Integration of the Graphic Correlation Methodology in a
Sequence
Stratigraphic Study
John E. Neal, Jeffrey A. Stein, James H. Gamber
The composite standard method of biostratigraphy (through graphic
correlation) provides a consistent temporal framework for stratigraphic analysis
of a basin. The method crossplots biostratigraphic data from an individual
section against an ideal composite standard of all fossil markers encountered
locally and/or globally. A line of correlation (LOC) can be interpreted from
these plots, resulting in a quantification of deposition and stratigraphic
lacuna at the location being tested.
Sequence
stratigraphy is a stratigraphic interpretation method that
genetically relates deposits in a dip profile to relative changes in sea level,
based on physical surfaces in the rock record. This approach differs from
traditional lithostratigraphy (where stratigraphic units are often
time-transgressive) and standard zonal biostratigraphy (which is
discipline-specific and correlates ephemeral faunal breaks that may have no
relationship to physical bounding surfaces in the rocks). Weaknesses in graphic
correlation (underuse and static application) match
well
with strengths in
sequence
stratigraphy. Weaknesses in
sequence
stratigraphy (documentation and
consistency) can be equally
well
matched with the strengths of graphic
correlation.
Sequence
stratigraphic key bounding surfaces cau e predictable
patterns in the graphic correlation of biostratigraphic data. Integration of
graphic correlation and
sequence
stratigraphy enhances the utility of both
stratigraphic tools and provides a powerful basin
analysis
technique.
AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91020©1995 AAPG Annual Convention, Houston, Texas, May 5-8, 1995