Aeolian-fluvial dryland systems; BSRG Core Workshop

Interpretation of core material can be a complicated process, in part due to the one dimensional nature of the sample, and the limited spatial availability of core; caused by both the limited spatial sampling frequency (distribution of wells with core intersecting the interval of interest) and limited temporal sampling (limited number of core runs recovering material from the interval of interest). To interpret core effectively requires a good understanding of both spatial and temporal variations that can occur within a depositional environment, but also requires the interpreter to know limitations and pitfalls with observing and interpreting the core. The Permian Leman Sandstone is the preserved expression of a mixed fluvial – aeolian succession, deposited by a fluvial system which terminated in a desert basin. The fluvial system which originated from the London-Brabant Massif, and flowed NNE into the south western edge of the South Permian Basin, which was occupied by an aeolian erg field along the southern margin and sabkahas and playa lakes toward the basin centre. The interactions between the fluvial system and the dune field lead to the deposition of a hybrid stratigraphy, where episodic fluvial activity would rework and entrain material from aeolian deposits, before later being reworked themselves by ongoing aeolian processes. This workshop aims to familiarise participants with the expression of fluvial and aeolian strata in core, and to understand the potential pitfalls and limitations with these interpretations. Key aims of this core workshop are to: · Familiarise the participants with identifying key aeolian and fluvial facies in core. · Identifying the processes which formed these faces. · Using facies associations and successions to build depositional models. · Understand pitfalls and limitations with interpretation of core materials.