Earth and Planetary Sciences ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 2023

Abstract

Fluvial packages are the hypothetical groupings of facies that make up the fluvial succession consisting of channel belt sandstones and associated levee, floodplain, and avulsion deposits. This study attempted to describe a single fluvial package laterally using the new technologies of UAV imaging and 3D photogrammetry; however, amalgamation of channel belts and erosion from this amalgamation made long-distance lateral correlation difficult. This analysis of medial deposits in the Nacimiento Formation in the Angel Peak Area, Northwestern New Mexico evaluates the degree of amalgamation of fluvial packages across the study area while identifying facies associated with the hypothetical fluvial package. This study found vertical distances between sandstone tops varying from 1-3 meters, indicating limited accommodation available between fluvial package deposition. Limited accommodation during deposition likely forced more sediment down fan, actively by-passing the medial area. This limits the fine-grained facies that are preserved and causes the amalgamation observed between channel belt sandstones.

Degree Name

Earth and Planetary Sciences

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences

First Committee Member (Chair)

Dr. Gary Weissmann

Second Committee Member

Dr. Jason Moore

Third Committee Member

Dr. Peter Fawcett

Language

English

Keywords

Amalgamation, fluvial sedimentology, DFS, distributive fluvial systems, Nacimiento Formation, San Juan Basin

Document Type

Thesis

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