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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 63 (1979)

Issue: 9. (September)

First Page: 1603

Last Page: 1604

Title: Distribution of Volcanic Activity in Time and Space in Gulf Coastal Province: ABSTRACT

Author(s): Bruce E. Hunter, David K. Davies

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

Volcanic activity has been an integral part of the history of the Gulf coastal province, which may come as a surprise to many who consider the Gulf Coast to be a mature quartzose sedimentologic province. Volcanic products, including intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks, tuff, glass, bentonite, and volcanic rock fragments, are known from nearly every geologic stage since the beginning of deposition of the Gulfian Series.

Violent activity has been recorded in two periods of Gulf Coast history: (1) during Woodbine-Eagle Ford-Austin time in the Mississippi embayment and (2) during Oligocene to Miocene time in the Rio Grande embayment. The opening of the Gulf of Mexico during the Triassic was accompanied by volcanism. The southwestern Gulf of Mexico has been the site of the latest activity, in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Volcanic activity has not driven off adjacent accumulations of oil and gas as might be suspected. However, it may have impact for exploration and production of oil and gas. Consideration of local volcanic sources can alter current sedimentologic models of the Gulf coastal province. Accelerated diagenetic processes can complicate

End_Page 1603------------------------------

petroleum production in the vicinity of volcanic centers.

Considering a history of active volcanism, the Mississippian and Rio Grande embayments may be reconsidered as small aulacogens.

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