Print this pageA Quantitative Examination of Channel Sedimentary Structures and their
Changes in Avulsion-Dominated Sequences
Heather L.Jones,
Several theoretical
alluvial architecture models (2-D & 3-D) have been published in the
literature, but few field studies have directly tested or been used as an input
for such models. The aim of this project is to collect a large dataset of
detailed internal channel measurements in conjunction with the analysis of
adjacent paleosols from several avulsion-dominated
alluvial basins to better understand, compare, and quantify avulsion processes
and to then create a database of statistically significant field data that will
be both tested against and incorporated into advancing theoretical alluvial
architecture models. Two Paleocene-Eocene avulsion-dominated alluvial basins
have been chosen for this research. The Willwood
Fm in Bighorn basin, WY and the Wasatch Fm in Piceance
basin, CO.
The study will provide
useful information pertaining to channel avulsion and critical thresholds to
researchers that are concerned with modern fluvial dynamics and the
environmental impacts of flooding and/or the avulsion frequency experienced by
modern meandering streams. Previous alluvial architecture models have not been
based on field data, but rather theoretical input. The addition of detailed
field data from different basins into a 3-D model will greatly benefit
exploration within the petroleum industry by improving both reservoir
net-to-gross and reservoir quality predictions within ancient fluvial-dominated
basins.