DELTAIC FACIES SYSTEMS AND DEPOCENTER MIGRATION OF LATE CRETACEOUS SEQUENCES, NEW JERSEY COASTAL PLAIN

Isopach maps derived from core and well-log integration reveal two distinct facies systems in a dual-sediment source setting for the Late Cretaceous strata of the New Jersey Coastal Plain. A strong southern source resembles the modern wave and tide-dominated Niger delta, while a northern source is similar to the wave-dominated modern Rhone delta. These facies systems are superimposed on 13 transgressive-regressive sequences defined on the basis of lithology, biostratigraphy, and Sr-isotopic stratigraphy. Depocenters migrated northeastward from the Cenomanian (ca. 98 Ma) through the earliest Danian (ca. 64 Ma) and are consistent with interpretations of seismic data from offshore sediments. The geographical expression and architecture of these sequences are a function of both sediment input and basement tectonics, with eustasy enabling sequence deposition and preservation through changes in accommodation space. The location and distribution of the two sediment sources and their characteristic deltaic facies influence the regional hydrostratigraphy of Late Cretaceous strata. Thick wave-dominated sands of the northern source provide viable aquifers in the northern coastal plain (e.g., Magothy and Upper Englishtown aquifers) whereas wave and tide-dominated sands (e.g., Mount Laurel aquifer) are important aquifers in the central and southern coastal plain.