TECTONIC HISTORY OF THE ANADARKO BASIN

This study presents a comprehensive compilation of the geological history of the Anadarko basin derived from the available literature, well data, and 2D and 3D seismic datasets. A large volume of published geologic interpretations comprising a broad spectrum of scale, data vintages, and contributing authors/organizations are first evaluated for consistency and reliability. The results are geo-referenced to a common database in order to develop a unified description of basin evolution during key geologic time periods. Available isopach maps and seismic reflection studies are used to constrain the timing and location of deformation within the Wichita and Ardmore uplifts as well as all minor structures. Depocenters for major sedimentary groups are tracked, thus giving information on the subsidence and tectonic activity within the basin. We interpret the influence of the Ouachita orogeny on the Anadarko basin as a westward migrating foreland basin (Arkoma) and forebulge.

The results of this study will be used to calibrate future numerical simulations of basin formation where erosion, sediment routing, deposition, subsidence and plate flexure will be imaged in order to refine the parameters that govern these processes. The insights gained from this study of tectonic controls on basin development will inform modeling of crustal stresses in the Anadarko Basin from the Pennsylvanian period to present day.