Earth and Planetary Sciences ETDs

Publication Date

Fall 12-10-2019

Abstract

Outcrop studies of fluvial sand bodies are important for the study of fluid transport and storage capabilities because the deposits are heterogeneous. 3-D photogrammetry was used to evaluate the amalgamation processes of a multi-storey sheet sandstone in the San Juan Basin, NM. The Angel Peak member was deposited in the proximal-medial transition of a distributive fluvial system by a meandering river during the Paleocene. Within the study area, amalgamation occurred by avulsion and reoccupation of channel-belts to produce five storeys of the multi-storey sheet sandstone. Within each storey is evidence of processes that are internal to a channel-belt, such as bar migrations, small scour surfaces, and chute deposits. Vertical truncation by subsequent channel-belts has occurred to each storey. Miocene to present erosion has also removed portions of the uppermost storeys within the detailed study area. The multi-storey sheet sandstone of the Angel Peak member was deposited as the San Juan Basin was almost full, thus has many characteristics of amalgamation during low accommodation space.

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. Peter Fawcett

Third Committee Member

Dr. Louis Scuderi

Language

English

Keywords

fluvial, multi-storey, sandstone, San Juan Basin, amalgamation

Document Type

Thesis

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