Varieties of Sequence Stratigraphic Configurations in Continental Basins

Zhu Hongtao; Liu Keyu; Zhu Xiaomin; Jiang Zaixing; Zeng Hongliu; Chen Kaiyuan

Abstract：Unlike sequence stratigraphic configuration of the established,relatively stable tectono-sedimentary regimes of the marine basins, the sequence stratigraphic configurations of continental(lacustrine)basins are variable.The varieties of sequence stratigraphic configuration systems of continental basins have been established on the basis of the unique geological characteristics of continental basins(e.g.finite sizes of the receiving area,closed basin setting,multiple basin types,complex controlling factors,multiple sediment source points and supplies, paleo-geomorphological variations,etc.)in this study,which are descibed as"complex continental basin systems create multiple sequence stratigraphic architectures and patterns under the combined influence of multiple controlling factors".The varieties of sequence stratigraphic configuration systems comprise both the classic and some special models.Multiple classic models are summarized for continental rifted,de-pression,foreland,and cratonic basins.There are also some established special sequence stratigraphic models documented,including non-synchronous sequence stacking models and switched sequence stratigraphic stacking models for continental rifted basins,and retrograda-tional sequence stratigraphic models for intra-cratonic basins.The newly proposed"variable sequence stratigraphic configuration systems"display complex sedimentary dynamics of continental basins and provide an effective scheme to describe sequence stratigraphic patterns de-veloped in continental basins.This study may serve as an effective general reference for full characterization of complex sequence strati-graphic configurations in continental basins and enrich the sequence stratigraphic theory of continental basins.