Parasequences Field Trips

 

Attendees are encouraged to think about the scale of parasequences, parasequence sets, and sequences that have been defined and evaluate the objectivity  of facies relationships and other criteria, such as lapout relationships, that can be used to distinguish bedsets, parasequences and larger scale sequence stratigraphic units.

Field trip 1: We will examine classic parasequences in the Blackhawk Fm shoreface system and Panther Tongue deltas. Both show exceptional examples of coarsening /shallowing upward successions, and are essentially the type parasequence outcrops used by John Van Wagoner to develop the parasequence concept. The field stops will be supplemented with 50% scale high-resolution core photos from cores taken just behind the outcrops. 

 

Field trip 2: We will examine the spectacularly exposed fluvial, deltaic and shelf deposits of the Notom delta of the Ferron Sandstone. This is a mixed wave and fluvial delta system in which all the facies from incised valleys through distributary channels, shoreline, and prodelta shelf deposits can be examined.  The Notom has been subdivided into 6 sequences, 18 parasequence sets and 43 parasequences, many of which have been traced from non-marine into marine environments.  Three-dimensional exposures at scales ranging up to that of entire depositional systems, allow investigation of stratal stacking patterns at all levels.