ELSEVIER Sedimentary Geology 121 (1998) 207237

High-resolution sequence stratigraphy of an alluvial fanfan delta

environment: stratigraphic and geodynamic implications An
example from the Keuper Chaunoy Sandstones, Paris Basin
Sylvie Bourquin a, , Christophe Rigollet b , Philippe Bourges c
a Geosciences-Rennes, UPR 4661 du CNRS, Universite de Rennes I, 35042 Rennes cedex, France
b Centre des Sciences de la Terre, 6 boulevard Gabriel, 21000 Dijon, France
c Elf-Aquitaine production, 31360 Boussens, France

Received 4 March 1997; accepted 4 June 1998

Abstract

Facies analysis of the Chaunoy Formation, conducted as the first stage of this study, reveals that the corresponding
fluvial system essentially involved bedload deposition, 2-D and 3-D megaripple migration, and debris-flow deposition.
Such processes are characteristic of alluvial fan depositional environments. These alluvial fan deposits pass laterally
eastward into a shallow lacustrine environment. In stage 2 of the study, electrofacies are defined by well-log analysis and
then matched with sedimentary facies defined by core analysis. Electrofacies associations and depositional environments
are then inferred directly from well-logs on this basis. Six electrofacies characterizing the main sedimentary facies associ-
ations and depositional environments within the Chaunoy Formation are defined (channel, lag deposits, channel infilling,
lake or flood-plain, overflow deposits and paleosols). Stage 3 involves establishing correlations based on high-resolution
sequence stratigraphy. Within these continental deposits, the procedure consists in analysing high-frequency fluctuations
in baselevel defined from sedimentological studies and calibrated on well-log signatures. The correlations show that
the top of the Chaunoy Formation is diachronous. The formation is subdivided here into three stratigraphic units from
base to top: Chaunoy I, II and III. This study shows that the degree of preservation of continental deposits varies with
stratigraphic cycle: genetic sequences and genetic sequence sets are asymmetrical, with the baselevel rise being better
preserved than the baselevel fall, while, for minor cycle, deposits may be similarly preserved during baselevel rise and fall.
The sequence stratigraphy pattern of the genetic sequences and the genetic sequence sets can result from climatic and=or
tectonic factors but their effects are difficult to distinguish. At the scale of the minor Chaunoy I cycle or the Chaunoy II
cycle, preservation is similar during the baselevel rise and fall, that implies that the Chaunoy minor cycles were influenced
by load discharge resulting in greater accommodation space which could result from climatic or tectonic fluctuations. The
Chaunoy Formation was deposited as part of a major baselevel rise during the CarnianLiassic cycle. During this cycle,
the Paris basin was generally tilted to the northwest producing the intra-Marnes irisees superieures truncation which
seems to have been induced by large-scale wavelength tectonic deformation. Detailed isopach maps of minor baselevel
cycles in Chaunoy I with inferred depositional environments are used to define the extent of depositional environments
and fault activity during baselevel rise and fall. During emplacement of the braided alluvial fan and lacustrine deposits of
the Chaunoy Formation, fault activity, which was confined to the western part of the basin, controlled the preservation
potential, i.e. the thickness of the deposits, and depositional environment profiles. Within the Chaunoy I and II cycles, the

Corresponding author. Fax: C33-02-99286100; E-mail: sylvie.bourquin@univ-rennes1.fr

0037-0738/98/$ see front matter c 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
PII: S 0 0 3 7 - 0 7 3 8 ( 9 8 ) 0 0 0 8 1 - 5
208 S. Bourquin et al. / Sedimentary Geology 121 (1998) 207237

increased thickness of the sandstone deposits to the northeast and the onlap at the top of Chaunoy I can be explained by
local fault activity and by the general tilting of the basin. The Chaunoy III sandstones are confined to the western part of
the basin and seem to have been controlled by local factors only. 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Keywords: high-resolution sequence stratigraphy; baselevel; alluvial fan; Triassic; Paris Basin

1. Introduction 2. Geological setting

Sequence stratigraphy concepts (Posamentier et
al., 1988; Van Wagoner et al., 1988) derive histor-
ically from seismic stratigraphy (Vail et al., 1977).
High-resolution sequence stratigraphy is based on
identification of the smallest stratigraphic units
[parasequences (Van Wagoner et al., 1990; Mitchum
and Van Wagoner, 1991) or genetic stratigraphic
sequences (Busch, 1971; Cross, 1988; Galloway,
1989b)] in sedimentological studies. These smallest
stratigraphic units reflect relative sea-level variations
in marine environments or baselevel variations in
continental deposits. While they are clearly recog-
nizable in nearshore marine strata, they are much
more difficult to recognize and correlate in continen-
tal settings. The relationship between fluvial deposits
and relative sea-level variations has been studied in
many papers (Van Wagoner et al., 1990; Leeder and
Steward, 1996; etc.). The main conclusion is that
continental strata are preserved during relative sea-
level rises. Some workers analyse the application of
sequence stratigraphy to continental strata (Wood et
al., 1993; Shanley and McCabe, 1994; etc.). How-
ever, is it possible to realize high-resolution corre-
lations within continental strata? Can stratigraphic
cycles be defined from baselevel variations with
regional or basin-scale correlations? What is their
significance? Are baselevel variations the result of
sea-level variations, tectonic activity, climate and=or
load discharge? We show from the example of the
Chaunoy Sandstones of the Keuper formation in the
western part of the Paris Basin that high-resolu-
tion sequence stratigraphic correlations are possible
in continental strata and we attempt to analyse the
significance of different allocyclic factors for cycle
preservation.
The Chaunoy Sandstones belong to the baselevel
rise of the CarnianLiassic major cycle. To the east,
this cycle commenced with the fluvial deposits of
the Gres a roseaux Formation dated as middle
Carnian (Fig. 1). A maximum flooding episode is
recorded in the lower to middle Toarcian marine
deposits (Schistes cartons Formation, Guillocheau,
1991). It was during this major baselevel rise that the
Chaunoy continental sedimentation occurred in the
west of the Paris Basin (Fig. 1). In the extreme west
of the basin, south of Paris, the Chaunoy Formation
is characterized by alluvial fan deposits (Bourquin,
1991; Bourquin et al., 1993). In the northwest of the
basin the Chaunoy Sandstones are much thicker: 130
m northeast of the Bray Fault compared with less
than 60 m to the southwest of the Bray Fault. To
the east of the Paris Basin, these deposits pass later-
ally into anhydritic coastal sabkha deposits forming
the basal part of the Marnes irisees superieures
(Fig. 1). The Chaunoy Sandstones belong to the
lower Marnes irisees superieures minor baselevel
cycle (Bourquin and Guillocheau, 1993, 1996). This
cycle is characterized in the west by a baselevel
rise and fall within the fluvial Chaunoy Sandstones.
The maximum of the baselevel rise is characterized
by extensive flooding of the alluvial fan by lacus-
trine sediments. To the east, the baselevel rise is
recorded within the anhydritic coastal sabkha sedi-
ments of the Marnes irisees inferieures Formation
by well-developed clay facies. The baselevel fall
trend, characterized in the basin center by numer-
ous well-developed anhydritic strata, ends with an
erosional discontinuity (Fig. 1).
3. Procedure

High-resolution sequence stratigraphy in conti-

nental deposits is based on analysis of high-fre-
 S. Bourquin et al. / Sedimentary Geology 121 (1998) 207237 209

Fig. 1. (A) Lithostratigraphy, sedimentary environment variations and ordering of the different stratigraphic cycles in two wells
characteristic of the east and the west of the Paris Basin (after Bourquin and Guillocheau, 1996, modified). (B) Paris Basin map of the
Chaunoy Sandstones and Marnes irisees superieures Formations during the Upper Keuper (structural map after Bourquin et al., 1997).
210 S. Bourquin et al. / Sedimentary Geology 121 (1998) 207237
quency fluctuations in baselevel defined from sedi-
mentological studies. Baselevel is a theoretical sur-
face below which sediments accumulate and above
which erosion takes place (Wheeler and Murray,
1957; Schumm, 1993). The response to a change
in baselevel determines stratigraphic architecture at
the scale of stratigraphic cycles (Wheeler, 1964a,b;
Galloway and Williams, 1991). Baselevel variation
cycles are controlled by variations in accommoda-
tion space (A) and sediment supply (S). A baselevel
rise is the result of an increase in accommodation
space and=or a decrease in sediment supply (in-
creased A=S ratio). A baselevel fall is the result of a
decrease in accommodation space and=or an increase
in sediment supply (decreased A=S ratio). Variations
in accommodation space (A) combined with those in
sediment supply (S) determine the sedimentary facies
of one stratigraphic unit (Jervey, 1988). Sediment ac-
cumulation during a complete baselevel cycle, with
no specification as to the baselevel cycle origin, dura-
tion or symmetry, describes the smallest stratigraphic
units that can be correlated regionally and which are
termed genetic stratigraphic sequences (Busch, 1971;
Cross, 1988; Galloway, 1989a,b). By definition, ge-
netic sequences range from a few meters to tens of
meters in thickness and are recognizable by regular,
recurring patterns of vertical successions of facies in
each environment. A genetic sequence is interpreted
as a time-bound rock unit because it consists of nu-
merous facies tracts linked in space and time during
sediment accumulation. Genetic sequences provide
the stratigraphic record of sediment accumulation
during a cycle of baselevel rise to fall, i.e. increas-
ing and decreasing sediment accommodation (Cross
et al., 1993) or between periods of maximum ma-
rine flooding of the coastal plain (Galloway, 1989c).
In this case, each genetic sequence is bounded by
baselevel rise to fall turnaround surfaces (maximum
flooding surfaces) and records a complete cycle of
baselevel fall and rise. Because baselevel rise to
fall turnaround surfaces can be correlated easily
across the predominantly continental fluvial strata,
they were used to define the genetic sequence.
The method used to realize high-resolution strati-
graphic correlations requires knowledge of primary
depositional features and comprises two stages. The
first stage, based on one-dimensional (vertical) in-
formation, consists in (1) establishing sedimentary
facies, facies associations, and facies successions
from cores, (2) inferring depositional processes from
the facies, (3) interpreting sedimentary environments
from the combinations of inferred processes, (4) iden-
tifying individual genetic sequences and their well-
log signatures, and (5) reconstructing the genetic se-
quence stacking pattern. The second stage, aimed at
establishing correlations between the various vertical
sections established in stage one, includes (6) defin-
ing a regional datum level, (7) correlating the vertical
stacking pattern of genetic sequences and defining the
superimposed stratigraphic cycles, and is completed
by (8) mapping the different cycles (Homewood et
al., 1992). Vertical successions of genetic sequences
established for each well are used to define increas-
ingly larger scale stratigraphic cycles. Different scales
of stratigraphic cycles are identified by repeatedly
smoothing out facies transitions and successions, and
by observing whether the stacking arrangement of
genetic sequences is successively more landward or
more seaward. With increasing scale and duration,
these stratigraphic cycles are termed genetic sequence
sets, minor baselevel cycles and major baselevel cy-
cles. The baselevel cycles are the stratigraphic record
of sediment accumulation during a cycle of baselevel
rise to fall. They are bounded by turnaround surfaces
from baselevel fall to rise.
Well-log analysis is used to define electrofacies
associated with sedimentary facies deduced from
core analysis, and to infer electrofacies associations
and depositional environments directly from well-
logs. It is essential to use complete sets of log
data to identify and correlate genetic sequences, es-
pecially in continental environments. For example,
sandstones containing large amounts of radioactive
minerals (potash feldspar, heavy minerals, etc.) may
produce high gamma-ray values similar to those ob-
tained from clays. Consequently, the use of gamma-
ray and sonic logs alone may give rise to misinter-
pretations.
4. Facies analysis
Within the Chaunoy Formation alternating
fine-to-coarse continental terrigenous facies with
some interbedded dolomites were observed (Figs. 2
4). Sixteen main facies are described: four clay fa-
 S. Bourquin et al. / Sedimentary Geology 121 (1998) 207237
Fig. 2. Sandstone and clay facies types. (a) Facies Fb, intensely bioturbated. (b) Facies Fl, clays with interbedded siltstone or sandstone, with little bioturbation. (c) Facies
Flb, clays with interbedded siltstone or sandstone, intensely bioturbated. (d) Facies Sp. (e) Facies St. Notice the bedding is marked by rounded clasts. (f) Facies Fb overlain
by facies Dh and by facies Stpb, intensely bioturbated. Notice the original structure is disturbed by bioturbation. (g) Facies Spi interbedded within facies Fb. Notice
planar-cross bedding is marked by shaly clasts.

211
 212
S. Bourquin et al. / Sedimentary Geology 121 (1998) 207237
Fig. 3. Sandstone and clay facies types. (a) Facies Sh interbedded within facies F. Notice the bioturbation at the top of facies Sh. (b) Facies Sh overlain by facies F. Notice
facies Sh is composed of granule-pebble gravel with interbedded coarse-grained sandstones. (c) Facies Sr. (d) Facies Srb overlain by facies Fb. Notice the original structure
is disturbed by bioturbation. (e) Facies Fb overlain by facies Flb with interbedded facies Sm. Notice the top boundary of facies Sm grades into a clay facies.
 S. Bourquin et al. / Sedimentary Geology 121 (1998) 207237 213

Fig. 4. Conglomerate and dolomite facies types. (a) Facies Gm located at the base of facies St. Facies Gm has eroded facies Fb. (b)
Facies Gmu with a fining-upward sequence at its top. (c) Facies Dn with vertical root traces overlying sandstone facies and overlain by
facies Sp. (d) Facies Dn with vertical root traces overlying clay facies (Fb) and overlain by facies Sp. (e) Facies Dh.

cies, eight sandstone facies, two conglomerate facies
and two dolomite facies (Table 1). The facies survey
provides insight into depositional processes on the
basis of the sedimentary structures and can be in-
terpreted in terms of hydrodynamic regimes (Simons
et al., 1965). The facies code used here is modified
from Miall (1978), Postma (1990) and Horton and
Schmitt (1996).
The clay facies (Table 1) are composed of massive
red, green or grey-black clays, which are sometimes
silty and either slightly bioturbated (facies F, Fig. 3a
and b) or intensely bioturbated (facies Fb, Fig. 2a,
f, g, Fig. 3d, e and Fig. 4a and d). The bioturbation
observed is monospecific of the Scoyenia type (Ek-
dale, 1988). Rare finds of fossil wood, fish scales
and monospecific ostracods are made in association
with facies Fb. The clay facies result from deposi-
tion from suspension. Planar and=or cross laminated
siltstone or sandstone strata less than 1 cm thick
are interbedded within these clay facies (facies Fl,
Fig. 2b and facies Flb, Fig. 2c and Fig. 3e). These
deposits form either lenticular or wavy bedding and
reflect the migration of asymmetric climbing-ripples
which are characteristic of the lower part of the lower
flow-regime.
The sandstone facies are described and interpreted
in Table 1.
Planar cross-bedded sandstones, sometimes
214 S. Bourquin et al. / Sedimentary Geology 121 (1998) 207237

Table 1
Lithofacies of the Chaunoy Formation. Facies codes are modified from Miall (1978), Postma (1990) and Horton and Schmitt (1996)

Facies Sedimentary structure Depositional process

Clays
F Clays Deposition from suspension
Fb Clays intensely bioturbated Deposition from suspension within permanent water level
Fl Clays with interbedded planar laminated and=or cross Overbank or waning flood
laminated silt or sand
Flb Clay, with interbedded planar laminated and=or cross Overbank or waning flood within permanent water level
laminated silt or sand, intensely bioturbated
Sandstones
Spi Fine- to medium-grained sandstones, well-sorted, planar Isolated megaripple 2-D, medium part of the lower
cross-bedded, isolated layers within clays flow-regime
Sh Fine-grained sandstones to conglomerate, well- to poorly Planar bed flow (lower and upper flow regime)
sorted, no grading, planar or subplanar lamination
St Fine-grained sandstones to conglomerate, moderately Megaripples 3-D, upper part of the lower flow-regime
sorted, trough cross-bedded
Sp Fine-grained sandstones to conglomerate, moderately to Megaripples 2-D, medium part of the lower flow-regime
well-sorted, planar cross-bedded
Stpb Fine- to medium-grained sandstones, moderately to Megaripples 3-D and 2-D, upper and medium part of the
well-sorted, planar or trough cross-bedded, intensely lower flow-regime in a calm and stable environment
bioturbated
Sr Very fine- to fine-grained sandstones, well-sorted, ripple Climbing-current ripples, lower part of the lower
cross-lamination flow-regime, traction and suspension deposits
Srb Very fine- to fine-grained sandstones, well-sorted, ripple Climbing-current ripple, lower part of the lower
cross-lamination, intensely bioturbated flow-regime, in calm and stable environment
Sm Massive fine-grained sandstones to conglomerate with Subaerial hyperconcentrated flows; Subaqueous
clast-supported, ungraded to poorly inversely graded, high-density turbidity currents
moderately to poorly sorted
Conglomerates
Gmu Matrix-supported conglomerate, ungraded to weakly Subaerial or subaqueous plastic debris flows
inversely graded, poorly sorted
Gm Clast-supported conglomerate, ungraded to weakly graded, Lag deposits, high hydrodynamic conditions
poorly sorted
Dolomites
Dn Nodular dolomite, root traces Paleosol
Dh Homogeneous dolomite, in some cases fissured and filled Dolocrete
by clay and sand

marked by clayey clasts (facies Spi, Fig. 2g) or hor-
izontally stratified sandstones (facies Sh, Fig. 3a, b),
form isolated layers tens of centimeters thick within
the clay facies and may at times be bioturbated at the
top. Basal boundaries are sharped or erosional for
facies Spi and non erosional for facies Sh. They are
interpreted, respectively, as isolated 2-D megaripple
migration or repetitive sand discharge within deposi-
tion from suspension. facies Sh may be interbedded
with sandstones Sm and is attributed to tractional de-
position at the base of high- or low-density turbidity
currents (Lowe, 1982; Ghibaudo, 1992).
Trough cross-bedded sandstones to conglomer-
ates where the bedding is marked by rounded clasts
(facies St, Fig. 2e and Fig. 4a) and planar cross-bed-
ded sandstones to conglomerates (facies Sp, Fig. 2d,
Fig. 3d and Fig. 4d) interpreted as the 3-D and
2-D megaripple migration, compose frequently im-
bricated, fining-upward sequences ranging from sev-
eral decimeters to several meters in thickness. Facies
St and Sp occur as a single set or coset together or
within sandstones (Sr, Sh, Sm). These facies may be
intensely bioturbated (facies Stpb, Fig. 2f) and it is
difficult to distinguish planar from trough cross-bed-
 S. Bourquin et al. / Sedimentary Geology 121 (1998) 207237
ding. Facies Stpb occurs as a single set or coset
within sandstones (Srb, Sh, Sm).
Within claystones and sandstones (St, Sp, Sh),
ripple cross-laminated sandstones (facies Sr, Fig. 3c)
may occur and are sometimes intensely bioturbated
(facies Srb, Fig. 3d). These facies correspond to the
migration of climbing-current ripples.
Facies Sm (Fig. 3e) is interbedded within sand-
stones or claystones and its top boundaries are
sharped or exhibit a gradational change to clay
facies. This facies is interpreted as sand rapidly
deposited directly from turbulent suspension with
insufficient time for bedform development (Lowe,
1982) by subaerial hyperconcentrated flows or sub-
aqueous high-density turbidity currents (Ghibaudo,
1992).
Two conglomerate facies can be described (Ta-
ble 1). Facies Gmu contains pebbles of variable size
(1 to 10 cm) and nature (quartz, quartzite, dolomite,
clay, etc.) and its matrix consists of claystones or silt-
stones. This facies is ungraded to weakly inversely
graded at its base and generally described as fining-
upward sequences at its top (Fig. 4b). It forms iso-
lated layers several tens of centimeters thick within
all recognized facies. Facies Gmu is attributed to
deposition by subaerial or subaqueous plastic de-
bris flows (Gloppen and Steel, 1981; Nilsen, 1982).
Facies Gm (Fig. 4a) with matrix consists of sand-
stone and the erosive basal boundary is located at
the base of fining-upward sequences which may be
imbricated. This facies corresponds to lag deposits.
Geochemical analysis shows that the dolomite
facies of the Chaunoy Formation was formed by
groundwater (or phreatic water) without marine in-
fluences (Spotl, 1991). In the Chaunoy Formation,
the dolomite facies overlie all of the recognized fa-
cies. Facies Dn (Table 1) is composed of brecciated
dolomites with nodules that may be coalescent. It
contains root traces and vertically elongate dolomite
concretions with an upward increase in nodule size,
abundance and coalescence (Fig. 4c and d). These
dolocrete deposits formed under arid conditions with
intermittent heavy rainfall (Colson and Cojan, 1996)
and are interpreted as the result of extended emer-
sion favorable to soil formation (Retallack, 1990;
Andrews et al., 1991). Facies Dh (Table 1, Fig. 4e),
with an irregular and gradual basal boundary, devoid
of root traces results from the mixing of groundwa-
215
ter and brine water (lake, overbank deposits) which
infiltrated the phreatic zone during periods of high
evaporation and lake level lowering (Colson and
Cojan, 1996).
5. Facies associations and depositional
environments
In the extreme west of the basin, south of Paris,
the Chaunoy Formation is characterized by alluvial
fan deposits contain dolomitic paleosols which are
particularly well developed at the top. The axis of the
alluvial fan was WSWENE oriented with the ter-
rigenous sediments being introduced from the west-
southwest (Bourquin, 1991; Bourquin et al., 1993).
The more radioactive sandstones and conglomerates
(potash feldspar, heavy minerals, etc.) are located in
the western part near the proximal area of deposi-
tion. Grain-size composition varies from one well
to another for facies St and Sp: the coarse facies
characteristic of the more proximal area are located
in the southwest of the study area and facies become
finer to the northeast. Gravity flow deposits (facies
Gmu and Sm) are more substantial in the south-
western part of the study area. The clay facies are
more frequent in the northeastern area where they
are more bioturbated and interbedded with facies
Gmu, which exhibits an upward increase in matrix
content, and facies Srb and Stpb. The depositional
environments show a proximal to distal arrangement
from the southwest to the northeast.
The more proximal facies association is charac-
terized by channel facies and debris flow deposits.
The vertical facies pattern Gm, St, Sp and Sr is
frequently observed. Facies Gm frequently contains
clayey clasts which could correspond to reworking
of the adjacent floodplain or lacustrine deposits. The
vertical evolution into the migration of the current
ripples (Sr) marks the end of channel infilling. These
channel deposits are characterized by bedload dom-
inated deposits and the migration of 2-D and 3-D
megaripples. They are associated with subaerial de-
bris flow (Gmu) and hyperconcentrated flows (Sm).
Within this environment, the streamflood deposits
dominated the debris flow deposits and they form
100 to 500 cm thick beds of sandstones with in-
terbedded 5 to 50 cm thick layers of facies Gmu
216 S. Bourquin et al. / Sedimentary Geology 121 (1998) 207237
or Sm. The associated floodplain deposits are com-
posed of facies F and Fl which are 10 to 100 cm
thick. These are less developed in the southwest
area. The sandstone (Spi, Sh, Sr, Sm) or conglomer-
ate (Gmu) deposits may be interbedded in thin strata
within floodplain deposits. The grain-size distribu-
tion and the frequency of sandstones result from the
more proximal location under the direct influence of
channels (Gmu, Spi, Sh, Sr, Sm). They are evidence
of proximal flooding within the floodplain and di-
rectly influenced by channels. Paleosols (facies Dn)
are more frequent in the southwest.
The more proximal continental environment of
the Chaunoy Sandstones is characterized by mixed
debris flow and mainly streamflood deposits, pale-
osols and less developed floodplains. The stream-
flood deposits are characterized by sandy and grav-
elly bedload-dominated deposits and the migration
of 2-D and 3-D megaripples, and could be attributed
to braided channels. The presence of braided channel
dominated facies and debris flows are known from
modern and ancient stream-dominated subaerial al-
luvial fan (Gloppen and Steel, 1981; Hobday et al.,
1981; Mack and Rasmussen, 1984; Orton and Read-
ing, 1993; Blair and McPherson, 1994). In the new
classification of alluvial fans by Stanistreet and Mc-
Carthy (1993), these subaerial fan deposits can be
interpreted as a braided alluvial fan.
The more distal facies association is characterized
by intensely bioturbated clay facies (Fb and Flb)
from 10 to 1000 cm thick. The intense bioturbation
which is consistently monospecific of Scoyenia type,
is explained by durable stabilization of conditions fa-
vorable to subaquatic life with permanent water lev-
els which are typical of lacustrine deposits. Within
these lacustrine deposits, 50 to 200 cm thick beds of
sandstones (Stpb, Srb, Sh, Sm) and 5 to 10 cm thick
beds of conglomerate (Gmu with upward increase
in matrix content) are found. Facies Gmu, which is
commonly inversely or inverse-to-normally graded,
with lack of reworked tops and the intricate interfer-
ing with lacustrine deposits, is critical in suggesting
low viscosity subaqueous flow (Gloppen and Steel,
1981; Nemec and Steel, 1984). The same conclusion
has been reached for facies Sm which exhibits a
gradational change bedding to decantation deposits
and may be interpreted as the result of a depositional
process in a subaqueous environment (Gloppen and
Steel, 1981). The beds of sandstones reflecting 2-D
and 3-D megaripple migration (facies Stpb) within
this environment are intensely bioturbated. This im-
plies that bioturbation was contemporaneous with
deposition and suggests the fauna pre-existed in the
environment and occasionally colonized the deposits
when free from megaripple influences. The same
observation is made for facies Srb; bioturbation in-
dicates that the sand climbing-ripples migrated in
a calmer environment favorable to subaquatic life.
This facies association is distinguished from the sub-
aerial facies association by the presence of intense
bioturbation in subaqueous environments, of high- or
low-density turbidity currents deposits (Sh, Sm) and
of subaqueous debris flow (Gmu) deposits (Gloppen
and Steel, 1981; Nemec and Postma, 1993; Horton
and Schmitt, 1996). This association is characteris-
tic of fan delta channels within a lake environment.
Dolocrete facies (Dh, Dn), characteristic of paleosols
or fluctuations in lake level, are observed within this
facies association. The lake deposits observed within
the Chaunoy Formation suggest a shallow lacus-
trine environment. The bioturbated clays attributed
to lake deposits are less than 10 m thick and con-
tain evidence of a period of emersion with paleosol
formation.
The Chaunoy Sandstones spread from southwest
to northeast from a more proximal braided alluvial
fan type environment to a lacustrine fan delta en-
vironment (Fig. 5). This progression can also be
observed vertically in each well. The vertical tran-
sition from alluvial fan to lacustrine deposits was
observed describing sequences at different scales.
Can these sequences be correlated? Are they caused
by autocyclic or allocyclic events? To answer these
questions it is necessary to use well-log information
and thus characterize the main sedimentary facies
from well-logs.
6. Well-log facies characterization
Well-log analysis is used to calibrate electrofacies
with sedimentary facies, and to infer electrofacies
associations and depositional environments directly
from well-logs. On the density and porosity neutron
logs, 0% of neutron porosity (NPhi) corresponds to
2.70 g=cm3 of density (RhoB) with the density curve
 S. Bourquin et al. / Sedimentary Geology 121 (1998) 207237 217

Paleosol

BRAIDED
ALLUVIAL FAN
LAKE
Facies associations:
Stream flood deposits PROX
IMAL
Debris flow deposits SW
TO D
ISTAL Facies associations:
ENV
Floodplain deposits IRON
MEN Fan delta deposits
T
Dolomitic paleosol Lacustrine deposits
NE
Fig. 5. Environmental reconstruction of the Chaunoy Formation depicting a SWNE transition from a proximal braided alluvial fan
environment to a distal lacustrine fan delta environment.

increasing to the right of the document and the neu-
tron porosity curve increasing to the left. Negative
polarity (neutron porosity curve on the right of the
density curve), positive polarity (density curve on the
right of the neutron porosity curve) and RhoBNphi
spaced were defined in this way. From the study of
classical well-logs (Gamma Ray (GR), RhoB, Nphi,
Pef (photo-electric factor) and Sonic log) calibrated
by cores, six electrofacies are defined as character-
izing the main sedimentary facies of the Chaunoy
Sandstones environments (Table 2 and Fig. 6). With
classical well-logs, it is not possible to match one

Table 2
The six electrofacies characterizing the main sedimentary facies of the Chaunoy Formation ascertained from well-log data and matched
with cores

Electro-facies Polarity Spaced, Gamma ray (GR) Pef a Facies correspondence and depositional
RhoBNphi environment
I negative widely spaced low to high (if radioactive 22.5 sandstone facies St, Sp, Stpb, Srb, Sm,
sandstone) conglomerate facies Gmu, stream-flood
channels and subaqueous channels
II, underlies I variable narrowly spaced medium to high (if radioactive 22.5 conglomerate facies Gm, lag deposits
conglomerate)
III, overlain I variable narrowly spaced medium to high (if radioactive 22.5 sandstone facies Sr, Srb, end of channel
sandstone) infilling
IV positive widely spaced high 2.53 clay facies, F, Fl, Fb, Flb, floodplain
and lacustrine deposits
V, associated variable narrowly spaced medium to high (if radioactive 22.5 sandstone facies, Sr, Srb, Spi, Sh, Sm,
with IV sandstone or conglomerate) conglomerate facies Gmu flood
deposits or sublacustrine flood deposits
VI positive widely spaced, high low to medium (if radioactive 3 dolomite facies Dn and Dh dolocrete
density value sandstone)
a Pef: photo-electric factor.
218 S. Bourquin et al. / Sedimentary Geology 121 (1998) 207237

Fig. 6. Well-log characterization of the main sedimentary facies based on real core and log data. Six electrofacies are defined: I D
steam-flood or subaqueous channels; II D lag deposit; III D end of channel infilling; IV D floodplain or lacustrine deposits; V D flood
deposits or sublacustrine flood deposits; VI D dolocrete. See Table 2 for electrofacies characterization.

facies with one electrofacies; in practice, one elec-
trofacies may correspond to an association of facies
(as with electrofacies I, IV, V) or one electrofacies
may be interpreted only within a combination of
electrofacies (as with electrofacies II, III and V).
These six electrofacies have been defined and vali-
dated from a study of core and well-logs based on 23
wells. The electrofacies association II, I and III are
characteristic of lag deposits and channel infilling in
subaqueous or subaerial environment (Table 2 and
Figs. 68). Debris flows facies (Sm, Gmu) interbed-
ded within these channel environments cannot be
distinguished using classical well-logs. The distinc-
tion between stream flood and subaqueous channels
is also difficult with only classical well-log informa-
tions; only their association with floodplain or lacus-
trine deposits will allow an interpretation. Floodplain
and lacustrine deposits are characterized by the elec-
trofacies IV (Table 2 and Figs. 68). Lacustrine
environments differ from floodplain environments
in having more positive polarity electrofacies and
smoother curves (Figs. 7 and 8). The flood deposits
or sublacustrine flood deposits are characterized by
the electrofacies V associated with the electrofacies
 S. Bourquin et al. / Sedimentary Geology 121 (1998) 207237 219

Fig. 7. Well-log signatures of genetic sequences, based on real core and log data, in fluvial (A) and lacustrine (B) environments. Genetic
sequences are asymmetrical in all these continental environments: the baselevel rise is better preserved than the baselevel fall.

IV (Table 2 and Figs. 68). Paleosols can be easily
recognized from well-logs (Table 2 and Figs. 6 and
7). All these electrofacies can be recognized if the
thickness of the facies associated is larger than the
vertical resolution of the well-logs (30 to 50 cm for
classical logs).
Nphi, RhoB, Pef, GR used with high-resolution
logs (Formation Microscanner or Dipmeter, vertical
resolution of few centimeters to less than 1 cm) are
necessary to determine each sedimentary structure
more precisely (distinction between sandstone and
conglomerate, recognition of sedimentary structures,
bioturbations, nodules associated with dolomitic fa-
cies, etc.). For the Chaunoy formation only a few
wells have dipmeter records, and only one well has
FMS.
 IVERNY CLOS FONTAINE

Subaqueous

Subaqueous
Lacustrine
Floodplain

Lacustrine
Floodplain
lacustrine
floodplain

lacustrine
floodplain
fan-delta
Proximal

Proximal

fan-delta
Proximal

Proximal
Channel

Channel
Grain size 0,21
NPHI
0,03
GENETIC Grain size 0,21
NPHI
0,03
GENETIC GENETIC
GR RHOB GR PEF RHOB
60 240 2,35 2,65
SEQUENCE 60 240 2 4 2,35 2,65
SEQUENCE SEQUENCE
SET
5 metres

Fig. 8. Example of correlations, from core and well-logs data, of genetic sequences and genetics sequence sets for two wells. See Fig. 12 for the location.
 S. Bourquin et al. / Sedimentary Geology 121 (1998) 207237
7. High-resolution sequence stratigraphy on cores
and well-logs
In continental depositional environments it is dif-
ficult to distinguish allocyclic events (genetic se-
quences), which can be regionally correlated, from
the autocyclic events reflecting sedimentary system
functioning (Fig. 9). The autocyclic sequences can-
not be correlated and are local features such as
channel avulsion, channel infilling, flood deposits,
etc. To correlate deposits within subsurface forma-
tions all the subsurface data cores and well-logs
must be studied.
7.1. 1-D sequence analysis and genetic sequence
definition
The first stage consists, from a depositional pro-
file, in identifying the smallest cycles of sedimen-
tary environment variation which termed genetic
sequence (Section 3). In marine environments one
genetic sequence is defined between two deeper fa-
cies, while in nearshore marine environments it is
defined between two more distal facies (maximum
marine flooding of the coastal plain). Interpretations
are more complex in continental environments. As
we shown before, the baselevel variations (Section 3)
determine the sedimentary facies of one genetic se-
quence. A genetic sequence is usually represented by
a series of erosion and transit periods (erosion sur-
faces, well-developed paleosols, amalgamated chan-
nels which may represent periods of baselevel fall)
and aggradation periods (baselevel rise). Periods of
erosion, transit-by pass correspond to a low facies
preservation and period of aggradation correspond-
ing to high facies preservation.
For the Chaunoy Formation, sedimentary environ-
ment variations are observed in each well: vertical
transitions from channel systems to floodplain or
lacustrine deposits and to paleosols, and=or amalga-
mated channels. Such observations are made at dif-
ferent scales. Some result from autocyclic events and
are local features only, while others can be correlated
regionally and are produced by baselevel variations
(Figs. 8 and 9). Periods of high facies preservation,
i.e. baselevel rise (Figs. 810), correspond to:
well-developed channel facies characterizing
migrationaccumulation periods of channel bars in
221
subaerial (St, Sp, Sr) or in lacustrine (Stpb, Srb)
environments associated or not with debris flow de-
posits (Sm, Gmu);
channel-flood to channel-floodplain or channel-
lacustrine sequences, ranging from 2 to 6 m thick,
channel deposits are thinner and flood deposits or
floodplain and lacustrine deposits are thicker (each
sequence is autocyclic);
grain size become finer.
Periods of low facies preservation, i.e. baselevel
fall (Figs. 810), correspond to:
paleosols, which destroy part or all the under-
lying facies, thicknesses of few decimeters to several
meters;
many amalgamated Gm facies characteristic of
lag deposits which may correspond to an erosion-
transit period, channel facies (St, Sp, Sr, Stpb, Srb)
are not preserved and only amalgamated Gm facies
are observed a few centimeters or few decimeters
thick;
erosion periods with no preservation of lag or
paleosol.
The turnaround episode between high preserva-
tion and low preservation facies (maximum flooding
period) is marked by well-developed clay in flood-
plain environment; the intensification of the biotur-
bation within lacustrine deposits characterizes the
maximum flooding episode.
In this way, two genetic sequences have been de-
fined in the depositional environment of the Chaunoy
Sandstones:
(1) In the fluvial system (Figs. 79), the baselevel
rise is characterized by high facies preservation:
the vertical development of several sequences (au-
tocyclic sequences) of channel systems (facies Gm,
St, Sp, Sr, Sm, Gmu), flood deposits (Sr, Spi, Sh,
Sm, Gmu, Fl) and floodplain deposits (F, Fl). Dur-
ing the baselevel fall, i.e. low facies preservation,
the distal floodplain deposits grade vertically into
flood deposits, and=or periods of emersion (paleosol
formation, facies Dn), and=or periods of erosion or
transit-by pass (erosion or lag deposits, amalgamated
facies Gm).
(2) In the lacustrine system (Figs. 79), the base-
level rise is characterized by the vertical develop-
ment on several sequences (autocyclic sequences) of
fan delta gullies (Stpb, Srb, Sm, Gmu), sublacustrine
flood deposits (Srb, Spi, Sh, Sm, Gmu, Flb) and dis-
222 S. Bourquin et al. / Sedimentary Geology 121 (1998) 207237

Fig. 9. Vertical sedimentary environment variations within the Chaunoy Formation, based on a synthesis of sedimentary core studies:
the difficulty is to distinguish between allocyclic events (genetic sequence), which are correlated at the scale of the formation, and the
autocyclic sequence reflecting sedimentary system functioning.

tal lacustrine deposits (Fb, Flb). During the baselevel cies Dn, Dh), and=or periods of erosion or transit-by
fall, the distal lacustrine deposits pass vertically into pass (erosion or lag deposits, amalgamated facies
sublacustrine flood deposits, periods of emersion (fa- Gm).
 S. Bourquin et al. / Sedimentary Geology 121 (1998) 207237 223

Fig. 10. Well-log and core analysis showing sedimentary environment variations and genetic sequences. The genetic sequence stacking
pattern is used to define genetic sequence sets. Within the Chaunoy Sandstones, only genetic sequence sets can be correlated at the scale
of the formation. See Figs. 1 and 12 for the location.

Well-logs (Figs. 7, 8 and 10) clearly show the
transition from channel-flood deposit sequences to
well-developed clay deposits which may indicate
maximum flooding episodes: this is apparent from
the shift from mainly negative to mainly positive
polarity electrofacies. While the sandstone facies do
not exhibit abnormal radioactivity, an increase in
Gamma Ray value was observed. From well-logs,
maximum flooding episodes can easily be recog-
nized (maximum of positive polarity electrofacies
and GR values if sandstones are not radioactive).
The difficulty is to pinpoint the baselevel fall to rise
turnaround episode (Figs. 7 and 10) which represents
the reversal of the trend from amalgamated channel
to well-developed channel deposits. Therefore for
purposes of correlation only the maximum flooding
episodes that delimit stratigraphic genetic sequences,
will be traced when core are missing.
7.2. Vertical stacking pattern of genetic sequences
The maximum flooding episodes of each genetic
sequence are indicated on vertical well-logs, and the
evolution of several genetic sequences can be seen
(Figs. 8 and 10). Genetic sequence stacking patterns
can then be used to define genetic sequence sets
224 S. Bourquin et al. / Sedimentary Geology 121 (1998) 207237
showing baselevel rise or fall trends (Figs. 8 and 10).
For the Chaunoy Sandstones, only genetic sequence
sets can be correlated at the scale of the formation
(Fig. 10).
7.3. Correlations
To correlate deposits within a continental envi-
ronment it is necessary to have closely spaced wells
(only few kilometers apart) that form a dense net-
work (and not just one or two transects). This study
has been integrated into a stratigraphic study of the
Keuper cycles of the Paris Basin (Bourquin and
Guillocheau, 1993, 1996). For this all the wells south
of Bray containing Triassic formations were studied.
It appears from this that the Chaunoy Sandstones
belong to the lower Marnes irisees superieures mi-
nor baselevel cycle (Figs. 1 and 11). This cycle is
characterized in the west by a baselevel rise and
fall episode within the fluvial Chaunoy Sandstones
where the maximum flooding episode is character-
ized by extensive flooding of the alluvial fan by la-
custrine sediments. The fluvial Chaunoy Sandstones
grade eastward into sabkha deposits where only four
genetic sequence sets are correlated across the entire
basin (Fig. 11). They are overlain by briny dolomitic
shales deposited during the following minor cycle
(upper Marnes irisees superieures-Rhaetian minor
cycle, Figs. 1 and 11). The Chaunoy Sandstones are
much thicker in the northwest of the basin (north-
east of the Bray Fault): 130 m northeast of the
Bray Fault compared with less than 60 m to the
southwest. The reference surfaces for correlations
are the baselevel fall to rise turnaround surface at
the base of this minor cycle, the maximum flood-
ing episode intra-Chaunoy sandstones defined south
of Bray, and the base of Hettangian deposits which
represent the flooding surface of a minor Hettangian
cycle (Robin, 1995; Robin et al., 1996). The genetic
sequences or genetic sequence sets are correlated
from these reference surfaces (Figs. 10 and 12). Su-
perimposed depositional sequences can be defined.
Correlations were made well by well for improved
networking. It should be noticed that not all the
genetic sequences can be correlated throughout the
entire Chaunoy Formation; correlations may be pos-
sible between nearby wells but not at the scale of
the formation. Only genetic sequence sets can be
correlated throughout the Chaunoy Formation in this
part of the basin, and they are included in one, two or
three cycles depending on their geographic location
(Fig. 12). The results are summarized on a single
section (Fig. 12). The wells located south of the Bray
Fault display seven genetic sequence sets describing
baselevel rise to fall cycles (1 to 7, Fig. 12). These
cycles are contained in the lower Marnes irisees
superieures minor cycle. The Chaunoy Sandstones
are overlain by briny dolomitic shales deposited dur-
ing the following minor cycle (upper Marnes irisees
superieures-Rhaetian minor cycle, Figs. 11 and 12).
High-resolution sequence stratigraphy correlations
show the dolomitic shales are the lateral equivalent
of the sandstone deposits to the northeast (Fig. 12).
Lithostratigraphically, these deposits are defined as
the Chaunoy Formation. This implies a distinction
between two Chaunoy Sandstone cycles (Fig. 12):
the Chaunoy I cycle (all sandstone deposits south of
the study area) and the Chaunoy II cycle (sandstone
deposits in lateral equivalents of the dolomitic shale
overlying Chaunoy I). Chaunoy II onlaps Chaunoy
I on the retrogradational surface (Fig. 12). Within
the Chaunoy II cycle four genetic sequence sets can
be correlated (I to IV, Fig. 12). They belong to the
upper Marnes irisees superieures-Rhaetian minor
cycle (Fig. 11) and describe a baselevel rise to fall
cycle intermediate between the genetic sequence sets
and the minor cycles (Fig. 12). The Chaunoy II de-
posits pass laterally eastward into dolomitic sabkha
deposits with no variation in thickness. To the south
they are equivalent to the amalgamated dolomitic
shales or to a depositional gap (Fig. 12). The fluvial
drifts seem to be introduced from the north. During
deposition of Chaunoy II, deposits became thicker in
the northeastern part of the study area. The Chaunoy
II cycle is overlain by dolomitic shales which pass
into sandstone deposits in only a few wells in the
western part of the studied area. Lithostratigraph-
ically, these sediments are the final sediments of
the Chaunoy Formation, referred to as Chaunoy III
(Fig. 12).
Within the Chaunoy I cycle, detailed isopach
maps of the study area with superimposed depo-
sitional environments can be used to characterize the
retrogradation and progradation of deposits during
the baselevel rise and the baselevel fall (Figs. 13 and
14). During the baselevel rise, the two maps show
 S. Bourquin et al. / Sedimentary Geology 121 (1998) 207237
Fig. 11. Keuper EW stratigraphic cycle geometries, between Nancy and southwest Paris (after Bourquin and Guillocheau, 1996). MeF D Meuse fault; AF D Aire fault;
AiF D Aisne fault; HMF DHaute-Marne fault; MF D Marne fault; FSMB D Saint-Martin de Bossenay fault; FRV D Francheville; JAY D Janvry; CH17 D Chaunoy 17. 1 D
Lettenkohle minor cycle; 2 D Marnes irisees inferieures minor cycle; 3 D Gres a RoseauxDolomie de Beaumont base of the Marnes irisees superieures minor cycle;
4 D lower Marnes irisees superieures minor cycle; 5 D upper Marnes irisees superieures-Rhaetian minor cycle.

225
226 S. Bourquin et al. / Sedimentary Geology 121 (1998) 207237

the westward migration of the lacustrine deposits (a
and b, Fig. 13). During the baselevel fall (a and
b, Fig. 14), the fluvial deposits prograded and the
dolomitic paleosols became more extensive in the
western part. The fault controlled the thickness of
the deposits and the depositional environment pro-
file: lacustrine deposits were emplaced in the more
subsiding area.
8. Discussion
As we have shown before, the Chaunoy Forma-
tion can be subdivided into three stratigraphic units:
Chaunoy I, Chaunoy II and Chaunoy III. Chaunoy
I belong to the lower Marnes irisees superieures
minor cycle and records a baselevel rise and fall
cycle. Chaunoy II and III belong to the baselevel rise
of the upper Marnes irisees superieures-Rhaetian
minor cycle (Figs. 11 and 15). All these deposits
were laid down during the baselevel rise of the major
CarnianLiassic cycle.
Several models (e.g. Devine, 1991; Homewood
et al., 1992; Eschard et al., 1993) suggest marine
and continental environments are preserved to dif-
ferent extents depending on whether the shoreline
is migrating seaward (progradation) or landward
(retrogradation). This differential preservation in
terms of volume and surface area has been called
volumetric facies partitioning (Cross et al., 1993;
Sonnenfeld and Cross, 1993). During a baselevel
rise the shoreface shifts landward, more sediment
accumulates in a more landward position and less
sediment is available for transport and accumulation
in more seaward positions. During a baselevel fall,
the shoreface shifts seaward which implies less sed-
iment is stored in more landward positions, more
sediment is bypassed seaward, and more sediment
accumulates in more seaward positions (Cross et al.,
1993). One important consequence is that the strati-
graphic record of a genetic sequence is dominated
by evidence of progradation in marine environments
and of retrogradation (baselevel rise) in the continen-
tal domain.
Generally for the Chaunoy Formation, during the
minor baselevel rise and fall cycle, the genetic se-
quences and the genetic sequence sets are asymmet-
rical in the braided alluvial fan and lacustrine de-
posits, with the baselevel rise being better preserved
than the baselevel fall (Figs. 8 and 10). The sequence
stratigraphy pattern of these stratigraphic units could
result from tectonic and climatic changes. In ancient
rock sequences it is difficult to distinguish between
coarse-grained deposits resulting from tectonism and
those resulting from climatic events (Frostick and
Reid, 1989; Ritter et al., 1995). Tectonism was con-
sidered the primary control on sedimentation in gen-
eral facies models for ancient alluvial fans (Heward,
1978; Nilsen, 1982) and on sequence stratigraphic
models. But as suggested by Ritter et al. (1995):
tectonism may episodically create an environment
suitable for alluvial fan deposition by creating re-
lief and accommodation space, but that, within these
tectonic cycles, one or more climate changes may
produce sufficient water and sediment discharge to
initiate fan aggradation.
8.1. Climatic factors
During the Chaunoy I cycle, the eastern and the
central part of the Paris Basin were characterized
by anhydritic coastal sabkha deposits resulting from
arid conditions. As we shown before, the alluvial fan
sedimentation of the Chaunoy I cycle is character-
ized by more proximal braided alluvial fan deposits
to the extreme west of the basin, lacustrine deposits
are mainly located farther east. Its top is character-
ized by well developed paleosols in the extreme west

Fig. 12. SN correlations of different superimposed stratigraphic cycles. This section shows the dolomitic shales overlying the lower
Marnes irisees superieures minor cycle are the northeastern equivalent of the sandstone deposits with four genetic sequence sets
(I to IV). Lithostratigraphically, these deposits have been defined as the Chaunoy Formation. This implies a distinction between two
Chaunoy Sandstone cycles: Chaunoy I (seven genetic sequence sets can be correlated in the study area, 1 to 7) and Chaunoy II.
Chaunoy II is overlain by dolomitic shales which pass into sandstone deposits in only a few wells in the western part of the studied
area. Lithostratigraphically, these sediments are the final sediments of the Chaunoy Formation, referred to as Chaunoy III. CNY17 D
Chaunoy17; IVY D Iverny; CLF D Clos Fontaine; VSP D Vert Saint Pere; CSM D Champigny sur Marne; VLL D Villevaude; IDG D Ile
de Gord; Can D Chauconin; LAS D Les Aulnes.
 S. Bourquin et al. / Sedimentary Geology 121 (1998) 207237 pp. 227230

S N
Chaunoy 17 Iverny Clos Fontaine Vert St Pre Champigny/ Villevaude Ile de Gord Chauconin Les Aulnes
Marne
0.45 -0.15 0.45 -0.15 0.45 -0.15 0.45 -0.15 0.45 -0.15 0.45 -0.15 0.45 -0.15 0.45 -0.15 0.45 -0.15
NPHI NPHI NPHI NPHI NPHI NPHI NPHI NPHI NPHI
1.95 2.95 1.95 2.95 1.95 2.95 1.95 2.95 1.95
1.95
RHOB 2.95 1.95
RHOB 2.95 RHOB 1.95
RHOB 2.95 RHOB RHOB 1.95
RHOB 2.95 RHOB RHOB 2.95
0 GR 150 0 Pef 5 0 GR 150 0 GR 220 0 Pef 5 0 GR 150 0 Pef 5 0 GR 150 0 Pef 5 0 GR 200 0 Pef 5 0 GR 150 0 Pef 5 0 GR 200 0 GR 200 0 Pef 5

-2241 m -2160 m -2232 m

LIAS MINOR
-2275 m -2380 m -2423 m -2079 m -2254 m -2482 m TRIAS
CYCLE
?

Upper "Marnes irises suprieures"

5 CHAUNOY III

-Rhaetian minor cycle

IV
4
III CHAUNOY II
3 CYCLE
II
-2349 m
2

1 I
-2205 m
-2393 m

-2491 -2407 m
-2550

Lower "Marnes irises suprieures"

25 m

minor cycle
NANTEUIL BNV 1D -2325 m

LAS 1D CRO 1
Oise

NT 1 CAN 1
MTX 1D CHAUNOY I
core
0 Maximum flooding VLL 1D
IDG 1
BUS 1 Marne CYCLE
ME 101
surface IVRY 101D LEP 1
Minor cycle MEZ 1B
Coastal sabkha Baselevel fall to rise PARIS
CSM 1D
-2426 m
turnaround surface VGN 1D LVI 1
MLN 1
Alluvial fan Nord
Lacustrine environment Maximum flooding Seine
LPQ 1 VSP 1D CQL 1

Dolomitic paleosols surface of the genetic MELUN

CLF 1
IVY 1D
sequence set Sud
CNY 17
PROVINS
50 km CH 101 -2703 m
 S. Bourquin et al. / Sedimentary Geology 121 (1998) 207237
of the basin, less lacustrine deposits and well devel-
oped anhydritic beds in the basin which could indi-
cate more arid conditions (Miall, 1996). During the
Chaunoy II and III cycles, located only in the north-
western part of the basin, the entire Paris Basin is
overlain by dolomitic sabkha deposits indicating less
arid conditions. During this period, lacustrine de-
posits are more developed than during the Chaunoy I
cycle. Thus, climatic environment of Chaunoy Sand-
stones was semi-arid or arid. In such an environment,
genetic sequences and genetic sequence sets could
reflect climatic changes that influence sediment sup-
ply or water discharge indicating fan aggradation
and=or lake level fluctuations and may be repeated
periodically (Frostick and Reid, 1989; Frostick et al.,
1992; Lopez-Gomez and Arche, 1997).
At the scale of the minor Chaunoy I cycle or
the Chaunoy II cycle, preservation is similar during
the baselevel rise and fall and deposits may even be
better preserved during the baselevel fall (Figs. 10
and 12). This implies that the Chaunoy minor cy-
cles were influenced by load discharge resulting
in greater accommodation space which could result
from climatic fluctuations.
8.2. Tectonic factors
Detailed isopach maps (Figs. 13 and 14) show
that local fault activity controlled the preservation
potential, i.e. the thickness of the deposits, and de-
positional environment profiles. Fault activity can
equally control the sediment supply up-stream of the
alluvial fan system and thus control the stratigraphic
cycles. Moreover general tilting of the basin during
the CarnianLiassic major cycle shifted the areas
of maximum subsidence northwestward and effec-
tively separated the Paris Basin from the German
Basin (Bourquin and Guillocheau, 1996). Faulting
occurred in the western part of the newly indepen-
dent basin (Bourquin et al., 1997). An intra-Marnes
irisees superieures stratigraphic discontinuity is ob-
served in the Paris Basin (Bourquin and Guil-
locheau, 1993, 1996). In the east and southeast of the
basin, this discontinuity is an angular unconformity
within the coastal evaporites of the Marnes irisees
superieures. It separates underlying anhydritic from
overlying dolomitic coastal sabkha strata (Figs. 1
and 11). In the eastern part of the basin, erosion as-
231
sociated with this unconformity may have removed
much or all of the underlying minor baselevel cycle
deposits (Fig. 13A and Fig. 14A). Because of this
truncation, no deposits were preserved to the south-
east during the baselevel rise (Fig. 13A) or to the
east during the baselevel fall (Fig. 14A). This strati-
graphic discontinuity was induced by the westward
shift of the Paris Basin depocenters induced since
the preceding cycle (Gres a roseauxDolomie de
Beaumont base of the Marnes irisees superieures
minor cycle, Figs. 1 and 11). Westwards, south of
the Bray Fault a discontinuity marks the end of the
Chaunoy I (Fig. 12). This surface is overlain by
onlapping dolomitic coastal sabkha deposits of the
following major cycle. Within the Chaunoy I and II
cycles, the thickening of the sandstone deposits to
the northeast and the onlap at the top of Chaunoy
I can be explained by local fault activity (Figs. 13
and 14) and by the general tilting of the basin. This
seems to have been induced by large-scale wave-
length tectonic deformation. The Chaunoy III cycle
are confined to the western part of the basin and
seem to have been controlled by local factors only.
8.3. Eustatic factors
During Chaunoy Sandstones deposit, the sedi-
mentation of the Paris Basin is essentially composed
of anhydritic coastal sabkha deposits where only
four genetic sequence sets can be correlated dur-
ing the Marnes irisees superieures minor cycle
(Fig. 11). The sequence stratigraphy pattern of the
genetic sequences or genetic sequence sets in coastal
anhydritic sabkha could result from eustatic changes.
Thus some eustatic fluctuations could also have con-
trolled the lake level within Chaunoy Sandstones.
9. Conclusion
Facies analysis indicates that the Chaunoy flu-
vial system was a braided alluvial fan system that
passed laterally eastward into a shallow lacustrine
environment.
High-resolution sequence stratigraphy of conti-
nental deposits is based on analysis of high-fre-
quency fluctuations in baselevel as identified from
sedimentological studies and calibrated on well-log
232 S. Bourquin et al. / Sedimentary Geology 121 (1998) 207237

Fig. 13. (A) Isopach maps of the baselevel rise of the lower Marnes irisees superieures minor cycle (Bourquin et al., 1997). (B) Detailed
isopach maps of the study area showing the westward migration of lacustrine deposits; (a) isopach map of the first genetic sequence sets;
(b) isopach map of the second and third genetic sequence sets. See Fig. 12 for the genetic sequence set numbers and location.
 S. Bourquin et al. / Sedimentary Geology 121 (1998) 207237 233

Fig. 14. (A) Isopach maps of the baselevel fall of the lower Marnes irisees superieures minor cycle (Bourquin et al., 1997). (B) Detailed
isopach maps of the study area showing the eastward progradation of fluvial deposits and the development of the dolomitic paleosol in
the west; (a) isopach map of the fourth and fifth genetic sequence sets; (b) isopach map of the sixth and seventh genetic sequence sets.
See Fig. 12 for the genetic sequence set numbers and location.
234 S. Bourquin et al. / Sedimentary Geology 121 (1998) 207237

Fig. 15. The Chaunoy Formation can be divided into three stratigraphic units: Chaunoy I, Chaunoy II and Chaunoy III. Chaunoy I is
equivalent to the lower Marnes irisees superieures minor cycle and records a baselevel rise and fall cycle. Chaunoy II and III belong to
the baselevel rise of the upper Marnes irisees superieures-Rhaetian minor cycle. See Figs. 11 and 12 for location.

signatures. This procedure was applied to the braided
alluvial fan and lacustrine deposits of the Chaunoy
Sandstones and shows that the top of the formation
was diachronous (Fig. 15). The Chaunoy Formation
should be subdivided into three stratigraphic units:
Chaunoy I, II and III.
The first finding of this study is that continental
deposits are variously preserved at different strati-
graphic scales (Figs. 8, 10 and 12): at the genetic
sequence scale, the baselevel rise is better preserved
than the baselevel fall, while at a larger scale, ev-
idence of baselevel rise and fall may be preserved
to similar degrees. The sequence stratigraphy pattern
of the genetic sequences and the genetic sequence
sets can result from climatic and=or tectonic fac-
tors but their effects are difficult to distinguish: both
 S. Bourquin et al. / Sedimentary Geology 121 (1998) 207237
induced river incision, downstream aggradation of
coarse sediments and fluctuation in lake level. At the
scale of the minor Chaunoy I cycle or the Chaunoy
II cycle, preservation is similar during the base-
level rise and fall (Figs. 10 and 12), that implies
that the Chaunoy minor cycles were influenced by
load discharge resulting in greater accommodation
space which could result from climatic or tectonic
fluctuations. Moreover, during the Keuper, the sedi-
mentation of the Paris Basin is essentially composed
of coastal sabkha deposits and a eustatic control of
some stratigraphic cycle cannot be excluded.
Detailed isopach maps (Figs. 13 and 14) show
that local fault activity controlled the preservation
potential, i.e. the thickness of the deposits, and de-
positional environment profiles. The Chaunoy Sand-
stones are part of a major baselevel rise that occurred
during the CarnianLiassic cycle. It seems that dur-
ing this cycle, large-scale wavelength tectonic defor-
mation tilted the basin to the northwest thereby pro-
ducing the intra-Marnes irisees superieures trun-
cation. The onlap at the top of Chaunoy I and the
greater thickness of Chaunoy I and II deposits in the
northeast result from local fault activity and possibly
from large-scale wavelength tectonic deformation.
Acknowledgements
This work was initiated by Elf-Aquitaine pro-
duction (DEPF). We thank Elf-Aquitaine and ESSO
REP for permission to use core data. We gratefully
acknowledge G. Postma and C.R. Fielding for their
critical and constructive reviews of the paper.
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