Analysing the Lateral Continuity and Amalgamation of Thin Beds Within Parasequence 4: a Storm Dominated Prodelta in the Cretaceous Ferron Sandstone

Studies about heterolithic thin-bedded facies are important due to the significant amount of recoverable hydrocarbons that can be found within these kinds of strata. Many physical processes are attributed to the deposition of these facies, but this study will focus on hummocky cross-stratified (HCS) beds, which are interpreted as storm deposits, or tempestites. These can be found in parasequence 4 of the Ferron Sandstone member of the Cretaceous Mancos Shale. This study's goal was to document and understand the lateral continuity and amalgamation of tempestites in parasequence 4. Data was collected using drone scans and 5 measured sections were taken, two 3-D models and two bedding diagrams were created from this raw data. Measurements were taken of 29 HCS beds in order to understand this. The data shows that HCS beds have higher degrees of amalgamation in the parasequence, along with more varied and greater maximum thickness. This reflects the progradation of parasequence 4, as it moves from pro-delta to delta front facies. The bedding diagrams show that tempestites are laterally discontinuous over the 220 m length of the outcrop and frequently pinch out due to erosion from younger beds.