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Abstract
Chapter from: SG
40: Paleogeography, Paleoclimate, and Source Rocks
Edited By
Alain-Yves HucAuthor:
D. A. Walker, J. Golonka, A. Reid, and S. Reid Geochemistry, Generation, Migration
Published 1995 as
part of Studies in Geology 40
Copyright © 1995 The American Association of Petroleum
Geologists. All Rights Reserved. |
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Chapter 6
*
The Effects
of Paleolatitude and Paleogeography on Carbonate Sedimentation in the Late
Paleozoic D. A. Walker
Mobil Exploration and
Producing U.S.
Midland, Texas, U.S.A.
J. Golonka
Mobil Exploration and
Producing Technical Center
Dallas, Texas, U.S.A.
A. Reid
S. Reid
Consulting Geologists
Midland, Texas, U.S.A.
*
ABSTRACT
Facies distribution in the late Paleozoic
of west Texas indicates that paleolatitude and paleogeography strongly
influenced carbonate sedimentation. Placing regional facies maps into their
late Paleozoic latitudes and plate orientations can assist in explaining
and predicting basin sedimentation patterns. Paleogeographic reconstructions
indicate that west Texas was very near the equator throughout the late
Paleozoic. This produced a tropical climate that was ideal for widespread
carbonate deposition. The response of Paleozoic sedimentation to prevailing
winds would have been similar to that presently observed in the low latitudes.
Carbonate sedimentation during the Pennsylvanian and Permian responded
to these trade winds in a similar fashion as observed in the modern tropics
near the equator.
The PALEOMAP and TERRAMOBILIS softwares
were used to construct plate reconstructions and paleogeographic maps.
These maps indicate that during the late Paleozoic North America was rotated
approximately 43° northeast from its present setting. Shelf edges in
the Delaware and Midland basins presently oriented 0 to 15° were in
fact oriented 40 to 60° northeast during the late Paleozoic. Thin coals
on the Eastern shelf indicate west Texas was located in a humid tropical
climate during the Pennsylvanian. Later, during the Permian, extensive
evaporites indicate this area had moved into a more arid tropical climate.
This change occurred as the North American plate migrated northward at
the end of the Paleozoic.
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