Siliciclastic Sequence Stratigraphy and Petroleum Geology—Where to From Here?

Modern sequence stratigraphy has its roots in the development of seismic stratigraphy. In the late 1960s to middle 1970s, Peter R. Vail and his colleagues at Exxon Production Research Company developed stratigraphic techniques and principles based on time stratigraphic rather than rock stratigraphic (lithostratigraphic) relationships using multi-fold seismic reflection data. Seismic stratigraphic units called depositional sequences were recognized within which the strata seemed conformable and free of any internal stratal discontinuities. Based on global seismic stratigraphic observations, these workers inferred a eustatic signal and developed global sea level curves. Despite shortcomings, the sequence stratigraphic approach represents a powerful geological tool. At the field development scale, improved reservoir, source, and seal prediction can enhance petroleum recovery. At the exploration scale, this approach can be instrumental in developing new play concepts in both mature and frontier basins. To realize the full potential of this method, earlier conceptual models must be substantiated and modified. 80 refs., 2 tabs.