex stacking patterns, and stratal anatomy (Bosence et al 1998;Bosence 2005;Warlich et al 2005;Asprion et al 2008). The investigation of the type and loci of carbonate production, as well as of the factors controlling the depositional geometries and facies distribution (sea-level and paleoceanographic fluctuations or climate; Pomar and Kendall 2007;Pomar and Hallock 2008) are of wide interest.…”