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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 58 (1974)

Issue: 5. (May)

First Page: 914

Last Page: 914

Title: Braided Rivers and Related Terrigenous Previous HitDepositionalNext Hit Systems--Useful But Enigmatic Exploration Models: ABSTRACT

Author(s): L. G. Kessler, II

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

Closely related Holocene and Pleistocene braided-fluvial, eolian dune-sand flat, and playa-lake Previous HitdepositionalNext Hit systems in the eastern Texas Panhandle represent a useful but complex model for hydrocarbon exploration in ancient continental sediments. The modern South Canadian fluvial Previous HitsystemNext Hit and the Pleistocene Borger fluvial Previous HitsystemNext Hit are braided river deposits which are distinguishable from other sand bodies by multi-lateral sand-body geometry (high width/thickness ratio), low channel sinuosity, few sedimentary structure types, poor lateral and downstream continuity of individual Previous HitdepositionalNext Hit sequences, punctuations of these sequences by thin clay drapes, and a high sand/mud ratio. The main sand body of the South Canadian Previous HitsystemNext Hit averages two mi in width and 125 ft in thickness nd cuts into the coarse-grained and sometimes conglomeratic sand of the Borger Previous HitsystemNext Hit. Fine to medium wind-polished sand of the Lake Marvin eolian-dune Previous HitsystemNext Hit and the older vegetated Nix Ranch eolian-sand Previous HitsystemNext Hit is deposited in thin plane-bedded sheets and strongly cross-stratified parabolic and longitudinal dunes. These eolian units are derived from, and often continuous with, South Canadian fluvial deposits of different ages. The strongly vegetated and older Pampa eolian-sand Previous HitsystemNext Hit is related similarly to the Borger fluvial Previous HitsystemNext Hit. In addition, the surface of the Pampa Previous HitsystemNext Hit is pockmarked by small pre-Nix Ranch playa-lake deposits consisting of organically rich and finely laminated beds of clay and sandy silt.

Hydrocarbon discoveries in fluvial and eolian sands illustrate the economic value of this Previous HitdepositionalNext Hit model. Among the many examples of production from fluvial sands are the Lower Cretaceous "J" sand bodies in Nebraska, lower Paleozoic Granite Wash in Alberta, and the Berea sand in Ohio. The Permian Queen sandstone in New Mexico produces from probable eolian deposits.

Limited subsurface information leads to difficulty in recognizing separate Previous HitdepositionalNext Hit systems in sands of similar size and texture. For this reason the explorationist must be careful in application of Previous HitdepositionalNext Hit models. Realization of possible variation in sand-body geometry in a particular type of Previous HitdepositionalNext Hit Previous HitsystemTop is essential.

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