Introduction to Sequence Stratigraphy

ABOUT THE COURSE: Sequence stratigraphy is the study of genetically-related sedimentary strata bounded by unconformities, in the frame of variations in sediment supply and the rate of change of space for sedimentary deposits caused by change in sea level and/or tectonic subsidence, through time and space on the earth's surface. The subject helps to solve real-world problems in the exploration for and production of resources, e.g., water, coal, oil, or natural gas. In essence, this course on sequence stratigraphy will introduce the students with the basic principles and methodologis of sequence stratigraphy used for the purpose of better describing and reconstructing geological history in any sedimentary basin. The course is relevant for people aspiring jobs related to petroleum, coal, groundwater, and for competitive examinations like GATE, UPSC, etc. INTENDED AUDIENCE: Undergraduate, post-graduate and Ph.D. students, officials from oil/coal industries PREREQUISITES: B.Sc./M.Sc./Int. M.Tech/M.Tech/ MS in Earth Science/Geology/Applied Geology with sedimentology as a fullsemester course at any level INDUSTRY SUPPORT: Oil industries like ONGC, Cairns Energy, Schlumberger etc.; Coal India; Also, the course will be very useful as a component of the syllabus of various UPSC Examinations, like the Geologists’ Examination.

Week 1:Introduction

• Sequence Stratigraphy in the Context of Interdisciplinary Research
• Terminology
• Sequence Stratigraphy vs. Lithostratigraphy and Allostratigraphy

Week 2:Cyclicity and correlation in stratigraphic successions

• Types of cyclicity and causes
• Methods of correlations of stratigraphic successions
• Relative vs. absolute ages

Week 3:Methods

• Concepts of facies analysis and facies models
• Classification of depositional environments
• Other data inputs and workflow in Sequence stratigraphic analysis

Week 4:Sea level changes and shoreline trajectories

• Allogenic and autogenic controls
• Eustasy and relative sea level change
• Sediment supply vs. environmental energy flux
• Transgression and regression

Week 5:Accommodation of sediments

• Concept of base level and accommodation
• Stratal stacking patterns and terminations

Week 6:Basic definitions of Sequence stratigraphy

• Sequence, systems tracts, boundaries, parasequence
• Concept and types of sequence
• Concept and types of systems tracts
• Types of boundaries
• Concept of parasequence

Week 7:Surfaces in sequence stratigraphy

• Unconformity and correlative conformity
• Basal Surface of Forced Regression
• Regressive Surface of Marine Erosion
• Maximum Regressive Surface
• Maximum Flooding Surface
• Transgressive Ravinement Surfaces
• Within-trend Facies Contacts

Week 8:The systems tracts

• HST
• FSST
• LST
• TST
• HAST and LAST

Week 9:Sequences in clastic marginal marine and shallow marine systems

• Types of environments in marginal marine systems and facies models
• Types of environments in marginal marine systems and facies models
• Facies model during transgressive shoreline
• Facies model during regressive shoreline
• Facies model during forced regressive shoreline

Week 10:Sequences in clastic deep marine systems

• Depositional processes and facies distribution
• Turbidites and submarine fans
• Deposition during Highstand Normal Regressions
• Deposition during Early to Late Forced Regressions
• Deposition during Lowstand Normal Regressions
• Deposition during Early to Late Transgressions

Week 11:Sequences in fluvial systems

• Processes and controls in upstream-controlled fluvial systems
• Processes and controls in downstream controlled fluvial systems
• Sequences in upstream-controlled fluvial systems
• Sequences in downstream-controlled fluvial systems

Week 12:Sequences in carbonate depositional systems

• Introduction to carbonate depositional systems
• Highstand systems tract
• Falling-stage and lowstand systems tract
• Transgressive systems tract