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2003 Seattle Annual Meeting (November 2–5, 2003)

Paper No. 1
Presentation Time: 8:00 AM

STRATIGRAPHIC FORWARD MODELLING AS A TOOL FOR THE QUANTIFICATION OF SHELF-BASIN TRANSITIONS, (CANTABRIAN BASIN, SPAIN)


VESELOVSKY, Zbynek1, BECHSTÄDT, Thilo2 and ZÜHLKE, Rainer2, (1)Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Univ of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 234, Heidelberg, D-69120, (2)Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Univ of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 234, Heidelberg, D-69120, Germany, zbynek@uni-hd.de

Stratigraphic forward modelling was developed to simulate the evolution and to quantify the controlling factors of shelf to basin transitions. Structural balancing, 2D reverse basin and stratigraphic forward modelling were combined in this study to analyze the basin development and sedimentation history along a 55km transect in the Southern Cantabrian Basin, NW-Spain.

2D structural balancing of the highly deformed basin infill provided a minimal shortening rate of 34% for this part of the thrust and fold belt. 2D reverse basin modelling offered numerical results of the quantitative development of basin architecture. The evolution of accommodation space in time (560My to 34My) displays six primary trends, which characterize the development of tectonic subsidence rates in time (up to 475m/My), reflecting the different lithospheric configurations prior, during and after the Variscan orogeny. The study focuses on the evaluation and quantification of internal and external parameters governing deposition, e.g. sediment transport, in-situ carbonate production, erosion and compaction. Within the stratigraphic forward simulations, these parameters can be calculated and visualized independently in order to discriminate the primary factors.

Throughout the Precambrian to Ordovician stable, siliciclastic deposition prevailed within the basin. Sedimentation rates of 3300 to 4600m2/ky were uniform during 85My with intermittent periods of carbonate or no sedimentation. All other factors have been kept constant. Tectonic subsidence and eustatic sea-level changes were the controlling factors of deposition during this time. Carbonate growth was limited by the combination of siliciclastic input and rising eustatic sea-level. Strong input and sea-level rise triggered the drowning and the shut down of the carbonate factory. The model rests upon three distinct Devonian carbonate buildups with production rates ranging from 100 to 730mm/ky.

Session No. 61

Stratigraphy
Monday, 3 November 2003: 8:00 AM-12:00 PM
Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 35, No. 6, September 2003, p.174
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