Sequence Stratigraphy of Siliciclastic and Carbonate sequences

Sequence stratigraphy is an advanced branch of stratigraphy that deals with description, interpretation, classification and nomenclature of sedimentary strata, based on their stratal stacking patterns and stratigraphic relations. It integrates all other types of stratigraphy including seismic stratigraphy. In the last two decades, sequence stratigraphy has become popular with its application extending to all depositional, tectonic and climatic settings from Pre- Cambrian to Phanerozoic. For these reasons, Sequence stratigraphy is currently one of the most active area of research both in academic and industry environments.

In this course, an updated concept of Sequence stratigraphy both in silici- clastic and carbonate successions with a set of guidelines that afford a consistent application of the methods across different geological and tectonic settings, scales and above all type of available data will be provided. Most of these concepts and methods are backed by case studies (published and unpublished) from outcrop and subsurface (including seismic). Classroom exercises and case studies are included at relevant places in the course. Further, the course emphasizes on set of core principles that include all the competing approaches from various schools. Keeping it user friendly and flexible, while adhering to the recommendations of International Sub Commission on Stratigraphic classification of the International Commission of Stratigraphy is the fundamental protocol of the course.

To begin with, the course provides an overview of early historical development of Sequence stratigraphy, beginning with global eustatic controls to present day concepts of Relative Sea level changes; recap of basic terminologies; types of stratigraphies and their interrelationship ; key sedimentological concepts involved in Sequence stratigraphy; classification of depositional environments; briefs about well logs, seismic data and standard work flow to be adopted for Sequence stratigraphic analysis.

This is followed by the core concepts of Accommodation and Shoreline shift relevant to Sequence stratigraphy including stages of evolution of definition of Sequence stratigraphy, shoreline trajectories (Normal Regression, Transgression and Forced regression). Next is the concept of Sequence stratigraphic surfaces, stratal terminations in seismics and their detailed description aided by case studies including examples from outcrops and sub-surface.

The concepts of systems tracts are next in the sequence. Each systems tract is discussed with respect to its definition, stratal stacking pattern, architecture, depositional processes and products and economic potential (Petroleum plays and coal, mineral resources). The unconventional systems tracts of the upstream setting of fully fluvial setup are also discussed in detail.

In this course will be discussed three sequence models in detail viz., Fluvial, coastal and all important deep water clastic system (the last one with excellent core studies  from the eastern Indian ocean).

Application of Sequence stratigraphy to carbonates has been a topic of great debate and interest. This is on account of the fact that in contrast to the basins dominated by clastics, with sediment supply from  extra basinal source,  most of the carbonates are intra basinal in origin. On account of this, there are significant departures in carbonate basins  from the concepts of siliciclastic Sequence stratigraphy.  This course will discus these in details with excellent back up from core ,seismic and outcrop sections, from producing carbonate reservoirs.

Finally, the concepts of scales and hierarchy  of Sequences are explained in the context of recent development .The course end with a brief summary of depositional Sequence stratigraphy of Indian Petroliferous basins.