A SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHIC STUDY OF THE CALLOVIAN FLUVIO-DELTAIC TO MARINE SUCCESSION WITHIN THE ZOCA REGION

Abstract

This paper presents the results and conclusions of an integrated sequence stratigraphic study of the Callovian marine succession across area 'A' of the Zone of Cooperation (ZOCA). This study utilised wireline log and conventional core data from within ZOCA 91–1 and ZOCA 91–12, and incorporated trade data from adjacent permits, to generate a rational depositional model for the succession. Three distinct third-order sequences have been recognised from the detailed correlation of regional flooding surfaces recognised on wireline log motifs calibrated against conventional core and biostratigraphy. The base of the oldest third-order sequence includes section previously referred to as Plover Formation, and roughly corresponds to the W.digitata/W.indotata zone boundary. The Callovian Unconformity within the ZOCA region is thus relegated to a third-order sequence boundary or disconformity. The term Elang Formation is proposed for this Callovian succession which comprises three third-order sequences mappable across ZOCA. The well-type section for the Elang Formation is Elang-1, and an additional well reference section would be Elang-2, as both these wells contain significant and complementary cored section.

Detailed sedimentological studies on conventional core reveal that the Elang Formation comprises a succession of coastal plain to nearshore marine sediments, ranging from low sinuosity fluvial channel, fluvial-dominated deltaic, proximal low sinuosity estuarine channel and distal outer bay sediments. Only minor wave-dominated, open marine shoref ace intervals were interpreted, most of the cored intervals indicating a fluvially-domi-nated shoreline with minimal wave reworking. Isopach and per cent sand maps generated for each third-order sequence comprising the Elang Formation illustrate the successive sediment distribution patterns across ZOCA during the progressive marine transgression from the top of the fluvio-deltaic Plover Formation to the base of the offshore marine Lower Flamingo Group. The sand-trend maps for the three sequences which comprise the Elang Formation indicate a fluvial/estuarine-dominated delta system, sourced from the region of the Laminaria Field, AC/P8, building east and southeast out across the ZOCA region. A modern analogue of this delta system in both size and sedimentation style may be the Brahmaputra/Ganges Delta of East Bengal.