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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database
GCAGS Transactions
Abstract
Comparison of Upper Cretaceous and Paleogene Depositional Sequences in the Eastern Gulf Coastal Plain
Ernest A. Mancini (1), Berry H. Tew (1,2), T. Markham Puckett (2)
ABSTRACT
Genetic depositional sequences representing durations of 0.5 to 11 million years, their component systems tracts and associated physical surfaces have been identified and mapped in Upper Cretaceous and Paleogene strata of the eastern Gulf Coastal Plain. The time duration in which these sequences were deposited appears to have little impact on sequence development in that the component systems tracts can be recognized in all of the sequences. However, the Upper Cretaceous sequences represent longer periods of time, resulted from slower sedimentation rates, experienced lower subsidence rates, and, generally, reflect more marine paleoenvironmental conditions. In the eastern Gulf Coastal Plain, the Late Cretaceous was characterized by warm climates, relatively high sea levels, and stable depositional conditions. Conversely, Paleogene sequences represent shorter durations of time and were greatly affected by differential rates of sedimentation and subsidence. In Paleogene sequences, usually only the transgressive systems tracts were characterized by marine depositional conditions. In the eastern Gulf Coastal Plain, the Paleogene was typified by widely fluctuating climates and dynamic changes in depositional conditions. Generally, Upper Cretaceous sequences span more than one biozone, whereas Paleogene sequences usually are restricted to a single biozone. The sedimentation rates and patterns, the stable depositional conditions, and high biologic productivity during the Late Cretaceous results in a stratigraphic section that is useful for high resolution sequence analysis. Thus, the diachroneity of sequence boundaries and first transgressive surfaces and the synchroneity of maximum flooding surfaces are more easily discerned by mapping Upper Cretaceous system tracts and associated physical surfaces in the eastern Gulf Coastal Plain. The study of Upper Cretaceous depositional sequences, therefore, is potentially more helpful in identifying the factors affecting global sea level change.
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