Abstract: Neogene-Quaternary Evolution of the Santa Barbara basin, California
FISCHER, PETER J., California State University, Northridge, Northridge, CA and MESA Cubed, Inc., Whittier, CA andVICTOR B. CHERVEN, Upgradient, Valley Springs, CA
The Cretaceous-Eocene stratigraphic framework of the Sacramento basin was defined by detailed correlations, facies recognition, and sequence analysis primarily based upon electricpaleobathymetric determinations, facies identification, limited seismic reflection (CDP) data, and detailed outcrop mapping.
Late Cretaceous age submarine fans of the Winters and other fommations
were primarily controlled by the position of the shelf/slope break and
depositional topography, e.g. the horizontal offset stacking of the fan
lobes. Later faulting, especially in the central part of the basin, created
many structural
traps that are currently being successfully exploited using
3D seismic data. So far, this tool appears to be less successful in finding
stratigraphic traps near fan margins. During this time broad areas of uplift
were controlled by compression behind the subducting Farallon plate.
Paleocene-Eocene uplift and extensional faulting along the Kirby Hill, Oil Creek, and Midland fault zones controlled the position of shelf-break, the deep basin axis, and at least partially the location and times of incision of the early Tertiary submarine canyons and the deep basin sands of Martinez and Meganos age.
Our sections
,
maps
, and concepts define several play-trends and prospective
areas that remain to be tested.
AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90935©1998 AAPG Pacific Section Meeting, Ventura, California