Quantitative approach in environmental interpretations of deep-marine sediments (Dukla Unit, Western Carpathian Flysch Zone)

Abstract

Quantitative approach in environmental interpretations of deep-marine sediments (Dukla Unit, Western Carpathian Flysch Zone)In structurally complicated terranes with outcrops limited in number and extent, additional methods for interpreting depositional environments are required. Statistical analysis of bed thicknesses, in addition to conventional sedimentological analysis, is a quantitative way to refine environmental interpretations, interpretations that can be useful in predicting reservoir architecture. We analysed Paleogene deep-water sediments belonging to the Cisna, Sub-Menilite, and Menilite Formations of the Dukla Unit, Outer Carpathian Flysch Zone and, using two independent quantitative methods, tried to define their depositional environments. As a first approach we used Carlson & Grotzinger's model (2001), which suggests power law distribution of turbidite bed thicknesses. The second one is the lognormal mixture model of Talling (2001). Based on a quantitative approach, we suggest deposition of the lowermost Cisna Formation in the channel-levee environment. The overlying sediments of the Sub-Menilite Formation were deposited in a more distal, probably outer lobe environment. The uppermost Menilite Formation is interpreted as deposits from an outer lobe/basin plain environment.