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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 56 (1972)

Issue: 3. (March)

First Page: 643

Last Page: 643

Title: Computer Mapping in Lower Frio Formation (Oligo-Miocene), Southwestern Louisiana: ABSTRACT

Author(s): W. R. Paine

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

The usefulness of a computer in mapping the complex Previous HitstructureNext Hit and stratigraphy of the Oligo-Miocene of the Gulf Coast has been questioned. During a regional study of the lower Frio by Paine, Meyerhoff, and Furrer, the writer had an opportunity to computerize the data used for the study (hand-contoured Previous HitmapsNext Hit), and to produce a set of computerized Previous HitmapsNext Hit from the same data. Four sandstone isolith Previous HitmapsNext Hit, 1 isopach map, and 1 Previous HitstructureNext Hit map of 1 zone were constructed, as well as 4 isopach Previous HitmapsNext Hit and 4 Previous HitstructureNext Hit Previous HitmapsNext Hit of other zones.

The computer's sandstone isolith map of the Nodosaria "A" sandstone showed a marked difference from the hand-contoured map, because the writer had introduced a major distributary system into the eastern half of the area. The computer plotted this distributary system as a series of east-west, elongate, barlike bodies parallel with (1) thinner sandstone bodies in the western part of the area and (2) the shoreline of massive continental sandstone bodies on the north. In the growth-fault area of the Nodosaria embayment, computer Previous HitmapsNext Hit and handmade Previous HitmapsNext Hit are very similar.

The Previous HitstructureNext Hit Previous HitmapsNext Hit show less similarity. Only the large regional faults and the large domes appear on the computer Previous HitmapsNext Hit. Smaller faults and closures do not appear on the computer Previous HitmapsNext Hit. The differences between shallow and deep Previous HitstructureNext Hit are evident on both the computer and hand-contoured Previous HitmapsNext Hit.

This study revealed that computer Previous HitmapsNext Hit are useful in stratigraphic work--both on regional and local scales. For structural work, the computer Previous HitmapsNext Hit are less useful, but do reveal major features. The great number of Previous HitmapsNext Hit which the computer can produce in a short Previous HittimeNext Hit is an obvious advantage. Clearly, the geologist's prejudices are reflected in the computer output. The writer strongly recommends the use of computerized Previous HitmapsNext Hit in studies of Gulf Coast geology.

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