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Trajectory analysis of the lower Brent Group (Jurassic), Northern North Sea: contrasting depositional patterns during the advance of a major deltaic system
Author(s) -
Bullimore S. A.,
HellandHansen W.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
basin research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.522
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1365-2117
pISSN - 0950-091X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2117.2009.00410.x
Subject(s) - geology , sedimentary depositional environment , paleontology , facies , aggradation , sedimentary rock , delta , geomorphology , fluvial , structural basin , aerospace engineering , engineering
ABSTRACT Trajectory analysis is an alternative approach to systems tract analysis in unravelling the sequence stratigraphic development of sedimentary successions. Whereas the latter anticipates a succession of the depositional history in terms of a given order of systems tracts, trajectory analysis combines trajectory classes in any order, thus providing a more flexible interpretation of the depositional evolution with fewer a priori assumptions about the type or the nature of the mechanisms driving sequence development. The overall regressive part of the Brent Delta (Middle Jurassic, Northern North Sea) has been analysed using this approach. The distribution, thicknesses and stacking patterns of facies associations have been analysed to unravel the trajectorial behaviour of the system. In proximal areas (Oseberg domain), thin shoreface/foreshore packages associated with a prograding strandplain are overlain by upper delta‐plain (floodplain) and distributary channel deposits. Flat or descending regressive trajectories can explain the stratigraphic development in this area. A short distance to the north (Huldra domain), the presence of thicker shoreface/foreshore packages and lower delta‐plain sediments suggests a low‐angle ascending regressive trajectory. In more distal areas (Gullfaks and Visund domains), a higher rate of aggradation leads to the development of even thicker shoreface/foreshore packages and the development of lagoons and bays in the lower delta‐plain realm. Alternating high‐ and low‐angle ascending regressive trajectories can explain the distal development.