Subsurface Insights | 5
Applying a biostratigraphically calibrated sequence stratigraphic model removes the limitations of correlating on lithostratigraphy and enables consistent , age-attributed stratigraphic comparisons across the Arabian Plate . This age attribution is essential to generate a consistent and structured dataset that can be used for correlation and mapping purposes . It also unlocks an array of geological insights , particularly when integrated within regional exploration workflows .
PLATE-SCALE STRATIGRAPHIC TRENDS
Important plate-scale depositional and tectonostratigraphic trends occurred on the Arabian Plate during the Middle Cretaceous ( Figure 1 ):
» The largely siliciclastic-dominated Albian succession was deposited within a broad , muddy ramp system . Major deltas , such as the Burgan delta system in Kuwait , drained from the Arabian Shield and delivered siliciclastics across the Arabian platform .
» In the Late Albian , these siliciclastic systems were suppressed during a transgression , and a broad carbonate ramp ( Mauddud Formation and regional equivalents ) was established across the plate .
» In the Cenomanian , intrashelf basins developed within a broad carbonate platform . Some intrashelf basins , such as the Shilaif ( UAE ) and Najaf ( Iraq ), were long-lived , spanning the Cenomanian . Other intrashelf basins , such as the Natih-E and Natih-B ( Oman ), were created and infilled within a single Neftex 3 rd order sequence .
» In the southern part of the plate , a major erosional unconformity occurred in the Turonian due to outboard compression , associated with the initiation of subduction along the NeoTethys margin . Preservation beneath this regional unconformity is variable , generating a complex subcrop expression .
Figure 1 > Stratigraphic synthesis for the Middle Cretaceous of Arabia . The consistent , age-attributed sequence stratigraphic framework supersedes the disjointed lithostratigraphy . Modified after van Buchem et al . ( 2011 ).