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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 66 (1982)

Issue: 5. (May)

First Page: 607

Last Page: 607

Title: Structural and Stratigraphic Framework of Lower Mesozoic and Upper Paleozoic Strata, Northeast Texas: ABSTRACT

Author(s): Kevin S. Meyer, Donald F. Reaser

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

The lower Mesozoic and upper Paleozoic were investigated in a 19,430 sq km area centered about Ellis County, Texas, in an effort to define the pre-Cretaceous surface, determine the westward extent of Jurassic rocks, analyze thickness and lithic nature of the lowermost Cretaceous, delineate the extent of faulting, and evaluate the economic potential of the section studied.

The pre-Cretaceous surface dips east-southeast and consists of Paleozoic rock in the updip third of the study area and Jurassic rock in the downdip two-thirds. Regional dip increases southeastward into the East Texas basin, but is interrupted by Balcones and Mexia-Talco faults. According to seismic data, many of these normal faults extend into the Paleozoic section. They are Jurassic and younger in age and formed along preexisting lines of weakness in response to the structural development of the East Texas basin. Jurassic rock extends updip beyond the Mexia-Talco system in an onlap fashion, each carbonate formation becoming more clastic as it nears its own pinch-out. The overlying Hosston Formation was deposited in a fluvial to nearshore environment, in the study area, on the basis o reported lithologies and isopach form. The interval studied has economic potential as geothermal, ground-water, and hydrocarbon sources. Possible hydrocarbon traps include fractured Arkansas Novaculite, updip pinch-out of and porous facies within the Upper Jurassic formations, and traps against the downdip sides of faults in the Hosston Formation and underlying Jurassic formations.

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