Stratigraphic Analysis of Drifte Regressive Sequences from Potiguar Basin, NE of Brazil
Sequence Stratigraphy; Seismic stratigraphy; Drifte Regressive Sequences; Potiguar Basin; Submarine Fans
This review presents a stratigraphic analysis of the Drift Regressive section of the Potiguar Basin, based on modern concepts of Sequence Stratigraphy and the integration of both well-log and reflection seismic data. The analysis made possible the recognition of depositional cycles, according to the patterns of facies evolution and retrogradation observed in the wells, and their association to the systems tracts, observed in the seismic data as well. Therefore, the interval studied, lithostratigraphically composed by the Tibau, Guamaré and Ubarana formations, could be divided into five depositional sequences, and then subdivided according to Hunt & Tucker (1992) into four lower hierarchy cycles: Lowstand Systems Tract, Transgressive Systems Tract, Highstand Systems Tract and Forced Regression Systems Tract. Sequences 1 and 2, located in the basal section, are quite similar and mainly marked by the progradational pattern; Sequence 3 is characterized by the wide dominance of carbonate lithotypes, whereas the younger sequences (4 and 5) are predominantly composed by sandstones. In the slope areas, the interval studied is widely affected by faults and composed by pelitic facies associated to deposition of gravitational flows. Finally, in the deep basin areas, all sequences behave similarly, formed by hemipelagic deposits and low density turbidity deposits