Cenozoic sequence stratigraphy of the Kachchh Basin, India. (September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Catuneanu, Octavian; Dave, Alok
• Is Part Of: Marine and petroleum geology. Volume 86(2017)
• Page Start: 1106
• Page End: 1132
• Publication Date: 2017-09
• Subjects: Sequence stratigraphy -- Kachchh Basin -- Cenozoic -- Mixed carbonate-siliciclastic systems -- Passive margin; Submarine geology -- Periodicals; Petroleum -- Geology -- Periodicals; Géologie sous-marine -- Périodiques; Pétrole -- Géologie -- Périodiques; Petroleum -- Geology; Submarine geology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 551.468
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2017.07.020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-8172

Abstract

Abstract: The Kachchh sedimentary basin in the western continental margin of India is a peri-cratonic rift basin which preserves a nearly complete rock record from Middle Jurassic to Recent, punctuated by several stratigraphic breaks. The Cenozoic sediments exposed in the western part of the Kachchh mainland extend offshore into the present-day continental shelf. The unique feature of the outcropping area is a nearly complete, richly fossiliferous and easily accessible Cenozoic succession. Detailed field mapping and litho-biostratigraphic studies have made it possible to identify the chronostratigraphic units, map them in the field and extend the correlation into the offshore, aided by the development of continuously recognizable key biostratigraphic horizons and time boundaries. Detailed field mapping of key sections integrated with the litho-biostratigraphic information has helped in working out a sequence stratigraphic framework for the Cenozoic succession in the basin. The succession comprises a first-order passive margin sequence. Excellent biostratigraphic control has enabled identification of unconformities of various magnitudes which in turn have helped in mapping 5 second-order and four third-order sequences. Each sequence is discussed with respect to its extent, nature of sequence boundaries, sedimentary fill, key sequence stratigraphic surfaces and depositional setup, to understand the Cenozoic sequence stratigraphic architecture of the basin. Highlights: This work presents the sequence stratigraphic framework of the Kachchh Basin. Stratigraphic trends are calibrated with detailed sedimentology and biostratigraphy. Excellent biostratigraphic control constrains the timing of units and unconformities. Mixed siliciclastic-carbonate setting: onshore equivalent of prolific offshore petroleum field. Carbonate regime terminated by the onset of the Himalayas and associated fluvial systems.