Abstract

A model-independent, sequence stratigraphic approach is used to define bounding surfaces in the Navajo Sandstone in order to identify an architectural hierarchy of genetically related sedimentary packages and the surfaces that bound them across multiple scales of both eolian and non-eolian components of an erg system. Seven bounding surfaces and eight depositional units are defined, from small to large scale. A lamina-deviation surface bounds wedge- and tabular-shaped sets of laminae and/or laminasets, separating those that have different angle orientations on the dune slipface. A bed-deviation surface bounds a succession of beds (crossbeds) that lie at different angles or orientations to bedding above, below, or adjacent to it. A bedset-deviation surface is curved, inclined, and/or wavy and irregular that bounds bedsets and their internal stratification patterns; that is, bed-deviation surfaces, and lamina-deviation surfaces. A simple surface is gently inclined with or without small, concave or convex segments that bound beds and bedsets. A composite surface is horizontal with or without concave, curved, or irregular portions of that surface. A complex surface is laterally extensive (∼ 1–10+ km) that regionally bounds and truncates underlying conterminous and interfingered eolian and non-eolian strata. An amalgamated surface is a regionally extensive (∼ 10 to 100s km) mappable unconformity, merged unconformities, and their laterally equivalent conformable surface that can exhibit local to regional pedogenic modification, lags, and significant (meters to 10s m) paleotopographic relief. The genetically related sedimentary packages typically bounded by like or higher-rank surfaces are defined as laminae, laminasets, bed, bedsets, and simple, composite, complex, and amalgamated units. Field relationships of strata and surfaces are key to reconstructing the interactions between eolian and non-eolian deposits and the processes they represent at the local, regional, and basin scale. This classification scheme can be applied to erg-system strata to fully integrate changes in diverse facies within and between contiguous deposits.