THE IMPORTANCE OF HIGH RESOLUTION, QUANTITATIVE BIOSTRATIGRAPHY IN BUILDING A SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHIC FRAMEWORK

A well constrained sequence stratigraphic framework must be based on integrating, if available, multiple data types: biostratigraphy, well logs, cores, outcrops, seismic. The presentation will address how high resolution, quantitative biostratigraphy for several key wells on the Scotian Shelf was used to build and constrain a regional framework. Key stratigraphic surfaces (sequence boundaries, maximum flooding surfaces), stacking patterns, abrupt shifts in facies tracts were defined by using biostratigraphic events, ratios of fossil groups (planktonic / benthic foraminifera, miospore / dynocyst etc.), abundance and diversity maximum and minimum, faunal discontinuity events. This stratigraphic framework may be used for predicting the distribution of facies and architectures along a shelf-to-basin depositional profile.