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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 65 (1981)

Issue: 5. (May)

First Page: 907

Last Page: 908

Title: Results of DSDP Leg 77 in Deep Southeastern Gulf of Mexico--How Good Was our Seismic Stratigraphic Interpretation Ahead of the Drill?: ABSTRACT

Author(s): R. T. Buffler, W. Schlager, F. J. Shaub

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

A detailed seismic stratigraphic interpretation of an extensive grid of multifold seismic reflection data provides the basis for a model of the pre-middle Cretaceous sedimentary history of the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. The study area is located in the deep-water part of the western Straits of Florida between the Campeche and Florida Banks north of Cuba. The model predicts that: (1) block-faulted basement topography represents the top of a rifted and attenuated continental (transitional) crust; (2) a syn-rift sedimentary sequence possibly consisting of volcanic and nonmarine rocks of Triassic to Middle Jurassic fills in rift basins and covers the rift topography; (3) a post-rift sedimentary sequence representing a transition upward from shallow- to deep-marine rocks of ate Jurassic

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to middle Cretaceous (150 to 97 m.y.) was deposited on transitional crust and syn-rift strata as the crust cooled and subsided. This model was tested by four DSDP holes drilled on Leg 77 of the RV Glomar Challenger during December-January, 1980-81. Two holes were drilled to sample the thick pre-middle Cretaceous sedimentary sequences, and two holes were drilled to sample basement. Results of this drilling are presented and are compared with the model predicted by the seismic stratigraphic analysis. Data concerning the geologic history of this area, developed from the drilling and the seismic stratigraphic analysis, have important implications for future hydrocarbon exploration in adjacent shallow-water provinces such as the South Florida Bank, the Campeche Bank, and Cuba.

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