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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database
AAPG Bulletin
Abstract
DOI: 10.1306/08051615221
Depositional environments and
sequence
stratigraphy of carbonate mudrocks using conventional geologic observations, multiscale electrofacies visualization, and geochemical
analysis
: The case of the Tuwaiq Mountain and Hanifa Formations in a basinal setting, Saudi Arabia
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Mustafa A. Al Ibrahim,1 J. Frederick Sarg,2 Neil Hurley,3 Dave L. Cantrell,4 and John D. Humphrey5
1Geology Technology Team, EXPEC Advanced Research Center, Saudi Aramco, Building 9172, Wing A, Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia; present address: Stanford University, Green Earth Science Building, Room 50, 365 Panama Street, Stanford, California 94305; [email protected]
2Department of Geology and Geological Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 1516 Illinois Street, Golden, Colorado 80401; [email protected]
3Chevron, 1500 Louisiana Street, Room 31114, Houston, Texas 77002; [email protected]
4Geology Technology Team, EXPEC Advanced Research Center, Saudi Aramco, Building 9172, Wing A, Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia; present address: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, P.O. Box 10831, Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia; [email protected]
5SedimentarySolutions.com, 4625 15th Street #C, Boulder, Colorado 80304; [email protected]
ABSTRACT
Depositional interpretation and sequence
stratigraphic
analysis
of carbonate mudrocks requires numerical
analysis
and data integration to achieve quantitative, predictive stratigraphic and geochemical models. A depositional and
sequence
stratigraphic
analysis
is built for a basinal interval of the Tuwaiq Mountain and Hanifa Formations, Saudi Arabia. Conventional geologic interpretation, automated electrofacies
analysis
, and geochemical interpretation are integrated using quantitative means. Cluster
analysis
of
well
logs using self-organizing maps and hierarchical clustering allowed for a multiscale electrofacies
analysis
. This is useful for identifying major lithological surfaces, which commonly correspond to
sequence
stratigraphic surfaces. Geochemical data were used for depositional environment interpretation, such as sediment provenance, redox, and paleoproductivity conditions. Factor
analysis
is used to group element data. Redox and paleoproductivity indices were calculated using electrofacies clustering of different elemental groups. Electrofacies
analysis
shows good correlation with the lithofacies; that is, lithofacies can be identified from logs. Five major lithofacies have been identified in the studied interval: (1) wispy laminated skeletal wackestones to mudstones; (2) differentially cemented skeletal wackestones, packstones, and grainstones; (3) laminated peloidal mudstones to wackestones; (4) bioturbated packstones and wackestones; and (5) palmate anhydrite. The majority of the interval is interpreted to be deposited by gravity processes. Four major sequences have been identified in the Tuwaiq Mountain and Hanifa Formations made of transgressive and highstand systems tracts. The uppermost bioturbated packstones of the Hanifa Formation are interpreted to be a lowstand systems tract with subsequent restriction leading to the deposition of gypsum. In the studied interval, total organic carbon (TOC) content correlates
well
with suboxic to anoxic intervals that have high paleoproductivity. Complete anoxia is not a prerequisite for organic matter preservation. These high TOC intervals are mainly in transgressive systems tracts.
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