A Deterministic Evaluation of eismic Fidelity using Velocity Modeling ...
A Deterministic Evaluation of eismic Fidelity using Velocity Modeling ...
A Deterministic Evaluation of eismic Fidelity using Velocity Modeling ...
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2.3 Stratigraphy<br />
Salt accumulated into the large Paleo-Gulf <strong>of</strong> Mexico basin during the Jurassic. Basin<br />
analysis suggests the region subsequently divided into two separate basinal features<br />
(Humphris, 1978) (Figure 3). By the end <strong>of</strong> the Jurassic, all <strong>of</strong> the structural and<br />
stratigraphic features seen today were in place, but accentuation and modification <strong>of</strong><br />
these features continued over time (Salvador, 1987).<br />
During the late Jurassic, the northern Gulf <strong>of</strong> Mexico Basin evolved from a dominantly<br />
progradational setting to late-stage aggradation. The complexity <strong>of</strong> the Mesozoic GOM<br />
basin has resulted in differing models to describe it. Some aspects <strong>of</strong> the early GOM<br />
development are still not fully understood as can be seen by the theoretical problem that<br />
exists in explaining the mechanisms for drowning carbonate margins and platforms<br />
(Schlager, 1981). Another issue <strong>of</strong> interest is the relationship between the carbonates and<br />
salt. Growth faulting and rapid subsidence <strong>of</strong> the shelf margin results from bathymetric<br />
relief over a mobile belt (Winker, 1982), yet Winker’s (1982) model appears to be<br />
incompatible with underlying sequences <strong>of</strong> mobile evaporates (Winker and Buffler,<br />
1988). Such issues illustrate the need for a more detailed understanding <strong>of</strong> the<br />
interrelationships <strong>of</strong> salt, stratigraphy and structure.<br />
Thick prograding depositional sequences deformed by gravity loading characterize the<br />
Cenozoic history <strong>of</strong> the northwestern Gulf <strong>of</strong> Mexico Basin. Stratigraphic sequences<br />
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