Changes

  | part    = Critical elements of the petroleum system

  | part    = Critical elements of the petroleum system

  | chapter = Sedimentary basin analysis

  | chapter = Sedimentary basin analysis

  | frompg  = 4-1

  | frompg  = 4-18

  | topg    = 4-123

  | topg    = 4-18

  | author  = John M. Armentrout

  | author  = John M. Armentrout

  | link    = http://archives.datapages.com/data/specpubs/beaumont/ch04/ch04.htm

  | link    = http://archives.datapages.com/data/specpubs/beaumont/ch04/ch04.htm

  | isbn    = 0-89181-602-X

  | isbn    = 0-89181-602-X

}}

}}

By understanding the present structural and stratigraphic configuration of a basin, we can interpret its plate tectonic history within the context of global plate reconstructions. Starting with the present configuration of the basin, we can move back in time and map the basin at critical periods in its plate tectonic development. Maps should show features such as spreading centers, contractional areas, extensional areas, crustal types, and mobile belts.

By understanding the present structural and stratigraphic configuration of a basin, we can interpret its [[Plate tectonics|plate tectonic history]] within the context of global plate reconstructions. Starting with the present configuration of the basin, we can move back in time and map the basin at critical periods in its plate tectonic development. Maps should show features such as [[spreading center]]s, [[Contraction|contractional]] areas, [[Extension|extensional]] areas, [[crust]]al types, and mobile belts.

==Critical period map==

==Critical period map==

[[file:sedimentary-basin-analysis_fig4-10.png|300px|thumb|{{figure number|1}} Gulf of Mexico region as it looked approximately 130 Ma. Modified from Pindell.<ref name=ch04r76 /> Courtesy Gult Coast SEPM.]]

[[file:sedimentary-basin-analysis_fig4-10.png|300px|thumb|{{figure number|1}} Gulf of Mexico region as it looked approximately 130 Ma. Modified from Pindell.<ref name=ch04r76 /> Courtesy Gult Coast SEPM.]]

Technically, the Gulf of Mexico (GOM; see [http://www.epa.gov/gmpo/about/facts.html General Facts about the Gulf of Mexico] for general information) is a Mesozoic-Cenozoic (see [http://www.stratigraphy.org/index.php/ics-chart-timescale International Chronostratigraphic Chart]) rift basin formed along a southwest-northeast-spreading center on the southern margin of the North American craton.<ref name=ch04r25>Buffler, R., T., 1991, Early evolution of the Gulf of Mexico basin, in Goldthwaite, D., ed., An Introduction to Central Gulf Coast Geology: New Orleans Geological Society, p. 1–16.</ref> The basic tectonic architecture developed as a consequence of the Jurassic breakup of Pangea (see [http://geology.com/pangea.htm Plate Tectonics] for more information) as Africa and South America separated from North America.<ref name=ch04r76>Pindell, J., L., 1993, Regional synopsis of Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean evolution: Proceedings, Gulf Coast Section SEPM 13th Annual Research conference, p. 251–274.</ref> The GOM basin is underlain by oceanic and transitional crust<ref name=ch04r25 /> deformed along a set of north-northwest-trending faults.<ref name=ch04r64>Marton, G., Buffler, R., T., 1993, The southeastern Gulf of Mexico in the framework of the opening of the Gulf of Mexico basin: Selected Papers, Gulf Coast Section SEPM 13th Annual Research conference, p. 127–139.</ref>

Technically, the [[Gulf of Mexico]] (GOM; see [http://www.epa.gov/gmpo/about/facts.html General Facts about the Gulf of Mexico] for general information) is a Mesozoic-[[Cenozoic]] (see [http://www.stratigraphy.org/index.php/ics-chart-timescale International Chronostratigraphic Chart]) [[rift]] basin formed along a southwest-northeast-spreading center on the southern margin of the North American craton.<ref name=ch04r25>Buffler, R. T., 1991, Early evolution of the Gulf of Mexico basin, in D. Goldthwaite, ed., An Introduction to Central Gulf Coast Geology: New Orleans Geological Society, p. 1–16.</ref> The basic tectonic architecture developed as a consequence of the Jurassic breakup of Pangea (see [http://geology.com/pangea.htm Plate Tectonics] for more information) as Africa and South America separated from North America.<ref name=ch04r76>Pindell, J. L., 1993, Regional synopsis of Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean evolution: Proceedings, Gulf Coast Section SEPM 13th Annual Research conference, p. 251–274.</ref> The GOM basin is underlain by [[Oceanic crust|oceanic]] and [[transitional crust]]<ref name=ch04r25 /> deformed along a set of north-northwest-trending faults.<ref name=ch04r64>Marton, G., and R. T. Buffler, 1993, The southeastern Gulf of Mexico in the framework of the opening of the Gulf of Mexico basin: Selected Papers, Gulf Coast Section SEPM 13th Annual Research conference, p. 127–139.</ref>

[[:file:sedimentary-basin-analysis_fig4-10.png|Figure 1]] shows the Gulf of Mexico region as it looked approximately 130 Ma. Note the spreading and transform fault systems separating the North American, Atlantic, Farallon, and Caribbean plates. Striped areas are cratonic basement; shading is transitional to oceanic basement; and arc-related volcanics are noted by a “A” pattern east of the Farallon/Caribbean trench.

[[:file:sedimentary-basin-analysis_fig4-10.png|Figure 1]] shows the Gulf of Mexico region as it looked approximately 130 Ma. Note the spreading and [[transform fault]] systems separating the North American, Atlantic, Farallon, and Caribbean plates. (See [[Plates]].) Striped areas are [http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/craton cratonic] [[basement]]; shading is transitional to oceanic basement; and arc-related [[Wikipedia:Volcanic_rock|volcanics]] are noted by a “A” pattern east of the Farallon/Caribbean trench.

==See also==

==See also==

* [[Making regional tectonic maps]]

* [[Making regional tectonic maps]]

* [[Making regional structural cross sections]]

* [[Making regional structural cross sections]]

* [[Determining tectonostratigraphic history]]

* [[Determining tectonostratigraphic history]]

* [[Using a tectonic history model for petroleum system analysis]]

* [[Using a tectonic history model for petroleum system analysis]]

[[Category:Critical elements of the petroleum system]]  

[[Category:Critical elements of the petroleum system]]  

[[Category:Sedimentary basin analysis]]

[[Category:Sedimentary basin analysis]]