Facies analysis and sequency stratigraphy review of Ponta Grossa formation, Paraná Basin - emphasis on the Tibagi Member sandstones

Abstract

Lithostratigraphic studies of Ponta Grossa Formation (Devonian – Paraná Basin) suggest the recognition of three members, denominated: Jaguariaíva Member, Tibagi Member and São Domingos Member. This work studies the formation as a whole, but predominantly the Tibagi Member, the most controversial, regarding its stratigraphic genesis. Differing from the other members, that are predominantly pelitic, the Tibagi Member has a sandy composition with the facies; distal storm, proximal storm, deltaic outlet bars and littoral drift currents. The disposition of these facies, formed in marine transitional environment, reveals deposition with a progradational array, beginning in shallow platformal environment, with strong storm influence, and covered by deltaic outlet bar deposits. Finally, the coastal drift currents process prevailed. Based on the facies analysis and the comparison between gamma-ray profiles of outcrops and geophysical profiles of wells, the formation was divided in two depositional sequences. In the upper sequence, where it is suggested that Tibagi Member sandstones represent deposits formed in a tract similar to a shelf-edge systems tract. This system tract was used (elaborated for passive margin basins, and not for ramp type basins, as the Paraná Basin), to have the possibility of obtaining good explanations to understand the deltaic progradation associated with the deposition of that interval, clarifying issues referring to the relative sea level behavior, to the sedimentary contribution, and to the stratigraphic pile up. Finally, comparisons were made with existing stratigraphic models, with the aim to establish a discussion on this important subject in order to promote new debate on the Ponta Grossa Formation stratigraphic sequences.