Avulsion processes at the terminus of low-gradient semi-arid fluvial systems: Lessons from the Río Colorado, Altiplano endorheic basin, Bolivia

Donselaar, M.E.; Gozalo, M.C. Cuevas; Moyano, Sebastián

doi:10.1016/j.sedgeo.2012.10.007

Cited by 72 publications

(137 citation statements)

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“…The lithofacies characteristics are typical for sediment transport in a unconfined, high-energy, high-density suspension flow. The crevasse-splays form during peak water discharge in seasonal, short-duration rain periods which cause massive overbank flooding and floodplain inundation (Donselaar et al, 2013). The elongate clay ripup clasts are eroded from mud-crack polygons at the floodplain surface.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In the semi-arid setting of the endorheic Altiplano Basin the rivers show a gradual downstream decrease of bankfull width and depth and, hence, of cross-sectional area. Donselaar et al (2013) interpreted this decrease by the combined effects of the extremely low gradient on the floodplain, transmission losses due to high evapo-transpiration rates in the semi-arid climate, and river water infiltration in the channel floor. This implies that during peak river discharge periods the volume of water transport by far exceeds the river capacity (cross-sectional area), and massive flood-outs will occur that produce extensive, laterally-amalgamated crevasse-splay sand sheets all along the river trajectory (Figure 4).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Hampton and Horton (2007) and Donselaar et al (2013) presented studies on the depositional processes and resulting deposits for contemporary thin-bedded fluvial sheet sandstones. Jones and Hajek (2007), Fisher et al (2007) and described and interpreted outcrop analogues displaying longer time intervals of avulsions and stacking of crevasse splays and terminal lobes.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The studied stratigraphic intervals are the Rogenstein Member (L. Germanic Triassic), Solling Claystone Member and Lower Röt Fringe Claystone Member (Upper Germanic Triassic). A reservoiranalogue outcrop study on recent fluvial deposits in the semi-arid, endorheic Altiplano Basin (Bolivia) yielded data on the size, shape, sedimentary characteristics and depositional processes of thinbedded fluvial crevasse-splay sands in a low net-to-gross (N/G) mud-prone environment (Donselaar et al, 2013). In addition, the development in space and time of thin-bedded crevasse-splay sand deposits in the Altiplano Basin was analysed with Landsat Multispectral Scanner (MSS) and TM (Thematic Mapper) imagery (Li et al, 2014).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Reservoir Potential of Thin-bedded Sandstone in Continental Mudrock Successions - The Search for Hidden Treasures

Donselaar¹,

Bouman²,

Noordijk³

et al. 2015

Proceedings

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SUMMARYThe subsurface of the West European gas province contains up to several hundred meters thick continuous Upper Rotliegend and Lower Triassic mud rock sequences which have to date been labelled as nonreservoir 'waste zone'. The mud rock formed as fluvial floodplain deposits in a semi-arid climate. The sequences contain thin-bedded porous and permeable sandstone beds of crevasse-splay origin. A core study of Triassic deposits in the West Netherlands Basin shows that the sandstone beds are nested in up to 2-m-thick sand-prone heterolithic stacks with net-to-gross up to 0.5. Because of the heterolithic nature and small bed thickness the sand-prone intervals are not detected by the gamma-ray log. An outcrop analogue study of fluvial sediments in the Altiplano Basin of Bolivia shows that the crevasse-splay sediments amalgamate laterally to extensive sand sheets with surface areas of several square kilometres. Combination of the core and outcrop study suggests that the nested sandstone beds may constitute secondary plays with economically interesting gas reservoir volumes that may help postpone the end of field-life in mature production areas.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Reservoir Potential of Thin-bedded Sandstone in Continental Mudrock Successions - The Search for Hidden Treasures

Donselaar¹,

Bouman²,

Noordijk³

et al. 2015

Proceedings

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“…Donselaar et al (2013) and Li et al (2014) presented studies on the fluvial processes and deposition of sheet sands in a contemporary semi-arid low-stand basin setting. Fisher et al (2007), Hampton and Horton (2007), Jones and Hajek (2007) and Nichols and Fisher (2007) described and analysed outcrop analogues exposing longer periods of floodplain aggradation, channel avulsions and overbank deposition in similar settings.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reservoir Architecture and Tough Gas Reservoir Potential of Fluvial Crevasse-splay Deposits

2015

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SUMMARYUnconventional tough gas reservoirs in low-net-to-gross fluvial stratigraphic intervals may constitute a secondary source of fossil energy to prolong the gas supply in the future. To date, however, production from these thin-bedded, fine-grained reservoirs has been hampered by the economic risks associated with the uncertainties in their geometry, spatial distribution and reservoir properties. This study aims to provide a better insight into the reservoir architecture and tough gas reservoir potential of stacked and interconnected crevasse splays in a fluvial floodplain stratigraphy. Despite their thickness not exceeding decimetre scale, the surface area of individual crevasse splays may be up to several square kilometres and intervals of stacked and interconnected crevasse splays range up to several metres in thickness. Through incision of consecutive crevasse splays into underlying lobes and the channel fill of cut-through avulsed channels, sand-on-sand contact is established, effectively connecting individual splays. The net reservoir volume of single crevasse splays ranges up to several hundred thousand cubic metres, yielding GIIP estimations in the order of several million cubic metres. For intervals of stacked and interconnected crevasse splays, these figures are up to one order of magnitude higher, making them suitable as a secondary reservoir capacity.

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The life cycle of crevasse splays as a key mechanism in the aggradation of alluvial ridges and river avulsion

Toorenenburg

Donselaar

Weltje

2018

Earth Surf Processes Landf

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Accommodation space in the unconfined distal part of low‐gradient fluvial fans facilitates abundant floodplain deposition. Here, the development of crevasse splays plays a key role in the aggradation of alluvial ridges and subsequent river avulsion. This study presents an analysis of different stages in the evolution of crevasse splays based on observations made in the modern‐day Río Colorado dryland fluvial fan fringing the endorheic Altiplano Basin in Bolivia. A generic life cycle is proposed in which crevasse‐splay channels adjust towards a graded equilibrium profile with their lower‐lying distal termini acting as a local base level. Initial development is dominantly controlled by the outflow of floodwater, promoting erosion near the crevasse apex and deposition towards the splay fringes. When proximal incision advances to below the maximum level of floodplain inundation, return flow occurs during the waning stage of flooding. This floodwater reflux leads to a temporary repositioning of the local base level to the deeper trunk‐channel thalweg at the apex of the crevasse‐splay channels. The resultant decrease in the floodplainward gradient of these channels ultimately leads to backfilling and abandonment of the crevasse splay, leaving a subtle local elevation of the floodplain. Consecutive splays form an alluvial ridge through lateral amalgamation and subsequent vertical stacking, which is mirrored by the aggradation of their parent channel floor. As this alluvial ridge becomes increasingly perched above the surrounding floodplain, splay equilibration may cause incision of the levee crevasse down to or below its trunk channel thalweg, leading to an avulsion. The mechanisms proposed in this study are relevant to fluvial settings promoting progradational avulsions. The relatively rapid accumulation rate and high preservation potential of crevasse splays in this setting makes them an important constituent of the resultant fluvial stratigraphy, amongst which are hydrocarbon‐bearing successions. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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Avulsion processes at the terminus of low-gradient semi-arid fluvial systems: Lessons from the Río Colorado, Altiplano endorheic basin, Bolivia

Cited by 72 publications

References 31 publications

Reservoir Potential of Thin-bedded Sandstone in Continental Mudrock Successions - The Search for Hidden Treasures

Reservoir Potential of Thin-bedded Sandstone in Continental Mudrock Successions - The Search for Hidden Treasures

Reservoir Architecture and Tough Gas Reservoir Potential of Fluvial Crevasse-splay Deposits

The life cycle of crevasse splays as a key mechanism in the aggradation of alluvial ridges and river avulsion

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