Introduction to Carbonate Facies, Depositional Environments, and Depositional Systems
Robert G. Loucks, Charles Kerans, Xavier Janson
Bureau of Economic Geology
Reservoir Characterization Research Laboratory
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| DEPOSITIONAL SYSTEM A
“depositional system’ is a three-dimensional association
or assemblage of facies (environments) genetically linked by active
(modern) or inferred (ancient) environmental and sedimentary processes
(Fisher and McGowen, 1967). This concept allows the grouping of
facies into a larger entity to understand the association of the
separate facies (environments). |
| Examples of depositional systems: |
A platform-margin sand-shoal depositional system is composed of several main facies:
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Cat
Cay platform-margin sand shoal complex along the western margin
of the Great Bahamas Bank. |
A platform-margin reef depositional system is composed of several main facies:
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A
well-developed platform-margin barrier reef offshore from southern
Belize. |