Integrated sequence stratigraphy of Neogene deposits, New Jersey continental shelf and slope: Comparison with the Exxon model

Abstract

Research Article| November 01, 1992 Integrated sequence stratigraphy of Neogene deposits, New Jersey continental shelf and slope: Comparison with the Exxon model STEPHEN M. GREENLEE; STEPHEN M. GREENLEE 1Exxon Production Research Company, P.O. Box 2189, Houston, Texas 77252-2189 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar WILLIAM J. DEVLIN; WILLIAM J. DEVLIN 1Exxon Production Research Company, P.O. Box 2189, Houston, Texas 77252-2189 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar KENNETH G. MILLER; KENNETH G. MILLER 2Department of Geological Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey 089033Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory of Columbia University, Palisades, New York 10964 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar GREGORY S. MOUNTAIN; GREGORY S. MOUNTAIN 3Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory of Columbia University, Palisades, New York 10964 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar PETER B. FLEMINGS PETER B. FLEMINGS 3Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory of Columbia University, Palisades, New York 10964 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information STEPHEN M. GREENLEE 1Exxon Production Research Company, P.O. Box 2189, Houston, Texas 77252-2189 WILLIAM J. DEVLIN 1Exxon Production Research Company, P.O. Box 2189, Houston, Texas 77252-2189 KENNETH G. MILLER 2Department of Geological Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey 089033Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory of Columbia University, Palisades, New York 10964 GREGORY S. MOUNTAIN 3Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory of Columbia University, Palisades, New York 10964 PETER B. FLEMINGS 3Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory of Columbia University, Palisades, New York 10964 Publisher: Geological Society of America First Online: 01 Jun 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2674 Print ISSN: 0016-7606 Geological Society of America GSA Bulletin (1992) 104 (11): 1403–1411. https://doi.org/10.1130/0016-7606(1992)104<1403:ISSOND>2.3.CO;2 Article history First Online: 01 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Permissions Search Site Citation STEPHEN M. GREENLEE, WILLIAM J. DEVLIN, KENNETH G. MILLER, GREGORY S. MOUNTAIN, PETER B. FLEMINGS; Integrated sequence stratigraphy of Neogene deposits, New Jersey continental shelf and slope: Comparison with the Exxon model. GSA Bulletin 1992;; 104 (11): 1403–1411. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0016-7606(1992)104<1403:ISSOND>2.3.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGSA Bulletin Search Advanced Search Abstract We have evaluated the Neogene stratigraphic succession beneath the continental shelf off New Jersey using high-quality seismic and well data to (1) construct geologic cross sections that relate seismic geometries to lithofacies in a prograding, tectonically quiescent setting; (2) apply a sequence-stratigraphic approach to subdivide the stratigraphic section and relate the characteristics of the depositional observed sequences to the published Exxon model; and (3) determine the resolution of the available biostratigraphy in the correlation of the offshore New Jersey depositional sequences to the published eustatic cycle chart. In the offshore New Jersey area, the well-developed progradational geometries in the Neogene section, the high-quality seismic data, and the relatively abundant lithologic information from wells allow us to use the results of this study to predict lithofacies distribution in similar, but less geologically constrained, settings.Seismic sequence analysis and interpretation of stratal stacking patterns in well logs indicate that the observed depositional sequences can be subdivided into lowstand (lowstand fan and lowstand wedge) and highstand systems tracts. Lowstand fans of lowstand systems tracts are characterized by thick, aggradational sandstones that exhibit a "blocky" to fining-upward well-log signature. Lowstand wedges of lowstand systems tracts generally display upward-coarsening, but dominantly shale-prone, lithofacies. Transgressive systems tracts, if present, are very thin. Highstand systems tracts consist of strata that shoal from prodelta mudstone to thick, relatively homogeneous sandstone.Sandstone beds occur in association with two distinct seismic facies. The first type compose the topset and toplapping beds of prograding depositional systems, typically highstand systems tracts. These sandstone beds thicken to as much as 150 m towards the depocenters of each sequence and thin along strike, away from the depocenters. The second type of sandstone is present at the toes of depositional slopes, where it onlaps against prograding deltaic wedges.The observed geometry and lithofacies distribution of the Neogene depositional sequences are compared to the "standard" Exxon sequence stratigraphic model. Depositional sequences recognized in this study are characterized by similar overall stacking patterns within component systems tracts; however, the New Jersey sequences are different in several ways. These differences include the lack of type-2 unconformities, an absence of leveed channel deposits within lowstand wedges, very poorly developed transgressive systems tracts, and sandstone-rich, highly regressive highstand systems tracts. These differences are explained in terms of the limited Neogene accommodation on the New Jersey shelf that resulted from slow subsidence rates and a second-order Miocene eustatic fall.Paleontologic data bracket the ages of the individual sequences but are not detailed enough at present to correlate precisely to the time scale and inferred global sea-level records. Based on the available biostratigraphy, however, Neogene depositional sequences from offshore New Jersey have a cyclicity consistent with interpreted third-order eustatic fluctuations on the global cycle chart. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. 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