Sequence Stratigraphy 25 Years Down-the-Road: Technology Dependencies, Current Practices and Evolving

Methods for Prediction of Petroleum Systems*

Ole J. Martinsen1

Search and Discovery Article #50262 (2010)

Posted June 7, 2010

*Adapted from 2009-2010 AAPG Distinguished Lecture. Please refer to the other Distinguished Lecture by Dr. Martinsen; it is entitled, “Deep-water Sedimentary
Processes and Systems: The Role of Internal vs. External Controls on Lithology Distribution and Stratigraphy,” Search and Discovery Article #50261 (2010).

1
Statoil Hydro Research, Bergen, Norway (OJMA@statoilhydro.com)

Abstract

Since its inception in the 1980s, sequence stratigraphy has manifested itself as an extremely useful tool for prediction of lithology and basin
fill in both clastic and carbonate settings. While most uses in the petroleum industry have been biased towards reservoir prediction, the
method is equally powerful in predicting source and seal lithology.

Sequence stratigraphy grew out of seismic stratigraphy, which developed in the 1970s as a response to the technological breakthrough of
high-resolution, long 2D seismic lines on continental margins, in which basin fill sequences could be viewed with unprecedented clarity. The
weakness of the 2D seismic stratigraphy approach was a function of lack of technology and insight to view the continental-margin sequences
in 3D. That came later, particularly in the 1990s, with the advent of high-resolution 3D seismic.

In the meanwhile, geologists with sedimentary and geomorphic insight had realized that sequences varied both in time and space and that a
2D view of them was insufficient to understand the chronology of most basin-filling sequences. This led to a flurry of studies of modern and
ancient sedimentary systems to populate the sequence frameworks with process, lithological and architectural data. New technology, such as
satellite/remote sensing data and digital capture of outcrop data, has allowed for data capture, idea development and breakthroughs of
understanding of sedimentary systems which could not have been accomplished with a simple qualitative approach.

While seismic stratigraphy and sequence stratigraphy can be classified, respectively, as second and third generation methods of understanding
basin fill (facies analysis being first order), a fourth generation method is rapidly developing. This method involves complete Source-to-Sink
(S2S) analysis of sedimentary systems and is carried forward by new technology and tools that allow for quantitative assessment of
geomorphic parameters, paleo-climate, drainage, bypass and depositional areas, and sediment supply in a linked way. In addition to the
deposits and the depositional area, which has been the focus of classic sequence stratigraphy, S2S includes an analysis of the sediment origin

Copyright © AAPG. Serial rights given by author. For all other rights contact author directly.
area, its development, processes and sediment routing. This approach, which truly is an extension of Earth Systems Modelling, provides the
basin analyst with a much more complete view of a basin’s development in time and space and will form the basis for future basin analysis
techniques. Such an approach has potentially major impact on the assessment and risking of petroleum systems, but is clearly challenging
when performed on ancient systems as preservation of system components is often inversely proportional to age.

Thus, in summary, through four generations of development of methods for understanding and predicting basin fill, technology development
has played a major role in breakthrough of understanding. In consequence, geologists should be humble towards how breakthroughs are made
and continuously look for technology in other fields in science that will let us make the next new step forward.

References

Catuneanu, O., V. Abreu, J.P. Bhattacharya, et al., 2009, Towards the standardization of sequence stratigraphy???Earth-Science Reviews, v.
92, p. 1-33.

Catuneanu, O., V. Abreu, J.P. Bhattacharya, et al., 2009, Towards the standardization of sequence stratigraphy; Reply: Earth-Science Reviews,
v. 94/1-4, p. 98-100.

Devlin, W. J., K.W. Rudolph, C.A. Shaw, and K.D. Ehman, 1993, The effect of tectonic and eustatic cycles on accommodation and sequence-
stratigraphic framework in the Upper Cretaceous foreland basin of southwestern Wyoming: Special Publication of the International
Association of Sedimentologists, v. 18, Pp. 501-520.

Embry, A.F., 1997, Global Sequence Boundaries of the Triassic and Their Identification in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin: Bulletin
of Canadian Petroleum Geology, v. 45/4, p. 415-433.

Embry, A.F., 1995, Sequence boundaries and sequence hierarchies: problems and proposals, in Sequence Stratigraphy on the Northwest
European Margin, R.J. Steel, V.L. Felt, E.P. Johannessen, and C. Mathieu, (Eds.), Norwegian Petroleum Society (NPF) Special Publication, v.
5, p. 1-11.

Galloway W E., 1989, Genetic stratigraphic sequences; flooding-surface-bounded depositional units in terrigenous shelves and seaways: 28th
International Geological Congress, Abstracts v. 1, p. 525.

Galloway, W.E., 1989, Genetic stratigraphic sequences in basin analysis; II, Application to Northwest Gulf of Mexico Cenozoic basin: AAPG
Bulletin, v. 73/2, p. 143-154.
Galloway, W.E., 1989, Genetic stratigraphic sequences in basin analysis; I, Architecture and genesis of flooding-surface bounded depositional
units: AAPG Bulletin, v. 73/2, p. 125-142.

Gawthorpe, R.L., A.J. Fraser, and R.E.L Collier, 1994, Normal fault control on accommodation and sediment flux in rift basins; examples
from neotectonic extensional basins: Annual Meeting Expanded Abstracts AAPG, p. 153.

Gjelberg, J.G., T. Enoksen, P. Kjærnes, G.Mangerud, O.J.Martinsen, O.J., E. Roe, and E. Vågenes, 2001, The Maastrichtian and Danian
depositional setting along the eastern margin of the Møre Basin (mid-Norwegian Shelf): implications for reservoir development of the Ormen
Lange Field, in Sedimentary Environments Offshore Norway – Palaeozoic to Recent, O.J. Martinsen, and T. Dreyer, (eds.): NPF Special
Publication, v. 10, p. 421-440.

Goodbred Jr., S.L., 2003. Response of the Ganges dispersal system to climate change: a source-to-sink view since the last interstade:
Sedimentary Geology, v. 162, p. 83–104.

Helland-Hansen, W., and O.J. Martinsen, 1996, Shoreline trajectories and sequences: description of variable depositional-dip scenarios:
Journal of Sedimentary Research, v. 66/4, p. 670-688.

Jordan, T. E., and P. B. Flemings (1991), Large-Scale Stratigraphic Architecture, Eustatic Variation, and Unsteady Tectonism: A Theoretical
Evaluation: J. Geophys. Res., 96/B4, p. 6681-6699, doi:10.1029/90JB01399.

Leckie, D.A., 2003, Modern environments of the Canterbury Plains and adjacent offshore areas, New Zealand - an analog for ancient
conglomeratic depositional systems in nonmarine and coastal zone settings: Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology, v. 51/4, p. 389-425.

Martinsen, O.J., F. Bøen, M.A. Charnock, G. Mangerud, and A. Nøttvedt, 1999, Cenozoic development of the Norwegian margin 60-640N:
sequences and sedimentary response to variable basin physiography and tectonic setting in A.J. Fleet and S.A.R. Boldy, (eds): Petroleum
Geology of Northwest Europe: Proceedings of the 5th Conference, Geological Society of London, p. 293-304.

Martinsen, O.J. and W. Helland-Hansen, 1995, Strike variability of clastic depositional systems: does it matter for sequence- stratigraphic
analysis?: Geology, v. 23, p. 439-442.

Maslin, M.A., 2009, Review of the timing and causes of the Amazon Fan Mass Transport and Avulsion Deposits during the latest Pleistocene,
in External Controls on Deep-Water Depositional Systems, B. Kneller, O. J. Martinsen, and B. McCaffrey (eds): SEPM (Society for
Sedimentary Geology) Special Publication, v. 92, p. 133-144.
Mitchum, R.M., Jr. and P.R. Vail, 1977, Seismic stratigraphy and global changes of sea level; Part 7, Seismic stratigraphic interpretation
procedure: AAPG Memoir 26, p. 135-143.

Mitchum, R.M. Jr., P.R. Vail, and J.B. Sangree, 1977, Seismic stratigraphy and global changes of sea level; Part 6, Stratigraphic interpretation
of seismic reflection patterns in depositional sequences: AAPG Memoir 26, p. 117-133.

Mitchum, R.M. Jr., P.R. Vail, and S. Thompson, III, 1977, Seismic stratigraphy and global changes of sea level; Part 2, The depositional
sequence as a basic unit for stratigraphic analysis: AAPG Memoir 26, P. 53-62.

Plint, A.G., 1990, An Allostratigraphic correlation of the Muskiki and Marshybank formations (Coniacian-Santonian) in the foothills and
subsurface of the Alberta Basin: Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology, v. 38, p. 288-306.

Posamentier, H.W., 2001, Lowstand alluvial bypass systems: Incised vs. Unincised: AAPG Bulletin, v. 85/10, p. 1771-1793.

Posamentier, H.W., G.P. Allen, D.P. James, and M. Tesson, 1992, Forced regressions in a sequence stratigraphic framework: concepts,
examples, and exploration significance: AAPG Bulletin, v. 76, p. 1687-1709.

Posamentier, H.W. and P.R. Vail, 1988, Sequence stratigraphy; sequences and systems tract development: Memoir Canadian Society of
Petroleum Geologists, v. 15, p. 571-572.

Posamentier, H.W. and M.T. Jervey, 1988, Sequence stratigraphy; implications for facies models and reservoir occurrence: CSPG Reservoir,
v. 15/6, p. 1-2.

Somme, T.O., W. Helland-Hansen, O.J. Martinsen, and J.B. Thurmond, 2009, Predicting morphological relationships and sediment
partitioning in source-to-sink systems: Basin Research, v. 21, p. 361-387.

Vail, P.R., R.G. Todd, and J.B. Sangree, 1977, Seismic stratigraphy and global changes of sea level; Part 5, Chronostratigraphic significance
of seismic reflections: AAPG Memoir 26, p. 99-116.

Vail, P.R., R.M. Mitchum, Jr. and S. Thompson, III, 1977, Seismic stratigraphy and global changes of sea level; Part 4, Global cycles of
relative changes of sea level: AAPG Memoir 26, p. 83-97.

Vail, P.R., R.M. Mitchum, Jr., and S. Thompson, III, 1977, Seismic stratigraphy and global changes of sea level; Part 3, Relative changes of
sea level from coastal onlap: AAPG Memoir 26, p. 63-81.
Vail, P.R. and R.M. Mitchum, Jr., 1977, Seismic stratigraphy and global changes of sea level; Part 1, Overview: AAPG Memoir 26, p. 51-52.

Van Wagoner, J.C., 1990, Sequence boundaries in siliciclastic strata on the shelf; physical expression and recognition criteria: The Outcrop,
v. 39/12, p. 3-4.

Van Wagoner, J.C., R.M. Mitchum, K.M. Campion, and V.D. Rahmanian, 1990, Silicislastic sequence stratigraphy in well logs, cores, and
outcrops : concepts for high-resolution correlation of time and facies : AAPG Methods in Exploration Series v. 7, 55 p.

Van Wagoner, J.C., H.W. Posamentier, R.M. Mitchum, Jr., P.R. Vail, J.F. Sarg, T.S. Loutit, and J. Hardenbol, 1988, An overview of the
fundamentals of sequence stratigraphy and key definitions in Sea-Level changes: an Integrated Approach, C.K. Wilgus, B.S. Hastings, C.G.
St. C. Kendall, H.W. Posamentier, C.A. Ross & J.C. Van Wagoner (eds), Special Publication SEPM, v. 42, p. 39-45.

Walker, R. G., 1967, Turbidite sedimentary structures and their relationship to proximal and distal depositional environments: Journal of
Sedimentary Petrology, v. 37, p. 25-43.

Website
Major sequence stratigraphic and chronostratigraphic surfaces SEPM Sequence Stratigraphy Website http://sepmstrata.org/MapSite.html
(accessed May 11, 2010) material originally from Chris Kendall, USC website.
Sequence Stratigraphy 25 Years Down-the-Road:

Technology Dependencies, Current Practices and

Evolving Methods for Prediction of Petroleum Systems

Ole J. Martinsen, Dr.sc.

Roy M. Huffington International Distinguished Lecturer 2009-2010

Contents

• A personal view!
• Sequence stratigraphy background
and key learnings
• The role of technology
• Models: are they important?
• Variations to classic models
– Local variability, other basin
types, deep-water settings
• The next step?
– A new process-driven
approach

Onshore Norway: a sequence boundary in formation

Geology laws: tested by sequence stratigraphy
• Facies
– 'A facies is a body of rock with
specified characteristics...
• The Principle of Superposition of
Strata
– The lowest unit is always the
oldest
– Opposite of engineers’ way of
marking units
– Exceptions occur!
• Walther’s Law
– Environments which are adjacent
to one another during deposition
will be vertically adjacent when
stacked and buried
– Exceptions occur!
• Uniformitarianism
– The assumption that the natural
processes operating in the past
are the same as those that can
be observed operating in the From Chris Kendall
present
What has sequence stratigraphy given us?
Surface focus: unconformities and bypass
Shoreline position 15000BP

Shoreline position 10500BP

Late Pleistocene-Holocene forced regressive

shorelines and incised valleys, Arctic Norway
Surface focus: flooding/transgressive surfaces

Condensed sections:
300-400 kyr break
Accommodation

Eustasy

Subsid-
ence/
uplift
Prediction! Breaks! Time and Space Insight!

Chris Kendall, USC website

A sidestep!
Technology: has it mattered?
Major developments 1: Seismic stratigraphy

• By who
– Exxon in the early 70’s

• Need
– Improved prediction of
source, reservoir and seal on
prospective continental
margins

• Technology driver
– 2D seismic technology
improvement
Major developments 2: Sequence stratigraphy

• By who
– Exxon in the 80’s

• Need
– Improved prediction of source,
reservoir and seal from well
logs, core data and seismic
– Application to outcrops

• Technology driver
– Improved well technology and
data collection
– Depth-converted 2D seismic
– Data integration Pine Ridge, Wyoming
Major developments 3:
Deep-water sedimentary systems insight
Courtesy of Kristina Bakke

• By who
– Various oil and service companies with
access to high-resolution 3D surveys
– ”Seismic geomorphology”
(H.W. Posamentier)

• Need
– Improved understanding of deep-water
settings
– Prediction of reservoir in complex deep-
water settings

• Technology driver
– 3D seismic and new interpretation tools
(VoxelGeo, Petrel, Landmark,
Geoprobe)
Models and background
Cratonic sequences, US

After Larry Sloss

Seismic stratigraphy (1970’s)
Seismic sequence terminology
(Vail et al. 1977)

Vail et al. (1977), Mitchum et al. (1977)

Exxon sequence types (1980’s)

Posamentier et al. (1988),

Van Wagoner et al. (1990)
Sequence boundaries

Pine Ridge, Wyoming

Embry T-R model
Galloway (1989):
Genetic sequences
 A model based on
shoreline trajectories

Helland-Hansen & Martinsen (1996)

Shoreline trajectories and sequences

Helland-Hansen & Martinsen (1996)

Gradients, shoreline trajectories and
accommodation
1) AG>STG

2) AG=STG
3) AG<STG

4) SG<STG
AG = Alluvial gradient
STG = Shoreline trajectory gradient
= 5) SG=STG
SG Shelf gradient
Alluvial plain
Shoreline trajectory
Shelf 6) SG>STG

Helland-Hansen & Martinsen (1996)

Geographic and geologic impact on models!

• Exxon: from seismic and subsurface

• Galloway: from Gulf of Mexico basin
• Embry: Triassic of Canadian Arctic
• Helland-Hansen & Martinsen: attempted to
bridge
• Allostratigraphy (Walker, Plint): Western
Canadian sedimentary basin subsurface
Modifications to original models and
variability based on case studies
Stacking of parasequences
Progradational Retrogradational Aggradational
But what about variable sediment supply?

W. Helland-Hansen
Rule exceptions

Martinsen & Helland-Hansen (1995)

 Canterbury Plains case

From Dale Leckie

Ashburton River, Southern Canterbury Plains

Knick point

Incisional

Transgressive
Wyoming foreland stratigraphy
 Single-storey
Expansion
Meandering

Unconformity Multi-storey, multi-stacked

Martinsen et al. 1999 (Sedimentology)

 Expansion

Unconformity

Martinsen et al. 1999 (Sedimentology)

 Almond Formation
deposition

Positive/rising
ACCOMMODATION/BASE-LEVEL

Base Canyon Creek Member

unconformity
Threshold level:
Rusty Member change of fluvial style
deposition

Base Trail Member Canyon Creek Member

deposition
Negative/falling

unconformity
Rock Springs Threshold level:
Formation change of fluvial style

Trail Member
deposition

TIME
Martinsen et al. 1999 (Sedimentology)
Forced regression

Posamentier et al. (1992)

Barrier island at outcrop-or?

SB

RSME

5m

Almond Formation, Wyoming (USA)

Forced regressions:
preservation vs.
accommodation

W. Helland-Hansen
Rift Basins

R. Gawthorpe et al. (1994)

Impact on Sequence Development
Foreland basins
Foreland basins

From H. Posamentier
Timing and spatial partitioning of deep-water
sediments and surface types

Lowstand-highstand
(rising sea level)

W. Helland-Hansen

Forced regression
(falling sea level)
Active sedimentation at low sea level
Abandonment
and reoccupation Late stage: low or rising sea level
with channel-levee system

Middle stages: lobate/

tabular sands

Initial stage:
debris flows at
falling sea-level

Gjelberg et al. (2001)

 Deep-water reservoir models: cyclicity

2,5 km

200 ms

250m

3 km

Gjelberg et al. (2001)

Sea-level control on Amazon fan

Maslin (2009)
Sea-level control on Amazon fan Maslin (2009)
Repetitive motifs: the recurring theme
15 km

Parà
Mid Miocene-Present

Marajò
Late Paleocene/
Mid Miocene
Limoeiro
Turonian/Danian?

Limoeiro
Cenoman./Turonian

Oceanic crust,
faulted Trond Lien (1998)
Seismic courtesy of ANP
What is next?
Standardization?

• NACSN: North American Commission on

Stratigraphic Nomenclature
• ISSC: International Subcommission on
Stratigraphic Classification
Building on sequence stratigraphy:
a new approach
• Driven by prediction of ancient subsurface systems
• Synthesis of other approaches
• Present/Recent complete source-to-sink systems
are the key to predicting segments of ancient
source-to-sink systems

W East Shetland Platform (UK) South Viking Graben Utsira High Stord Basin (Norway) E

Paleocene slope-basin floor wedge

1000m 60km
From the Millennium Atlas
Source-to-Sink: understanding and definitions
Source
• Holistic approach
– From drainage divide to
ultimate depositional
pinch-out
– Key to prediction of
depositional elements

• Temporal and spatial scale

independence

Sink
• Solids and solutes
Sømme et al. 2009 (Basin Research)
 Segments

Sømme et al. 2009 (Basin Research)

 Morphological approach: linked segments
Can information from one segment provide
quantitative information about other segments?

Sømme et al. 2009 (Basin Research)

Database

Sømme et al. 2009 (Basin Research)

• 29 modern or sub-modern systems
• Varying margin types in varying climatic zones (non-glacial)
Linkage of segments

10000
River length vs.
Length of longest river channel (km)

slope length
1000

Small active
Large active
100
Passive
Mixed Sømme et al. 2009 (Basin Research)

10
1 10 100 1000
Slope length (km)
Prediction of many parameters
Fan area vs. slope length
Small active
1000
Fan area vs. deposition rate Large active

Passive
1000
Long-time deposition rate (x 10 t/yr)

Fan length vs. river length

Slope length (km)

100 Mixed
6

100 100000
Length of longest river channel (km)

10 10 10000

1
1000
1
0.1
0.01 0.1 1 10 100 1000 10000
100 3 2
0.01 Fan area ( x 10 km )
0.01 0.1 1 10 100 1000 10000
10 3
Fan area ( x 10 km )
2

10 100 1000 10000

Sømme et al. 2009 (Basin Research) Fan length (km)

Recent source-to-sink systems and controls:
Bengal Fan

• Neogene-Recent mega-systems, SE Asia

– Climate change in Ganges-Bengal
• Change to seasonal discharge in
12-15 years
– 40% of water supply
disappears; 1.3 billion people
affected

Goodbred (2003)
Uses of Source-to-Sink studies
Google Earth image
• Community sedimentary
models
• Societal applications
– Hazards
– Sea-level changes
– Water resources
150 km
– Agriculture

• Hydrocarbon exploration
• Paleoclimatology and future
climate predictions
Courtesy of John Thurmond

East African antecedent drainages

Source-to-Sink vs. Sequence Stratigraphy
Complementary approaches to predict sediment partitioning

• Holistic basin analysis • Stratigraphy-dominated

• Process-oriented • Product-oriented
• Integration of earth processes • Sink-focused
• Natural systems with inherent complexity • Model-oriented 3D concepts, 2D practice
• Map-view and volumetric focus • Cross-sectional/depth focus

Dave Hunt, unpublished

Application to hydrocarbon exploration

• Prediction in frontier basins and of lithology

• Paleo - Digital Elevation Models and Earth

Systems Modelling

Digital elevation model, reconstructed plates,

drainage basins and sediment yield (circles)