Sequence Stratigraphy of the Lower Sekwi Formation, Selwyn Basin, Northwest Territories, Canada
The
Sekwi Formation in the Mackenzie Mountains, Northwest Territories, Canada is
the first carbonate unit deposited during the widespread Early Cambrian
transgression of the Cordilleran continental margin. A sequence stratigraphic framework for the Sekwi Formation
is established using ten detailed measured sections, each up to 1 km
thick. The Fallotaspis, Nevadella, and Bonnia-Olenellus
trilobite zones provide a chronostratigraphic framework for regional and global
correlations. The lowermost
sequence (S1) is an eastwardly thinning wedge, (50 to >300 m thick) composed
predominantly of slope and basin deposits overlain by a thin, prograding ooid
shoal complex. The upper part of
the Vampire Formation, underlying the Sekwi Formation, is included within
S1. Sequence 2 (S2; 150 to >275
m thick) includes shelf through basin deposits, whereas sequences 3 through 7
are smaller-scale sequences (40-150 m thick) with subtidal carbonate
transgressive systems tracts (TSTs) and peritidal carbonate highstand systems
tracts (HSTs).
The TST of S1 consists of siliciclastic shelf
deposits of the upper Vampire Formation and nodular carbonate of the lower
Sekwi Formation. The maximum
flooding zone occurs within black laminated mudstone intercalated with debris
flow and turbidite deposits that overly nodular carbonate. Early HST debris flow deposits are
composed predominately of slope-derived clasts with minor shelf-derived
clasts. Conversely, late HST
debris flow deposits contain oolitic grainstone and subtidal shelf sandstone
clasts that track progradation of an ooid shoal complex.
The TST of S2 consists of shale and black laminated
mudstone with allochthonous mud mounds.
The HST records progradation of another ooid shoal complex.
Deep-Water Carbonates: Reservoirs and Potential (SEPM)
AAPG Annual Meeting 2004: Embrace the Future, Celebrate the Past Technical Program